FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N Installation, Configuration and Operation
Legal Notice FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N This documentation and the software it describes are protected by copyright. AVM grants the non-exclusive right to use the software, which is supplied exclusively in what is known as object code format. The licensee may create only one copy of the software, which may be used exclusively for backup use. AVM reserves all rights that are not expressly granted to the licensee.
Trademarks: Unless otherwise indicated, all trademarks mentioned are legally protected trademarks owned by AVM GmbH, especially product names and logos. Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks owned by Microsoft Corporation in the USA and/or other countries. Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. licensed to AVM GmbH. All other product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Table of Contents 1 FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Operation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Customer Service Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 9.1 9.2 9.3 Product Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Information in the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Support from the AVM Service Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Instructions When working with the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N, follow the instructions below to protect yourself and the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N from damage. • Do not install FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N during an electrical storm. • Unplug the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N from the computer during an electrical storm. • Never let liquids get inside the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N. Otherwise, electric shocks or short circuits may result. • Protect the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N from dust, moisture and steam.
Symbols and Highlighting The following highlighting and icons are used to designate important information: This symbol indicates important instructions that must be observed to avoid malfunctions. This symbol indicates useful hints to assist you in working with the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N. The table below explains the highlighting used in this manual.
1 FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N Overview FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N is a WLAN adapter for the Universal Serial Bus (USB). With the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N, you can connect your computer directly with a WLAN access point, for example, with an AVM FRITZ!Box WLAN . You can also connect to other WLAN devices, to printers, and to PDAs. This grants you high mobility while allowing you to work with all of the advantages of wireless connections, high throughput rates and fast connections at maximum security. 1.
Installation of the latest service packs and updates is recommended. • pentium-class computer or notebook (500 MHz CPU or better) • at least 64 MB RAM and 5 MB free memory on the hard drive • one CD drive You can install FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N if your computer meets all of these requirements. If you would like to connect additional computers, additional FRITZ!WLAN USB Sticks are required. 1.
1.4 Technical Specifications LEDs: 2 (connection / activity) USB port: USB version 2.0, compatible with USB 1.1 with reduced data throughput WLAN module: Support for radio network in accordance with IEEE 802.11n IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11a Frequency band: 2.4 and 5 GHz Encryption: WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) / WPA2 (802.
Firmware: can be updated Channels: 1 through 13 and 36 through 140 (ETSI) Ambient tempera- -5 to 45°C ture (during operation): Ambient -10 to 70°C temperature (idle): Humidity (idle/operation): 5 to 90%, no-condensation Certification: CE 11
2 AVM Stick & Surf Technology Connecting Securely with a FRITZ!Box WLAN With the AVM Stick & Surf technology the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N can take over the WLAN security settings from FRITZ!Box WLAN products. This allows a secure WLAN connection to be established between your computer and your FRITZ!Box without any additional configuration. For this, your FRITZ!Box WLAN must be equipped with a port for USB devices (USB host function).
As soon as you connect the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N to your computer, the security settings of your WLAN are implemented in the FRITZ!WLAN control software and then deleted from the Stick. The AVM Stick & Surf logo appears and a WLAN connection to your FRITZ!Box is established automatically.
3 Installation Installing FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N can be installed in the operating systems Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit edition), Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit edition) and Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit edition). Please install the current Microsoft Service Packs using Microsoft Windows Update and use a USB 2.0 port for optimum performance of your FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N. You can change the display of menus and folders in most operating systems.
5. Then click “Yes” (Windows 7) or “Continue” (Windows Vista) in the “User Account Control” dialog. The drivers and the control software for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N will be installed now. If you are prompted to do so, insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N CD and follow the instructions on the screen. If an additional Windows dialog asks if you want to install software not digitally signed by Microsoft, click “Continue Anyway”. This request depends on the driver signature options set on your computer.
6. In the “Found New Hardware” window, select “Locate and install driver software (recommended)”. If Windows reports that the program may not have been installed correctly, click “The Program was installed correctly.” or “Cancel”. 7. Then click “Yes” or “Continue” in the “User Account Control” dialog. 8. If Windows asks whether you would like to search for drivers online, select the “Do not search for drivers online” option. 9. Insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N CD when Windows prompts you to do so.
If an additional Windows dialog asks if you want to install software not digitally signed by Microsoft, click “Continue Anyway”. This request depends on the driver signature options set on your computer. A progress bar indicates the progress and the conclusion of the installation. This completes the driver installation for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N. Continue reading from section “Information on WLAN Connections” from page 18. 3.
6. A message appears: “The Wizard has finished installing the software for this device”. Conclude the installation by clicking “Finish”. This completes the driver installation for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N. Continue reading in the next section, “Information on WLAN Connections”. Information on WLAN Connections If you performed installation using Stick & Surf, no further steps are necessary to establish a WLAN connection. Your FRITZ!Box WLAN will be identified automatically as WLAN access point.
4 The FRITZ!WLAN Control Software Establishing and Clearing WLAN Connections With the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N you can establish wireless network connections (WLANs) with various WLAN devices. The FRITZ!WLAN control software is available to manage all these WLAN connections. With FRITZ!WLAN you can configure, establish and clear WLAN connections as well as view connection information. 4.
The middle section displays the icon of the WLAN connection as a box with links to the devices on the left and on the right. The small icons in the box display the connection quality and the encryption used. The right side shows the WLAN remote site with which you are currently connected or were connected most recently. Context Menus The features of FRITZ!WLAN are available using the context menu: 1.
4.2 Establishing a WLAN Connection With FRITZ!WLAN you can establish WLAN connections to WLAN remote sites (access points), which can provide access to DSL, to printers, to mobile telephones, PDAs, and even to other WLAN clients. Direct connections are also possible to other FRITZ!WLAN USB Sticks. No matter which device you want to connect to, connecting with FRITZ!WLAN is always based on the principle: search, find, and connect.
If you performed installation without using Stick & Surf, you have to select the WLAN remote site (the WLAN access point) to connect with manually. In this case the control software FRITZ!WLAN automatically searches for WLAN devices at your location. Once a list of the WLAN access points found is displayed, proceed as follows: 1. Select the WLAN device to which you would like to establish a connection and confirm your selection by clicking “Select” or “Connect”. 2.
2. Enter the WLAN key in the “WLAN key” field. All other WLAN parties of the ad-hoc connection must also enter this key. See also the encryption instructions in the section “Encryption” from page 33. Confirm the settings configured earlier for the ad-hoc network. If you would like to change these settings, click the “Edit” button. 3. Confirm with “OK”. The ad-hoc network is now ready for operation and awaits other WLAN users.
See the encryption instructions in the section “Encryption” from page 33. The ad-hoc network is displayed on the FRITZ!WLAN console as a known device and the WLAN connection is established. The process of automatically assigning IP addresses can take up to 3 minutes and is signaled by a flashing IP traffic light in the control software. Connecting to the Internet There are two different ways for FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N to connect to the Internet.
5 Microsoft WLAN Service Establishing and Clearing WLAN Connections In Windows7, Windows Vista and Windows XP from Service Pack 2, the Microsoft WLAN service WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) can be used to manage wireless devices rather than the FRITZ!WLAN program. Information on the WLAN Control Software In your FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N, FRITZ!WLAN is provided as the default application for WLAN connections.
Entering the network key 3. Enter the network key of the WLAN access point in the “Security key” field. Click the “OK” button. On the AVM FRITZ!Box family products the network key is printed on the underside of the device. The WLAN connection is established. Should difficulties arise in establishing a WLAN connection, see the sections “WLAN Connection Is Not Established” from page 42 and “Errors During Installation” on page 39.
Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows Vista) To establish a WLAN connection in Windows Vista using Microsoft WLAN Service (“automatic WLAN configuration”), work through the following steps: 1. Click the Microsoft WLAN icon in the notification area of the task bar and select the option “Connect to a network”. All wireless networks found at your location (mostly WLAN access points) are displayed in a list. Available wireless networks (example view) 2.
3. Enter the WLAN key of the selected WLAN access point in the “Security key or passphrase” field and click “Connect”. On the AVM FRITZ!Box family products the network key is printed on the underside of the device. The WLAN connection is established. Should difficulties arise in establishing a WLAN connection, see the sections “WLAN Connection Is Not Established” from page 42 and “Errors During Installation” from page 39.
Available wireless networks (example of display) 2. Select the desired WLAN access point and click the “Connect” button. The “Wireless Network Connection” window is opened. 3. Enter the WLAN key of the WLAN access point in the “Network key” field. On the AVM FRITZ!Box family products the network key is printed on the underside of the device. 4. Repeat your entry in the “Confirm network key” field and then click the “Connect” button. Entering the WLAN key The WLAN connection is established.
6 More about WLAN AVM and WLAN WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a radio technology that allows networks and access to the Internet to be provided without cable connections. This allows multiple users to share one wireless Internet connection. 6.1 Standards The WLAN standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11i were developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.
Range The range within a WLAN is highly dependent on the following three factors: • • • the WLAN adapter used, the structural conditions, and the amount of radio traffic on the same frequency band. Other wireless networks may be active, but also what are known as analog interferers (for instance baby monitors, video bridges, DECT telephones, Bluetooth transmitters for mobile telephones, and microwave ovens). IEEE 802.
The Standard for Security IEEE 802.11i The WPA2 security mechanism is defined in the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 is an extension of the familiar security mechanism WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). The main feature of the extension of WPA to WPA2 is the AES-CCM encryption process. Mechanism Encryption WPA TKIP (Temporary Key Integrity Protocol) WPA2 TKIP AES-CCM based on the extremely secure AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) procedure.
Encryption The most important security setting is encryption. The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N supports the security mechanisms WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 as follows: • As part of the WEP mechanism a static key is determined to serve for the encryption of the user data. The key must be registered in the WLAN settings of the WLAN client and correspond with the WLAN settings of the WLAN access point.
6.3 Frequency Range WLAN uses the frequency range around 2.4 GHz in the ISM band or, alternatively, the frequency range at 5 GHz. The frequency range used in your WLAN depends on the settings of your WLAN access point. A WLAN in the 2.4-GHz frequency band works in the same band as Bluetooth, DECT, microwave devices, video bridges and baby monitors. This means that interference may occur within WLANs operated in the vicinity of such devices.
Allocation of the WLAN Channels in the 2.4-GHz Range Channel Frequency (GHz) Channel Frequency (GHz) 1 2.412 8 2.447 2 2.417 9 2.452 3 2.422 10 2.457 4 2.427 11 2.462 5 2.432 12 2.467 6 2.437 13 2.472 7 2.442 Allocation of the WLAN Channels in the 5-GHz Range Channel Frequency (GHz) Channel Frequency (GHz) 36 5.18 108 5.54 40 5.20 112 5.56 44 5.22 116 5.58 48 5.24 120 5.60 52 5.26 124 5.62 56 5.28 128 5.64 60 5.30 132 5.66 64 5.32 136 5.
6.4 WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N supports the standardized WPS networking procedure (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). With WPS you can establish a secure WLAN connection between your FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N and your WLAN access point. All of the necessary WLAN security settings are transferred in the process.
2. Select from the list the WLAN access point to which a connection is to be established, and then click the “Select” button. 3. If the device you selected supports WPS, next the “WPS Quick Connection” window will open. Select the desired connection method here and follow the relevant instructions. The WPS connection to the selected WLAN access point will be established automatically.
7 Uninstallation Removing the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N The instructions for removing the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N are valid for all operating systems. The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N driver software and the FRITZ!WLAN control software are removed at the same time. Proceed as follows: 1. Insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N CD. 2. Run the “setup.exe” file. For the operation systems Windows Vista 64-bit Edition and Windows XP 64-bit Edition, the required “setup.
8 Troubleshooting Help for Errors This chapter provides assistance if you are having problems with the WLAN connection, or if you want to change the IP settings on your computer. 8.1 Errors During Installation If an error message is returned during installation of the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N, this can have various causes. Check the possible causes and attempt to resolve the error.
Checking the USB Port The computer does not detect the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N. Possible Cause The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N is not inserted correctly into the USB port or the chip set drivers of your computer are out of date. Remedy Make sure that the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N is inserted firmly into the USB port. Pull the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N out if it is not positioned correctly and insert it into the USB port again. Install the latest chip set drivers.
Installing the Latest Service Packs The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N is detected automatically in the Windows XP operating system. However, the device is not fully functional. Possible Cause The necessary service packs have not been installed. Remedy USB 2.0 support was integrated into the operating system for the first time with the Microsoft Service Packs. To ensure full operation capability, install the current service packs and updates using the Windows Update function.
8.2 WLAN Connection Is Not Established Make sure that the settings in the WLAN access point and in the FRITZ!WLAN control software agree with the entries in the following table. Try again to establish a WLAN connection. For the settings in this table it is presumed that an AVM WLAN product from the FRITZ!Box family is used with WPA/WPA2 encryption (mixed mode). In general it is always advisable to secure your WLAN using the most secure mechanism supported by your WLAN remote site.
Checking the Data of the WLAN Connection Could not register at the WLAN remote site. Possible Cause The settings of the WLAN remote site and the entries in the “WLAN Remote Site” area of the FRITZ!WLAN control software do not match. Remedy Check whether the correct WLAN access point has been selected from the list of WLAN devices and make sure that the WLAN key and the name (SSID) of the WLAN remote site have been entered correctly. Pay special attention to capitalization.
Installing the Patch for WPA2 with Microsoft WLAN Service The connection to an access point cannot be established using the Microsoft WLAN Service (WZC) in Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Possible Cause The required Microsoft patch for WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i) may not be not installed. Remedy Support for WPA2 in Microsoft WLAN service was not available until a patch for Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Install the current patch from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.
Allowing Network Access Two or more computers are networked via FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N, but you cannot access files and connected devices on the remote site. Possible Cause The desired resources like folders, drives, printers or Internet connections are not configured for network sharing. Remedy Make sure that those resources are configured for network sharing. Further information is provided in the Online Help of your operating system.
Checking the Data of the Ad-hoc Connection The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N and a further WLAN adapter are connected directly via WLAN, but cannot exchange any data with each other. Possible Cause The IP address was not assigned by Windows automatically (note: the process can take up to three minutes), or the network key, workgroup or ad-hoc network names do not match.
Avoiding WLAN Channels with DFS The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N loses the WLAN connection in the 5-GHz frequency band for no apparent reason. Possible Cause In the 5-GHz band the access point is programmed to change the channel whenever a radar source transmits on the same channel (DFS: Dynamic Frequency Selection). Remedy A forced channel change can be avoided by selecting a channel on the access point that does not use DFS (channels 36, 40, 44, 48). 8.
6. On the “General” tab, enable the options “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”. Properties of the Internet protocol (TCP/IP) 7. Confirm your selection by clicking “OK”. If necessary, repeat steps 5 through 7 for the “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” as well. The computer now receives an IP address from the WLAN access point. For WLAN products of the AVM FRITZ!Box family, automatic IP address assignment (DHCP) is enabled in the factory settings.
Obtaining an IP Address Automatically in Windows Vista Proceed as follows in Windows Vista: 1. Click the “Start” button in the task bar and select “Control Panel / Network and Internet / View Network Status and Tasks”. 2. From the “Tasks”, select “Manage network connections”. 3. Click the wireless network connection icon with the right mouse button and select “Properties”. 4.
6. Confirm your selection by clicking “OK”. If necessary, repeat steps 4 through 6 for the “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” as well. The computer now receives an IP address from the WLAN access point. For WLAN products of the AVM FRITZ!Box family, automatic IP address assignment (DHCP) is enabled in the factory settings. Obtaining an IP Address Automatically in Windows XP Proceed as follows in Windows XP: 1.
Properties of the Internet protocol (TCP/IP) 5. Confirm your selection by clicking “OK”. The computer now receives an IP address from the WLAN access point. For WLAN products of the AVM FRITZ!Box family, automatic IP address assignment (DHCP) is enabled in the factory settings.
9 Customer Service Guide Help on All Important Service Topics AVM provides numerous sources of information to assist you should any questions or problems arise. Here you will find the important information you need, in the form of manuals, updates and support. MS Service Pack In many cases problems which arise during operation can be resolved by installing the current Microsoft Service Pack for your operating system.
9.2 Information in the Internet On its web site AVM presents comprehensive information on all AVM products as well as new product announcements and new product versions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) We would like to make our products as easy to use as possible. If you still have problems, sometimes a little tip is all you need to resolve them. That is why we present you with a selection of frequently asked questions. The FAQs can be viewed at the following address: www.avm.
Support by E-mail You can send us an e-mail request at any time using the Service area of our web site. The Service area can be reached at: www.avm.de/en/service/support Click in the support area on the “Mail Form” link after your product. Select the operation system you use. Fill out the form and send it to AVM support by clicking the “Send” button. Our Support team will respond by e-mail as quickly as possible.
Index A FRITZ!WLAN icons “Edit” icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 connection icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 infrastructure network icon . . . . . . .21 WLAN icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 establishing connection . . . . . . . . 22 ad-hoc icon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 ad-hoc network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 participating. . . .
N W network error during data exchange . . . . . . 44 network key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 27 networks available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25, 27 wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25, 27 WEP key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 WEP security mechanism . . . . . . . . . . .33 Wi-Fi Protected Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Windows 7, installing in . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Windows Vista, installing in . . . . . . . . . 14 Windows XP, installing in . . .
Declaration of CE Conformity The manufacturer AVM GmbH Address Alt-Moabit 95 D-10559 Berlin herewith declares that the product Type WLAN-Controller Product FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N complies with the following directives: • 1999/5/EC R&TTE Directive: Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment • 2009/125/EC Ecodesign requirements for energy-related products The following norms were consulted to assess conformity: • • • • • EN 55024:2010 EN 301 489-1 V 1.9.
