IBM Wireless LAN June 14, 1994 Announcement Number: 194-197 Document's Table of Contents: * Abstract * DESCRIPTION * PUBLICATIONS * TECHNICAL INFORMATION * TERMS AND CONDITIONS * CHARGES Abstract The IBM Wireless LAN is a local area network (LAN) system that allows the interconnection of LAN workstations without cabling. It complements wired LANs, providing installation flexibility, user mobility and cost savings in difficult cabling situations. The IBM Wireless LAN is made of adapters installed within personal systems, either with ISA or MCA bus or with PCMCIA feature slots. IBM Wireless LAN operates in IBM OS/2(R) LAN environments as well as in Novell** LAN environments and provides connectivity with token-ring, Ethernet and PC Network LANs. It includes SNMP-based network management support and comprehensive security functions. Operating in the 2.4 Ghz unlicensed frequency band, the IBM Wireless LAN is designed around advanced radio technology and protocols using spread spectrum, frequency hopping and time division multiplexing. It brings robust interference protection and allows multiple wireless network co-existance. Note: This device has not yet been approved by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased until the approval of the FCC has been obtained. Purchase Prices: IBM Wireless LAN ISA/MCA $795 IBM Wireless LAN PCMCIA 795 Planned Availability Date: November 25, 1994 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation ** Product or company name is a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder. (1) Trademark of Microsoft Corporation IN BRIEF . . . +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ | | | o Wireless stand-alone LAN or extension of wired LAN | | o High-interference immunity against LAN and non-LAN radio | | sources | | o Access control and data security | | o 1 Mbps transmission data rate | | o Radio cell diameter up to 360 meters (1,200 feet) | | o Supports large number of overlapping cells | | o Low power 100 mW radio transmitter | | o Compact and mobile design | | o Single card for both ISA and MCA bus systems | | o PCMCIA type II version for portable systems | | o Compatible with token-ring, Ethernet and PC Network LANs | | o Built-in bridge to token-ring | | o NetBios, Transmission Control Protocol/Interconnect Protocol | | (TCP/IP) and Internet Packet Exchange Protocol (IPX) | | protocols supported | | o Operates with IBM LAN Server and Novell NetWare** | | o Client stations with DOS, Windows(1) or OS/2 | | o SNMP Network Management with support by IBM NetView(R)/6000 | | o Wireless LAN Base can be installed in IBM 8250 Model 6PS | | Intelligent Hub | | | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ DESCRIPTION A LAN system, the Wireless LAN connects workstations without cabling by using radio transmission. Wireless LAN supports current wired LAN operating systems and applications. This wireless connectivity brings the following values: * Enables customer's competitive advantage through reduced cabling costs * Enables new mobile applications combining portable computers and wireless communications * Provides simpler and faster LAN extensions * Reduces environmental requirements for cabling * Improves worker productivity through the use of portable computers allowing on-the-spot data inquiry, capture and processing * Provides comprehensive network administration and management functions * Allows access control and data security * Provides compatibility with wired LANs, network operating systems and existing applications Hardware The IBM Wireless LAN adapters are made of a feature card and a radio antenna module. The IBM Wireless LAN ISA/MCA card fits desk-top and floor standing systems. The same card can be installed on either an ISA or MCA bus. The Wireless LAN PCMCIA card fits in portable personal systems having a PCMCIA type II feature slot. Wireless LAN Communications The IBM Wireless LAN Adapter handles the physical and Media Access Control (MAC) networking layers and supports current communication stacks and applications, such as those supported by other LAN adapters. A wireless cell is made of a personal computer that is configured as Wireless Base and a number of personal computers configured as Wireless Stations communicating through the Wireless Base within its radio propagation area. A wireless cell can operate by itself as a stand-alone LAN. Multiple cells can coexist and overlap. Wireless cells can be linked to a wired LAN via a bridge or router function. The wireless cells are seen as segments of the LAN. Wireless cells communicate together via the wired LAN through their respective Wireless Bases. Administrative wireless functions for one or several wireless cells are performed by the Wireless Network Administrator (WNA). These functions include network access and security control and interference management. The same Wireless LAN Adapter can be configured to operate either as a Wireless Station or as a Wireless Base. The Wireless Base is generally installed in a non-dedicated LAN server. The WNA may reside with a Wireless Base or in an OS/2 LAN-wired station. Data Transmission Protocol Communication between the Wireless Base and Wireless Stations is controlled by the Wireless Base according to a hybrid Time Division Multiple Access/Contention protocol specifically designed for the unique characteristics of the radio transmission media. This protocol insures an efficient use of the channel bandwidth and allows sustained performance when the number of users increases. Each station has equal access right and the total cell bandwidth is shared between stations in a demand-based adaptive mode. Radio Transmission Radio transmission speed is 1 Mbps. Data transmission speed is enhanced by data compression with the compression factor dependant on the type of data. Actual throughput also depends on protocol overhead and of the type of traffic. Radio transmission operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band using "spread spectrum" modulation with "frequency hopping". This band, designated Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM), is available without requiring FCC licensing. Frequency hopping allows interference avoidance, overlap of multiple wireless cells and low-power radio. The frequency hopping patterns used by each cell are controlled from the WNA according to an intelligent interference management mechanism. WNA monitors radio communications; when it detects interferences, it can modify or change cell hopping patterns to avoid the interfering signals. In multiple cells networks, the WNA automatically assigns hopping patterns, allowing free cell co-existance. Antenna The radio/antenna module attaches to the Wireless LAN adapter card with a short cable. This allows to install the antenna on or near the using system. An optional extended antenna cable provides additional antenna placement flexibility. Wireless Network Security Wireless LAN provides comprehensive and rigorous security functions. * At installation time, stations are registered in the wireless network by the exchange of system-generated security keys between station users and the WNA attendant. * At each network access, wireless stations are authenticated based on the above keys. This is performed automatically without user involvement. * Data is encrypted for radio transmission. Security functions are optionally activated at installation time. They operate without user involvement. Wireless Cell Configurations Wireless LAN can be used within customer premise, either in closed or open offices, inside or outside large and small buildings. Propagation range between the Wireless Base and Wireless Stations allows a cell size up to 360 meter (1,200 feet) diameter in open space. Actual range depends on obstacles such as walls and their construction material. Antenna receive diversity improves coverage in obstructed environments. Cell layout guidances are provided in the IBM Wireless LAN publication Designing Your Network. A signal strength indicator on wireless stations allows users to check for correct radio transmission and to assist in cell planning. A wireless network allows an unlimited number of registered users. Multiple cells may coexist and overlap, either to ensure full coverage of a large area or to increase the number of users within a limited area. Cells are linked together via their Wireless Bases through the wired LAN. Once registered with the WNA, a user station may access any cell in the network. Each wireless cell allows up to 40 connected users. The maximum number of cells in a wireless network is 60. The recommended number of overlapping cells for full performance is 15. Network Management The Wireless Base is a SNMP proxy agent that also represents the wireless stations associated with the Base. Network management can be performed through a SNMP platform such as the IBM NetView/6000 or NetView/6000 Entry. This permits the display of Wireless LAN wireless network information including configuration data, statistics, alerts and fault data. A NetView/6000 application is supplied with the IBM Wireless LAN as a sample and it allows a simple access to above information. The IBM Wireless LAN supports the NetWare network management functions and the Novell NetWare Management System (NMS). The Wireless Network Administrator (WNA), included with the IBM Wireless LAN, provides stand-alone network administration facilities. IBM Wireless LAN in OS/2 LAN Environment The Wireless Base is installed on OS/2 Version 2.1. For the wireless cell to be connected to a wired LAN, the Base station must have a wired LAN adapter. The IBM Wireless LAN includes a bridging function that connects the wireless cell to a token-ring LAN. The IBM TCP/IPfor OS/2 program when installed with the IBM Wireless LAN, allows IP traffic to be routed between the wireless cell and a wired LAN. For a single cell wireless network, the Wireless Base acts as WNA. For a multiple cells wireless network, the WNA can be installed on one of Wireless Bases or on another OS/2 station of the wired LAN. The WNA communicates with each Wireless Base by using the IBM TCP/IP for OS/2 program. Wireless Stations can be installed on DOS (with or without Windows) or on OS/2. IBM Wireless LAN in Novell Environments The IBM Wireless LAN operates in Novell NetWare 3.11, 3.12, or 4.0 environments. The Wireless Base is installed in a server. For the wireless cell to be connected to a wired LAN, the station must have a LAN adapter. The wireless cell appears as a LAN segment and the NetWare routing function performs inter-segment communications for IPX and TCP/IP traffic. For a single cell wireless network, the Wireless Base performs the WNA functions. For a multiple cell wireless network, the WNA can be installed in one of the Wireless Base or be with any NetWare Server in the wired LAN. Wireless Stations can be installed on DOS (with or without Windows) or OS/2 with an appropriate NetWare Requester or NetWare Lite**. IBM Wireless LAN PCMCIA The IBM Wireless LAN PCMCIA card meets the PCMCIA type II physical, electrical and logical standard specifications of Version 2.1, including card and socket services. The IBM Wireless LAN low-power radio design, combined with Wireless LAN PCMCIA power management facilities, minimizes the power drain from the portable system battery. The IBM Wireless LAN PCMCIA operates in the same systems and network environments as Wireless LAN ISA/MCA. It cannot be configured as a Wireless Base. Wireless LAN PCMCIA stations may be mixed in a wireless cell with Wireless LAN ISA/MCA stations. PRODUCT POSITIONING The IBM Wireless LAN enhances the IBM personal computer systems with new and advanced functions. The credit card PCMCIA version of the IBM Wireless LAN and IBM portable system makes a unique combination and an enabler for effective mobile applications. IBM Wireless LAN is also part of the IBM networking and connectivity offerings. As such, it complements the IBM-wired LAN product such as the token-ring, Ethernet, PC Network and FDDI adapters. The IBM Wireless LAN System, using unique radio technologies and including extensive Networking functions, allows customers to build effective and general purpose solutions. Other IBM Offerings * The IBM AS/400(R) Wireless LAN is designed to connect personal computers and dedicated data collection devices to an AS/400 system. It uses spread spectrum/direct sequence radio technology. * The IBM Infrared Wireless LAN Adapter provides connectivity between personal systems. It uses infrared light for transmission within enclosed rooms of up to 30 feet by 30 feet (9 by 9 meters). PUBLICATIONS The publication IBM Wireless LAN Installing and Operating Your Network (SA33-0232) will be shipped with the product. The publications below will be available on September 30, 1994. To order, contact your IBM representative. Order Title Number Wireless Communications G325-3400 IBM Wireless LAN Product brochure G325-3401 IBM Wireless LAN Designing Your Network GA33-0189 System Library Subscription Services (SLSS) is not available. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Specified Operating Environment Physical Specifications: Wireless LAN ISA/MCA Card Width: 255 mm ( 10 inches) Depth: 21 mm ( .8 inches) Height: 95 mm (3.7 inches) Weight: .2 kg ( 7 ounces) Wireless LAN PCMCIA Card Width: 86 mm (3.4 inches) Depth: 54 mm (2.1 inches) Height: 5 mm (.19 inches) Weight: 70 g (2.4 ounces) Wireless LAN Radio Antenna Module Width: 112 mm (4.4 inches) Depth: 66 mm (2.6 inches) Height: 28 mm (1.1 inches) Weight: .15 kg (5.2 ounces) Operating Environment: Wireless LAN will meets FCC Class B operating criteria when shipped by IBM. Wireless LAN ISA/MCA Temperature: 16(degs) to 32(degs)C (61(degs) to 90(degs)F) Relative Humidity: 8% to 80% without condensing Electrical power from using system: 3 W peak Wireless LAN PCMCIA Temperature: 0(degs) to 55(degs)C (32(degs) to 131(degs)F) Relative Humidity: 0% to 95% without condensing Electrical power from using system: 700 mW average Hardware Requirements: * Wireless LAN ISA/MCA Wireless Base o An IBM Personal System with an ISA or MCA bus with at least a 386 processor o A 4MB RAM or more is required depending on the programs operating with the system. The IBM 32-bit DMA is required if RAM storage is above 16MB. o A 3.5-inch, 1.44MB diskette reader o A hard disk o An available feature slot for the Wireless LAN Adapter card o A LAN Adapter when attached to a wired LAN * Wireless LAN ISA/MCA Wireless Station o An IBM Personal System with an ISA or MCA bus o 3.5-inch, 1.44MB diskette reader o A hard disk o A diskette reader and/or a hard disk may not be required if Remote Initial Program Load is used o An available feature slot for the Wireless LAN Adapter card * Wireless LAN PCMCIA Wireless Station o An IBM ThinkPad(R) System with a PCMCIA type II feature slot o A 3.5-inch, 1.44MB diskette reader o A hard disk * Wireless LAN Wireless Network Administrator (if not a Wireless Base): o A non-dedicated IBM Personal System o A 3.5-inch, 1.44MB diskette reader o A hard disk o A LAN Adapter to attached the wired LAN Software Requirements: * Novell NetWare environment o Wireless Base: NetWare Version 3.11 or above including the TCP/IP protocol stack if there are multiple wireless cells o Wireless Station + Either OS/2 Version 2.1 or above and NetWare Workstation for OS/2, + Or DOS 5 or above (DOS 6.0 with Wireless LAN PCMCIA) and a NetWare requester: NetWare ODI Shell for DOS or NetWare Lite or NetWare Workstation for DOS/Windows. o Wireless Network Administrator (if not a Wireless Base): NetWare Version 3.11 or above including the TCP/IP protocol stack. * OS/2 LAN environment o Wireless Base + OS/2 Version 2.1 with NTS/2 with CSD WRF7020 if the token-ring bridging is used + If there are multiple wireless cells, TCP/IP for OS/2 Version 2.0 (with CSD UN50382 if SNMP network management is used) o Wireless Station + Either OS/2 Version 2.1 with NTS/2 + or DOS 5 or above (DOS 6.0 with Wireless LAN PCMCIA) and IBM LAN Support Program Version 1.33 (Version 1.35 is required to support NetBios and 802.2 double binding). o Wireless Network Administrator (if not a Wireless Base): OS/2 Version 2.1 and OS/2 TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 Compatibility: This product uses existing interfaces. Wireless LAN operates on the physical and MAC networking layers and interfaces with the standard IEEE-802.2 LLC layer. It is compatible with networking stacks and applications supporting the same standard interface. Wireless LAN supports the NetBios, TCP/IP and IPX transmission protocols. ODI device drivers of Wireless LAN are compatible with communication products and applications supporting ODI Device Drivers. NDIS device drivers of Wireless LAN are compatible with communication products and applications supporting NDIS Device Drivers. Planning Information Customer Responsibilities: The customer is responsible of carefully planning the Wireless LAN wireless network by taking into account the fact that radio propagation has limits determined by obstacles such as walls and floors. The publication Designing Your Network provides guidance for preparing the wireless network lay-out. Cable Orders: The Wireless LAN product includes a short cable attaching the radio antenna to the adapter card. An extended antenna cable, 4 meter (13 feet) long, is available as optional feature (feature code 8016 or part number 54G2016). Packaging Number of Product Shipment Group Boxes Wireless LAN ISA/MCA 1 Adapter card Radio antenna module Antenna cable: 1.5 meter (3 ft.) Diskettes with device drivers and system code Installing and Operating Your Network manual Statement of Limited Warranty IBM System Program Licence Agreement Wireless LAN PCMCIA 1 Adapter card Radio antenna module Antenna cable: 0.4 meter (1.3 ft.) Diskettes with device drivers and system code Installing and Operating Your Network manual Statement of Limited Warranty IBM System Program Licence Agreement Security, Auditability, and Control Wireless Network Security: Radio signals propagates beyond buildings and physical connection to the network is not required, which constitute security exposures. However, Wireless LAN radio use complex modulation techniques which makes the signal difficult to receive with equipments other than Wireless LAN Adapter itself. Additional level of security is provided. The IBM Wireless LAN has built-in and specific security functions including wireless network access control and radio transmission encryption. Refer to the Description section of this announcement. The encryption mechanism provides adequate protection for most applications. General Security: User management is responsible for evaluation, selection and implementation of security features, administrative procedures and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Feature Section MES Discount Applicable: The feature discount will be equal to the discount percent associated with the current Volume commitment of the Category of the machine type on which it is installed. Field Installable Feature: Yes Warranty Period: Three years Customer Setup: Yes All other terms and conditions are the same as those applicable to the IBM machine type in which the feature is installed. CHARGES Charges -- Features Feature Part Machine Purchase Description Number Number Type Model Price IBM Wireless LAN ISA/MCA 8010 80G1000 8550 ZZZ $795 IBM Wireless LAN PCMCIA 8090 80G0900 8550 ZZZ 795 Extended antenna cable 8016 54G2016 8550 ZZZ 70 National Education Price (NEP): A National Education Price is available under the terms and conditions of the National Education Price List. The NEP price which represents 16.4% from the single unit purchase price, is not subject to any further discount or allowance. The features in this announcement are included in the National Education Price List. Field Plant Install Install Y N Publication Charges: For the publication Wireless LAN Designing Your Network (GA33-0189), refer to your IBM representative for publication prices.