Microsoft MN-730 User Manual
m
Caution
Avertissement
For use with UL Listed, CSA and GS approved personal computers.
Not intended for use in machinery, medical or industrial applications.
Do not use onboard an aircraft or in hazardous locations such as a gas station or other explosive
environment.
For indoor use only.
Do not touch or re-orient the antenna while the device is transmitting
Device should be located at least 5 cm (2 inches) away from any human body in order to meet FCC
exposure limits. Exposure time should be limited if the distance is less.
N’utilisez qu’avec des composantes homologuées UL, CSA ou TUV.
Ne pas utiliser ce dispositif dans une application industrielle ou médicale.
Ne pas utiliser dans un avion ou en présence de vapeur explosive (station-service).
N’utiliser qu’à l’intérieur.
Ne touchez pas à l’antenne lorsque l’appareil est en fonction
Autre composantes: Ce dispositif doit être à plus de 5 cm (2 pouces) de toute personne sinon l’utilisateur
devrait limiter le temps d’exposition.
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© 2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
UPnP is a trademark of UPnP Implementers Corp. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark and Wi-Fi Protected Access is a
trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
contents
1 | Introduction: Welcome to Wireless-G..................................................................................1
About Your Wireless PCI Adapter................................................................................... 1
About Wireless (Radio) Connections.............................................................................3
Types of Wireless Networks........................................................................................ 3
Placement of Wireless Components..........................................................................4
Adjusting the Antenna.................................................................................................5
Understanding Wireless Transmission Standards....................................................5
2 | Setup: Using the Setup Wizard.............................................................................................7
Step 1: Gather Components, Tools, and Information ...............................................7
Step 2: Run the Setup Wizard .................................................................................... 8
Step 3: Install the Adapter in Your Computer............................................................9
Step 4: Configure the Adapter..................................................................................10
Step 5: Test Your Network Connections ..................................................................11
3 | Network Activities: Sharing Resources and Joining Other Networks ..........................13
Logging on to Your Network.........................................................................................14
Using an Internet Connection over a Network............................................................15
Using the Broadband Network Utility ..........................................................................15
Using Files and Folders over a Network......................................................................16
Step 1: Make your files and folders available to the network................................17
Step 2: Access shared files ......................................................................................18
Using a Printer over a Network....................................................................................19
Using Other Peripheral Devices over a Network.........................................................20
About Reading E-Mail Messages on a Network..........................................................20
Playing Games on Your Network and on the Internet ................................................20
Creating a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network ................................................21
Joining an Available Wireless Network........................................................................22
4 | Network Management: Understanding Network Maintenance and Security............. 23
Monitoring Your Network .............................................................................................23
View Status................................................................................................................23
View Network Devices...............................................................................................23
View Adapter Settings...............................................................................................24
Updating Software ........................................................................................................24
0703 Part No. X09-65826-03
Making Your Network More Secure ............................................................................ 24
Help Protect Your Network from Computer Viruses ...............................................24
Help Protect Your Network from Hackers ...............................................................25
Help Protect Your Network from Unauthorized Access.......................................... 25
5 | Troubleshooting: Finding Answers to Common Problems............................................ 27
Setup and Hardware Problems................................................................................... 27
The Setup Wizard will not start or locks up when I run it on my computer........... 27
Setup does not recognize my wireless PCI adapter. ..............................................28
After installing a new PCI adapter, my computer does not start........................... 28
Network and Internet Problems.................................................................................. 29
I can’t stay connected to my wireless network....................................................... 29
I can’t access the Internet from a computer on my wireless network. ................. 29
My network is slow. .................................................................................................. 31
I am having problems running a networked program or multiplayer game
on my network or the Internet. ................................................................................31
Printing and File Sharing Issues.................................................................................. 34
I can’t print to a networked printer.......................................................................... 34
I cannot access a shared file or folder from a computer on my network. ............35
I can open shared files or folders, but cannot write to or delete them................. 37
I can only access shared resources from certain computers or user accounts
on my network. ......................................................................................................... 37
Appendix A: Locating Your Internet and Network Settings.......................................... 39
Internet Connection Type ............................................................................................39
General Internet Settings ............................................................................................40
Dynamic IP (DHCP) Settings........................................................................................ 40
Host name................................................................................................................. 40
MAC Address............................................................................................................. 40
Static IP Settings.......................................................................................................... 41
PPPoE Settings............................................................................................................. 42
Workgroup Name ......................................................................................................... 42
Wireless Network Name ..............................................................................................43
Wireless Security Settings........................................................................................... 43
ii Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter User’s Guide
Appendix B: Support and Technical Information........................................................... 44
Getting Help ..................................................................................................................44
Visit Us on the Web ...................................................................................................44
Click Help in the Broadband Network Utility............................................................44
Technical Support Options .......................................................................................44
Regulatory Information.................................................................................................45
United States Radio and TV Interference Regulations ...........................................45
Canadian Radiocommunication Regulations..........................................................45
Technical Specifications ..............................................................................................46
System Requirements..................................................................................................47
End-User License Agreement.......................................................................................48
Limited Warranty ..........................................................................................................50
Glossary................................................................................................................................. 55
Index ......................................................................................................................................61
Contents iii
introduction
Welcome to Wireless-G
Thank you for purchasing the Microsoft® Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter.
This wireless adapter is up to five times faster than 802.11b adapters. You can use
your adapter to add a computer to a new or existing wireless network. This chapter
describes your wireless adapter and explains wireless (radio) connections.
Note For more information about 802.11g, see “Understanding Wireless Transmission
Standards” later in this chapter.
About Your Wireless PCI Adapter
Your wireless adapter comes with a Setup CD, User’s Guide, and Start Here guide, as
shown in the following illustration.
Setup CD
Install This First!
The Microsoft Wireless PCI adapter is installed in a PCI slot inside your computer, and
is secured by a metal mounting bracket and screw. The following illustration shows the
location of the status light and antenna on the adapter.
User's Guide and
Start Here Guide
Wireless PCI Adapter
(MN-730)
Antenna
Mounting bracket
Wireless light
The Wireless status light provides information about network connectivity and data
activity. The following table describes the behavior of the Wireless light.
When the light is… This means…
On The adapter has established communication with a wireless network.
Blinking quickly Data is being sent or received wirelessly.
Blinking slowly The adapter is trying to establish communication with a wireless network.
Off The adapter is not receiving power, is not recognized by Microsoft
Windows
®
, or is disabled.
2 Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter User’s Guide
About Wireless (Radio) Connections
Your adapter communicates by radio transmission. Radio waves travel in all directions,
and can be transmitted through walls and floors. This section on wireless connections
explains wireless network types and provides important information about wireless
performance.
Types of Wireless Networks
There are two types of wireless networks: infrastructure and ad hoc.
In an infrastructure network, a wireless adapter connects to a wireless network
through a central wireless access point, gateway, or router, such as a Microsoft
Wireless Base Station. This type of network is often used when a broadband Internet
connection will be shared among computers, or when there are more than two
computers or devices on a wireless network. The following illustration shows an
infrastructure network.
Chapter 1: Introduction 3
In an ad hoc network, a wireless adapter connects directly to wireless adapters that
are installed in other computers. This type of network is often used when only two
computers or devices are being connected, when a broadband Internet connection will
not be shared, or when the connection to another computer is intended to be
temporary. The following illustration shows an ad hoc network.
First computer
Second computer
You can use the same adapter to join different wireless networks (and different types
of wireless networks) at different times. For example, you might use your adapter to
connect to an infrastructure network at home most of the time, but occasionally, you
might use your adapter to set up a temporary ad hoc network to share files with a
colleague who visits you at your home office.
The Microsoft wireless PCI adapter is very versatile. You can use it to join a network
that has a non-Microsoft router, gateway, or wireless access point. You can also
establish ad hoc connections to non-Microsoft adapters. When joining these types of
networks, you might need to choose or enter some wireless network settings manually.
Placement of Wireless Components
The following placement recommendations will help you achieve the best wireless
range, coverage, security, and connection speed from your wireless devices:
O
Place wireless components in direct line of sight to one another, if possible.
O
Place wireless components on desks or shelves when possible (instead of on the
floor) to avoid obstacles and achieve better reception on the upper stories of
buildings.
O
Avoid placing wireless components in a way such that large, solid objects block the
direct path between them. Building components, such as fireplaces, concrete or
masonry walls and floors, metal framing, UV window film, and metallic paint will
reduce radio signal strength.
Note Radio waves will travel around your computer case when you send and receive
data wirelessly by using your PCI adapter. Make sure to place your computer a
reasonable distance away from other large metal objects or building materials.
O
Avoid placing wireless components close to electromagnetic devices, especially
those with frequencies in the 2.4-gigahertz (GHz) range. Devices such as cordless
phones, microwave ovens, radios, and televisions can interfere with wireless
transmission.
O
If you notice poor connection speed in an area, try moving your wireless
components closer together. Connection speeds will be slower if your wireless
components are very far apart from each other on the network.
O
Be aware that wireless signal range, speed, and strength can be affected by
interference from neighboring wireless networks and devices.
4 Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter User’s Guide
Adjusting the Antenna
To improve wireless reception, you can adjust the adapter’s antenna. Start with the
antenna pointing straight up, and adjust the antenna if you experience poor signal
strength. Certain areas, such as directly below the antenna, get relatively poor
reception. Pointing the antenna toward another wireless component does not improve
reception.
Understanding Wireless Transmission Standards
802.11 is a series of wireless transmission standards developed by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for wireless local area networks. Currently,
four specifications make up the 802.11 series: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, and
802.11g. Your Microsoft Wireless PCI Adapter conforms to the latest specification,
802.11g. The main features that distinguish these specifications are connection
speed and radio frequency.
The following table summarizes the four specifications in the 802.11 series.
Specification Connection speed Radio frequency band
802.11 1 or 2 megabits per second (Mbps) 2.4 GHz
802.11a Up to 54 Mbps 5 GHz
802.11b 5.5 and 11 Mbps 2.4 GHz
802.11g Up to 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz
Note The benefit of the 2.4-GHz radio frequency band is that it allows for greater range
than the 5-GHz band. The drawback is that it is susceptible to interference from other
devices, such as 2.4-GHz cordless telephones.
Because 802.11b and 802.11g use the same radio frequency, your 802.11g adapter
is compatible with 802.11b devices. However, when you transfer data between
802.11b and 802.11g devices, the connection speed is limited to the 802.11b
maximum of 11 Mbps.
Note Your Microsoft Wireless adapter is not compatible with 802.11a-only devices.
Chapter 1: Introduction 5
2
setup
Using the Setup Wizard
This chapter will guide you through the setup process for your Microsoft® Broadband
Networking Wireless PCI Adapter. To set up your adapter, you need a computer that:
O
Is running Microsoft Windows® XP, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 2000
Professional, Windows 98, or Windows 98 SE operating system.
O
Has an available PCI card slot.
The steps in this chapter correspond to the steps that you will go through in the wizard
on the Setup CD.
Note If you don’t want to use the Setup Wizard to set up your adapter, and you have
Windows XP, it is possible to set up your adapter by using the Add Hardware Wizard and
the Wireless Network Connection utility in Windows. However, using the Setup Wizard is
recommended because the Setup Wizard installs the network utility software and
configures your wireless network settings.
Step 1: Gather Components, Tools, and Information
1. Take the following items to your computer:
O
Setup and Network Utility CD
O
Microsoft Wireless PCI Adapter
O
This User’s Guide
O
Documentation from your computer’s manufacturer
O
Phillips screwdriver
O
The floppy disk, file, printout, or written record of network settings that you
created when setting up your network. (If you don’t have a saved copy of your
network settings, see Appendix A, “Determining Your Network Settings.”)
O
Installation CD for your Windows operating system if your computer is running
Windows Me, Windows 98, or Windows 98 SE
Note You can use the Setup and Network Utility CD (v.2.0) that comes with this
adapter to install all current and previous versions of Microsoft Broadband Networking
products. If you have other Microsoft Broadband Networking products on your network,
you do not need to keep multiple copies of this CD and you can discard earlier versions
of this CD.
2. If your computer is running Windows XP or Windows 2000, log on as a member of
the Administrator group. If you are not logged on as an administrator, click Start,
click Log Off, and then press CTRL+ALT+DELETE. Log on again with an
administrator’s name and password.
3. If you are setting up an adapter on a computer that is already connected to a
network over Ethernet, disconnect the computer from the network.
Note After you set up the wireless adapter, you can still return to using the Ethernet
connection (instead of the wireless connection) at times if you want to. For some tasks
that you might perform on your network, using an Ethernet connection may increase
the data transfer rate. However, if you switch to an Ethernet connection, you will
typically not notice an increase in speed when you access the Internet over your
broadband connection.
Step 2: Run the Setup Wizard
1. Insert the Setup CD into your CD drive. If the Setup Wizard does not start
automatically after a few seconds, open My Computer, double-click the CD icon,
and then double-click Setup or Setup.exe.
Note During setup, you may be prompted to restart your computer or insert your
Windows operating system CD. You may also need to specify the location of the
required setup files on the Windows CD. Do this by typing the drive letter of your CD
drive and the appropriate directory (for example, D:\win98).
2. On the first screen that appears, click Set Up a Product.
The wizard will detect any components that are missing on your computer and
specify which of these components are required for setup and which are optional.
3. Continue following the instructions in the wizard to install missing components (as
necessary).
4. When the wizard asks whether you are setting up a base station or an adapter, click
Network adapter.
5. When the wizard asks which network adapter you are setting up, click Wireless-G
PCI Adapter (MN-730).
6. Continue following the instructions in the Setup Wizard. If you have a question, click
a Help link on the screen for more information.
If you need to cancel setup before it is complete, you can rerun the wizard. When
the Setup Wizard restarts, click Set Up a Product.
7. When the wizard prompts you to install the PCI adapter on your computer, click
Next and then shut down your computer.
8 Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter User’s Guide
Step 3: Install the Adapter in Your Computer
1. After your computer shuts down completely, unplug the power cord from the back
of the computer to prevent electric shock.
2. Remove the cover from your computer. For instructions, see your computer
documentation.
Caution Electronic components are sensitive to static electricity. Always ground
yourself by touching the metal frame of your computer with your bare hand before
touching the PCI adapter or any other internal components of your computer.
3. Locate an available PCI slot on your computer’s motherboard.
Caution Before you attempt to insert your PCI adapter into the PCI slot, make sure
that the pin configuration of the slot matches that of the connectors on the bottom of
the adapter.
4. Remove the protective bracket from the PCI slot.
5. Insert the wireless PCI adapter into the slot, as shown in the following illustration.
Be careful to line up the connectors on the adapter with the PCI slot, and then press
evenly on the top of the card until it is securely connected to the motherboard.
When the adapter is correctly seated, the mounting bracket will be flush with the
frame of the computer.
Computer frame
Wireless PCI
Adapter
Mounting
bracket
PCI slot
Screw
Protective bracket
6. Screw the bracket of the wireless PCI adapter securely to your computer’s frame.
7. Replace the cover on your computer.
Chapter 2: Setup 9
8. Adjust the antenna so that it points upward and away from any adjacent cabling, as
shown in the following illustration. Make sure that the antenna is screwed in snugly,
being careful not to overtighten it.
9. Plug in the power cord, and make sure that no other cables have come loose during
installation.
Step 4: Configure the Adapter
1. Turn on your computer.
When Windows starts, the Setup Wizard automatically resumes.
Note If you originally logged on as an administrator to begin Setup, make sure that
you log on by using the same account after you restart your computer.
2. Continue following the instructions in the Setup Wizard.
3. When the wizard asks what type of network you have, select the option that best
describes the network that you want to join.
Important If you want to share a broadband Internet connection on your network, it is
recommended that you set up a network that uses a base station, gateway, or router. If
you choose not to set up a base station on your network, you should set up security
features on the computer that is sharing the Internet connection. If you have
Windows XP, you can use Internet Connection Firewall to help provide such security. If
you don’t have Windows XP, be sure to use other measures to help provide a security
layer between your network and the Internet. For more information about security, see
“Making Your Network More Secure” in Chapter 4.
10 Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter User’s Guide
4. If you are connecting to a network with a base station, gateway, or router, the
wizard will prompt you for your wireless network settings. If you want to join an adhoc network, see “Joining an Available Wireless Network” in Chapter 3.
Note For more information about network types, see “Types of Wireless Networks” in
Chapter 1.
5. The wizard will help you set up your computer for file and printer sharing.
6. When you reach the end of the Setup Wizard, click Finish to exit the wizard. The
Broadband Network Utility starts automatically.
7. Remove the Setup CD from your CD drive and the floppy disk (if used) from the
floppy disk drive. Keep your network settings handy for setting up additional
computers on your network.
Step 5: Test Your Network Connections
1. View the status of your network in the Broadband Network Utility. Make sure that
the other computers on your network appear under Network Devices. For more
information about using the Broadband Network Utility, see Chapter 3.
2. If you are sharing an Internet connection on your network, test your Internet
connection by opening your Web browser and visiting a Web site, such as
www.microsoft.com.
Chapter 2: Setup 11
3
network activities
Sharing Resources and Joining Other Networks
After setting up your wireless network, you can perform common network tasks, such
as making files and printers available to other computers (a process called “sharing”),
and then accessing these shared resources. You can also use the same Internet
connection from multiple computers on your network.
This chapter describes how to:
O
Log on to your network.
O
Use the same Internet connection from multiple computers on your network.
O
Start the Broadband Network Utility (to view shared resources, join other networks,
and access Help to troubleshoot problems).
O
Share files and folders from one computer and then access them from other
computers.
O
Share a printer that is connected to one computer and then print to it from other
computers.
O
Make other peripheral devices available to computers on your network.
O
Read e-mail messages on your network.
O
Play games on your network and on the Internet.
O
Create a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network.
O
Join an available wireless network.
Logging on to Your Network
After starting your computer, you must always log on to your network to access files,
printers, and other resources that have been shared.
®
If you have Microsoft
do not click Cancel during the logon process, even if you decide to leave your
password blank. Type your user name, type your password (or leave it blank), and then
click OK.
If you are already using Windows, and you haven’t yet logged on to your network, you
can log off from Windows and then log back on.
To log off and log back on to your network
1. Click Start.
2. Click Log Off. (If Log Off does not appear on your Start menu, click Shut Down,
make sure that Log Off is selected in the drop-down box, and then click OK.)
3. Log on to your network.
After you log on to your network, you can perform certain network functions, such as
opening shared files.
Windows® 98 or Windows Millennium Edition operating system,
Do not
click Cancel
14 Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter User’s Guide
Using an Internet Connection over a Network
If you have the Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station and a
broadband connection to the Internet, the other computers on your network can share
the original Internet connection. Internet sharing is automatically configured by the
Setup Wizard when you install the base station.
If you do not have a base station, you can configure one of your computers to share its
broadband or dial-up Internet connection, provided that the computer is running
Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows 98
Second Edition. These versions of Windows include a feature called Internet
Connection Sharing, which allows multiple computers on a network to use the same
Internet connection, even at the same time. For information about setting up Internet
Connection Sharing, look up “Internet Connection Sharing” in Windows Help.
Important Before you share an Internet connection, check with your Internet service
provider about its policy regarding Internet connection sharing.
If you use Internet Connection Sharing, you must leave the computer with the Internet
connection turned on for the other computers on the network to access the Internet.
You will continue to access the Internet from each computer the way you normally do,
for example, by using your Web browser. To browse the Web, each computer must
have a Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer) installed.
Although you aren’t likely to notice a difference in speed, sharing a broadband Internet
connection with other computers on your network makes the Internet connection
slightly slower for each person. Sharing a dial-up Internet connection has a more
noticeable impact on speed.
Important If you use Internet Connection Sharing, you should take measures to provide a
security layer between your network and the Internet. If the computer with the shared
Internet connection is running Windows XP, you can use Internet Connection Firewall to
help provide such security. If the computer with the shared Internet connection is running
an earlier version of the Windows operating system, we recommend using security
software on this computer.
Using the Broadband Network Utility
The Microsoft Broadband Network Utility is automatically installed on your computer
when you run the Setup Wizard. You can use the Broadband Network Utility to view
other computers on the network, access shared files on those computers, and join
other wireless networks.
The Help system in the Broadband Network Utility provides additional information
about Microsoft Broadband Networking products, using the Broadband Network Utility,
performing common tasks on your network, and troubleshooting network problems.
The Help system, the Network Troubleshooter, and Web Help are all available on the
Help menu.
Note For information about using the Broadband Network Utility to change wireless
settings or update software, see Chapter 4.
Chapter 3: Network Activities 15
To start the Broadband Network Utility
O
Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Microsoft Broadband Network
Utility.
-or-
O
Double-click the Broadband Network Utility icon in the notification area at the
far right of the Windows taskbar.
Information about
your computer
Information about
your network
The Internet connection
status of your computer
A list of other
computers that
are connected
to your network
The right pane of the Broadband Network Utility displays information about the
computers connected to your network. This information automatically refreshes at
regularly scheduled intervals. You can also manually refresh the list.
Note To see the full computer name and Internet protocol (IP) address of a computer in
the Network Devices list, hold the mouse pointer over the computer in the list.
To refresh the Network Devices list
O
Right-click the icon for an active device, and then click Refresh.
To remove an inactive device from the Network Devices list
O
Right-click the dimmed icon for the device, and then click Remove from List.
In the sections that follow you will read about how to use the Broadband Network
Utility to access shared files on network computers and to join other networks.
Using Files and Folders over a Network
This section explains how you can make files and folders available on one computer (a
process called “file and folder sharing”) and then access those files and folders from
other computers on your network.
To make using files and folders over a network easy, you should assign all computers
on your network to the same workgroup if you haven’t done so already. For information
about how to do this, look up “workgroup” in Windows Help.
Important Do not assign a computer (such as a work laptop) to your workgroup if
the computer is already a member of a domain, and you intend to reconnect to the
domain later.
16 Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter User’s Guide
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