GemTek Technology U921201G Users manual

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Contents:

bout the 802.11g
Wireless USB Adapter
>

Network Configuration
and Planning

dapter Installation and
Configuration for
Windows
98SE/2000/Me/XP

Navigating the Wireless
Configuration Utility

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter User Guide

Troubleshooting

Glossary

Product Specifications
for 802.11g Wireless
USB Adapter

U.S. Robotics
Corporation Limited
Warranty

Regulatory Information

About the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter

The 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter is compatible with a USB port of any standard
laptop or desktop computer. As the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter is a Plug and
Play device, Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP will automatically recognize it and
initiate the installation process. Upon successful installation, the 802.11g Wireless
USB Adapter will be able to communicate with other home and office networking
products.

FEATURES

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter

z Supports up to 54 Mbps data rate
z Working range of up to 800 ft. in an open environment enhances mobility
z Supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint access which provides

increased flexibility

z Seamless connectivity to wired Ethernet and PC network LANs allowing

quick, trouble-free integration with existing networks

z Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology provides secure,

interference-resistant wireless connection

z Eliminate the hassle and cost of cabling
z Supports a wide range of LAN (Local Area Network) Network Operating

Systems (NOS)

z Easy Plug and Play installation
z Omni-directional antenna included
z Greater flexibility to locate or move networked PCs

LED Information

USB LED

is receiving power and is unlighted when there is no USB power source or when the

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter is not plugged in.

WLAN TX/RX LED

processed and is unlighted when there is no wireless network activity.

: The USB LED is lighted greed when the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter

: The WLAN TX/RX LED blinks green when traffic is being

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Contents:

bout the 802.11g
Wireless USB Adapter

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter User Guide

Network Configuration and Planning

Network Configuration
and Planning >

dapter Installation and
Configuration for
Windows
98SE/2000/Me/XP

Navigating the Wireless
Configuration Utility

Troubleshooting

Glossary

Product Specifications
for 802.11g Wireless
USB Adapter

U.S. Robotics
Corporation Limited
Warranty

Regulatory Information

The 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter supports legacy Ethernet LAN network
configuration options as defined by the IEEE 802 standards committee.

The 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter can be configured as one of the following:

z 802.11g AdHoc for departmental or Small Office and Ho me Office (SOHO)

LANs

z Infrastructure for enterprise LANs
z LAN Interconnection for point-to-point link as a campus backbone

NETWORK TOPOLOGY

n 802.11g AdHoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one
Wireless Access Card or Adapter, that is connected as an independent wireless
LAN. Computers in a specific 802.11g AdHoc wireless LAN must be configured to
share the same radio channel.

802.11g AdHoc wireless LAN configurations are appropriate for branch level
departments or SOHO operations.

The 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter provides access to a wired LAN for wireless
workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure
configuration. A group of 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter users and a Wireless

ccess Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each 802.11g Wireless USB

dapter in a BSS can talk to any computer in the wired LAN infrastructure through
the Wireless Access Point.

n Infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a PC to a wired LAN and
doubles the effective wireless transmission range for two 802.11g Wireless USB

dapters. Since the Wireless Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the
effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.

The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. Any PCs equipped with 802.11g
Wireless USB Adapters and configured without roaming options in an independent
BSS must be configured with a BSS ID that corresponds to the 802.11g Wireless
USB Adapter used in the BSS. Check your 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter for its
BSS ID or use the Access Point Configuration Utility program to determine the BSS
ID.

The Infrastructure Wireless Access LAN configuration is appropriate for enterprise­scale wireless access to a central database or as a wireless application for mobile
users.

point-to-point LAN configuration is possible when two Wireless Access Points are
linked with an optional directional antenna (the directional antenna is an optional
accessory; please contact your dealer for information). The optional directional
antenna makes LAN Interconnection to a wireless backbone between buildings
possible.

ROAMING

Infrastructure configuration also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More

than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous

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network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All 802.11g Wireless USB

dapters and Wireless Access Points within one ESS must be configured with the
same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.

Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choose a feasible radio channel
and optimum Access Point position. Proper Wireless Access Point positioning and a
clear radio signal will greatly enhance the performance.

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Contents:

bout the 802.11g

Wireless USB Adapter

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter User Guide

Adapter Installation and Configuration for

Network Configuration
and Planning

dapter Installation and
Configuration for
Windows
98SE/2000/Me/XP

Navigating the Wireless
Configuration Utility

Troubleshooting

Glossary

Product Specifications
for 802.11g Wireless
USB Adapter

U.S. Robotics
Corporation Limited
Warranty

Regulatory Information

Windows 98SE/2000/Me/XP

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

In order to install and use the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter, your computer must
meet the following requirements:

z An available USB port
z 500 Kb free disk space for utility and driver installation

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter Installation

Prepare for installation

ATTENTION:

connect the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter.

For the most updated information, visit:

Note:

Turn on your desktop or laptop computer. Type your password if you are prompted
to do so.

Attention Windows XP Users:

dapter, you must have Service Pack 1 installed on your computer. If you do not
have Service Pack 1 installed, the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter software will not
be properly installed and the adapter will not function correctly.

You must install your software and drivers before you physically

http://www.usr.com/support

Before you install the 802.11g Wireless USB

Be sure to find out what letter your CD-ROM drive uses before you begin

Note:

installing your new product. You will need to know this to properly install your
software.

During the Installation procedure, you may be prompted for your Windows

Note:

Operating system CD-ROM. Make sure you have it available in case you need it.

Step One: Install your software and drivers

Insert your U.S. Robotics Installation CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

If your CD-ROM does not automatically launch, click Windows Start, Run,

Note:

and type D:\setup (if your CD-ROM drive uses a different letter, type that letter in
place of "D") and click OK.

The Installation CD Graphic User Interface (GUI) will appear on your screen. If
prompted, select your preferred language. Read the license agreement and click

.

es

Click

Software

.

Click

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter Utility and Drivers

instructions to finish the installation procedure.*

. Follow the on-screen

If you are prompted, select

.

Finish

Yes, I want to restart my computer now

and click

You are now ready to connect the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter. If you had to
restart your computer, wait until it finishes rebooting before proceeding to Step
Two.

: You may receive a “Digital Signature Not Found” or “Windows Logo testing” screen. Click Yes or

*Note

Continue Anyway. U.S. Robotics has thoroughly tested this driver in conjunction with the supported hardware
and has verified compatibility with Windows 2000, Me, and XP. Because U.S. Robotics wants its customers to
take full advantage of the network card’s functionality, it has made the drivers available.

Step Two: Connect the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter to your
computer

Plug the small square end of the included USB cable into the USB port on the

A.

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter.

Locate an available USB port on your computer and insert the thin rectangular

B.

end of the included USB cable.

Your computer will not detect the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter if the USB

Note:

cable is loose on either end. Make sure the USB cable is fully inserted into the USB
port on your computer and to the USB port on the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter.

When Windows detects the new hardware, follow the on-screen instructions to
complete the installation procedure.* If you are prompted, restart your computer.

If you are prompted at any time for your Windows Operating System CD-

Note:

ROM, remove the U.S. Robotics Installation CD-ROM and insert your Windows
CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. When all of the files are copied, remove the
Windows CD-ROM, and reinsert the U.S. Robotics Installation CD-ROM.

: You may receive a “Digital Signature Not Found” or “Windows Logo testing” screen. Click Yes or

*Note

Continue Anyway. U.S. Robotics has thoroughly tested this driver in conjunction with the supported hardware
and has verified compatibility with Windows 2000, Me, and XP. Because U.S. Robotics wants its customers to
take full advantage of the network card’s functionality, it has made the drivers available.

Step Three: Connect the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter to a
wireless network

You should now see a small icon for the Configuration Utility in the system tray by
your clock on your computer desktop. The Configuration Utility is used to change or
verify the configuration information that relates to your 802.11g Wireless USB

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dapter. The Configuration Utility icon will be colored to indicate the status of your

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wireless network: red for disconnected and green for connected with good quality.

Double-click the Configuration Utility icon. When the Configuration Utility launches,
you can either scan for a network to connect to or enter the information for a
specific network.

To scan for a network, click the Available N et wo rk s tab . Lo ca te th e ne tw or k yo u
want to connect to in the list, select it, and then click
network in the list, click

If security is enabled in the wireless network you want to connect to or if you want
to manually enter the network information, you will need to set up a profile. For
information about how to do this, refer to the

Configuration Utility

When you have connected to an existing wireless network, click the Link
Information tab. You will see a picture with a computer, a wireless device in the
middle, and an icon representing the Internet. If you see a moving graphic of ones
and zeroes moving between all three icons, you are connected to the wireless
network and to the Internet. If you only see ones and zeroes moving between the
computer and the middle wireless device, you are connected to the wireless
network, but not to the Internet.

Refresh

section of this User Guide.

to scan for the network.

Navigating the Wireless

Connect

. If you do not see the

If you can’t connect to a network or if that network has security enabled, refer to the
User Guide on the installation CD-Rom for Configuration and Troubleshooting
information.

Congratulations!

dapter.

For troubleshooting and technical support information, refer to the Troubleshooting
section in this guide or to the U.S. Robotics Web site at www.usr.com

You have finished installing the 802.11g Wireless USB

Register your product

• At the Installation CD-ROM interface, click the

and Warranty

CD-ROM interface does not run automatically, click Windows

. In the “Run” dialog box, type

Run

different letter, type that letter in place of “D.”

• Or register your product online at http://www.usr.com/productreg

and then click

http://www.usr.com/productreg

D:\setup.exe

Support

. If your CD-ROM drive uses a

link. Click

If the Installation

Start

Registration

and then click

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Contents:

bout the 802.11g

Wireless USB Adapter

802.11g Wireless USB Adapter User Guide

Navigating the Wireless Configuration

Network Configuration
and Planning

dapter Installation and
Configuration for
Windows
98SE/2000/Me/XP

Navigating the Wireless
Configuration Utility

Troubleshooting

Glossary

Product Specifications
for 802.11g Wireless
USB Adapter

U.S. Robotics
Corporation Limited
Warranty

Regulatory Information

Utility

Wireless Configuration Utility

The following section describes the various functions of the Wireless Configuration
Utility. This utility provides quick access to all adapter settings.

fter installation is complete, the Wireless Configuration Utility icon will appear in
the taskbar on the right side near the clock. Double-clicking the icon in the Quick
Launch bar will open the Wireless Configuration Utility main menu, providing quick
access to all adapter settings.

There are four sections to the Wireless Configuration Utility:

Available Networks

,

Profile Setting

, and

About

Link Information:

.

Link Information

,

The

Link Information

status.

If you see moving 1's and 0's flowing between the computer on the left and the
wireless device in the center, you are connected to a wireless network.

If you see moving 1's and 0's flowing between the computer on the left, the wireless
device in the center, and the cloud representing the Internet on the right, you are
connected to a wireless network and to the Internet.

You can click

More

area shows a graphical representation of your connection

to view more information regarding your wireless connection.

Click

to return to the main Link Information screen.

Back

Available Networks:

Selecting this tab opens the
options for configuring your 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter.

On the left, you will see a list of the available wireless networks to which you can
connect. Select the appropriate network name and click

Next to the Network Name list is the Band column. This lets you know what
frequency each wireless network is operating on. The 802.11g Wireless USB

Available Networks

area. This is where you will find

Connect

.

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dapter is backwards compatible with earlier 802.11 versions.

Next to this column is the Signal column. This provides a percentage indicator of
how strongly you are receiving the signal from each wireless network to which you
can connect.

When you select a network, you will see the available information regarding this
network in the site information window on the right.

If you attempt to connect to a network that has security settings enabled, you will
need to create a profile
router's or access point's documentation for instructions on how to locate the
necessary security information.

If you are connecting to a Wireless Access Point, it must support the Transmit

Note:

Rate setting. If the Wireless Access Point does not support the Transmit Rate,
undesired results may occur.

and supply the necessary information. Refer to your wireless

Profile Setting:

If you will be connecting to different wireless networks in different areas or will be
conecting to wireless networks that have security settings enabled, you can create
profiles so that you can easily switch between networks depending on your location
or situation.

If you attempt to connect to a network that has security settings enabled, you will
need to create a profile and supply the necessary information. Refer to your wireless
router's or access point's documentation for instructions on how to locate the
necessary security information.

If you click

profile.

Select a profile and click

, you will need to go through a series of screens to create a new

Add

to modify any profiles that you have already created.

Edit

If you want to remove a profile, select it in the list and click

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Delete

.

Select a profile from the list and click
wireless device or network.

Creating a Profile

fter you click

, the first screen you see will prompt you for a Profile Name.

Add

Connect

to establish a connection with that

Supply a name that will allow you to easily identify the profile in the Profile Setting
screen. After you have entered a name, click

Next

.

On the next screen, you will need to enter the name of the network you which you
want to connect.

You will then need to select the network type:

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Access Point

or

Peer to Peer

.

Access Point:

point or wireless router. This type of mode is also called Infrastructure.
Infrastructure mode provides additional features, such as WEP
security, power saving, and extended range.

Peer to Peer:

wireless device without the use of an access point or wireless router.
This type of mode is also called Ad-Hoc.

You can then select the transfer rate or you can leave it set to Automatic. On

utomatic, the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter will match the fastest speed of the
wireless network to which you are connected. This means that the 802.11g Wir eless
USB Adapter will not achieve its maximum speed if the wireless network does not
support the same maximum speed.

When you are finished, click

Select this mode if you will be connecting to an access

Select this mode if you will be connecting to another

.

Next

On the next screen, you can select the Authentication Mode. Your options are Off,
Open System, Shared Key, and WPA-PSK. The type of authentication you choose
will determine how much more you will need to set up for your profile. Click the
name of an authentication mode for instructions on how to complete each version.