54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter Model #: HWE05490-01 Firmware version: 1.31 (Utility version: 1.
Table of Contents Introduction 1 Features 1 Package Contents 1 System Requirements 2 Contacting Technical Support 2 Getting to Know the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter 3 Front Panel 3 Rear Panel 4 Understanding your Wireless Network 5 What is Adhoc Mode? 5 What is Infrastructure Mode? 6 Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter 7 Physical installation of the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter 7 Connecting the Adapter to a network 8 Configuring the Actiontec 54 M
1 Introduction Congratulations on becoming the owner of the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. Your Wireless Ethernet Adapterprovides bridging capabilities between your Wireless LAN (local area network) and one or more personal computers, gaming consoles, or other Ethernet-ready devices such as printers and storage devices. This User Guide will show you how to set up the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter, customize its configuration to get the most out of your network.
System Requirements To use the Wireless Ethernet Adapter, you must have the following: PC with an open Ethernet port Microsoft Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT4.0, 98, 98SE; MAC OS 8 or higher TCP/IP network protocol installed Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape 4.0 or higher Contacting Technical Support Actiontec Electronics, Inc., prides itself on making durable, high-quality, highperformance products.
Getting to Know the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter 2 Front Panel The front panel provides the user with a fast visual feedback of its current status. Figure 1. Front Panel and LEDs Power The Power light will turn green when the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter is powered on. Wireless The Wireless light will turn solid green when the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter is connected to the Wireless LAN. The Wireless LED will blink continuosly when data traffic is present on the wireless LAN.
Rear Panel The rear panel contains the ports for the unit's data and power connections. Figure 2. Back Panel and Ports Power Connects to the Power Cord. Reset Depress the Reset button to bring the 54Mbsp Wireless Ethernet Adapter to its factory default settings. Hold the button for 15 sec. Antenna The antenna connector allows you to connect to various antennae types. Please use the included antenna if you do not have any other antenna.
Understanding your Wireless Network 3 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, where 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 AdHoc Mode and Infrastructure Mode.
What is Infrastructure Mode? Infrastructure mode is a networking framework by which devices communicate with each other by first going through an Access Point (AP). Infrastructure mode, lets wireless devices communicate with each other or with a wired network. Two possible types of service can exist while in Infrastructure mode: Basic Service Set (BSS) Basic Service Set is when an Access Point is connected to a wired network and a set of wireless stations.
Installing the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter 4 This equipment is designed with utmost care for the safety of those who install and use it. However, special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and static electricity when working with electronic equipment. All guidelines of this manual and of the computer manufacturer must therefore be followed at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.
Connecting the Adapter to a network Now that your Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter has been installed, it is ready to be connected to the power outlet and to your wired network. 1. Get the Wireless Ethernet Adapter from your Quick Start Kit. Make sure that the external antenna is connected to the adapter. 2. Get the Yellow Cable from the Quick Start Kit. Plug one end into the Ethernet Port located on the back of the Ethernet Adapter.
3. Plug the other end of the Yellow cable into the Ethernet port located on the back of the Computer or Game Console (like a Sony Playstation or Xbox). You will hear a “click” when the Yellow Cable has been properly connected. 4. Get the Power Cord and plug the small end into the Power Port located on the back of the Ethernet Adapter. 5. Plug the other end of the Power Cord into an power outlet.
Configuring the Actiontec 54Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter 5 How to configure the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter Configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter means adjusting the following settings: radio channels, security, and identification, etc. You only need to configure the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter when you want to change these settings.
3. When the following screen appears, click Next to continue. 4. When the following screen appears, click Finish to continue. 5. Once the Installation is complete, from the Windows Desktop click on the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter Configuration Icon.
6. The 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter Configuration Utility will scan for any Wireless Ethernet Adapters and display their information. 7. If you wish to change the factory default values, click on any of the choices on the screen. Note: Make sure you record the current settings prior to changing the current configuration. 8. To change the wireless Settings, click on AP Settings, enter the appropriate values and click Apply.
9. To change the Ethernet Settings, click on IP Settings, enter the appropriate values and click Apply. Note: Make sure you record the current settings prior to changing the current configuration. We recommend keeping the factory defaults if you are not sure 10. To change the Security Settings, click on Security, enter the appropriate values and click Apply.
11. Once completed, and you Apply your changes, the following screen will appear. Enter the Username and Password to apply the changes. The default values are: Username: admin Password: admin Note: The 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter can be adjusted manually by accessing it from any browser.
3. When the following screen appears, begin configuring your 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. The Status screen provides information on all the current settings for the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. 4. Click on Basic Setting to modify the Adapter’s wireless settings. Wireless Network Name (SSID): This is the name of the Ethernet Adapter on the wireless network. The default Wireless Network Name (SSID) is: ACTIONTEC. Make sure that you enter the SSID as all capital letters.
Channel: This is the radio channel that the Ethernet Adapter will operate on, if you experience interference you may need to try different channels. (Available channels are separated by frequencies; channels 1-11 operate at 2.4GHz in the U.S.) Actiontec recommends that you use channel 9. WEP Key: WEP is the wireless encryption standard implemented in the Ethernet Adapter.
5. Click on IP Setting to modify the Ethernet Adapter’s TCP/IP settings. Here you can configure the IP address used by the Ethernet Adapter, you can specify whether you are using a Static IP or a DCHP address provided by a server in your network. These options will not go into effect until the Ethernet Adapter is rebooted. LAN IP: Click on the option better suited for your needs. Fixed IP: Check this box to use the IP settings specified on this page.
6. Click on Security to modify the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter’s Administrator ID and Password, when completed click Apply to continue. Administrator ID: This is the user name you must type to gain access to the Ethernet Adapter and make changes to these pages. The default Username is: admin AP Password New: This is the password you must type to gain access to the Ethernet Adapter and make changes to these pages. You must enter the same password in the Confirm field.
Restore Settings: By clicking this option, you will restore the Ethernet Adapter’s settings from a file on your PC’s hard drive. Restore to Default Settings: By clicking this option, you will restore the Ethernet Adapter to it’s factory shipped settings. Firmware Upgrade: By clicking this option, you will carry out an Upgrade to the latest Firmware revisions for your 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. Once all you changes have been completed, click on Apply to continue.
To properly configure your Macintosh Computer for configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter, refer to the following procedures: 1. From the Desktop, click on the Apple Icon located at the upper left hand corner of the screen. Click on System Preferences to continue. 2. To access the Network preferences, click on the Network Icon under Internet & Network. Note: Clicking the Network Icon on the top section of the System Preferences window will also allow access to Network preferences.
3. When the Network preferences screen displays, make sure you have selected Built-in-Ethernet from the Show drop menu. Next, from the TCP/IP Tab, select Manually from the configure drop menu. Enter the appropriate IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Router (optional)name. When all the above criteria has been met, click on Apply Now and close the Network preferences window to continue.
3. When the following screen appears, begin configuring your 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. The Status screen provides information on all the current settings for the 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. 4. Click on Basic Setting to modify the Ethernet Adapter’s wireless settings. Wireless Network Name (SSID): This is the name of the Ethernet Adapter on the wireless network. The default Wireless Network Name (SSID) is: ACTIONTEC. Make sure that you enter the SSID as all capital letters.
Channel: This is the radio channel that the Ethernet Adapter will operate on, if you experience interference you may need to try different channels. (Available channels are separated by frequencies; channels 1-11 operate at 2.4GHz in the U.S.) Actiontec recommends using channel 9. WEP Key: WEP is the wireless encryption standard implemented in the Ethernet Adapter.
5. Click on IP Setting to modify the Ethernet Adapter’s TCP/IP settings. Here you can configure the IP address used by the Ethernet Adapter, you can specify whether you are using a Static IP or a DCHP address provided by a server in your network. These options will not go into effect until the Ethernet Adapter is rebooted. LAN IP: Click on the option better suited for your needs. Fixed IP: Check this box to use the IP settings specified on this page.
6. Click on Security to modify the Ethernet Adapter’s Administrator ID and Password. When completed click Apply to continue. Administrator ID: This is the user name you must type to gain access to the Ethernet Adapter and make changes to these pages. The default Username is: admin AP Password New: This is the password you must type to gain access to the Ethernet Adapter and make changes to these pages. You must enter the same password in the Confirm field.
Restore Settings: By clicking this option, you will restore the Ethernet Adapter’s settings from a file on your PC’s hard drive. Restore to Default Settings: By clicking this option, you will restore the Ethernet Adapter’s to its factory shipped settings. Firmware Upgrade: By clicking this option, you will carry out an Upgrade to the latest Firmware revisions for your 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. Once all you changes have been completed, click on Apply to continue.
6 Troubleshooting/ Frequently Asked Questions This section will help you solve potential problems with installation and operation of the 54Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter. For further information, check the Actiontec Electronic Inc. website at www.actiontec.com. The 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter can’t connect to an access point. From the Web-based Utility perform the following steps: • Make sure the operating mode is set to Infrastructure mode.
The Configuration Utility won’t open. Make sure that you have a network adapter installed on the PC so you can use the Configuration Utility. The Configuration Utility will not recognize my password. The password is case-sensitive. Make sure you are using the correct case(s)when entering the password. If you forget your password, you can push the 54Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter’s Reset button.
Can I use this 54 Mbps (802.11g) Wireless Ethernet Adapter to connect to the 802.11b Access Point? Yes, this Ethernet Adapter can connect to an 802.11b Access Point. Will cordless phones interfere with the wireless Ethernet Adapter? The 802.11g PC Cards use 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.
Glossary 7 802.11b - A wireless networking products standard defined by the IEEE that calls for wireless product to talk to each other regardless of manufacturer. The 802.11b standard specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps, operating in the ISM operating frequency of 2.4GHz, security must be WEP encryption as a minimum. 802.11b networks are also known Wi-Fi networks. 802.11g - An extension of the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless networking hardware. The 802.
Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in a network. Subnet Mask - The method used for separating IP networks into multiple subgroups, or subnets. The mask is a binary array that is paired with the IP address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A protocol used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units between network devices over a LAN or WAN.
Specifications Software Specifications 32 Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Adapter User Manual 8
Physical Specifications Enclosure. Length: 3 3/4 inch Width: 3 1/4 inch Height: 1 1/4 inch Visual indicators. Power: ON/OFF Ready indicator; Solid Green = Power on Off = Power off WLAN: WLAN indicator light that indicates whether or not it has at least one session up. Solid Light Green = LAN Cable connection or WLAN association to an Access Point Off = Modem power off or WAN connection not present.
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.
Note: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, 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. For questions regarding your product or the FCC declaration, contact: Actiontec Electronics, Inc. 760 North Mary Ave.
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 purchasefrom Actiontec Electronics or its authorized reseller.
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.
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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.