54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Version 1.
Table of Contents 1 Introduction 1 Package Contents Minimum System Requirements Features Technical Support 2 Understanding the Wireless Network Ad Hoc Mode Infrastructure Mode 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 3 Setting Up the Adapter 4 Using the Wireless Configuration Utility Opening the Wireless Configuration Utility About Link Status Site Monitor View Available Networks Exit Hide Systray Icon 5 Troubleshooting and FAQs Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions A Specifications 5 11 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 17 18
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1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter. The 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter features the latest wireless technology and security protocols to keep your data accessible and secure. This easy-to-set-up, easy-touse product is perfect for the mobile, home, or small office computer user. If you want to take your computing to the next level, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter is one of the keys to your success.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Features s IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g standards conformity s USB interface (USB 1.1 [11 Mbps max.], 2.0 [54 Mbps max.] compatible) s WEP, WPA, WPA_PSK, and 802.1x support Technical Support Actiontec Electronics prides itself on making durable, high-performance, highquality products. If you need assistance, the Actiontec Technical Support Department is available all day every day to provide professional support. Actiontec Electronics, Inc. 760 N.
Understanding the Wireless Network 2 Wireless local area networks (WLAN) perform the exact same functions as wired local area networks (LAN). Each computer in the WLAN uses a data radio device to connect to the network, and all computers in the network share the same frequency and method for identifying wireless devices. Wireless local area networks differ from wired local area networks only in their operating mode. The two operation modes are Ad Hoc and Infrastructure.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Infrastructure Mode Infrastructure mode is a networking framework where devices communicate with each other by first going through an access point or wireless router/gateway. Infrastructure mode lets wireless devices communicate with each other or with a wired network. Two types of service can exist while in infrastructure mode: Basic Service Set (BSS) - An access point connected to a wired network and a set of wireless stations.
3 Setting Up the Adapter The instructions that follow in this chapter parallel the steps contained in the Actiontec Connection 1-2-3® setup utility, which provides a visual, step-by-step guide to setting up the USB Adapter. It is recommended the user run Connection 1-2-3 first, before attempting any other procedures. Do not plug in the Adapter until instructed during the M Caution: installation procedure. 1. Insert the Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive of the computer.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual 2. Get the USB cable and Adapter from the box, then click on Next. 3. Plug the smaller end of the USB cable into the port on the front of the Adapter, then click Next.
Chapter 3 Setting Up the Adapter 4. Plug the other end of the USB cable into the USB port located on the back of the computer. After plugging in the Adapter to the computer, wait for the ☞ Note: “Add New Hardware Wizard” to complete before clicking Next. Click Next. 5. If using Windows XP or XP Sevice Pack 2, follow the steps in the following screen. Otherwise, click Next to continue.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual For systems running Windows , the Windows ☞ Note: Installation may need to be accessed during the installa98 SE 98 SE CD tion process. If this occurs, a window will appear, asking for the Windows 98 SE Installation CD. Remove the Connection 1-2-3 CD from the CD-ROM drive, replace it with the Windows 98 SE Installation CD, then, when finished, remove it and put the Connection 1-2-3 CD back in the CD-ROM drive. 6. Connection 1-2-3 detects the Adapter.
Chapter 3 Setting Up the Adapter 8. The congratulations screen appears. Click Next. 9. Read the onscreen instructions, then click Finish. Reboot the computer. The USB Adapter is now ready to use. For additional configuration options, see chapter 4, “Using the Wireless Configuration Utility.” If using Windows XP, see Appendix B, “Using the Adapter With Windows XP.
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Using the Wireless Configuration Utility 4 To monitor the wireless network to which the USB Adapter is connected, as well as check or adjust wireless network settings, use the Wireless Configuration Utility. This Utility offers the ability to check wireless network signal strength, connect to a wireless network, and many other options. ☞ Note: If the computer is using the Windows XP Wireless Configuration Utility, the Actiontec Wireless Configuration Utility cannot be used.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual A menu appears, displaying the Utility’s options. To select one, click on it, and the appropriate window will appear. About Selecting “About” from the Utility menu generates the “About” window. This window displays the version numbers for the Adapter’s chipset, driver version, and firmware.
Chapter 4 Using the Wireless Configuration Utility Link Status Selecting “Link Status” from the Utility menu generates the “Link Status” window. The Link Status window provides information regarding the current status of the USB Adapter and its settings, including how many packets are being received and transmitted, transfer rate, SSID, IP address, and other related settings.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Site Monitor Selecting “Site Monitor” from the Utility menu generates the “Site Monitor” window. The Site Monitor window displays information regarding nearby visible access points or wireless routers/gateways, as well as other computers available through ad hoc networks. To view more information about a particular network, select it from the “Visible Networks” list box and click Advanced Monitor.
Chapter 4 Using the Wireless Configuration Utility View Available Networks Selecting “View Available Networks” from the Utility menu generates the “SingleSource Card Utility” window. This window displays the available wireless networks, allowing the user to change networks. To configure the SSID or name of a wireless network, highlight the name (“Actiontec” in the figure above, for example) and click Configure.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Advanced Clicking “Advanced” in the Single Source Card Utility window generates the “Advanced” window. Use this window to select the type of network to which the Adapter connects. Exit Selecting “Exit” from the Utility menu closes the Utility. Hide Systray Icon Selecting “Hide Systray Icon” removes the Utility icon from the system tray.
Troubleshooting and FAQs 5 This chapter describes some common problems that may be encountered when using the USB Adapter, and ways to resolve the problems. Also included is a list of frequently asked questions. Troubleshooting The Adapter can’t connect to an access point. From the Network Properties applet, perform the following steps: • Make sure the operating mode is set to Infrastructure mode. • Make sure that the SSID is the same as the SSID of the access point.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual The computer won’t detect the Adapter. Make sure the USB cable is properly connected and that the orange Power light (PW) is on. Also, make sure the computer’s USB drivers are properly installed. Frequently Asked Questions How far can I be from the access point and maintain a connection? The access point’s range depends on the environment. Indoor range is approximately 91 meters (300 ft.) or more; outdoor range can reach up to 533 meters (1750 ft.).
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Will cordless phones interfere with the Adapter? The Adapter uses the 2.4 GHz frequency. If your cordless phone uses this frequency, problems may occur. Different cordless phones use different frequencies, and generally include a label stating which frequency they use. If you are having problems with interference caused by your cordless phone, try changing the channel of your wireless network. This can sometimes clear up interference issues. Any wireless device using the 2.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual How do I enable WEP in XP using the Wireless Zero Configuration Utility? First, make sure the Adapter is correctly installed. Then, in the system tray (in the lower right hand side of the desktop, next to the clock), right-click on the appropriate wireless network icon (double computer icon in Windows XP and XP Service Pack 1 [SP1]; computer with wireless signal in Windows XP Service Pack 2 [SP2]) and select View Available Wireless Networks.
A Specifications General Model Number 802UIG (54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter) Standards IEEE 802.11b/g (Wireless) USB 2.0 Certification FCC Part 15 CE (available for products purchased in Europe) Frequency Band 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz Interface USB Plug-N-Play (compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0) Data Rate 802.11b: up to 11 Mbps 802.11g: up to 54 Mbps (when used with USB 2.0 only) Data Encryption 64- and 128-bit WEP compatible WPA WPA_PSK 802.1x Wireless Operating Range Indoors Up to 91 M (300 ft.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual LED Indicators Power (PW), Link Activity (LK) Environmental Operating Temperature 0º C to 65º C (32º F to 149º F) Storage Temperature -20º C to 85º C (-4º F to 185º F) Operating Humidity 0% to 95% (non-condensing) Storage Humidity 5% to 95% (non-condensing) ☞ Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Using the Adapter with Windows XP B This appendix details connecting the USB Adapter to a wireless network on a computer running Windows XP and Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2). Connecting via Windows XP The following sections detail connecting the Adapter to a wireless network on a computer running Windows XP. Connecting to an Unsecured Access Point If the Adapter has been properly installed, a pop-up box showing the name of the available access point appears.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual 3. The “Wireless Network Connection” window appears. From the “Available wireless networks” list box, select the network (or SSID of the access point or wireless router/gateway) with which to connect. 4. Activate the box next to “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network, even though it is not secure” by clicking in it to cause a check mark to appear. 5. Click Connect.
Appendix B Using the Adapter with Windows XP Connecting to a Secured Access Point To connect to a secured access point: 1. Locate the wireless network (double computer) icon corresponding to the Adapter by moving the cursor over the network icons in the system tray. When the correct icon is located, a dialog box similar to the one below appears. 2. Once the correct icon is located, right-click on it and, from the menu that appears, select View Available Wireless Networks.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual 3. The “Wireless Network Connection” window appears. Click Advanced. 4. When the window below appears, make sure the check box next to “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings” is activated. 5. Select the SSID or access point to connect to, then click Configure.
Appendix B Using the Adapter with Windows XP 6. The “Wireless network properties” window appears. The name of the network selected in step 5 is displayed in the “Network Name (SSID)” text box. 7. From the Wireless network properties window, select the type of network authentication from the “Network Authentication” menu list. The choices include: Open - Open authentication allows any wireless station to communicate with the access point.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual 8. From the Wireless network properties window, select the type of data encryption used on the access point. The choices include: WEP - WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is an authentication algorithm which protects authenticated wireless LAN users against eavesdropping. WPA-PSK - WPA-PSK is a simplified but still powerful form of WPA (see below) most suitable for home networking. To use WPA-PSK, a static key or “passphrase” is set, as with WEP.
Appendix B Using the Adapter with Windows XP 2. Once the correct icon is located, right-click on it and, from the menu that appears, select View Available Wireless Networks. 3. The “Wireless Network Connection” window appears. From the “Choose a wireless network” list box, select Actiontec.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual 4. A pop-up window appears. Click Connect Anyway. 5. If successful connecting to the selected wireless connection, the wireless network appears as “Connected,” with a yellow star next to it. The Adapter is connected to an unsecured wireless network.
Appendix B Using the Adapter with Windows XP Uninstalling the Adapter (Windows XP and 2000) To uninstall the Adapter from a computer running Windows XP or 2000, first make sure the Adapter is still connected to the computer via USB, then perform the following procedure: 1. Right-click on the My Computer icon on the computer’s desktop. 2. From the menu that appears, select Properties. 3. When the “System Properties” window appears, click on the “Hardware” tab. 4. In the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
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Glossary Access Point A device that allows wireless clients to connect to one another. An access point can also act as a bridge between wireless clients and a “wired” network, such as an Ethernet network. Wireless clients can be moved anywhere within the coverage area of the access point and remain connected to the network.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Ethernet Network A standard wired networking configuration using cables and hubs. Firewall A method preventing users outside the network from accessing and/or damaging files or computers on the network. Gateway A central device that manages the data traffic of the network, as well as data traffic to and from the Internet. IP (Internet Protocol) Address A series of four numbers separated by periods identifying a unique Internet computer host.
Glossary PPPoE (Point-To-Point Protocol over Ethernet)/ PPPoA (Point-To-Point Protocol over ATM) Methods of secure data transmission. Router A central device that manages the data traffic of the network. Subnet Mask A set of four numbers configured like an IP address used to create IP address numbers used only within a particular network. SSID See “ESSID.” TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) The standard protocol for data transmission over the Internet.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) A generic term for any kind of wireless network. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) An improved version of WEP using better encryption and authentication, designed to work with existing WEP-enabled products.
Notices Regulatory Compliance Notices Class B Equipment This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause unwanted operation. To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance require☞ Note: ments, the antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Limited Warranty Hardware: Actiontec Electronics, Inc., warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase from Actiontec Electronics or its authorized reseller.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS PRODUCT MAY INCLUDE OR BE BUNDLED WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE, THE USE OF WHICH IS GOVERNED BY A SEPARATE END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT. THIS ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO SUCH THIRDPARTY SOFTWARE. FOR THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF SUCH SOFTWARE.
Limited Warranty NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS.
Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual Governing Law: This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., excluding its conflicts of laws and principles, and excluding the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.
