SMC Networks WUSBS-N3, EZ Connect SMCWUSBS-N3 User Manual

USER GUIDE

EZ ConnectTM N
150 Mbps N Wireless USB Adapter

SMCWUSBS-N3

150 Mbps N Wireless USB Adapter
User Guide

20 Mason
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: [phone]

September 2009
149100000053W
E092009-AP-R01

Information furnished by SMC Networks, Inc. (SMC) is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by SMC for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or
other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of SMC. SMC reserves the right to change specifications
at any time without notice.

Copyright © 2009 by

SMC Networks, Inc.

20 Mason

Irvine, CA 92618

All rights reserved

Tradem arks :

SMC is a registered trademark; and EZ Switch, TigerStack, TigerSwitch, and TigerAccess are
trademarks of SMC Networks, Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.

WARRANTY AND PRODUCT REGISTRATION

To register SMC products and to review the detailed warranty statement,
please refer to the Support Section of the SMC Website at http://
www.smc.com.

– 4 –

COMPLIANCES

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 the 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 of the following measures:

◆ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

◆ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

◆ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected

◆ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

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.

FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate
this equipment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
FCC RADIATION EXPOSURE STATEMENT

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating
instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. To maintain compliance
with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, please follow operation
instruction as documented in this manual.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.

IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n operation of this product in the U.S.A.
is firmware-limited to channels 1 through 11.

– 5 –

C

OMPLIANCES

TAIWAN NCC 低功率輻射規定

根據國家通信傳播委員會低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法之規定，應包含下列警語：

第十二條 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得
擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。

第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現
象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。前項合法通信，指依電信法規

定作業之無線電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻
射性電機設備之干擾。

EC CONFORMANCE DECLARATION

Marking by the above symbol indicates compliance with the Essential
Requirements of the R&TTE Directive of the European Union (1999/5/EC).
This equipment meets the following conformance standards:

◆ EN 60950-1: 2006 (IEC 60950-1) - Product Safety

◆ EN 300 328 V1.7.1 (2006-10) - Technical requirements for 2.4 GHz

radio equipment

◆ EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1 (2008-04) and EN 301 489-17 V1.3.2 (2008-04) -

EMC requirements for radio equipment

◆ EN 62311 (2008) -Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment

related to human exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields
(0 Hz – 300 GHz)

This device is intended for use in the following European Community and
EFTA countries:

Austria ◆ Belgium ◆ Bulgaria ◆ Cyprus ◆ Czech Republic

◆

◆ Denmark ◆ Estonia ◆ Finland ◆ France ◆ Germany

◆ Greece ◆ Hungary ◆ Iceland ◆ Ireland ◆ Italy

◆ Latvia ◆ Lithuania ◆ Luxembourg ◆ Malta ◆ Netherlands

◆ Norway ◆ Poland ◆ Portugal ◆ Romania ◆ Slovakia

◆ Slovenia ◆ Spain ◆ Sweden ◆ Switzerland ◆ United Kingdom

This device is a 2.4 GHz wideband transmission system (transceiver),
intended for use in all EU member states and EFTA countries, except in
France and Italy where restrictive use applies.

◆ In Italy the end-user should apply for a license at the national spectrum

authorities in order to obtain authorization to use the device for setting
up outdoor radio links and/or for supplying public access to
telecommunications and/or network services.

◆ This device may not be used for setting up outdoor radio links in France

and in some areas the RF output power may be limited to 10 mW EIRP
in the frequency range of 2454 – 2483.5 MHz. For detailed information
the end-user should contact the national spectrum authority in France.

– 6 –

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OMPLIANCES

Czech
Česky

Danish
Dansk

German
Deutsch

Estonian
Eesti

English Hereby, SMC Networks, declares that this Radio LAN device is in compliance

Spanish
Español

Greek

Ελληνική

French
Français

Italian
Italiano

Latvian
Lativiski

Lithuanian
Lietuvių

Dutch
Nederlands

Maltese
Malt

Hungarian
Magyar

Polish
Polski

Portuguese
Português

Slovak
Slovensky

Finnish
suomi

Swedish
Svenska

SMC Networks tímto prohlašuje, že tento Radio LAN device je ve shodě se
základními požadavky a dalšími příslušnými ustanoveními směrnice 1999/5/ES.

Undertegnede SMC Networks erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr Radio LAN
device overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv

1999/5/EF.
Hiermit erklärt SMC Networks, dass sich dieses Wireless LAN Gerat in

Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den anderen
relevanten Vorschriften der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet. Die offizielle EC­Declaration of Conformity finden Sie im Internet unter http://www.smc.com
unter der entsprechenden Produktkategorie.

Käesolevaga kinnitab SMC Networks seadme Radio LAN device vastavust
direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele teistele
asjakohastele sätetele.

with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/
5/EC. The official EC-Declaration of Conformity can be found under the
corresponding product section on the web http://www.smc.com

Por medio de la presente SMC Networks declara que el Radio LAN device cumple
con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o
exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE. The official EC-Declaration of Conformity
can be found under the corresponding product section on the web

http://www.smc.com

ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ SMC Networks ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ radio LAN device
ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.

Par la présente SMC Networks déclare que l'appareil Radio LAN device est
conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes de
la directive 1999/5/CE. La declaration de conformité officielle peut être trouvée
sur notre site internet

http://www.smc.com
Con la presente SMC Networks dichiara che questo Radio LAN device è

conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla
direttiva 1999/5/CE.

Ar šo SMC Networks deklarē, ka Radio LAN device atbilst Direktīvas 1999/5/EK
būtiskajām prasībām un citiem ar to saistītajiem noteikumiem.

Šiuo SMC Networks deklaruoja, kad šis Radio LAN device atitinka esminius
reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.

Hierbij verklaart SMC Networks dat het toestel Radio LAN device in
overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante bepalingen
van richtlijn 1999/5/EG

Hawnhekk, SMC Networks, jiddikjara li dan Radio LAN device jikkonforma mal­ħtiġijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti oħrajn relevanti li hemm fid-Dirrettiva
1999/5/EC.

Alulírott, SMC Networks nyilatkozom, hogy a Radio LAN device megfelel a
vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC irányelv egyéb
elõírásainak.

Niniejszym SMC Networks oświadcza, że Radio LAN device jest zgodny z
zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozostałymi stosownymi postanowieniami
Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.

SMC Networks declara que este Radio LAN device está conforme com os
requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE.

SMC Networkstýmto vyhlasuje, že Radio LAN device spĺňa základné požiadavky
a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/ES.

Valmistaja SMC Networks vakuuttaa täten että Radio LAN device tyyppinen laite
on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin
muiden ehtojen mukainen.

Härmed intygar SMC Networks att denna Radio LAN device står I
överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta
bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG

.

dans la rubrique Produits.

.

– 7 –

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OMPLIANCES

Icelandic Hér með lýsir SMC Networks yfir Því að Radio LAN device er í samræmi við

Norwegian SMC Networks erklærer herved at utstyret Radio LAN device er i samsavar

grunnkröfur og aðrar kröfur, sem gerðar eru í tilskipun 1995/5/EC.

med de grunnleggende krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1995/5/EF.

– 8 –

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

PURPOSE This guide details the hardware features of the wireless USB adapter,

including its physical and performance-related characteristics, and how to
install the device and use its configuration software.

AUDIENCE This guide is for PC users with a working knowledge of computers. You

should be familiar with Windows operating system concepts.

CONVENTIONS The following conventions are used throughout this guide to show

information:

N

OTE

:

Emphasizes important information or calls your attention to related

features or instructions.

C

AUTION

damage the system or equipment.

W

ARNING

:

Alerts you to a potential hazard that could cause loss of data, or

:

Alerts you to a potential hazard that could cause personal injury.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS The following publication gives basic information on how to install and use

the wireless USB adapter.

The SMCWUSBS-N3 Quick Installation Guide

Also, as part of the wireless USB adapter’s software, there is an online
web-based help that describes all configuration related features.

REVISION HISTORY This section summarizes the changes in each revision of this guide.

SEPTEMBER 2009 REVISION

This is the first revision of this guide.

– 9 –

CONTENTS

WARRANTY AND PRODUCT REGISTRATION 4

C

OMPLIANCES 5

BOUT THIS GUIDE 9

A

C

ONTENTS 10

1I

NTRODUCTION 12

Key Features 12
Description of Hardware Capabilities 13
System Requirements 13
Package Contents 13
Hardware Description 14

LED Indicators 14

2WINDOWS 2000/XP INSTALLATION 15

Using the Setup Wizard 17

3WINDOWS 2000/XP CONFIGURATION 20

Accessing the SMC Connection Manager 20
Wireless Utility Configuration 21

AP List 22
Profile 23
WMM 26
Advanced 27
Statistics 28
About 29
Help 29

4NETWORK PLANNING 30

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN 30
Infrastructure Wireless LAN 31

5AP MODE CONFIGURATION 32

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C

ONTENTS

Switching to AP Mode 32
AP Mode Utility Configuration 33

Configuration 33
Access Control 35
Client List 36
Status 37
About 38

Switching to Station Mode 38

ATROUBLESHOOTING 39

USB Adapter Installation Problems 39
Network Connection Problems 39
Uninstalling the Utility 40

BHARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS 42

LOSSARY 44

G

I

NDEX 48

– 11 –

1 INTRODUCTION

The SMCWUSBS-N3 is a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) Wireless USB Adapter
that enables wireless connectivity for your PC. The device provides a Wi-Fi
client solution for PCs using a USB 2.0 interface. The USB adapter also
includes a comprehensive configuration, site survey, and profile
management utility that can be installed on a Windows 2000, Windows XP
or Windows Vista system.

Figure 1: SMCWUSBS-N3

KEY FEATURES

The Wireless USB Adapter supports the following features:

◆ Wi-Fi compliant with IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11b/g standards

◆ High-speed connection up to 150 Mbps in 802.11n mode

◆ Dynamic data rate scaling from 1 to 150 Mbps

◆ Low interference and high susceptibility to guarantee reliable

performance

◆ Supports WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK security

USB Connector Power Indicator Activity Indicator

– 12 –

◆ WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia)

◆ Windows 2000, XP and Vista drivers

◆ WHQL certified

◆ WLAN site survey and profile management utility

◆ Infrastructure and Ad-hoc operating modes

DESCRIPTION OF HARDWARE CAPABILITIES

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter supports wireless communications
at up to 150 Mbps. This adapter operates in the 2.4 GHz band and is fully
compliant with IEEE 802.11b/g and 802.11n. It can be installed in a
notebook or desktop PC with a USB port. Support is provided for Windows
2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

C

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Description of Hardware Capabilities

1

| Introduction

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Before you install the EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter, check your system
meets the following requirements:

◆ 2.4 GHz 802.11n or 802.11b/g wireless network.

◆ Microsoft Windows 2000, XP or Vista.

◆ A Notebook or desktop computer with:

PACKAGE CONTENTS

The Wireless USB Adapter package includes these items:

■

300 MHz CPU or above

■

Available USB 2.0 port

■

20 MB of available hard disk space

■

CD-ROM drive

◆ EZ Connect N Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (SMCWUSBS-N3)

◆ EZ Installation Wizard & Documentation CD

◆ Quick Installation Guide

◆ Warranty Information Card

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1

| Introduction

Hardware Description

Inform your dealer if there are any incorrect, missing or damaged items. If
possible, retain the carton, including the original packing materials. Use
them to repack the product in case there is a need to return it.

HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter supports wireless communications
at up to 150 Mbps. This adapter operates in the 2.4 GHz band and is fully
compliant with IEEE 802.11b/g and 802.11n. It can be installed in a
notebook or desktop PC with a USB port. Support is provided for Windows
2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

LED INDICATORS The Wireless USB Adapter includes two status LED indicators, as described

in the following figure and table.

Figure 2: LEDs

Table 1: LED Behavior

LED Status Description

Power On Indicates the power is on.

Activity Flashing Green Indicates the 802.11b/g/n radio is enabled.

Power Indicator Activity Indicator

Off Indicates the power is off.

Flashing indicates wireless network activity.

Off Indicates the 802.11b/g/n radio is disabled

– 14 –

2 WINDOWS 2000/XP INSTALLATION

The CD-ROM that comes with the package contains the USB driver and
software utility for the Wireless USB Adapter. New or updated drivers can
be downloaded from SMC’s web site at http://www.smc.com.

The installation screens are similar for Windows 2000, Windows XP and
Windows Vista. The installation interface for Windows XP is shown in this
user guide.

To install the Wireless USB Adapter's driver and utilities for Windows 2000
and Windows XP, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PC and wait until the Windows system has completely

started.

2. Load the EZ Installation & Documentation CD that comes with the

package. The install program should start automatically.

3. Click “Install SMC Connection Manager” to start the installation.

Figure 3: EZ Connect CD - Start Screen

4. Choose “Install driver and SMC Connection Manager”, then click Next to

continue the installation. If the install program does not start
automatically, open the folder that displays the CD’s contents and find
the file “Install.exe” in the root directory. Double click the file to start
the install program.

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N

OTE

:

You also have the option of installing only the driver and not the

2

| Windows 2000/XP Installation

SMC Connection Manager. In this case, the Windows system wireless
management utility can be used to set up wireless connections.

Figure 4: EZ Connect CD - Setup Type

5. Wait for the software installation procedure to complete.

Figure 5: EZ Connect CD - Installation in Progress

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2

| Windows 2000/XP Installation

Using the Setup Wizard

6. When the “InstallShield Wizard Complete” window displays, click Finish

to exit the wizard.

Figure 6: EZ Connect CD - Installation Wizard Complete

USING THE SETUP WIZARD

Once the InstallShield Wizard is complete, the Setup Wizard takes you
through configuration procedures for the general settings. Follow these
steps:

1. Select the AP to which you want to connect from the displayed list, then

click “Next” to continue the configuration.

Figure 7: Setup Wizard - Select an AP

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2

| Windows 2000/XP Installation

Using the Setup Wizard

2. Set the wireless settings for the wireless network. The wireless

network's authentication mode and encryption key displays. Name the
profile and enter the required key or password, then click "Connect."
The wizard will save these settings as the default connection profile.

Figure 8: Setup Wizard - Wireless Profile Settings

3. When the following prompt message appears, click “Yes” to save

the settings and complete the set-up.

Figure 9: Setup Wizard - Save Profile Message Window

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2

| Windows 2000/XP Installation

Using the Setup Wizard

When the setup is complete, the current link status is displayed, as shown
in the following figure.

Figure 10: Setup Wizard - Link Status

◆ Network Name — The service set identifier for the access point.

◆ Link Status — The connection status. For more information, please

refer to below table.

Table 2: Link Status Description

Status Description

Card not found

Driver not ready During first-time installation, the USB adapter utility has

Auto Config service is disabled The Wi-Fi automatic configuration service is disabled and

Connecting

Disconnected The USB adapter is plugged in, but is not connected to a

Link is up

Link is down

The USB adapter is not plugged in.

completed installation, but the driver is not yet installed.

there is no network connection.

The USB adapter is being connected to a network.

network.

Connected to a network.

No Connection.

◆ Signal Strength — The current receive signal strength indication. (The

maximum strength will display with six bars.)

◆ Channel — The current channel in use.

◆ IP Address — The assigned IP address of the USB adapter.

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3

W

INDOWS

2000/XP C

ACCESSING THE SMC CONNECTION MANAGER

Once the SMC Connection Manager installation is complete, the
configuration utility can be accessed by selecting the “SMC Connection
Manager” icon from the “SMC” folder.

Figure 11: Accessing EZ Connect N3 Wireless Utility

ONFIGURATION

A quick launch icon will appear in the lower right-hand corner of the task
bar.

Figure 12: EZ Connect N3 Wireless Utility Icon

When the utility icon is displayed, it indicates that the Wireless USB
Adapter driver is installed properly.

Double-click the icon to open the SMC Connection Manager program,
providing quick access to the adapter settings.

The utility screens are similar in Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Vista.
The interface for Windows XP is described in this user guide.

– 20 –

WIRELESS UTILITY CONFIGURATION

The SMC Connection Manager screen for Windows 2000, XP and Vista
systems include the options in the table below. For details on the
configuration for each feature, see the corresponding page number.

Table 3: Windows 2000/XP Utility Configuration Options

Tools Description Page

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3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

AP List

Profile List Configures the basic wireless settings for multiple profiles 23

WMM Enables Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) features 26

Advanced Configures the advanced wireless settings 27

Statistics Displays the detail counter information 28

About Displays software information 29

Help Launches EZ connect wireless utility help 29

Displays available wireless networks

22

To access menu items, double click the quick launch icon and then click on

to display the menu.

Figure 13: Menu Item

– 21 –

C

Rescan Button

Expand/Collaspe Button

Minimize Button

Close Button

HAPTER

3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

AP LIST The AP List setting page allows you to set and save different wireless

settings. You can activate the suitable profile according to where the
wireless connection is used.

Figure 14: AP List

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

Sort by — Indicate that the AP list is sorted by SSID, Channel or Signal.

Show dBm — Show a value for the strength of the received signal. A SSID

with -55 dBm has a stronger signal than a SSID with –87 dBm.

Rescan — Click the button to scan all channels for nearby wireless
networks.

Table 4: Icon Indications

Icons Description

Network type is infrastructure mode

Network type is ad-hoc mode

Wireless network is security-enabled

The network supports 802.11b connections

The network supports 802.11g connections

The network supports 802.11n connections

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3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

PROFILE The profile settings page allows you to set and save different wireless

settings. You can activate the suitable profile according to where the
wireless connection is used.

Figure 15: Profile - System Configuration

To Add a profile, click the Add button and configure the following displayed
items:

◆ Profile Name – The name of the profile. (0-32 ASCII characters and

symbols are allowed; no spaces can be used)

◆ Network Type – The type of wireless network. (Default:

Infrastructure)

■

Infrastructure – An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an
Infrastructure configuration. Select Infrastructure to associate to an
AP.

■

Ad hoc – An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with
wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN.
Select Ad hoc to associate to a peer computer.

■

Network Name – Select the SSID (Service Set Identity) name of
the wireless network to which the client will connect.

■

Channel (only available when “Ad hoc” is selected as the network
type) – The radio channel used to communicate with wireless
clients. The channel has to be the same as the peer computer.

◆ Authentication / Encryption — Configure authentication and

encryption to match the security of the wireless network.

– 23 –

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Figure 16: Profile - Authentication and Encryption

3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

◆ Authentication – Select the authentication mode. For an

infrastructure network, six modes are supported by the Wireless USB
Adapter, including Open, Shared, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA and
WPA2. For an ad hoc network, Open and Shared modes are supported.

■

Open – Open-system authentication accepts any client attempting
to connect to the access point without verifying its identity.

■

Shared – The shared-key approach uses Wired Equivalent Privacy
(WEP) to verify client identity by distributing a shared key to clients
before attempting authentication.

■

WPA / WPA-PSK – Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) employs a
combination of technologies to provide an enhanced security
solution for wireless networks. The WPA Pre-shared Key (WPA-PSK)
mode for small networks uses a common password phrase that
must be manually distributed to all clients that want to connect to
the network.

■

WPA2 / WPA2-PSK – WPA2 is a further security enhancement
that includes the now ratified IEEE 802.11i wireless security
standard.

◆ Encryption – Configure the encryption. For open and shared

authentication mode, the selection options are None and WEP. For WPA,
WPA2, WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK authentication mode, the encryption
type supports both TKIP and AES.

■

None – No encryption is used.

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■

WEP – Enables the Wireless USB Adapter to use WEP shared keys.

3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

If enabled, you must configure at least one key. Wired Equivalent
Privacy (WEP) provides a basic level of security, preventing
unauthorized access to the network and encrypting data
transmitted between wireless clients. WEP uses static shared keys
(fixed-length hexadecimal or alphanumeric strings) that are
manually distributed to all clients that want to use the network.

■

TKIP – Use Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) keys for
encryption. WPA specifies TKIP as the data encryption method to
replace WEP. TKIP avoids the problems of WEP static keys by
dynamically changing data encryption keys.

■

AES – Use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) keys for
encryption. WPA2 uses AES Counter-Mode encryption with Cipher
Block Chaining Message Authentication Code (CBC-MAC) for
message integrity. The AES Counter-Mode/CBCMAC Protocol (AES­CCMP) provides extremely robust data confidentiality using a 128­bit key. Use of AES-CCMP encryption is specified as a standard
requirement for WPA2. Before implementing WPA2 in the network,
be sure client devices are upgraded to WPA2-compliant hardware.

◆ 802.1X — Use IEEE 802.1X (802.1X) for user authentication and

distributing dynamically generated encryption keys. IEEE 802.1X is a
standard framework for network access control that uses a RADIUS
server on the local network for user authentication. The 802.1X
standard uses the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to pass user
credentials (either digital certificates, usernames and passwords, or
other) from the client to the RADIUS server.

Figure 17: Profile - 802.1X Configuration

■

EAP Method (LEAP) – The Lightweight Extensible Authentication
Protocol (LEAP) is an EAP authentication type used primarily in
Cisco Aironet WLANs. It encrypts data transmissions using
dynamically generated WEP keys, and supports mutual
authentication.When LEAP is select, input LEAP identity, password,
domain name, and select encryption type. Check the Show
Password box to display password characters as you type instead of
asterisks.

■

■

Identity / Password – Configures the identity an password for
authentication.

Domain Name – Enable the wireless configuration utility to check
the end of domain name. If defects are found, the connection is
dropped.

– 25 –

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3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

WMM Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM), also known as Wireless Multimedia Extensions

(WME), is a Wi-Fi Alliance interoperability certification. It provides basic
Quality of Service (QoS) features for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks.

Figure 18: WMM

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

WMM Enable — Enable WMM function.

◆ WMM - Power Save Enable – Enable the power save mode.

■

Best Effort – Normal priority, medium delay and throughput. Data
only affected by long delays. Data from applications or devices that
lack QoS capabilities.

■

Background – Lowest priority. Data with no delay or throughput
requirements, such as bulk data transfers.

■

Video first – High priority, minimum delay. Time-sensitive data
such as streaming video.

■

Voice first – Highest priority, minimum delay. Time-sensitive data
such as VoIP (Voice over IP) calls.

– 26 –

C

HAPTER

3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

ADVANCED The Advanced page allows you to configure extended features for the

wireless network.

Figure 19: Advanced

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

◆ Power Saving Mode (available when “Infrastructure” is selected as

the network type) – Enable or disable the power save operation.

◆ TX Power – Adjusts the power of the radio signals transmitted from

the access point. The higher the transmission power, the farther the
transmission range. Power selection is not just a trade off between
coverage area and maximum supported clients. You also have to
ensure that high-power signals do not interfere with the operation of
other radio devices in the service area. (Options: Auto, 100%, 50%,
25%, 10%, Lowest; Default: Auto)

◆ Country Region Code — Select the country in which the device is

being used. Setting the country code restricts operation of the device to
radio channels and transmit power levels permitted for wireless
networks as specified by the local regulatory authority.

– 27 –

C

HAPTER

3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

STATISTICS The statistics page displays the connection-related statistics with detail

counter information.

Figure 20: Statistics

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

◆ Link Speed — The current transmitting and receiving rates.

◆ Throughput — The transmitting and receiving throughputs.

– 28 –

C

HAPTER

3

| Windows 2000/XP Configuration

Wireless Utility Configuration

ABOUT The About page displays the information about version numbers of the

configuration utility, firmware and other information of the device. Click the
WWW.SMC.COM button to visit the SMC web site.

Figure 21: About Information Display

HELP The help page provides detailed information about each setting of the SMC

Connection Manager. Click a menu item on the left screen and view the
information on the right screen.

– 29 –

4 NETWORK PLANNING

SMC's EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone wireless
network configuration, as well as an integrated configuration with Ethernet
LANs.

The SMCWUSBS-N3 wireless USB adapter can be configured as:

◆ Ad hoc - for small peer-to-peer networks with other wireless devices

◆ Infrastructure - for a wireless extension to an existing wired LAN

through an access point

AD HOC WIRELESS LAN

An ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group of computers, each equipped
with a wireless adapter, connected through radio signals as an independent
wireless LAN.

Computers in a specific ad hoc wireless LAN must be configured to the
same radio channel.

An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used for a small branch office or SOHO
operation.

Figure 22: Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

– 30 –

INFRASTRUCTURE WIRELESS LAN

The SMCWUSBS-N3 can also provide access to a wired LAN for wireless
workstations. An integrated wired and wireless LAN is called an
Infrastructure configuration. A Basic Service Set (BSS) consists of a group
of wireless PC users, and an access point that is directly connected to the
wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can communicate with to any
computer in its wireless group via a radio link, or access other computers
or network resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via an access point.

The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility of
wireless PCs to the wired LAN, but also increases the effective wireless
transmission range for wireless PCs by passing their signal through one or
more access points.

A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central database, or
for connection between mobile workers, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 23: Infrastructure Wireless LAN

C

HAPTER

4

| Network Planning

Infrastructure Wireless LAN

– 31 –

5 AP MODE CONFIGURATION

The USB Adapter's utility can extend the functionality of the device by
adding an Access Point (AP) mode to its normal client capabilities. This
feature is only available for Windows 2000, XP and Vista.

In AP mode, the USB Adapter operates as a "Soft AP." The Soft AP feature
creates a Wireless LAN to Ethernet bridge using the host PC's existing
Ethernet port. When the host PC has an Internet connection, the Soft AP
uses the Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature to enable all
associated wireless clients to share the PC's connection.

SWITCHING TO AP MODE

Click the SMC Connection Manager icon with the right mouse button and
then select “Switch to AP Mode.”

Figure 24: System Tray Icon Menu

A ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) screen appears after switching to AP
mode. Select a network and click OK to start the the Soft AP utility
configuration.

Figure 25: ICS Select WAN Adapter

N

OTE

:

Sometimes switching the application from station mode to AP mode
will cause error message “Failed to enable ICS”. This issue is due to ICS
program of XP is not stable enough. Please close the application and then
re-execute the application.

– 32 –

When set up, double-click the quick launch icon to open the Soft AP utility
configuration. The utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows
systems. The interface for Windows XP is described in this user guide.

AP MODE UTILITY CONFIGURATION

The Soft AP utility screen includes the options in the table below. For
details on the configuration for each feature, see the corresponding page
number.

Table 5: Utility Configuration Options

Tools Description Page

Config Configures the basic wireless settings for multiple profiles 33

Access Control Controls the MAC address connected to the AP 35

Client List Displays client list information 36

Status Displays device information 37

About Displays software information 37

C

HAPTER

5

| AP Mode Configuration

AP Mode Utility Configuration

CONFIGURATION The configuration page allows you to set parameters for the wireless

network.

Figure 26: Configuration

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

◆ Network Name — The service set identifier for this access point.

◆ Use Mac Address — Click the button to display the physical layer

address of the access point.

– 33 –

C

HAPTER

5

| AP Mode Configuration

AP Mode Utility Configuration

◆ Country Region Code — Select the country region where the access

point is in operation.

Table 6: Country Channel List

Classification Range

0: USA, Canada, Taiwan CH 1 ~ CH 11

1: Europe CH 1 ~ CH 13

2: Spain CH 10 ~ CH 11

3: France CH 10 ~ CH 13

4: Japan (MKK) CH 14

5: Japan (TELEC) CH 1 ~ CH 14

6: ISRAEL CH 3 ~ CH 9

7: ISRAEL CH 5 ~ CH 13

◆ TX Power — Set the access point transmit power. (Default: 100%)

◆ Channel — The radio channel used to communicate with wireless

clients.

◆ Security Setting — Configure the authentication and encryption.

◆ Authentication – Selects the wireless security mechanism for the

network.

■

Open – Accepts any client attempting to connect to the access
point without verifying its identity.

■

Shared – Uses Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) to verify client
identity by distributing a shared key to clients.

■

WPA-PSK – Use pre-shared key authentication for WPA-compliant
clients.

■

WPA2-PSK – Use pre-shared key authentication for WPA2­compliant clients.

■

WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK – Use pre-shared key authentication for
WPA- and WPA2-compliant clients when they coexist in the same
network.

◆ Encryption Type – Selects the encryption cipher to use for multicast

and unicast data traffic.

■

■

■

■

None – No encryption is used.

WEP – Uses WEP shared keys.

TKIP – Uses TKIP keys for both multicast and unicast encryption.

AES – Uses AES keys for both multicast and unicast encryption.

– 34 –

C

HAPTER

5

| AP Mode Configuration

AP Mode Utility Configuration

◆ Pre-shared Key – Enter a key as an easy-to-remember form of letters

and numbers. The key must be from 8 to 32 characters, which can
include spaces. All wireless clients must be configured with the same
key to communicate with the access point.

◆ WEP Key – Only available when WEP encryption is selected. Standard

keys are either 5 or 13 alphanumeric characters; or 10 or 32
hexadecimal digits. Check the Show Password box to display password
characters as you type instead of asterisks.

Click Apply to confirm the configuration settings.

ACCESS CONTROL The access control page allows you to restrict the MAC addresses of clients

wanting to connect with the AP.

Figure 27: Access Control

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

◆ Access Policy — Select a policy for access control. (Default: Disable)

■

■

■

◆ Type MAC Address — Input the MAC address of a wireless client.

◆ Add — Click to add the MAC address to the Access List.

◆ Delete — Click to delete a MAC address from the list.

◆ Remove All — Click to delete all the MAC addresses from the list.

Disable – Disable the feature.

Allow All – Allow the access for the listed MAC addresses.

Reject All – Deny the access for the listed MAC addresses.

– 35 –

C

HAPTER

5

| AP Mode Configuration

AP Mode Utility Configuration

◆ Apply — Click to apply the configuration changes.

CLIENT LIST The Client List page displays the current station link information.

Figure 28: Client List

The displayed items on this page can be described as follows:

◆ MAC Address — The MAC addresses of the connected stations.

◆ Power Saving Mode — The power saving status of the connected

station.

– 36 –

C

HAPTER

5

| AP Mode Configuration

AP Mode Utility Configuration

STATUS The Status page displays the current network status.

Figure 29: Status

◆ IP Address — The IP address of the USB adapter.

◆ Physical Address — The shared physical layer address for the USB

adapter.

◆ Sub Mask — The IP address mask that identifies the host address bits

used for routing to specific subnets.

◆ Default Gateway — The IP address of a router that is used when the

requested destination address is not on the local subnet.

◆ Frames Transmitted — Displays the total number of packets

transmitted.

◆ Frames Received — Displays the total number of packets received.

– 37 –

C

HAPTER

5

| AP Mode Configuration

Switching to Station Mode

ABOUT The About page displays information about version numbers of the

configuration utility, driver and build date of the device. Click the
WWW.SMC.COM button to visit the SMC website.

Figure 30: About Information Display

SWITCHING TO STATION MODE

If you want to switch the device back to the client mode, right click the Soft
AP system tray icon, and then select "Switch to Station Mode."

Figure 31: Switch to Station Mode

– 38 –

A TROUBLESHOOTING

USB ADAPTER INSTALLATION PROBLEMS

If your computer cannot find the EZ Connect Wireless USB Adapter or the
network driver does not install correctly, check the following items:

◆ Make sure the adapter is connected to the USB port. Check for any

hardware problems, such as physical damage to the adapter’s
connector.

◆ Try the adapter in another USB port. If this also fails, try using another

SMCWUSBS-N3 wireless adapter that is known to operate correctly.

◆ Check for a defective computer or USB port by trying the adapter in

another computer that is known to operate correctly.

NETWORK CONNECTION PROBLEMS

If the Link/Activity LED on the USB adapter is not lit, or if you cannot
access network resources from the computer, check the following:

◆ Make sure the correct software driver is installed. Try reinstalling the

driver.

◆ Make sure the computer and other network devices are receiving

power.

◆ The access point you want to connect to may not be functioning

correctly. Try using another access point.

◆ If you cannot access a Windows service on the network, check that you

have enabled and configured the service correctly. If you cannot
connect to a particular server, be sure that you have access rights and
a valid ID and password.

◆ If you cannot access the Internet, be sure you have currently

configured your system for TCP/IP.

If your wireless station cannot communicate with a computer on the
Ethernet LAN when configured for Infrastructure mode, check the
following:

– 39 –

◆ Make sure the access point that the station is associated with is

powered on.

◆ Check that the wireless settings (i.e., security, SSID, Channel) match

the access point or other stations to which you are attempting to
connect.

◆ If you still cannot connect, change the access point and all the stations

within the BSS to another radio channel.

UNINSTALLING THE UTILITY

If you are having problems with the utility, you may need to uninstall the
software from the system.

Follow these steps:

1. From the Windows Start menu, find the SMC EZ Connect N Utility

uninstall option. Click to start the uninstall process.

A

PPENDIX

A

| Troubleshooting

Uninstalling the Utility

Figure 32: Windows XP Start Menu - Uninstall the Utility

2. Click Yes to uninstall the utility.

Figure 33: Start the Uninstall Process

– 40 –

3. Wait while the software is uninstalled.

Figure 34: Uninstall Process in Progress

A

PPENDIX

A

| Troubleshooting

Uninstalling the Utility

4. When the uninstall process is complete, click Finish to exit.

Figure 35: Uninstall Process Complete

– 41 –

B HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS

INTERFACE USB version 2.0 compliant

POWER +5V DC, 0.35A over USB connection

RADIO SPECIFICATIONS IEEE 802.11n

IEEE 802.11b/g

FREQUENCY North America/Taiwan NCC: 2.412 - 2.462 GHz

Japan: 2.412 - 2.484 GHz
Europe: 2.412 - 2.472 GHz

MODULATION 802.11b: CCK, QPSK, BPSK

802.11g: BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM

802.11n: BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM

OPERATING CHANNELS North American Certification: FCC

Taiwan Certification: NCC
Certification: FCC; Channel: 1~11
Europe Certification: ETSI; Channel: 1~13

DATA RATES 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps per channel

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

802.11n: up to 150 Mbps

ANTENNA One internal antenna

Frequency Range: 2.4 - 2.5 GHz
Gain: 2.65 dBi
VSWR: 2.0 Max
Polarization: Linear
Impedance: 50 Ohm
Antenna Type: Printed

– 42 –

LED INDICATORS Power, Link/Activity

C

HAPTER

B

| Hardware Specifications

TRANSMIT POWER(AV)

YPICAL)

(T

RECEIVE SENSITIVITY

(TYPICAL)

PHYSICAL SIZE 25 x 67 x 13 mm (0.98 x 2.63 x 0.51 in.)

WEIGHT 25 g (0.88 oz)

TEMPERATURE Operating: -5 to 45 °C (23° to 104°F)

HUMIDITY Operating: 0%~70% Non-condensing

802.11b: 18 dBm

802.11g: 16 dBm (at 54Mbps)

802.11n: 16 dBm

-88 dBm @ 11 Mbps

-72 dBm @ 54 Mbps

-68 dBm @ 64-QAM, 20MHz channel spacing

-63 dBm @ 64-QAM, 40MHz channel spacing

Storage: -20 to 70 °C (-4° to 158°F)

Storage: 10%~90% Non-condensing

EMC FCC: Part15 subpart B

C-Tick
CE: EN301489-1/-17

RADIO FCC: Part15 subpart C

CE: EN300328 V1.7.1 (2006-10)
NCC: LP0002

SAFETY CE: EN60950-1(2006)

– 43 –

GLOSSARY

10BASE-T IEEE 802.3-2005 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over two pairs of

Category 3 or better UTP cable.

100BASE-TX IEEE 802.3-2005 specification for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet over two pairs of

Category 5 or better UTP cable.

1000BASE-T IEEE 802.3ab specification for 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet over four pairs

of Category 5 or better UTP cable.

ACCESS POINT An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless

networks. Access points attached to a wired network, support the creation
of multiple radio cells that enable roaming throughout a facility.

AD HOC A group of computers connected as an independent wireless network,

without an access point.

AES Advanced Encryption Standard: An encryption algorithm that implements

symmetric key cryptography. AES provides very strong encryption using a
completely different ciphering algorithm to TKIP and WEP.

AUTHENTICATION The process to verify the identity of a client requesting network access.

IEEE 802.11 specifies two forms of authentication: open system and
shared key.

BACKBONE The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that

transports information from one central location to another central location
where it is unloaded onto a local system.

BSS Basic Service Set: A set of 802.11-compliant stations and an access point

that operate as a fully-connected wireless network.

BEACON A signal periodically transmitted from the access point that is used to

identify the service set, and to maintain contact with wireless clients.

– 44 –

G

LOSSARY

BROADCAST KEY Broadcast keys are sent to stations using dynamic keying. Dynamic

broadcast key rotation is often used to allow the access point to generate a
random group key and periodically update all key-management capable
wireless clients.

DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Provides a framework for passing

configuration information to hosts on a TCP/IP network. DHCP is based on
the Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP), adding the capability of automatic
allocation of reusable network addresses and additional configuration
options.

ENCRYPTION Data passing between the access point and clients can use encryption to

protect from interception and evesdropping.

ETHERNET A popular local area data communications network, which accepts

transmission from computers and terminals.

FTP File Transfer Protocol: A TCP/IP protocol used for file transfer.

HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol: HTTP is a standard used to transmit and

receive all data over the World Wide Web.

ICMP Message Protocol: A network layer protocol that reports errors in

processing IP packets. ICMP is also used by routers to feed back
information about better routing choices.

IEEE 802.11B A wireless standard that supports wireless communications in the 2.4 GHz

band using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). The standard
provides for data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps.

IEEE 802.11G A wireless standard that supports wireless communications in the 2.4 GHz

band using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). The
standard provides for data rates of 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps. IEEE

802.11g is also backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b.

IEEE 802.11N A wireless standard that supports wireless communications in the 2.4 GHz

band using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). The
standard provides for data rates of 27, 54, 81, 108, 162, 216, 243, 270,
300 Mbps. IEEE 802.11n is also backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g.

IEEE 802.1X Port Authentication controls access to the switch ports by requiring users to

first enter a user ID and password for authentication.

– 45 –

G

INFRASTRUCTURE An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an infrastructure

configuration.

LAN Local Area Network: A group of interconnected computer and support

devices.

MAC ADDRESS The physical layer address used to uniquely identify network nodes.

NTP Network Time Protocol: NTP provides the mechanisms to synchronize time

across the network. The time servers operate in a hierarchical-master­slave configuration in order to synchronize local clocks within the subnet
and to national time standards via wire or radio.

OPEN SYSTEM A security option which broadcasts a beacon signal including the access

point’s configured SSID. Wireless clients can read the SSID from the
beacon, and automatically reset their SSID to allow immediate connection
to the nearest access point.

LOSSARY

ODFM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing: OFDM allows multiple users to

transmit in an allocated band by dividing the bandwidth into many narrow
bandwidth carriers.

ROAMING A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and maintains a

continuous connection to the infrastructure network.

RTS THRESHOLD Transmitters contending for the medium may not be aware of each other.

RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this “Hidden Node Problem.” If the packet
size is smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism
will NOT be enabled.

SSID Service Set Identifier: An identifier that is attached to packets sent over

the wireless LAN and functions as a password for joining a particular radio
cell; i.e., Basic Service Set (BSS).

SHARED KEY A shared key can be used to authenticate each client attached to a wireless

network. Shared Key authentication must be used along with the 802.11
Wireless Equivalent Privacy algorithm.

SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol: The application protocol in the

Internet suite of protocols which offers network management services.

– 46 –

G

LOSSARY

SNTP Simple Network Time Protocol: SNTP allows a device to set its internal

clock based on periodic updates from a Network Time Protocol (NTP)
server. Updates can be requested from a specific NTP server, or can be
received via broadcasts sent by NTP servers.

TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol: A data encryption method designed as a

replacement for WEP. TKIP avoids the problems of WEP static keys by
dynamically changing data encryption keys.

TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol: A TCP/IP protocol commonly used for software

downloads.

WI-FI PROTECTED

ACCESS

WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy: WEP is based on the use of security keys and the

PSK WPA Pre-shared Key: PSK can be used for small office networks that may

WPA employs 802.1X as its basic framework for user authentication and
dynamic key management to provide an enhanced security solution for

802.11 wireless networks.

popular RC4 encryption algorithm. Wireless devices without a valid WEP
key will be excluded from network traffic.

not have the resources to configure and maintain a RADIUS server, WPA
provides a simple operating mode that uses just a pre-shared password for
network access.

– 47 –

INDEX

NUMERICS

802.1X 25

A

Access Policy 35
Ad hoc 23, 30
AES 25, 34
AP Mode 32
Authentication 24, 34
Authentication / Encryption 23

B

Background 26
Best Effort 26

C

Channel 19, 23, 34
Country Region Code 27, 34

D

Domain Name 25

E

Encryption 24, 34

F

Frames Received 37
Frames Transmitted 37

K

Key Features 12

L

LEAP 25
LED indicators 14
Link Speed 28
Link Status 19

M

MAC address 36

N

Network Name 19, 23
Network Type 23

O

Open System 24

P

Package Contents 13
Physical Address 37
Power Save Enable 26
Power Saving Mode 27, 36
Pre-shared Key 35
Profile Name 23

Q

QoS 26

H

Hardware Capabilities 13
Hardware Description 14
Help 29

I

ICS 32
IEEE 802.11n 12
Infrastructure 23, 30
Install Utility 15
Introduction 12

R

Rescan 22

S

Shared Key 24, 34
Signal Strength 19
Station Mode 38
Statistics 28

– 48 –

T

Throughput 28
TKIP 25, 34
Troubleshooting 39
TX Power 27
TX power 34

U

Uninstal the Utility 40

V

Video first 26
Voice first 26

W

WEP 12, 25, 34, 35
Wi-Fi Multimedia 26
Windows 2000 12, 13
Windows 2000/XP configuration 20
Windows Vista system 12
Windows XP 12
WMM 13, 26
WPA 24
WPA2 24
WPA2-PSK 12, 24, 34
WPA-PSK 12, 24, 34
WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK 34

I

NDEX

– 49 –

www.smc-asia.com

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SMCWUSBS-N3