Compaq WL100 Wireless LAN PC Card

Driver Update for Windows CE 3.0 Devices

Please print and read this document for information on the installation of the Compaq WL100 Wireless LAN PC Card on a Compaq Aero 8000 or handheld device running the Windows CE 3.0 operating system.

Contents

1.Installation Requirements

2.Driver Installation

3.WLAN Configuration Settings

4.Release Notes

1.Installation Requirements

To install the Compaq WL100 Wireless LAN PC Card, you must have the following items:

A PocketPC or handheld device running Windows CE 3.0 (such as a Compaq Pocket iPAQ H3600) with an established and active relationship/link to a desktop computer;

a Compaq WL100 Wireless LAN PC Card (do NOT insert it into the PC Card slot on your PocketPC until instructed to do so in section 2 below).

If you have previously installed WLAN drivers on your Windows CE device, please uninstall them as follows:

1.On your Windows CE device, select Start > Settings and click on the System tab.

2.Select Remove Programs, select the Compaq WL100 Wireless LAN for ... and click on Remove.

3.Follow the onscreen instructions to remove the previous drivers.

2.Driver Installation

1.Ensure the Compaq WL100 PC Card is NOT inserted in the PC card slot on your PocketPC.

2.Ensure your desktop PC and PocketPC are connected and the Windows CE services are running on the desktop computer.

3.Using Windows Explorer, locate the folder which contains this Readme.txt file and the file setup30.exe.

4.Double-click on the file setup30.exe and follow the onscreen instructions to install the Windows CE drivers.

5.When installation is complete, click on Finish and disconnect your PocketPC from your desktop PC.

6.Insert the Compaq WL100 Wireless LAN PC card into the PC card slot on your PocketPC. Windows CE prompts you to enter the appropriate network settings.

7.Modify the wireless LAN setting in the wireless LAN configuration utility to successfully connect to your wireless network.

8.Click on Apply to activate the modified WLAN settings.

9.Double click on the Wireless Status icon in the system tray to change your wireless LAN settings or to view current link information.

10.For more information on Wireless LAN settings and configurations, please refer to the online user's guide contained on the CD included with your WL100 PC card.

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Compaq manual Compaq WL100 Wireless LAN PC Card, Driver Update for Windows CE 3.0 Devices, Contents

WL100 specifications

The Compaq WL100 is a wireless network card that played a significant role in the early 2000s, offering users the ability to connect to local area networks (LANs) without the constraints of physical cables. Designed primarily for laptop users, the WL100 provided a convenient solution for constant connectivity, particularly for those requiring mobility in workplace or home environments.

One of the standout features of the WL100 is its adherence to the IEEE 802.11b standard. This standard enabled wireless transmission speeds of up to 11 Mbps, which was particularly impressive for its time. With the proliferation of internet usage and increasing demand for network access on the go, the WL100 empowered users to access the internet and share files wirelessly, revolutionizing the way individuals interacted with technology.

The WL100 utilized a PC Card (PCMCIA) format, making it compatible with a wide range of laptops that incorporated this standard interface. The installation process was straightforward, with the card easily plug-and-play compatible on most operating systems, allowing for immediate use without extensive setup processes. Users appreciated this level of convenience, which greatly enhanced the usability of wireless networks.

One of the key technologies incorporated into the Compaq WL100 is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), providing a basic level of security to wireless communications. Given the security concerns associated with wireless networking, WEP allowed users to protect their data from unwanted access, although it is worth noting that by modern standards, WEP is not considered secure.

The WL100 was engineered with a user-friendly configuration utility, enabling users to manage network connections effortlessly. The card included features like roaming capabilities, which allowed users to stay connected while moving between different access points within the same network, contributing to seamless internet access.

In terms of physical characteristics, the WL100 was compact and lightweight, aligning with the design principles of laptops in the early 2000s. It featured an LED indicator that provided information on connection status, making troubleshooting easier for users.

In summary, the Compaq WL100 was an essential technological advancement in its time, paving the way for the wireless connectivity that we often take for granted today. With its convenient installation, adequate speeds for basic internet use, and mobility-oriented design, it addressed the growing demand for wireless access and set the stage for future developments in wireless technology.