Conceptronic C54U User Manual
C54U
Conceptronic Wireless 54Mbps USB Stick Adapter
Manual
Rev. 040207v1
1
Contents
PACKAGE CONTENTS ................................................................... 3
I
NTRODUCTION ......................................................................... 4
P
RODUCT FEATURES ................................................................... 5
LED
S................................................................................... 5
IRELESS BASICS....................................................................... 6
W
G
ETTING STARTED ..................................................................... 9
F
IRST TIME SETUP..................................................................... 17
I
NSERT THE C54U CD-ROM INTO YOUR COMPUTER .................................. 17
I
NSTALLING THE C54U WIRELESS USB STICK ADAPTER IN YOUR COMPUTER .......... 21
C
ONNECTING TO A NETWORK ......................................................... 27
U
SING THE CONFIGURATION UTILITY FOR WINDOWS XP............................... 34
ROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................... 40
T
T
ECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................... 47
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Package Contents
Contents of Package:
• C54U USB Wireless 54Mbps USB Stick Adapter
• USB Extension Cable
• Manual and Drivers on CD
• Hardware Installation Guide (printed)
If any of the above items is missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
• A computer with an available USB slot
• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98 SE
• At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor or higher
• An 802.11g Access Point for Infrastructure Mode or another
802.11g wireless adapter for Ad-Hoc mode.
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Introduction
The C54U Wireless USB Stick Adapter is an advanced IEEE 802.11g
compatible, high-performance wireless adapter that supports data transfer
speeds of up to 54 Mbps. Amazingly compact, the C54U is literally small
enough to fit in your pocket.
USB technology makes installation and configuration quick and easy. The
C54U is an ideal way to connect your laptop computer to a Wireless Local
Area Network (WLAN.)
After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide
(included in your package) you will have the ability to share information
and resources, such as files and printers, and take full advantage of a
“connected” environment for work or play. Please take a look at our
Getting Started section in this manual. You will see several options for
setting up a network using the C54U.
The C54U comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft
Windows operating systems and can be integrated into a larger network,
running Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98SE, in either
Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an
Access Point.)
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its
application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this
manual and see how wireless technology can help you do things better and
more easily.
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Product Features
• Adheres to 802.11g standard in providing high data wireless transfer
rates of up to 54 Mbps.
• Operation in the 2.4GHz Unlicensed National Information
Infrastructure (U-NII) frequency band
• Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) – a new
technique for transmitting high speed data over a radio wave.
• Dynamic date rate scaling at 1, 2, 5.5, and 11Mbps for IEEE 802.11b
• Dynamic date rate scaling at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps for
IEEE 802.11g
• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic
data rate switching.
• Supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption at
64/128/152-bit encryption with dynamic key exchange for security.
• Supports infrastructure networks via Access Point and ad-hoc
networks via peer-to-peer communication.
• Requires an available USB slot.
• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.
LEDs
LED stands for light-emitting diode.
The C54U has two LEDs: Power and Activity
Network Mode LED Activity
Network Activity Both LEDs flash in unison
Searching for a Network
Connection
Associated with the
Network, but No
Activity
Power Save Mode
(Power-up or Reset)
Adapter is disabled Only the POWER LED flashes
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Both LEDs flash alternately
Both LEDs flicker dimly
POWER LED – slow rate blink
Wireless Basics
The C54U is based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home or business.
Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11g, the C54U will allow you to access the
data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited
to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or office.
You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and
receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used
increasingly in both home and office environments. Innovative ways to
utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate
more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other
fixed infrastructure has proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an
Ethernet LAN. Wireless adapters used on laptop and desktop systems,
support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users,
there is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet
desktop computer and a computer equipped with a wireless adapter other than the added benefit of the ability to roam within the wireless cell.
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices
to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or
an Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access
Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link.
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes.
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
location within the operating range of the WLAN. Ad-hoc management
decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker
efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs - WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change
and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and
logically, can benefit from WLANs’ ease of implementation. WLANs can
operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.
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Furthermore, IEEE standardization mandates interoperability of all WLAN
devices that conform to the 802.11g set of standards.
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be
fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and
ceilings.
Installation Flexibility - Wireless technology allows the network to go
where wires cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for
wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN
hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be
significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic
environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.
Scalability - Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of
topologies to meet the needs of specific applications and installations.
Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks
suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of
thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area.
Standards - Based Technology
The IEEE 802.11g standard designates that devices operate at an optimal
data rate of 54 Megabits per second. This means you will be able to
transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over
your network without noticeable delays. This technology works by
transmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM
(Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by
splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then
transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM
reduces the amount of crosstalk (interference) in signal transmissions. The
C54U will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure
the greatest speed and range possible with the technology.
Installation Considerations
Designed to go up to 900 feet (~300 meters), C54U lets you access your
network with your laptop computer from virtually anywhere you want.
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Keep in mind, however, that the number and thickness of walls, ceilings or
other objects that the wireless signals must pass through may limit range.
Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF
(radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing
range is to follow these basic principles:
1.
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the Access Point and
your receiving device to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your C54U’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) For some businesses or
for a large residential home deployment, it may be beneficial to have
more than one access point with overlapping coverage.
2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points and computers with
wireless adapters - a wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree
angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make sure that the
Access Points and adapters are positioned so that the signal will travel
straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception.
3. Building materials make a difference - a solid metal door or aluminum
studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position Access
Points, and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes
through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
5. Keep the C54U away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate extreme RF noise.
For the average residence, range should not be a problem. If you
experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to
access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between
the computers with wireless adapters that will be connected. Additional
Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where
the signal does not register as strongly as desired.
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Getting Started
To begin, select the type of wireless network you will be building.
We will discuss the following types of networks in this section:
1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router
2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses
3. An Ad Hoc Network
4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing
Please select, from the four types of networks described above, the type
of network that is appropriate for your needs. Please follow the
instructions in the corresponding section that follows.
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1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router
(Network administrators with Dynamic IPs can also follow these
instructions.)
If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using a DHCP-capable Residential
Gateway/Router – or - if you want to connect to an Ethernet network that
uses Dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses, then follow the instructions on the next
page.
DHCP stands for
Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol.
It is a protocol for
assigning dynamic IP
addresses
“automatically.” With a
DHCP-capable
gateway, there is no
need to manually
assign an IP address.
Requirements: A Residential Gateway/Router connected with an
Ethernet (CAT5) cable to an 802.11g Access Point.
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This type of installation requires that you provide a dynamic IP address for
each computer on your network. You will need a DHCP-capable
Residential Gateway/Router for your network.
To complete the installation, please follow these steps:
1. Connect the Router/Gateway to a Broadband connection (e.g., a
Cable modem or a DSL modem.)
2. Connect the 802.11g Access Point to the router.
3. Install the C54U Wireless USB Stick Adapter into a laptop or
desktop computer on your wireless network
4. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in
this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the
Wireless Adapter.
5. By default, the wireless adapter is set to obtain a Dynamic IP
Address. If you are having difficulty connecting, check to make sure
that the IP Address of the wireless adapter is within the IP address
range of your network. Please refer to the Networking Basics
section in this manual entitled: Checking the IP Address.
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2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses
(Network administrators with Static IPs can also follow these instructions.)
If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses that you
have purchased from your Internet Service Provider -or- you want to
connect to an Ethernet network that uses Static IP Addresses, then follow
the instructions on the next page. When you have completed your network,
it should look similar to this:
Please note that this type of installation requires that your ISP (Internet
Service Provider) provides you a static IP address for each computer and
the Access Point on your network. Please refer to the manual that came
with your Access Point to determine its configuration.
Please follow these steps to complete the installation:
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1. Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Broadband connection (i.e.,
a Cable modem or a DSL modem.)
2. Install the C54U Wireless USB Stick Adapter in the computer(s) on
your wireless network
3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section
in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for
the Wireless Adapter.
4. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless adapters if Multiple
Dynamic IP are not used.
Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address
range, and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all the computers on the
network. For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of
10.0.0.2 with a Subnet Mask of 255.0.0.0, then the second computer can
be assigned an IP Address of 10.0.0.3 with a Subnet Mask of 255.0.0.0, etc.
If you are using a PPPoE client (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet),
please contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for further instructions
regarding connecting to the Internet.
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3. An Ad Hoc Network
If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share
files and printers, but no Internet connection, please complete the
following instructions. When your Ad Hoc network is complete it may look
similar to this:
(Requirements: Wireless network adapters for all computers in the ad-hoc
network.)
To complete this installation, please follow these steps:
1. Install the C54U Wireless USB Stick Adapter into your computers.
2. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless adapters.
Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address range, and
the Subnet Mask must be the same for all computers on your network. For
example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of 10.0.0.2 with a Subnet
Mask of 255.0.0.0, then the second computer can be assigned an IP Address of
10.0.0.3 with a Subnet Mask of 255.0.0.0, etc.
3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section
in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for
the Wireless Adapter.
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4. Check the Wireless Configuration for each wireless adapter. Please
refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled:
Checking the Wireless Configuration.
5. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers
in Windows XP.
4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing
If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using one computer or laptop as an
Internet Server, then follow the instructions below. When you have
completed your network, it should look similar to this:
To share an Internet connection with Internet Sharing software you will
need to purchase Internet Sharing software or use the Internet Connection
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