Multi-Tech Systems RF802USB User Manual

USB 11Mbps Wireless Network Adapter

Model RF802USB

User Guide

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. USB 11 MBPS Wireless Network Adapter

Model RF802USB

PN S0000230 Revision A

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.

Revision Date Description

A 10/01/01 Initial Release.

Patents

This Product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. Patent Numbers: 6,151,333; 5,757,801; 5,682,386. Other patents pending.

Trademarks

Trademark of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. is the Multi-Tech logo. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft.

Technical Support

Multi-Tech Systems has an excellent staff of technical support personnel available to help you get the most out of your Multi-Tech product. If you have any questions about the operation of this unit or experience difficulty during installation, you can contact Tech Support via the following:

Country By Email By Telephone

France support@multitech.fr (33) 1-64 61 09 81 India support@multitechindia.com (91) 124-340778 U.K. support@multitech.co.uk (44) 118 959 7774 U.S. & Canada support@multitech.com (800) 972-2439 Rest of World support@multitech.com (763) 785-3500

World Headquarters

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. 2205 Woodale Drive Mounds View, Minnesota 55112 (763) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717 Fax (763)785-9874

http://www.multitech.com

Contents

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................5

OUR RF802USB PACKAGE ...............................................................................................................................5

IRELESS NETWORK BASICS...............................................................................................................................5

AFETY ................................................................................................................................................................6

S A

CHIEVING OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE ..................................................................................................................6

LED I

NDICATORS ................................................................................................................................................7

OUR WAYS TO USE THE WIRELESS LAN ADAPTER ...........................................................................................7

CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION OF THE RF802USB..................................................................................12

NSTALLATION OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................12

OFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS 98/ME/2000 ....................................................................................12

S C

ONNECTING THE RF802USB TO YOUR PC OR LAPTOP ...................................................................................13

ETTING NETWORK PROPERTIES IN WINDOWS 98/ME .......................................................................................13

ETTING NETWORK PROPERTIES IN WINDOWS 2000..........................................................................................14

CHAPTER 3 - CONFIGURATION UTILITY................................................................................................16

TATUS TAB.......................................................................................................................................................17

ONFIGURATION TAB ........................................................................................................................................18

C E

NCRYPTION TAB ..............................................................................................................................................20

BOUT TAB .......................................................................................................................................................22

CHAPTER 4 - TROUBLESHOOTING...........................................................................................................24

ERIFYING DRIVER INSTALLATION....................................................................................................................24

HECKING THE WIRELESS ADAPTER CONFIGURATION ......................................................................................27

CHAPTER 5 - NETWORKING BASICS ........................................................................................................30

OMPUTER IDENTIFICATION ..............................................................................................................................30

HARING FILES ..................................................................................................................................................32

ETTING SHARING LEVELS OF ACCESS ..............................................................................................................34

YPES OF ACCESS ..............................................................................................................................................34

HARING PRINTERS............................................................................................................................................35

S S

ELECTING A SHARED PRINTER .........................................................................................................................36

OW TO INSTALL TCP/IP ..................................................................................................................................39

ONFIGURING A DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS ............................................................................................................42

ONFIGURING A STATIC IP ADDRESS ................................................................................................................45

HECKING TCP/IP ADDRESS OF THE WIRELESS ADAPTER ................................................................................47

HECKING THE CONNECTION BY PINGING .........................................................................................................48

APPENDIX A - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RF802USB....................................................50

APPENDIX B - UNINSTALL RF802USB SOFTWARE................................................................................52

NINSTALL RF802USB IN WINDOWS 98...........................................................................................................52

NINSTALL RF802USB IN WINDOWS ME.........................................................................................................52

NINSTALL RF802USB IN WINDOWS 2000.......................................................................................................53

APPENDIX C - MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS, INC. WARRANTY & REPAIRS POLICIES .......................54

APPENDIX D – REGULATORY INFORMATION.......................................................................................56

EDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT.............................................................56

R&TTE C

OMPLIANCE STATEMENT ...................................................................................................................56

INDEX .................................................................................................................................................................57

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 3

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 1

Introduction

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 4

Chapter 1 - Introduction

The Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. USB 11Mbps Wireless Network Adapter provides an ideal way to “connect” your PC or laptop computers to a wireless network or to “connect” as part of a wired network with a wireless network segment. With the wireless adapter, 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 and play!

The Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. product adheres to all industry standards and brings compatible high speed wireless connectivity for use in your home or business.

This User Guide provides an introduction to wireless technology and its application, will assist you with the installation procedure, and give you troubleshooting and basic network information.

Your RF802USB Package

• USB 11Mbps Wireless Network Adapter

• This printed User Guide

• A CD-ROM containing a Wireless Network Management utility, this user guide and

drivers. The Configuration Utility is used for managing the wireless adapter and establishing the wireless connection with your Local Area Network.

Note: If anything is missing, please contact your vendor.

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Wireless Network Basics

A wireless network system offers a great number of advantages over a traditional wired system. Wireless networks are more flexible, are easier to setup and manage, and are often more cost effective than their wired equivalent.

Using radio frequency (RF) technology, wireless networks transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections. Wireless networks combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable networks.

With wireless networks, users can access shared information without looking for a place to plug in, and network managers can set up or augment networks without installing or moving wires. Wireless networks offer the following productivity, convenience, and cost advantages over traditional wired networks:

Mobility – Wireless network systems can provide their users with access to realtime information anywhere within their organization. This mobility supports productivity and service opportunities not possible with wired networks.

Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless network 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.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 5

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for wireless network hardware might be higher than the cost of wired network hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, add-ons, and changes.

Scalability - Wireless network 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 allows roaming over a broad area.

Safety

USB equipment is designed with the utmost care for the safety of those who install and use it. However, special attention must be paid to the dangers of electric shock and static electricity when working with electrical equipment. All guidelines of this manual and of the computer manufacturer must, therefore, be allowed at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.

Achieving Optimal Performance

Minimize the Number of Barriers

The number of walls, ceilings, and other objects that the wireless signal must pass through limit the range of wireless network communications. Position your Access Points, Residential Gateways, and computers so that the number of barriers is minimized.

Minimize the Degree of Angles among the Access Points, Residential Gateways, And Computers

Try to position the Access Points and Adapters so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception.

If a 45-degree angle exists between an Access Point and a PC with a wall that is .5 meters thick, this 45-degree angle can appear to be almost 1 meter degree angle, the barrier can appear to be over 14 meters thick.

Consider the Type of Barrier

Try to position Access Points, Residential Gateways, and Computers so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways. Other materials, such as solid metal or aluminum studs, may have a negative effect on range.

Position the Antenna for Optimal Performance

The antenna can be adjusted to help improve performance.

Minimize the Amount of Distance from Electrical Devices

Try to maintain a distance of at least 1-2 meters from devices that generate RF noise, like microwaves, monitors, electric motors, etc.

thick. At a 2-

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 6

Chapter 1 - Introduction

LED Indicators

The Wireless Network Adapter has two indicator lights that can give you information about your network traffic and help you determine problems when troubleshooting.

1. Power LED – When this light is on, the adapter is on.

2. Link – This light blinks with traffic. The more traffic, the more blinking.

Four Ways to Use the Wireless LAN Adapter

This section covers the different ways in which the Wireless LAN Adapter can be set up and used.

Setup 1 – The Ad Hoc Network Setup 2 – The Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing Setup 3 – The Home Network with Multiple IPs Setup 4 – The Home Network with a Residential Gateway, Firewall, or Router.

Setup 1 – The Ad Hoc Network

Use This Setup If:

You have two or more computers and/or laptops and just want to share files and printers.

Steps:

1. Install the Wireless Network Adapter - See the Installation section of this User Guide or the Quick Start Guide.

2. Set Static IP Address for the Wireless Network Adapter - See Networking Basics.

3. Check the wireless connection- See Configuration Utility and Networking Basics.

4. Learn to share printers and file - See Networking Basics.

PC with wireless USB Adapter connected to laptop

Laptop with wireless connection to PC

The Ad Hoc Network

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 7

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Setup 2 – The Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing

Use This Setup If:

You have two or more computers and/or laptops and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using one computer or laptop as an Internet Server.

Additional Requirements:

To share an Internet connection, you will need Internet Sharing software – you can either purchase Internet Sharing software or use Windows 98SE’s or ME’s Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) utility.

Follow the Internet Sharing software documentation to properly configure your Wireless Network Adapter. However, install the Internet Sharing software after you have installed your Wireless Network Adapter and setup your network

Steps:

If the Internet Sharing Software will be installed on the same computer into which you are installing this wireless network adapter follow these steps:

1. Install the Wireless Network Adapter - See the Installation section of this guide or the Quick Start Guide.

2. Set Static IP Address for the Wireless Network Adapter - See the Networking Basics.

3. Check the wireless connection- See Configuration Utility and Networking Basics.

4. Learn to share printers and file - See Networking Basics.

5. Install your Internet Sharing Software.

Follow these steps for the computer without the Internet Sharing software:

1. Install the Wireless Network Adapter - See the Installation section of this guide or the Quick Start Guide.

2. Check the IP Address for the Wireless Network Adapter - See the Networking Basics.

Note: The default settings for the Wireless Network Adapter are set to obtain

a Dynamic IP Address.

3. Check the wireless connection- See Configuration Utility and Networking Basics.

4. Learn to share printers and file - See Networking Basics.

MT202TD

Cable Modem

PC with wireless connection to another PC

PC with wireless USB adapter connected to Cable Modem

The Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 8

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Setup 3 – The Home Network with Multiple IPs

Use This Setup If:

1. You have two or more computers and/or laptops and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses that you have purchased from your Internet Service Provider.

2. You want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Static IP addresses. This requires an Access Point, an Ethernet capable Broadband modem, and a multiple IP address Internet Account or an existing Ethernet network.

Additional Requirements:

These setup directions are intended for Network Administrators with Static IPs. This type of setup requires that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or Network Administrator can give you a static IP address for each computer.

You will also have to setup your Access Point. Consult Access Point documentation its installation procedures.

Steps:

1. Using the Ethernet cable provided with your router, connect the router to the

Cable/DSLmodem.

2. Connect the Access Point to the Router.

3. Install the Wireless Network Adapter - See the Installation section of this

guide or the Quick Start Guide.

4. Check the wireless connection - See Configuration Utility and Networking

Basics.

5. Set Static IP Address for the Wireless Network Adapter - See Networking

Basics.

Note: If you are using a PPPoE client, go to Networking Basics. Verify the settings with your ISP or Network Administrator, if necessary.

6. Learn to share printers and files - See Networking Basics.

Wireless Access Point

PC with wireless connection

PC with wireless USB Adapter connected to an access point

Cable Modem

to an access point

The Home Network with Multiple IPs

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 9

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Setup 4 – The Home Internet Network with a Residential Gateway, Firewall, or Router

Use This Setup If:

You have two or more computers and/or laptops and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using a Residential Gateway, Router, or Firewall

You want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses. This setup requires a 1) a Wireless Router or an Access Point and 2) an Ethernet capable Gateway, Router, or Firewall or an existing Ethernet network.

Additional Requirements:

These setup directions are intended for Network Administrators with Dynamic IPs. This type of setup requires that your residential Gateway, Router, Firewall, or Network Administrator give you a dynamic IP address for each computer.

You will also have to setup your Access Point. Consult Access Point documentation its installation procedures.

Steps:

1. Using the Ethernet cable provided with your router, connect the router to the

Cable/DSLmodem.

2. Connect the Access Point to the Router.

3. Install the Wireless Network Adapter - See the Installation section of this

guide or the Quick Start Guide.

4. Check the wireless connection - See Configuration Utility and Networking

Basics.

5. Check the IP Address for the wireless adapter - See Networking Basics.

Note: The default settings for the Wireless Network Adapter are set to obtain a Dynamic IP Address.

6. Learn to share printers and files - See Networking Basics.

Wireless Access Point

PC with wireless connection

Broadband Gateway

PC with wireless USB Adapter connected to an access point

T 2

LINE

LINELINE

0 2

Cable Modem

to another PC

The Home Internet Network with a Residential Gateway, Firewall, or Router

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 10

Chapter 2 - Installation

Chapter 2

Installation

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 11

Chapter 2 - Installation of the RF802USB

The following section will assist you in installing the RF802USB Wireless Network Adapter successfully. First, you will install the driver (from the CD-ROM included with your package). Second, you will connect the Wireless Network Adapter. Then, you will set the network properties to accommodate resource sharing. Finally, you will configure the Adapter.

Installation Overview

A Pre-Installation Note: Make sure that the router, the RF802EW, to which you will be “connected” is in place.

How the RF802EW Works With Your RF802USB: The RF802EW connects with cables to the Internet and your local area network (Network). It is the wireless access point for your RF802USB. Your RF802USB “connects” wirelessly to the RE802EW.

Installation: Here is a summary of the steps you will perform in establishing your wireless network connection:

1. Install the RF802USB software using the installation CD-ROM included with your package.

2. Connect the RF802USB to your PC.

3. Configure your RF802USB.

4. Set the network protocol(s) required to communicate on your network. In most instances, you will be using the TCP/IP protocol.

Chapter 2 - Installation

Software Installation for Windows 98/Me/2000

These steps provide a quick summary of the software installation process. For detailed installation steps with screen shots, see the chapter entitled Network

Basics.

Note: Some of these steps may vary in Windows 2000. For specific information click

Start > Help.

1. Power on your computer and allow Windows to load fully.

2. Be sure that there is no wireless USB connected to your computer yet.

3. Insert the given Installation CD. The Welcome/Setup screen displays. Click Next.

4. Accept the license agreement. Click Next.

5. The Choose Destination Location screen displays. Enter the path of the destination folder; or to set the path of your choice, click Browse. Then click Next.

6. The Setup program will add an icon to the Program Folder. You may type a new folder name or select one from the existing Folder list.

7. It takes a few seconds for the utility files to be copied. Then click Finish.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 12

Chapter 2 - Installation

Connecting the RF802USB to Your PC or Laptop

1. Plug a USB cable into the RF802USB and your PC or laptop.

2. A wizard will locate the new hardware (your RF802USB). Choose Display a list of

the known drivers for this device so that I can choose a specific driver. Then click Next.

3. Select Hardware Types, and then click Next.

4. Click Wireless USB.

5. Click Have Disk. Place the CD in your CD-ROM drive.

6. Then enter the path name E:\ (where E is the CD-ROM drive of your laptop

computer or PC). The driver files will be copied to this location. Then click OK.

Setting Network Properties in Windows 98/Me

These steps provide a quick summary of the setting Network Properties process. For detailed installation steps with screen shots, see the chapter entitled Network

Basics.

Note: See the steps for Windows 2000 Network Properties below.

1. Right-click Network Neighborhood from the desktop.

2. Select Properties from the context menu. The Network dialog box displays and

presents three main tabs: Configuration, Identification, and Access Control.

3. Click the Configuration tab.

4. Click the Add button.

5. The Select Network Component Type dialog box displays.

6. Click Protocol, and then click the Add button.

7. The Select Network Protocols dialog box displays.

7a. From the list of manufactures, click on Microsoft. 7b. From the Network Protocols list, select TCP/IP, and then click OK.

8. The TCP/IP protocol is now installed. Click OK, and you will be returned to

Network Component Type dialog box.

9. Click the TCP/IP option for setting the IP address for your computer.

10. You can select either the Static or DHCP setting.

• If you use the Static IP setup, then enter the IP value, Subnet masking,

DNS, Domain/Workgroup name, and Gateway Address values.

11. After setting these parameters, click OK to return to Network Component

Type.

12. You can now select the File and Printer Sharing options as well as the Access

to your computer. Access can be set for other users connected to the network by setting the computer sharing options. Click OK.

13. The screen message Do you want to restart your computer will pop up.

Select Yes. Your computer will shut down and restart.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 13

Chapter 2 - Installation

Setting Network Properties in Windows 2000

These steps provide a quick summary of the setting Network Properties process. For detailed installation steps with screen shots, see the chapter entitled Network Basics.

1. Right-click My Network Places from the desktop, and select Properties from the context menu.

2. The Network dialog box displays. Click Local Area Connection à Properties.

3. Click the TCP/IP option for setting the IP address for your computer.

4. You can select either Obtain an IP address automatically or Set your own IP address.

• To obtain an IP address automatically, select this option, and the address is

automatically set up.

• To set your own IP address, enter the IP, Subnet Masking, DSN server,

and Default Gateway Address values. Then click OK.

5. You will be returned to the Network Component Type dialog box.

6. You can now select the File and Printer Sharing options as well as the Access to your computer. Access can be set for other users connected to the network by setting the computer sharing options. Click OK.

7. The screen message Do you want to restart your computer will pop up. Select Yes. Your computer will shut down and restart.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 14

Chapter 3 – Configuration Utility

Chapter 3

Configuration Utility

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 15

Chapter 3 - Configuration Utility

The Wireless Network Adapter uses its own management software. All functions that you can control are provided by the Configuration Utility. Usually this application starts automatically. To start the utility manually, click the Start button > Programs > USB 11Mbps Wireless Network Adapter.

Chapter 3 – Configuration Utility

A new icon Wireless Network Adapter is configured right. If the icon is red, the Wireless Network Adapter configuration is invalid or incomplete. In this case, re-check your configuration by following the same steps you will use in this chapter to set the initial configuration.

To start the configuration, double click on the Wireless Network Adapter icon. The USB 11Mbps Wireless Configuration Utility screen, as shown below, displays.

[MT1].

should appear in your Icon tray. If this icon is green, the

Icon Tray with a New Icon

The Configuration Utility Screen with the Status Tab Displayed

A Note about Navigation: You can navigate through the tabs by clicking on the tab. The OK button accepts the information and closes the dialog box. Other ways to navigate in Windows: The – button (upper right corner) minimizes the window. The X button closes the application.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 16

Chapter 3 – Configuration Utility

Status Tab

Link Status Group

When Associated fields are listed, the normal flow of operation is Infrastructure Mode, the PC is connected to its access point, and networking is available. BSSID is shown in the form of hex digits.

Tx/Rx Rate Information Group

The Tx Packets and Rx Packets display the instantaneous wireless Receive and Transmit throughput displayed in bytes per second. These values are updated every two seconds.

Signal Strength

The Signal Strength sliding bar displays the quality of the link between the node and its Access Point. This bar is active only when the node is in Infrastructure Mode. The label under the sliding bar summarizes the quality of the link. The values can be:

No Traffic Poor Good Very Good Excellent

The driver will start looking for a better Access Point if the Link Quality becomes Poor. Link Quality is a measure of Receive and Transmit Errors over the radio.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 17

Chapter 3 – Configuration Utility

Configuration Tab

The fields on the Configuration Tab display the operating parameters of the driver. Changes to any of the parameters can be made on this screen. You do not have to reboot the PC when changes on this screen are made.

Configuration Utility Screen with Configuration Tab Selected

Change Configuration

To change the current configuration, check the Change Configuration box.

Station ESS ID

Extended Service Set Identifier (Wireless Network Identifier) is the group name that will be shared by every member of your wireless network. You will only be able to connect with an Access Point, which has the same ESS ID. The only option is ANY.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Wireless Network Adapter User Guide 18

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