February 2012 202-11002-01 v1.0 N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA User Manual 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA February 2012 202-11002-01 v1.
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Table of Contents Chapter 1 Getting Started What You Need Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Installation with Custom Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 First, Install the WNA1000M Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Then, Install Your Wireless-N USB Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Using the Smart Wizard to Connect to a Wireless Network . . . . . . . . .
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Appendix A Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA 6 | Table of Contents
1. Getting Started 1 This chapter describes how to install your micro USB adapter with custom setup and how to connect to a wireless network. For help with express installation, see the N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Installation Guide. What You Need Before You Begin Make sure your computer meets the system requirements. You should also know the name of the wireless network you want to join and its wireless security settings (if used).
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Installation with Custom Setup Note: For help with Express installation, see the N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Installation Guide. First, Install the N300MA Software 1. Insert the Resource CD in your computer’s CD drive. If the CD main screen does not display, browse the files on the CD and double-click Autorun.exe. 2. Click Setup. The Software Update Check screen displays. 3. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA 5. When prompted, browse to select the destination folder for your wireless adapter software, and click Next. 6. Select one of the following methods to configure and manage your wireless network: • Smart Wizard. Manage your wireless networks with the On Networks Smart Wizard. • - Automatically. Let the Smart Wizard configure the settings for your micro USB adapter. - Manual. Specify the settings for your micro USB adapter in the Settings screen. Windows Utility.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA 2. Click Next. The Smart Wizard software detects the adapter. 3. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the driver and complete the installation. How you connect to a network depends on what you selected during custom installation. • If you installed the Smart Wizard with automatic configuration, see the following section, Using the Smart Wizard to Connect to a Wireless Network.” • If you installed the Smart Wizard with manual configuration, the Settings tab displays.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA 2. The adapter connects to the network, which can take a minute or two. Your settings are saved in a profile, which you can name: 3. Click Finish, and the Smart Wizard Settings screen displays. The icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop so you can open the Smart Wizard to make changes or connect to a different wireless network.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA N300MA Icon This icon is on the desktop and in the Windows system tray. The system tray is on one end of the task bar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. The icon color shows the wireless connection. Color Meaning Recommended Action Red The micro USB adapter is not connected to a wireless network. Check your configuration, or try moving to a location where the wireless signal quality is better. Yellow The micro USB adapter has a weak wireless connection.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Understanding the Status Bar (Continued) Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you experience higher throughput when the signal is strongest. Join a Network Click Join a Network to open the Connection Wizard. Connection status The status of your network connection. • Connected to Internet. The wireless Internet connection is OK. • Connected to Router.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Micro USB WiFi Adapter LED The LED shows the status of the wireless link as explained in the following table. Micro USB WiFi Adapter LED Meaning Off • The micro USB adapter in not plugged in to the USB port. • The micro USB adapter is in power save mode (default from power up or reset). Slow blinking • Alternating amber and blue. The micro USB adapter is • scanning for a network. Blue. The micro USB adapter is connecting to a network at 2.4 GHz.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA The Smart Wizard goes to the On Networks website and checks for newer software. If there is a newer version of firmware, this screen displays: 3. Click OK. When the file has been downloaded, a message like the following displays: 4. Click Yes. Follow the installer instructions, and if prompted, restart your computer. Removing the Software You can remove the wireless adapter software through the Windows Program List or the Windows Control Panel.
2. Network Connections and Wireless Security 2 This chapter explains how to use your micro USB adapter to connect to wireless networks and how to set up wireless security for the micro USB adapter so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network. Using the Smart Wizard After Installation When you installed the software from the Resource CD, the icon appeared on your desktop and in the Windows system tray. The Windows system tray is located on the Windows taskbar.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA 3. Select Wireless Network Connection, right-click, and then select Properties. 4. Click the Wireless Networks tab. Then clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless settings check box. Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area You can use the Networks tab to view all available wireless networks in your area. You can also scan to search for wireless networks and refresh the tab. To view wireless networks: 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. 2.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA • Channel. The channel determines which operating frequency is used. In this column (G) indicates a 2.4 GHz network. • N. The access point supports wireless N mode. • WPS. The access point supports WPS. • Security. Identifies whether the wireless network uses security settings such as WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, or WEP. • Signal. Identifies the signal strength of the communications. • MAC Address.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Using Push 'N' Connect to Join a Network Push 'N' Connect (also called WPS) lets you join a secure wireless network by pushing a button instead of entering a passphrase or network key. Your micro USB adapter works with WPS, but only if the wireless network you want to join also supports WPS. An access point or router that supports WPS has a WPS symbol on it. To join a network using WPS: icon to open the Smart Wizard. On the status bar at the bottom of the 1.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Creating Profiles to Connect to Networks The Smart Wizard can create a profile for each wireless network that you join when using your micro USB adapter. If you connect to different networks, name the profiles and save them to easily connect the next time you join the same network. Advanced users can also set up profiles for Ad Hoc mode connections for peer-to-peer networking. See Working with Ad Hoc Mode on page 25.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Wireless Security Many networks use wireless security. The first time you join a network that uses wireless security, you must either know its security settings, or use Push 'N' Connect (WPS) for a WPS-compatible wireless network.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Setting Up WEP Encryption Security 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab displays: 2. In the Profile field, select the profile or type in a profile name. 3. In the Network Name (SSID) field, select the network, or enter the SSID. 4. In the Security section, select WEP and then select the WEP encryption strength: • 64-bit WEP data encryption • 128-bit WEP data encryption 5.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Viewing Statistics The Statistics tab provides real time and historical trend information about the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter. • Transmit/Receive Performance (%). A real-time graph identifies the total, receive, and transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible. • Transmit, Receive, and Total (TxRx). Radio buttons let you select whether to display the transmit performance, the receive performance, or both in the same graph.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA • Driver Version and Driver Date: The wireless adapter driver version and release date. • MAC Address. The Media Access Control (MAC) address of the adapter. This is a unique 48-bit hardware address. Some wireless networks restrict access based on a list of known MAC addresses. To connect to such a network, you must first provide the MAC address shown here to the network administrator. • IP Address. The IP address assigned to this adapter. • Smart Wireless Utility.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA can change the preamble for better throughput if you experience interference, such as from a cordless telephone. Many cordless phones use 2.4 GHz. • Auto. Up to 150 Mbps. • 2.4 GHz. Use a 2.4 GHz preamble. • Long. 3. Click OK. Working with Ad Hoc Mode Ad Hoc Mode is an advanced feature that allows you to create a wireless network between two computers without using a router or access point.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA c. In the Profile field, type the name of the profile. d. Click Apply. 3. Save your settings in a profile. a. Click Save Profile, and all the configuration settings are saved in this profile. b. Click Apply, then click Close to exit the Smart Wizard, or click Cancel to return to the previous settings. 4. Configure the computer network settings. a. Configure each computer with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol. b. Restart the computers. 5.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection 1. On the Settings tab of the Smart Wizard, select or type the network name (SSID). 2. Select the Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) network type. Note: For Windows Vista computers, you must have administrator rights. Otherwise, this option is not available for selection. 3. Click Initiate Ad Hoc. The Ad Hoc Setting screen displays: 4. In the Start Ad Hoc drop-down list, select the wireless standard (802.11b or 802.
3. Wireless Network Performance 3 This chapter explains how to maximize the performance of your micro USB adapter within your network. Optimizing Wireless Performance The position of your micro USB adapter and the local environment can affect its wireless performance. • Use the plastic cradle that came in the package with your adapter. This lets you place the adapter in a better position for wireless communication.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth The speed of network connections depends on the type of equipment that you use. Try to use high-speed technologies for network connections with the heaviest traffic to avoid lower-speed bottlenecks. The following illustration shows a home network that includes many different connection speeds. Figure 1.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Networking Technology and Connection Speed Common connection types and their speed and security considerations are: • Broadband Internet Your Internet connection speed depends on your modem type, such as ADSL or cable modem, as well as the speed of the sites to which you connect, and general Internet traffic. ADSL and cable modem connections have a lower data rate to the Internet (upstream) than from the Internet (downstream).
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA • Streaming HD video requires 10 to 30 Mbps per stream. Because latency and packet loss can disrupt your video, plan to provide at least twice the capacity you need. • Streaming MP3 audio requires less than 1 Mbps per stream and does not strain most modern networks. Like video, however, streaming audio is also sensitive to latency and packet loss, so a congested network or a noisy link can cause problems.
4. Troubleshooting 4 This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your micro USB adapter. You can also refer to the Knowledge Base on the On Networks website at http://support.On Networks.com. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The micro USB adapter LED is not lit. The micro USB adapter is not inserted securely in the USB port (or USB cable if used) or the N300MA software is not installed. • Remove and reinsert the micro USB adapter.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA When I connect to the network I cannot access the Internet. Click to open the Smart Wizard, and then check the connection status in the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Connection status Here is a list of connection statuses and their meanings: • Connected to Internet: The wireless Internet connection is OK. • Connected to Router: The wireless connection to the router is OK, but the router is not connected to the Internet. • 169.254.x.x or ___.___.___.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA The Smart Wizard keeps asking me to save settings. If you change the settings, the Smart Wizard offers you the chance to save the changes. To avoid this prompt, click Apply before you close the Smart Wizard. Two N300MA icons are in the Windows system tray. You have an older software version installed on your system and it needs to be removed. See Removing the Software on page 15.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA connections, or both when using the Micro USB Adapter. You can delete this Hotfix from the Add or Remove Programs utility in the Control Panel. To delete Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. 2. Select Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485, and then click Remove. • You might receive an error message that states that some program on the computer might not work correctly if the update is removed.
A. Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings A Technical Specifications The following table provides technical specifications for the micro USB adapter. Feature Description Antenna 2 integrated internal wireless antennas Standards 802.11n, 802.11g, or 802.11b Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, 72, and Mbps and 150 up to 270Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) Frequency 2.4 GHz to 2.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Factory Default Settings The following table lists the default settings of your micro USB adapter. Default Settings Smart Wizard Enabled Wireless Wireless communication Enabled Wireless Network Name (SSID) Any (will connect to the first wireless network that responds. Security Disabled Network type Infrastructure Transmission speed Auto1 Country/Region United States (varies by region) Operating mode 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.
B. Related Documents B This appendix provides links to reference documents you can use to gain a more complete understanding of the technologies used in your On Networks product. Document Link Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities Application Note http://documentation.On Networks.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing: http://documentation.On Networks.com/reference/enu/tcpip/index.htm Wireless Communications: http://documentation.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Appendix B: Related Documents | 39
C. Notification of Compliance C Regulatory Compliance Information This section includes user requirements for operating this product in accordance with National laws for usage of radio spectrum and operation of radio devices. Failure of the end-user to comply with the applicable requirements may result in unlawful operation and adverse action against the end-user by the applicable National regulatory authority.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with the US/Canada portable RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and are safe for the intended operation as described in this manual. Further RF exposure reduction can be achieved if the product is kept as far as possible from your body, and the device can be set to a lower output power, if such function is available.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA • In Italy, the end-user should apply for a license at the national spectrum authorities in order to obtain authorization to use the device for setting up outdoor radio links and/or for supplying public access to telecommunications and/or network services. • This device may not be used for setting up outdoor radio links in France, and in some areas the RF output power may be limited to 10 mW EIRP in the frequency range of 2454 – 2483.5 MHz.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Table 2. EDOC in Languages of the European Community Language Statement Magyar [Hungarian Alulírott, On Networks Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a Radiolan megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC irányelv egyéb elõírásainak. Polski [Polish] Niniejszym On Networks Inc. oświadcza, że Radiolan jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozostałymi stosownymi postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC. Português [Portuguese] On Networks Inc.
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA Household Appliance Recommended Minimum Distance (in feet and meters) Bluetooth devices 20 feet / 6 meters ZigBee 20 feet / 6 meters 44 | Appendix C.
