3Com 3CRDW696 manual Installation for Microsoft Windows Platforms, Installation Overview

Mobility—Wireless LAN systems can provide LAN users with access to real-time information anywhere in their organization. This mobility supports productivity and service opportunities not possible with wired networks.

Installation Speed and Simplicity—Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings.

Installation Flexibility—Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go.

Reduced Cost-of-Ownership—While the initial investment required for wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.

Scalability—Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer to full infrastructure networks, also allow roaming over a broad area.

Installation for Microsoft Windows Platforms

The following section will assist you in installing the 3Com 11Mbps Wireless LAN PCI Adapter successfully. For operating systems except Windows NT 4.0, you will first install the software (Utility) and then attach the 3Com11Mbps Wireless LAN PCI Adapter in your system, and finally set the network properties to accommodate resource sharing and select the type of wireless network that you wish to install. For Windows NT 4.0, you will insert the 3Com11Mbps Wireless LAN PCI Adapter in your system, then install the software. The 3Com 11Mbps Wireless LAN PCI Adapter can easily be installed and used, allowing your computer to use network resources.

Installation Overview

Here are some steps you will perform in establishing your wireless network connection:

•Install the 11Mbps Wireless Access Point (AP) first if you plan to use one. The AP is needed to use with Infrastructure network mode, but is not needed for ad hoc (peer to peer) mode.

•Install the software using the Install CD. (For Windows NT 4.0 install the hardware first, then the software)

•Install the 3Com 11Mbps Wireless LAN PCI Adapter hardware.

•Install the network protocol(s) required to communicate on your network. Typically you will need the TCP/IP protocol.