Planet WNL-U556M User Manual

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Copyright

Copyright  2015 by PLANET Technology Corp. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or
computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical,
manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of PLANET.

PLANET makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the
contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Any software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the programs prove
defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not PLANET, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes
the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages
resulting from any defect in the software. Further, PLANET reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of
such revision or changes.

All brand and product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks and/or registered trademarks
of their respective holders.

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

3. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio technician for help.

FCC Caution

To assure continued compliance, use, for example, only shielded interface cables when connecting to
computer or peripheral devices. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure
Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In
order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity
to the antenna shall not be less than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

CE Mark Warning

This is a class B device. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

R&TTE Compliance Statement

This equipment complies with all the requirements of DIRECTIVE 1999/5/CE OF THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunication
terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (R&TTE). The R&TTE Directive
repeals and replaces in the directive 98/13/EEC (Telecommunications Terminal Equipment and
Satellite Earth Station Equipment) as of April 8, 2000.

Safety

This 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 and the computer manufacture must therefore be allowed at
all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.

EU Countries Intended for Use

The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France (with frequency channel restrictions), Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. The ETSI version of this device is also
authorized for use in EFTA member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

WEEE Regulation

To avoid the potential effects on the environment and human health as a result of the
presence of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, end users of
electrical and electronic equipment should understand the meaning of the crossed-out
wheeled bin symbol. Do not dispose of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste; instead,
collect them separately.

Rev

ision

User’s Manual of PLANET 300Mbps 802.11n Micro-size Wireless USB Adapter
Model: WNL-U556M
Rev: EM-WNLU556M_v2.0 (May, 2015)
Part No. 2081-E23190-001

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

CONTENTS

Chapter 1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................6

1.1 Package Contents .................................................................................................................6

1.2 Product Description ...............................................................................................................6

1.3 Product Features ...................................................................................................................9

1.4 Hardware Description ......................................................................................................... 10

Chapter 2. INSTALLATION...................................................................................................................11

2.1 Microsoft Windows Driver Installation..................................................................................11

2.2 MAC OS X 10.x Driver Installation ..................................................................................... 17

2.3 Linux Driver Installation ...................................................................................................... 23

Chapter 3. CONNECTING TO WIRELESS NETWORK ...................................................................... 24

3.1 PLANET 11n USB Wireless LAN Utility.............................................................................. 24

3.2 Windows Zero Configuration .............................................................................................. 27

3.2.1 Windows XP - Use Windows Zero Configuration................................................... 28

3.2.2 Windows 7 - Use Windows 7 WLAN AutoConfig................................................... 32

Chapter 4. PLANET USB WIRELESS LAN UTILITY.......................................................................... 35

4.1 Connection Profile Management ........................................................................................ 35

4.1.1 Add a new profile ................................................................................................... 36

4.1.2 Remove an existing profile..................................................................................... 38

4.1.3 Edit an existing profile ............................................................................................ 39

4.1.4 Make a copy of existing profile............................................................................... 41

4.1.5 Set as the default profile ........................................................................................ 41

4.2 General Information, Status, and Network Statistics .......................................................... 43

4.2.1 General Information ............................................................................................... 43

4.2.2 Status ..................................................................................................................... 43

4.2.3 Network Transmission Statistics ............................................................................ 44

4.3 Miscellaneous Settings....................................................................................................... 45

4.4 Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)............................................................................................. 46

4.4.1 Push Button Config (PBC) ..................................................................................... 46

4.4.2 Pin Input Config (PIN) ............................................................................................ 48

Chapter 5. SOFT ACCESS POINT MODE .......................................................................................... 51

5.1 Switch between Access Point Mode and Station Mode ..................................................... 52

5.1.1 Configure SSID and Channel................................................................................. 54

5.1.2 Soft Access Point Security ..................................................................................... 55

5.2 Advanced Settings.............................................................................................................. 56

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

5.3 Wireless Transmission Statistics ........................................................................................ 57

5.4 Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ..................................................................................... 58

Appendix: Specifications................................................................................................................... 60

Appendix: Troubleshooting............................................................................................................... 62

Appendix: Glossary............................................................................................................................ 63

Appendix: FAQ.................................................................................................................................... 68

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Chapter 1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

1.1 Package Contents

The following items should be contained in the package:

WNL-U556M (300Mbps

802.11n Wireless
Micro-size USB Adapter)

Quick Installation Guide CD (including driver, utility

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

and user’s manual)

If there is any item missing or damaged, please contact the seller immediately.

1.2 Product Description

Ultra Mini-size Portable USB Adapter with 11n Performance

PLANET WNL-U556M ultra mini-size portable USB adapter is specially designed for users who need
high mobility and provides 300Mbps 802.11n high-speed wireless transmission. The ultra mini-size,
compact design of the WNL-U556M is convenient to carry for all mobile users. The adapter does not
need to be removed from a laptop anymore whether it is in use or at idle. It is just like a part of the
laptop or PC and hidden very well once it is plugged into USB port.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

High-speed 802.11n Wireless Experience

The WNL-U556M offers a reliable and cost-effective wireless extension solution. It adopts IEEE

802.11n technology and is backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g. The WNL-U556M
supports USB 2.0 interface that integrates with one transmit channel and one concurrent receive
channel to enable both the data download and upload speeds to go up to 300Mbps.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Advanced Wireless Security

The WNL-U556M provides advanced security features including 64/128-bit WEP, WPA / WPA2 and
WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK with TKIP/AES encryption. Furthermore, in order to simplify the security
configurations, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function is included to offer a convenient and fast
connection method for users as well.

Multiple OS Compliant

The WNL-U556M supports the most popular operating systems including Windows XP, Vista, Win7,
Win8, Linux, and MAC OS X. With high-speed capability, users can have higher wireless transmission
speed anywhere, anytime.

Software Access Point Function for Wireless Connection Sharing

More than just being an adapter for PC and laptop connecting to a high-speed wireless network, the
WNL-U556M can also become a wireless access point. By applying the USB Wireless LAN Utility
included in the package, users can switch the WNL-U556M operation mode between Station mode
and Access Point mode. When the WNL-U556M is in the Access Point mode, it turns to a Wi-Fi
Hotspot. The Wi-Fi supported devices, such as iPhone, Android, Symbian, Windows Phone, iPod
Touch, iPad, NDS and PSP, can connect to it and share the wireless access easily. Therefore,

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

travelers would then be worry-free as to connecting to Internet wirelessly via the WNL-U556M.

Easy Installation Wizard

The WNL-U556M provides an easy installation wizard in 35 languages. It guides users step by step to
easily complete the product installation through the whole process.

1.3 Product Features

 2.4GHz ISM band, unlicensed operation
 Compliant with IEEE 802.11b/g/n
 Provides download and upload data rates of up to 300Mbps
 Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) support
 Supports WEP 64/128-bit, WPA / WPA2, WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES encryption)
 Supports Software AP mode
 Supports Wireless QoS (WMM)
 Adjustable Transmit Power
 USB 2.0 attached interface
 Compact-size design
 Supports the most popular operating systems including Windows XP, Vista, Win 7, Win8,

Linux, and MAC OS X.

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1.4 Hardware Description .4 Hardware Description

 Case Outlook  Case Outlook

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

 LED Definition

There is an LED equipped on the wireless adapter. When the data is transmitting, the LED
will flash.

LED Description

Flashing Slowly

Flashing Quickly Data transmitting or receiving

Off

 WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Button

Press and hold the WPS button on the side of the adapter for 2 seconds to enable the WPS
connection.

The USB adapter has been installed but no data is being
transmittered or received.

The USB adapter has not been installed or the radio of the
wireless USB adapter has been disabled from wireless utility.

LED Indicator

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WPS button

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Chapter 2. INSTALLATION

2.1 Microsoft Windows Driver Installation

Before installing the driver and utility of wireless adapter, do not insert the device into the USB port of
your computer.

1. If you have ever installed other wireless adapters before, please uninstall the
existing drivers and utilities first.

2. The following installation is performed in Windows XP. The procedures in other
OS are similar.

Please follow the instructions below to install the USB Wireless Adapter:

Step 1. Insert the bundled CD into the CD-ROM drive.

Step 2. Then a webpage will appear. Click the “Windows Utility (Driver)” hyperlink to initiate the

installing wizard.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

Step 3. Click the “Next” button to start installing the driver and utility.

WNL-U556M

If the screen below appears during installation, please click the
“Continue Anyway” button to continue.

Step 4. After the software has been installed successfully, choose “Yes, I want to restart my

computer now.” and click the “Finish” button to restart your computer.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Step 5. After restarting the computer, insert the wireless USB adapter into an empty USB port of

your computer. Never force to insert the adapter if you feel it gets stuck. Flip the adapter
over and try again.

Then you’ll see the following message pop-up at the lower-right corner of the screen.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Step 6. The following window will pop up. Choose “No, not this time” and click the “Next” button to

continue.

Step 7. Choose “Install the software automatically (Recommended)”, and click the “Next” button

to install the driver.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

If the screen below appears during installation, please click the “Continue Anyway”
button to continue.

Step 8. Once the installation is finished, click the “Finish” button.

After the driver of wireless adapter has been installed successfully, you’ll see another message pop-up
at the lower-right corner of the screen. And there is also a new icon appeared on the system tray.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Left-clicking the new icon will launch PLANET 11n USB Wireless LAN Utility, and right-clicking the icon
will show the quick menu of configuration utility. This icon also uses different colors to show the status
of wireless connection:

Wireless connection is established; good signal reception.

Wireless connection is established; weak signal reception.

Connection is not established yet.

Wireless network card is not detected.

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300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

2.2 MAC OS X 10.x Driver Installation

The WNL-U556M supports MAC OS X 10.4 / 10.5 / 10.6 / 10.7. To install in MAC OS X operation
system, please follow the instructions below to install the USB Wireless Adapter:

Step 1. Unzip the driver package and then click the “Installer.pkg”.

Step 2. It will pop up a window “Welcome to the Wireless USB Adapter Driver Installer”; please

click “Continue”.

Step 3. After reading the important information, please click “Continue” to continue.

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Step 4. Select a language and click “Continue”.

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Step 5. Click “Agree” and then click “Continue”.

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Step 6. Click “Install”.

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Step 7. Enter your Username and Password of the System. Then, click “OK”.

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Step 8. The window pops up the notice to remind you that computer will restart after finishing the

installing. Please click “Continue Installation”.

Step 9. When the installation is successful, click “Restart”to restart your computer.

Step 10. After restarting the computer, plug the wireless adapter into the USB port on your

computer.

300Mbps 802.11n Wireless USB Adapter

WNL-U556M

Step 11. Go to the administrator’s folder. Click “Applications”. Then, click “Wireless Network

Utility”.

Step 12. Click “Available Network”. Choose the AP you would like to connect to. Then, click “Add

to Profile”.

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