Planet Technology WL-U356 User Manual

802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter

WL-U356

User’s Manual

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 this company, 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, this company 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 into 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.(example-use 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.

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 of the computer manufacture must therefore be allowed

at all times to ensure the safe use of the equipment.

EU Countries Not Intended for Use

The ETSI version of this device is intended for home and office use in Austria Belgium, Denmark,

Finland, France (with 4 Frequency channel restrictions). Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,

The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain (with 2 Frequency channel restrictions), Sweden and United

Kingdom.

The ETSI version of this device is also authorized for use in EFTA member states Iceland,

Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Revision

User’s Manual for PLANET Wireless USB Adapter

Model: WL-U356

Rev: 1.0 (June. 2004)

Part No. EM-WLU356

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................1

1.1 Features..............................................................................................1

1.2 Application...........................................................................................1

1.3 Specification........................................................................................4

1.4 Package Contents...............................................................................4

1.5 Minimum System Requirements..........................................................4

1.6 Installation Considerations...................................................................5

CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE .............................................6

2.1 Configuration Utility Installation............................................................6

2.2 Driver Installation.................................................................................9

CHAPTER 3 CONFIGURATION UTILITY...............................................12

3.1 Wireless Connection Status...............................................................12

3.2 More Setting…...................................................................................14

3.3 WEP and WPA Encryption.................................................................15

3.4 Advanced Setting...............................................................................18

3.5 Information.........................................................................................19

3.6 Software AP mode.............................................................................19

3.7 Access Point Setting..........................................................................20

CHAPTER 4 TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................23

Chapter 1 Introduction

Complying with the IEEE 802.11g standard, WL-U356 provides simple, reliable, high-speed wireless

connectivity for both desktop and laptop users. By combining two, state-of-the-art technologies—USB 2.0

and 802.11g—the gadget delivers data at speed up to 54Mbps, five times the speed of existing 802.11b

devices, and spares the effort of opening up the case of your desktop computer.

WL-U356 contains an internal patch antenna. It takes advantage of the flexibility and convenience of

USB connections without sacrificing performance. Support of 64, 128 and 256-bit WEP encryption plus

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) high-level encryption prevents your wireless communications from

unauthorized access and ensures secure data transfer.

WL-U356 supports software AP function, which can turn the USB adapter into a compact Access Point

instantly. The USB adapter is also backward compatible with 802.11b products, so both 11b and 11g

clients can reside on the same network. Easy installation and Hot-plugging offers full mobility and high

availability, making the device a perfect choice for users who are getting tired of running cables or in

constant need of wireless access.

1.1 Features

l 2.4GHz ISM band, unlicensed operation l Wireless connectivity without the hassles and cost of running cables l IEEE 802.11b/g standard compliant l USB 2.0 A-type standard connector, compatible with USB 1.1 l Up to 54Mbps data rate l Utilization of Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum plus OFDM modulation to provide

robust, interference-resistant solution in a multi-user environment

l Support of 64/128/256-bit WEP encryption and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

high-level encryption

l Support of Ad-Hoc / Infrastructure mode l Support of software AP function. l Support of most popular operating systems including Windows

98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003

l Plug-and -Play installation

1.2 Application

Infrastructure

The major difference between Infrastructure network and Ad-hoc wireless network is that the former

requires an Access point. For old buildings, open areas, or frequently changing environments, just

install the WL-U356 on your desktop or laptop, and thus you can get connected to the wired

Ethernet through a wireless Access Point. SOHO users can then access the Internet and share all

kinds of data with the other wired or wireless clients within the coverage of wireless signals. For

enterprise users, the installation of multiple Access Points to enlarge the coverage of wireless

signals can provide wireless users with seamless network access.

The Infrastructure mode is appropriate for enterprise-scale wireless access to a central database or

provides various wireless applications for mobile users.

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be

configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous wireless network connectivity allows

users to roam freely within an ESS. All wireless clients using WL-U356 or other IEEE 802.11b

compliant wireless adapters within one ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and to use

the same radio channel.

Before adopting an ESS with roaming capability, choosing an available radio channel with less

interference is highly recommended. Proper Access Point positioning combined with a clear radio

channel will greatly enhance performance.

Ad-Hoc

Still complaining about the high price of wireless access points? This mode is the easiest and

cost-effective way to meet your requirements. It enables you to construct wireless networking in no

time without any access point.

Ad-hoc mode is a wireless network type in which a group of computers equipped with WL-U356 or

other wireless adapters are connected together to form an independent wireless LAN. All computers

operating in this mode must be configured to share the same radio channel.

In this scenario, new devices can be quickly added; however, wireless stations can only

communicate with the other peers that belong to the same IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set).

Soft AP

This feature converts the wireless USB adapter into a wireless access point immediately, and you

thus can create an instant wireless network, which spares the additional cost of purchasing a

wireless access point. It makes WL-U356 a compact wireless access point with all basic functions

contained in an ordinary access point.

General Application

WL-U356 offers a fast, reliable, cost-effective solution for wireless access to the various network

scenarios:

1. Remote access to corporate network for information

E-mail, file transfer and terminal service.

2. Difficult-to-wire environments

Historical or old buildings, public occasions, venues and open area where it is difficult to wire.

3. Frequently changing environments

Factories, Retailers, and Offices that frequently change locations and rearrange the workplace

4. Temporary network access

Events, exhibitions, construction sites or some important occasions that require temporary

network access.

5. Access to database for mobile workers

Doctors, nurses, retailers, white-collar workers who need access to database while roaming in

the hospital, retail store or office.

6. SOHO (Small Office and Home Office) users

SOHO users who are in need of easy-to-install and wide coverage networking.

1.3 Specification

Product 54Mbps Wireless USB Adapter

Models WL-U356

Attach Interface USB 2.0 A-type connector

LED Indicator Link/ACT

Operating Frequency /

Channel

RF Modulation OFDM with BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM

RF Output Power 15dBm (Typical)

Data Rate

Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA + ACK, IEEE802.11b Compliant

Antenna Internal patch antenna

Range Up to 300 feet outdoor and 100 feet indoor

Working Mode Ad-Hoc, Infrastructure

Management

STANDARDS COMPLIANCE

Electromagnetic

Compatibility

2.412~2.462GHz (FCC, Canada) / 11 Channels

2.412~2.4835GHz (Japan, TELEC) / 14 Channels

2.412~2.472GHz (Euro ETSI) / 13 Channels

802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps

802.11g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps

auto-rate fall back

Built-in utility or Windows XP/Server 2003 Wireless Zero

Configuration utility

FCC, CE

1.4 Package Contents

Before installation, please check the items of your package. The package should include the

following items:

· One Wireless USB Adapter

· One USB Cable

· One CD-Based software (Including the Configuration Utility, Driver and User’s Manual)

· One Quick Installation Guide

If any of the above items is missing, contact your supplier as soon as possible.

1.5 Minimum System Requirements

Before installation, please check the following requirements with your equipment.

· Pentium Based (above) IBM-compatible PC system with one vacany USB 1.1/2.0 port

· CD-ROM drive

· Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/Server 2003 Operating System

· At least 5 MBytes of free disk space for utility and driver installation

1.6 Installation Considerations

l Beware of the walls and ceilings. Each wall or ceiling can reduce your wireless cover range

form 3-90 feet. Properly position your Access Points, Residential Gateways, and computers

so that the number of walls or ceilings residing between Access Points and clients is

minimized.

l Building materials make a difference – A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a

negative effect on signal coverage range. Try to properly position Access Points and

computers with wireless adapters so that there would be less obstacles existing between

them.

l Keep your wireless LAN devices away from microwaves, cordless phones and child

incubators. It is likely that the latter will cause interferences to the operation of your wireless

LAN devices.

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