Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card Quick Installation Guide

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Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card

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IntroductionAccton’s Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card is a 2Mbpswireless network adapter that seamlessly integrateswith existing Ethernet networks to support applicationssuch as mobile users or temporary conferences. Thissolution offers fast, reliable wireless connectivity withconsiderable cost savings over wired LANs (whichinclude long-term maintenance overhead for cabling).Just install enough wireless access points to cover yournetwork area, plug wireless cards into your notebooks,and start networking.

Using this card in conjunction with Accton’s CheetahWireless-2001 Access Point, you can create an instantnetwork that integrates seamlessly with 10MbpsEthernet LANs. Moreover, moving or expanding yournetwork is as easy as moving or installing additionalaccess points – no wires!

Package ChecklistThe Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card package includes:

• 1 Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card (WN2301)• 1 driver diskette• This Quick Installation Guide• 1 registration card (please complete and return)

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Hardware DescriptionAccton’s Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card supports a2Mbps half-duplex connection to Ethernet networks.This card is fully compliant with 2.4GHz DSSS CSMA/CA wireless networking as defined in IEEE 802.11. Itcan be installed in any notebook with a Type II PCMCIAslot. It supports Windows 95/98/NT.

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Quick Installation Guide

Features• 2Mbps data rate: provides alternative/replacement

for wired LANs that can dramatically cut costs• Working range up to 1000 ft. in an open environment• Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint access• Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet LAN's

augments existing networks quickly and easily• Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

technology provides robust, interference-resistantand secure wireless connection

• Wireless connection without the hassles and cost ofcabling

• Supports a wide range of systems (Win95/98/NT)• Plug and Play• Easy installation• Omni-directional antenna• Greater flexibility to locate or move networked PC's

ApplicationsThe Cheetah Wireless products offer a fast, reliable,cost-effective solution for wireless client access to thenetwork in applications like these:

• Remote access to corporate network informationE-mail, file transfer and terminal emulation

• Difficult-to-wire environmentsHistorical or old buildings, asbestos installations,and open areas where wiring is difficult to employ

• Frequently changing environmentsRetailers, manufacturers and banks who frequentlyrearrange the workplace and change location

• Temporary LANs for special projects or peak timeTrade shows, exhibitions and construction sitesneed temporary setup for a short time period.Retailers, airline and shipping companies needadditional workstations for a peak period. Auditorsrequire workgroups at customer sites

• Access to database for mobile workersDoctors, nurses, retailers, white-collar workers needaccess to databases while being mobile in thehospital, retail store or office campus

• SOHO (Small Office and Home Office) usersSOHO users need easy and quick installation of asmall computer network


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LED IndicatorsThe Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card includes threestatus LED indicators, as described in the followingfigure and table.

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System RequirementsBefore you install the Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card,check your system for the following requirements:

• A computer with a PCMCIA Type II slot, and aPCMCIA card and socket services compliant withrevision 2.10 of the PCMCIA specification

• Windows 95/98/NT (Prepare the Windowsinstallation CD-ROM for use during installation)

• A minimum of 500 Kbytes of free disk space forinstalling the driver and utility program

• An IEEE 802.11-compliant access point installed inyour network (such as Accton’s Cheetah Wireless-2001 Access Point)

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Installation

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1. Find an available Type II or Type III PCMCIA slot inyour computer.

2. With the PC Card’s 68-pin connector facing thePCMCIA slot and the “Cheetah Wireless-2301 PCCard” label facing up, slide the card completely intothe PCMCIA slot as shown below.

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3. For Windows 95/98/NT, PCMCIA card and socketservices compliant with revision 2.10 of the PCMCIAspecification are required. Please check thedocuments of your PCMCIA driver before installingthe software driver for the WN2301.

4. Install the appropriate network driver for youroperating system. Drivers can be found on the driverdiskette. See “Driver Installation and Configuration”for more information.

Driver Installation and ConfigurationThe diskette labeled “Driver Diskette,” that comes withthe package contains all the software drivers availablefor the Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card. A RELEASE.TXT


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file, describing the contents of the diskette is found inthe root directory. Different drivers are stored inseparate subdirectories, which also include a text file.Select the driver you need for your system and refer tothe text file for the installation and configurationprocedure. Any new or updated drivers can bedownloaded from Accton’s Web site athttp://www.accton.com.

Installation for Windows 95/981. Insert the PC Card into a standard Type II or III

PCMCIA slot in your notebook.

2. Windows 95/98 will automatically detect the newhardware and prompt you to install the driverneeded. Click “Browse…” to find the driver.

3. Insert the floppy labeled “Driver Diskette” into yourfloppy drive and go to “A:\Win9x” to find“WN2301.INF.” Then click “OK.”

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4. Click “OK” to copy files from the floppy.

5. If you are setting up an ad-hoc wireless LAN (pg. 10),set “Default Channel” to the same radio channel asthat used by the other wireless clients in your group.However, if you are connecting to a network via anaccess point, then use the same channel as thatused by the access point. (Access Point default: 3)

6. Set the “ESSID” identifier to the same as that usedby the ad-hoc workgroup or access point you wantto connect to. (Access Point default: ANY)


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7. Set “Network Type” to Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure,depending on the type of network you want toconnect to (pg. 10). Then click OK.

8. If the system asks for the Wn2301.sys file, key in“A:\Win9x” as driver path and click “OK.”

9. After driver installation the system will re-start thecomputer. Click “NO” if you need to continueinstallation for your network protocols and options.

10.Go to “Control Panel” and double-click “Network.”

11. Click “Add…” to install the network protocols youwant to use, such as IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/IP.If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set the appropriateGateway, DNS Server, and Domain for your network.

12.Click “File and Print Sharing…” to share files orprinters.

13.If you install an IPX/SPX-compatible protocol, thenyou also need to install the Client for NetWareNetworks.

14.Click on the “Identification” tab on the Networkdialog box, and specify your computer name andnetwork workgroup.

15.Restart your computer.

Installation for Windows NT 4.01. Insert the PC Card into a standard Type II or III

PCMCIA slot in your notebook.

2. From the desktop, select “Control Panel,” double-click “Network,” click “Adapters,” and then click the“Add” button on the Network dialog box.

3. Windows NT will present a list of all its supportedadapters. Click “Have Disk” to continue.

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4. Windows NT will ask for the drive/path containingthe WN2301 Windows NT drivers. Insert theWN2301 Driver Disk into the floppy drive, and thentype “A:\Nt.” Click “OK.”

5. Windows NT will attempt to locate an INF file in thespecified path. If you have entered the path namecorrectly, Windows NT should copy the appropriatedrivers to the Windows NT system. You need toacknowledge the selection by clicking “OK.”

6. The Adapter Setup dialog box will appear. Configurethe card as described below, and click “OK.”


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Interrupt Number - Select 9, 10 or 11. (Check foravailable resources under Windows NT Diagnostics.)IO Port Address - Select 0x300 or 0x280 or 0x310or 0x320. (Check for an available resources underWindows NT Diagnostics.)Channel Number - If you are setting up an ad-hocwireless LAN (pg. 10), set the channel number tothe same radio channel as that used by the otherwireless clients in your group. However, if you areconnecting to a network via an access point, thenuse the same channel as that used by the accesspoint. (Access Point default: 3)Operating Mode - Set to Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure,depending on the type of network you want toconnect to (pg. 10).Packet Size - Set the packet size to the same asthat used by the other devices in your network.WLAN Domain - Set to the same ESSID as thatused by the ad-hoc workgroup or access point youwant to connect to. (Access Point default: ANY)

7. After driver installation the system will re-start thecomputer. Click “NO” if you want to continueinstallation for your network protocols and options.

8. Select the Services tab and Click “Add…” to installthe network protocols you want to use, such as IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/IP.If you install TCP/IP, be sure to set the appropriateGateway, DNS Server, and Domain for your network.

9. If you install an IPX/SPX-compatible protocol, thenyou also need to install the Client for NetWareNetworks.

10.Click on the “Identification” tab on the Networkdialog box, and specify your computer name andnetwork workgroup.

11. Restart your computer.

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12.To ensure whether the WN2301 Adapter works fine,go to the Control Panel and double-click Devices.The WN2301 Adapter Driver should have “Started.”

Network Configuration and PlanningAccton’s Cheetah Wireless Solution supports stand-alone wireless network configuration, as well as anintegrated configuration with 10Mbps Ethernet LANs.

The WN2301 can be configured as:• Ad-Hoc for departmental or SOHO LANs• Infrastructure for enterprise LANs

Network TopologiesAd-Hoc Wireless LANAn Ad-Hoc wireless LAN consists of a group ofcomputers, each equipped with one WN2301 adapter,connected via radio signals as an independent wirelessLAN. Computers in a specific Ad-Hoc wireless LANmust therefore be configured to the same radio channel.


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An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN can be used for a branchoffice or SOHO operation.

Infrastructure Wireless LANThe WN2301 can also provide access to a wired LAN forwireless workstations. An integrated wired and wirelessLAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A BasicService Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PCusers, and an Access Point that is directly connected tothe wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can talk toany computer in it’s wireless group via a radio link, oraccess other computers or network resources in thewired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.

The Infrastructure configuration not only extends theaccessibility of wireless PCs to the wired LAN, but alsodoubles the effective wireless transmission range forwireless PCs by passing their signal through one ormore Access Points.

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A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to acentral database, or for connection between mobileworkers, as shown in the following figure.

Setting the Communication DomainStationary Wireless PCs

The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communicationdomain for each Cheetah Wireless-2001 Access Point.For wireless PCs that do not need to support roaming,set the domain identifier (ESSID) for the wireless cardto the BSS ID of the Access Point you want to connectto. Check with your administrator for the BSS ID of theWA2001 he wants you to connect to, or use the AccessPoint Browser in the utility program provided for yourWN2301 wireless card to locate the access point youwant to use.


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Roaming Wireless PCs

A wireless infrastructure can also support roaming formobile workers. More than one access point can beconfigured to create an Extended Service Set (ESS).By placing the access points so that a continuouscoverage area is created, wireless users within thisESS can roam freely. All WN2301 PCs and WA2001access points within a specific ESS must be configuredwith the same ESS ID and to the same radio channel.

Before setting up an ESS for roaming, you need tochoose a clear radio channel and ideal location for theWA2001 Access Points to maximize performance. TheWN2301 Wireless LAN Utility provides Site Survey andAccess Point Browser tools for these purposes. (Referto “Using the Wireless LAN Utility” on page 15 fordetailed information on installation and usage.)

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Site Survey - This function can be found in theWireless LAN Utility under Diagnostics Tools. SiteSurvey displays the quality of all the 14 radio channelsin your environment. In general, the higher the bar, thebetter the signal quality. Choose the radio channel withthe best quality as your operating radio channel. If youare setting up an ESS for roaming, configure all theWN2301 PCs and WA2001 Access Points within thisESS with that channel.

Access Point Browser - This function can be found inthe Wireless LAN Utility under Diagnostics Tools. EachAccess Point broadcasts a “beacon” periodically. Mobilestations (“roaming” enabled) receive beacons fromdifferent Access Points, compare the signal level, andthen connect to the Access Point with the best signal.Signal level can also be thought of as an indicator ofthe radio signal coverage area of an Access Point.

The Access Point Browser displays all the beaconsreceived and its signal level in the current physicallocation. Using a notebook PC with the Access PointBrowser, walk around the coverage area of your ESS,and adjust the placement of your Access Points to formcontinuous radio signal coverage within the ESS.


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Configuration and Diagnostic UtilityThe driver disk for the WN2301 includes a WirelessLAN Utility. Locate this directory on your disk and installthe software by double-clicking on “setup.exe” andfollowing the on-screen instructions.

To configure or diagnose your wireless network, firstcheck the settings for your WN2301 cards using the“Network Configuration” tool, and then use the“Diagnostics Tools” to evaluate the signals andcoverage area of the WA2001 Access Points.

Using the Wireless LAN UtilityWhen you start the Wireless LAN Utility, the hardwareinformation window for the WN2301 is shown at the topof the main menu as shown below. This windowdisplays the configuration settings for the wirelessadapter(s) installed in your computer, including theMAC address, firmware version, frequency domain,BSS used, current channel, and ESS ID.

The main menu also includes the following functions:

Network Configuration - Allows you to configureparameters for the wireless adapter.

Diagnostics Tools - Provides several diagnostic toolsyou can use to diagnose the operation of your wirelessnetwork environment, including Site Survey, LinkQuality Test, and Access Points Browser.

Firmware Upgrade - Allows you to upgrade thefirmware in the wireless adapter.

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Network Configuration ScreenThe Network Configuration screen allows you to checkand modify the configuration of the adapter. The user-configurable parameters are divided into three groups:ESS ID, Network Type and RTS Threshold.

ESS ID

Input an ESS ID number if the roaming feature isenabled (“ANY” is the default setting).

Network Type

Station Operation Mode: Set the station operationmode to Ad-Hoc for network configurations that do nothave any WA2001 Access Points, or to Infrastructurefor configurations with Access Points (default setting).

Ad-Hoc Default Channel: Select the radio channel usedby other wireless users you want to communicate with.

RTS Threshold

The IEEE 802.11 wireless standard defines a CollisionAvoidance scheme which requires a wireless node tofirst send a Request To Send (RTS) signal and wait fora Clear to Send (CTS) response before transmitting.For small wireless networks, it is not necessary to addthis extra delay. You should disable the RTS Threshold.However, for large wireless networks, or for networksthat carry a lot of traffic, this protocol can avoidretransmissions and improve effective throughput.


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Diagnostics Tools ScreenThe Diagnostics Tools screen shows all diagnosticstools in the Wireless LAN Utility. There are buttons forexecuting the following diagnostics tools:Site Survey - Inspects channel quality for your site.Link Quality Test - Tests point-to-point communications.Access Point Browser - Show all active Access Points.

Site Survey

The Site Survey displays the channel quality of all 14radio channels. Quality measurements are shown foreach of the 14 radio channels. A good reading indicatesa strong signal (that is, less interference).

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Channel quality is scanned channel-by-channelrepeatedly. You may see some of the gauges changingtheir height occasionally. To determine the channelquality in a longer time span, you can refer to theaverage channel quality measurement from the small-shaped dot in each channel quality gauge.

Link Quality Test

Link Quality Test is useful for evaluating the point-to-point transmission quality between two wireless LANstations. Or, if you use an Infrastructure type wirelessLAN configuration, you can test the transmission qualitybetween your wireless LAN station and the a WA2001Access Point.

You can configure this utility so that your wireless LANstation acts as a master or slave test station, or so thatthe test signal loops back through the access point.

This utility provides the following statistical informationduring the test session:

� Packet Sent: Total test packets sent.� Packet Received: Total response packets received.� Elapsed Time: Total test time.� Signal level: The signal level when receiving the last

response packet. The signal level is calculated asthe percentage of its signal level measurementrelative to the full signal level.


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Access Point Browser

Open the Access Point Browser, and press Go todisplay all the active Access Points in your network.

The Access Point Browser includes the followinginformation for each Access Point it discovers:

� BSS_ID: BSS ID (MAC address of access point).� ESS_ID: ESS ID.� Channel: Operating channel number.� Beacon Interval: Each access point broadcasts a

“beacon” periodically. The wireless station willprocess these beacons to keep in touch with thenetwork. This field indicates the interval at which theaccess point is transmitting beacon signals (inmilliseconds).

� Supported Rate: Indicates the communication ratessupported by the access point (1 Mbps and 2 Mbps).

� Capability Information: Indicates the access point’sconfiguration setting (such as ESS).

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TroubleshootingCheck the following troubleshooting items beforecontacting Accton Technical Support.

Adapter Installation ProblemsIf your computer can’t find the Cheetah Wireless-2301PC Card or the network driver doesn’t install correctly,check the following:

• Make sure the adapter is securely seated in thePCMCIA slot. When you insert the wireless adapterinto the notebook’s slot, a beep should be heard ifthe adapter is properly inserted. Check for anyhardware problems, such as physical damage to thecard’s connector.

• Try the card in another PCMCIA slot. If this alsofails, test your computer with another WN2301wireless card that is known to operate correctly.

• When operating under Windows NT, make sure aPCMCIA card and socket services driver is installedin your computer. Also check for resource conflictsusing the Windows NT Diagnostics utility.

• Make sure your computer is using the latest BIOS.

• If there are other network adapters in the computer,they may be causing conflict. Remove all otheradapters from the computer and test the wirelessadapter separately.

• Check for a defective computer or PCMCIAconnection by trying the adapter in anothercomputer that is known to operate correctly.

• If it still cannot work, pull out the wireless adapter.Delete wn2301.sys from c:\windows\system. Thengo to “Control Panel” and delete the adapter fromyour network configuration menu. Restart your PCand reinstall the card as described on page 4.

Network Connection ProblemsIf the Link LED on the PC Card does not light, or if youcan’t access any network resources from the computer.Check the following:

• Make sure the correct software driver is installed foryour operating system. If necessary, try reinstallingthe driver.

• Make sure the computer and other network devicesare receiving power.


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• The access point you want to attach to may bedefective. Try using another WA2001 access point.

• If you cannot access a Windows or NetWare serviceon the network, check that you have enabled andconfigured the service correctly. If you cannotconnect to a particular server, be sure that you haveaccess rights and a valid ID and password.

• If you cannot access the Internet, be sure you haveconfigured your system for TCP/IP.

If your wireless station cannot communicate with acomputer in the Ethernet LAN when configured forInfrastructure mode, check the following:

• Make sure the WA2001 access point which thestation associated with is powered on.

• Make sure your wireless station is configured withthe same operating radio channel as the WA2001.

• If you still can’t connect, change the WA2001access point and all the stations within the BSS toanother radio channel.

• Make sure the BSS ID is the same as the WA2001for a station with roaming disabled, or the ESS ID isthe same as the WA2001 for a station with roamingenabled.

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Compliances

�� Warning: This equipment generates, uses, and canradiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed andused in accordance with the instruction manual, maycause interference to radio communications. It hasbeen tested and found to comply with the limits for aClass A digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15of FCC Rules, which are designed to providereasonable protection against such interference whenoperated in a commercial environment. Operation ofthis equipment in a residential area is likely to causeinterference, in which case the user, at his ownexpense, will be required to take whatever measuresare required to correct the interference.

It is unsafe to work under circumstances in which theRF exposure exceeds recommended amount. Toprevent the situation happening, people who work withthe antenna should be aware of the following rules:

1. Install the antenna so that a 6.5 cm distance can bekept from the antenna.

2. While installing the antenna in the location, pleasedo not turn on the power of the wireless card.

3. While the device is working, please do not contactthe antenna.

CSA Statement (Canada)This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class Alimits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatusas set out in the interference-causing equipmentstandard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of theDepartment of Communications.

Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruitsradioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériquesde Classe A prescrites dans la norme sur le matérielbrouilleur: “Appareils Numérques”, NMB-003 édictéepar le ministère des Communications.


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VCCI Class A Compliance (Japan)

BSMI Class A Compliance (Taiwan)

CE Mark Declaration of ConformanceThis is to certify that this product complies with ISO/IECGuide 22 and EN45014. It conforms to the followingspecifications:

EMC: EN55022(1988)/CISPR-22(1985) class AIEC 1000-4-2(1995) 4kV CD, 8kV ADIEC 1000-4-3(1995) 3V/mIEC 1000-4-4(1995) 1kV - (power line)IEC 1000-4-6(1995) 3Vrms

This product complies with the requirements of the LowVoltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, and carries the CE Mark accordingly.

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Specifications

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WarrantyAccton warrants to the original owner that the product deliveredin this package will be free from defects in material andworkmanship for a period of three years from the date ofpurchase from Accton or it’s Authorized reseller. For thewarranty to apply, you must register your purchase by returningthe registration card indicating the date of purchase andincluding proof of purchase. There will be a minimal charge toreplace consumable components, such as fuses, powertransformers, and mechanical cooling devices. The warrantydoes not cover the product if it is damaged in the process ofbeing installed. Accton recommends that you have the companyfrom whom you purchased this product install it.

THE ABOVE WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHERWARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY,INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OFMERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,OR ANY WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF ANY PROPOSAL,SPECIFICATION OR SAMPLE. ACCTON SHALL NOT BELIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.ACCTON NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANYPERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY.

CopyrightCopyright © 2000 by Accton Technology Corporation. All rightsreserved.

No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in anyform or by any means without the prior written consent of AcctonTechnology Corporation.

TrademarksAccton is a trademark of Accton Technology Corporation. Othertrademarks or brand names mentioned herein are trademarks orregistered trademarks of their respective companies.

DisclaimerAccton makes no warranties with respect to this documentationand disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability, quality,or fitness for any particular purpose. The information in thisdocument is subject to change without notice. Accton reservesthe right to make revisions to this publication without obligationto notify any person or entity of any such changes.

International Headquarters USA HeadquartersNo. 1 Creation Road III, 6 HughesScience-based Industrial Park Irvine, CA 92618Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, R.O.C. Phone Numbers -Phone: 886-3-5770-270 Sales: 800-926-9288FAX: 886-3-5770-267 Support: 888-398-4101 or 949-707-4847Internet: [email protected] RMA: 800-762-4968

FAX: 949-707-2460

Cheetah Wireless-2301 PC Card Quick Installation Guide

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