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HWB3163-EVAL PRISM II 11Mbps PCMCIA Wireless LAN Evaluation Kit User’s Guide

Application Note

August 2000

AN9864.1

 

 

 

Introduction

This kit allows evaluation of the Intersil PRISM® II Direct Sequence chip set design in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) PCMCIA Card implementation.

Software drivers are included allowing data to be transmitted between cards at 1, 2, 5.5 and 11Mbps transfer rates, with a diagnostic program to display the real data throughput from system to system.

Included in the kit are PRISM II chip set data sheets with application notes describing the implementation of a wireless networking card using the chip set.

Contents of Your Evaluation Kit

Your PC Card Wireless LAN Evaluation Kit contains the following items:

QUANTITY

DESCRIPTION

 

 

2

PRISM II Wireless LAN PC Cards

 

 

1

HWB3163 Wireless LAN Evaluation Kit User’s

 

Guide, AN9864

 

 

1

PRISM II Chip Set Data Sheets

 

 

1

PRISM II Application Notes

 

 

1

Microsoft® Windows® 95/98/NT/CE/2000, LINUX®

 

Driver

 

 

1

PRISM® Test Utilities (PTU) Software

 

 

1

Features/Benefits Card

 

 

1

Product Registration Form

 

 

1

Notification Card

 

 

Should you discover that your PC Card Wireless LAN Evaluation Kit is incomplete, please contact Intersil Corporation.

Overview of IEEE 802.11

The IEEE 802.11 specification is a standard for wireless connectivity for fixed, portable, and moving stations within a local area.

The IEEE 802.11 standard describes the services required by a compliant device to operate within an “ad hoc” or “infrastructure” network, as well as dealing with the issues related to mobility within those networks. Spread spectrum techniques are used to tolerate mobility and multipath effects. They are also a requirement for compliance with FCC, ETSI and those of other regulatory authorities when operating within the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency band.

Author: Richard L. Abrahams

An ad hoc communications network is created quickly and informally for a temporary time period. An infrastructure network usually requires more planning so that wireless stations can communicate over longer distances through access points, and may also communicate with existing wired LANs using portals.

The IEEE 802.11 standard describes Media Access Control (MAC) procedures. The principal method of communication is the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA-CA) protocol. Using this protocol, each station senses the communications medium (RF channel), and does not transmit until the channel is clear. This avoids collisions and minimizes the retransmission of subsequent packets.

The standard also supports the operation of a station within a wireless LAN that may coexist with several overlapping wireless LANs. To accomplish this, a scheme of channelization and spread spectrum techniques is used. Direct Sequence (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping (FHSS) spread spectrum techniques are supported by the standard and both operate in the 2.4 to 2.4835GHz frequency band (the unlicensed ISM band). An infrared technique is also supported for indoor applications. The standard supports a 1Mbps and 2Mbps data rate for both DSSS and FHSS and has recently introduced a high data rate standard supporting 5.5Mbps and 11Mbps DSSS using Complementary Code Keying (CCK) modulation.

The standard has also specified the requirements and services that enable private and secure communications to occur.

Wireless LAN Configurations

For ease of use in evaluating these cards, an ad hoc network for peer to peer communications can be created. An ad hoc network is usually created for a specific purpose (such as file transfer or accessing a database). Ad hoc networks simplify the process of creating and dissolving networks for nontechnical users of the network facilities. Two cards form an IEEE 802.11 Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS), the simplest ad hoc network. The cards communicate with each other directly and must remain within radio range. When both cards are on, they immediately “see” each other and thead hoc network is formed without user intervention.

To use the cards in an infrastructure BSS (also called an Extended Service Set) where the two cards may not be in direct radio contact, access points are needed. The association between a card (station) and an infrastructure BSS - where communication occurs only between a station and an access point and not between stations directly is dynamic.

11-888-INTERSIL or 321-724-7143 Intersil and Design is a trademark of Intersil Corporation. Copyright © Intersil Corporation 2000

PRISM® is a registered trademark of Intersil Corporation. PRISM logo is a trademark of Intersil Corporation. Microsoft® Windows® and Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. LINUX® is a registered trademark of Lin us Torvalds.

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NDC comm HWB3163 manual Introduction, Contents of Your Evaluation Kit, Overview of Ieee, Wireless LAN Configurations
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HWB3163 specifications

The NDC comm HWB3163 is a cutting-edge wireless broadband device designed to enhance connectivity in both enterprise and residential environments. This powerful hardware bridges the gap between high-speed internet access and the need for reliable, uninterrupted service across multiple devices.

One of the main features of the HWB3163 is its advanced MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology. This feature boosts the device's ability to manage multiple data streams simultaneously, resulting in increased throughput and improved performance. MIMO significantly enhances the connection quality, particularly in environments with multiple users or devices, making it ideal for both home and office setups.

The HWB3163 also incorporates the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, which is designed to deliver faster speeds, higher capacity, and improved performance in congested areas. Wi-Fi 6 enhances the user experience by supporting more simultaneous connections and minimizing latency. This is essential for environments where multiple devices are connected, such as smart homes or busy workplaces.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the NDC comm HWB3163 is its comprehensive security features. The device includes advanced encryption protocols such as WPA3, ensuring that users' data remains secure while being transmitted over the network. This added layer of security is crucial for protecting sensitive information, particularly in business settings where data integrity is paramount.

In addition to its robust technical specifications, the HWB3163 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The intuitive web-based interface allows for easy setup and management, making it accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise. The device supports remote management, allowing users to monitor performance and troubleshoot issues from anywhere.

The NDC comm HWB3163 is equipped with multiple Ethernet ports, allowing for easy wired connections to devices such as computers, printers, and smart TVs. This versatility ensures that users can benefit from both wired and wireless connectivity, optimizing their network capabilities.

In conclusion, the NDC comm HWB3163 is a sophisticated wireless broadband solution that combines advanced technologies and user-friendly features. With its MIMO technology, Wi-Fi 6 support, robust security measures, and intuitive management options, it stands out as a versatile choice for users seeking reliable and high-speed internet connectivity. Whether for home use or in a business environment, the HWB3163 meets the demands of modern internet usage, ensuring that users stay connected and productive.
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