SMC Networks SMCWUSB-N4 User Manual
SMCWUSB-N4 User Manual
300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter
FastFind Links
Getting Started
Installing the Driver
Using the SMC WLAN Configuration Tool
(Windows)
Using the SMC Wireless Utility (Mac)
Troubleshooting Procedures
SMC Networks
20 Mason
Irvine, CA. 92618
U.S.A.
Copyright © 2011 SMC Networks
All Rights Reserved
Information furnished by SMC Networks, Inc. (SMC) is believed to be accurate and reliable. However,
no responsibility is assumed by SMC for its use, or 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
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or stored in a database or retrieval system for
any purpose without the express written permission of SMC.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Apple and Macintosh are
registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. All other brands, product names, trademarks, or service marks
are property of their respective owners.
Use only with Listed ITE.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
July 8, 2011
Contents
Preface ...................................................................................................................... v
Key Features ............................................................................................................ vi
Benefits .................................................................................................................... vi
Document Organization ........................................................................................... vii
Document Conventions ........................................................................................... vii
Safety and Warnings .......................................................................................... vii
Typographic Conventions ....................................................................................... viii
1 Getting Started ...................................................................................................... 9
Unpacking Package Contents .................................................................................. 10
System Requirements ............................................................................................. 10
LED ......................................................................................................................... 10
MAC Address and Serial Number ............................................................................ 11
Storing the Cap ........................................................................................................ 11
Preparing for Your Wireless Connection .................................................................. 11
Change the Default Wireless Network Name (SSID) .......................................... 11
Change the Default Password............................................................................ 12
Enable Authentication and Encryption ................................................................ 13
General Network Security Guidelines ................................................................. 13
2 Installing the Driver ............................................................................................ 14
Installing the Driver on a Windows XP Computer ..................................................... 14
Installing the Driver on a Windows 7 ........................................................................ 20
Installing the Driver on an Apple Macintosh ............................................................. 25
3 Using the SMC WLAN Configuration Tool (Windows) ..................................... 30
Accessing the SMC WLAN Configuration Tool ........................................................ 31
SMC WLAN Configuration Tool Main Screen ................................ ........................... 31
Understanding the Adapter’s Operating Modes ....................................................... 32
Viewing Wireless Network Status ............................................................................ 34
Performing a Site Survey ......................................................................................... 36
Managing Profiles .................................................................................................... 37
Adding a New Profile ......................................................................................... 38
Modifying a Profile ............................................................................................. 39
Deleting a Profile................................................................................................ 39
Viewing Statistics ..................................................................................................... 40
Enabling WPS-Compliant Devices ........................................................................... 41
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SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
Contents
Configuring SSID, Wireless Mode, and Channel ...................................................... 43
Configuring Security Settings ................................................................................... 45
Selecting Authentication and Encryption ............................................................ 46
Using Access Control .............................................................................................. 47
Deleting a MAC Address .................................................................................... 48
Removing All MAC Addresses ........................................................................... 48
Viewing Adapter Information .................................................................................... 49
4 Using the SMC Wireless Utility (Mac) ............................................................... 50
Working with Profiles ............................................................................................... 51
Adding a Profile ................................................................................................. 51
Activating a Profile ............................................................................................. 54
Modifying a Profile ............................................................................................. 55
Deleting a Profile................................................................................................ 55
Monitoring Link Status ............................................................................................. 56
Working with Site Surveys ....................................................................................... 57
Viewing Statistics ..................................................................................................... 58
Performing Advanced Operations ............................................................................ 60
Working with WPS ................................................................................................... 63
WPS AP List ...................................................................................................... 63
WPS Profile List ................................................................................................. 64
Rescan Button ................................................................................................... 64
WPS Profile List ................................................................................................. 64
Pin Code ............................................................................................................ 64
Config Mode ...................................................................................................... 64
Connect Button .................................................................................................. 64
Rotate Button ................................................................................................ ..... 64
Disconnect Button .............................................................................................. 65
Export Button ..................................................................................................... 65
PIN Button ......................................................................................................... 65
PBC ................................................................................................................ 65
WPS associate IE Check Box ............................................................................ 65
WPS probe IE Check Box .................................................................................. 65
Progress and Status Bars .................................................................................. 66
Viewing Adapter Information .................................................................................... 67
5 Troubleshooting Procedures ............................................................................. 68
Appendix A - Specifications ................................................................................. 70
Appendix B - Glossary .......................................................................................... 71
Index ....................................................................................................................... 73
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
iv
Thank you for choosing the SMCWUSB-N4 USB Network
Adapter.
Designed for desktop and notebook PC and Macintosh
computers, your SMCWUSB-N4 uses the latest IEEE 802.11n
wireless technology and is backward-compatible with
IEEE802.11g/b standards to increase the wireless coverage
range and reduce “dead spots.” Once connected, users can
surf the Internet, access e-mail, conduct online gaming, and
watch on-line multimedia shows with Wireless-N speed and coverage.
Preface
Your SMCWUSB-N4 supports speeds up to 300 Mbps, six times faster than Wireless-G
when the network is 100% Wireless-N. To protect your data and privacy, your SMCWUSBN4 supports industrial-strength Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), 64- and 128-bit Wireless
Equivalent Privacy (WEP), and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA/WPA2/802.11i) encryption.
It also supports Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) for Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic prioritization
over IEEE 802.11 networks, which benefit applications that require QoS such as Voice over
IP on Wi-Fi phones.
This user manual contains all the information you need to install and configure your new
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
v
Preface
Key Features
The following list summarizes the SMCWUSB-N4’s key features.
Supports 300 Mbps wireless receiving and transmitting rate
Complies with the latest 802.11n and 802.11b/g standards
Supports USB 2.0 port
Supports 20MHz/40MHz frequency width
Detects wireless network and changes transmitting rate automatically
Provides two working modes: Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc.
Benefits
The SMCWUSB-N4 is the ideal product around which you can build your wireless network.
The following list summarizes a few key advantages.
Ideal for hard-to-wire environments. There are many scenarios where cables cannot
be used to connect networking devices. Historic and older buildings, open areas, and
busy streets, for example, make wired LAN installations difficult, expensive, or
impossible.
Temporary workgroups. Wireless networks make it easy to provide connectivity to
temporary workgroups that will later be removed. Examples include parks, athletic
arenas, exhibition centers, disaster-recovery shelters, temporary offices, and
construction sites.
Accessing real-time information. With a wireless network, workers who rely on access
to real-time information, such as doctors and nurses, point-of-sale employees, mobile
workers, and warehouse personnel, can access the data they need and increase
productivity, without having to look for a place to plug into the network.
Frequently changed environments. Wireless networks are well suited for showrooms,
meeting rooms, retail stores, and manufacturing sites, where workplaces change
frequently.
Wireless extensions to Ethernet networks. Wireless networks let network managers
in dynamic environments minimize overhead due to moves, extensions to networks, and
other changes.
Wired LAN backup. Network managers can implement wireless networks to provide
backup for mission-critical applications running on wired networks.
Mobility within training and educational facilities. Students at college and training
sites at corporations are two examples where wireless connectivity can be used to
facilitate access to information, information exchanges, and learning.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
vi
Preface
Symbol
Meaning
Description
Note
Notes emphasize or supplement important points of the main text.
Tip
Tips provide helpful information, guidelines, or suggestions for performing tasks more
effectively.
Warning
Warnings indicate that failure to take a specified action could result in damage to the
device.
Electric Shock Hazard
This symbol warns users of electric shock hazard. Failure to take appropriate
precautions such as not opening or touching hazardous areas of the equipment could
result in injury or death.
Document Organization
This document consists of four chapters and two appendixes.
Chapter 1 – provides an overview of the Adapter.
Chapter 2 – describes how to install the Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh drivers
for the Adapter.
Chapter 3 – describes how to configure the Adapter on Windows computers using the
SMC WLAN configuration tool. Mac users can skip this chapter.
Chapter 4 – describes how to configure the Adapter on a Mac using the SMC wireless
utility. Windows users can skip this chapter.
Chapter 5 – provides troubleshooting information.
Appendix A - lists the Adapter’s specifications.
Appendix B - defines the technical terms in this guide.
Document Conventions
This document uses the following conventions to draw your attention to certain information.
Safety and Warnings
This document uses the following symbols to draw your attention to certain information.
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vii
Preface
Convention
Description
Bold
Indicates text on a window, other than the window title, including menus, menu options, buttons, fields, and labels.
Italic
Indicates a variable, which is a placeholder for actual text provided by the user or system. Angled brackets (< >)
are also used to indicate variables.
screen/code
Indicates text that is displayed on screen or entered by the user.
< > angled
brackets
Indicates a variable, which is a placeholder for actual text provided by the user or system. Italic font is also used to
indicate variables.
[ ] square
brackets
Indicates optional values.
{ } braces
Indicates required or expected values.
| vertical bar
Indicates that you have a choice between two or more options or arguments.
Typographic Conventions
This document also uses the following typographic conventions.
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SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
1 Getting Started
This chapter describes how to get started with your SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB
Adapter.
The topics covered in this chapter are:
Unpacking Package Contents (page 10)
System Requirements (page 10)
LED (page 10)
MAC Address and Serial Number (page 11)
Storing the Cap (page 11)
Preparing for Your Wireless Connection (page 11)
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
9
Getting Started
Link LED
Unpacking Package Contents
Unpack your Adapter contents and confirm that no items are missing or damaged. Your
package should include:
One SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter
One CD-ROM
One USB Extension Cable
If any item is missing or damaged, please contact your place of purchase. Keep the carton,
including the original packing material, in case you need to store the product or return it.
System Requirements
To complete your installation, you will need the following items:
A computer with a USB port and CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
A Java-enabled Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or above.
Microsoft
®
Windows® 2000 or higher for USB driver support.
LED
The front panel of your Adapter has a green Link LED that flashes when there is wireless
network activity.
Figure 1-1. LED on the SMCWUSB-N4 Adapter
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
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Getting Started
MAC Address and Serial Number
The back panel of your Adapter shows its Media Access Control (MAC) address. The MAC
address of your Adapter is a unique serial number assigned to the device by the
manufacturer. Every wired or wireless network device has a unique MAC address.
The back panel also shows the Adapter’s serial number.
Storing the Cap
Your Adapter comes with a cap that protects its USB connector. Before inserting your
Adapter into a computer’s USB port, remove the cap from the end of the Adapter and store
the cap in a safe place. When you finish using the Adapter, push the cap over the Adapter’s
USB connector until the cap fits snugly into place.
Figure 1-2. Removing the Cap
Preparing for Your Wireless Connection
Like cordless and cellular phones, wireless networks operate by sending information over
radio waves. As a result, wireless networks can be more vulnerable to intruders than
traditional wired networks. To protect your wireless network from hackers and other
unauthorized users, you need to take steps to keep your network secure.
The topics in this section cover precautions you can take to protect your wireless network.
Change the Default Wireless Network Name (SSID)
For a wireless device such as your SMCWUSB-N4 Adapter to connect to a wireless
network, it must know the network name or Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the wireless
network. Wireless devices have a default SSID preset at the factory and can be up to 32
characters long. The defaults may be fine for letting you connect and get the device up and
running quickly, but to keep snoopers and would-be attackers out, change the defaults as
soon as possible.
Often, the default settings are so common that an attacker does not need to do any
research. Many vendors use Admin or Administrator as the username and “admin" or
"password" as the password. A couple educated guesses and an attacker can infiltrate a
wireless network.
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Getting Started
To secure the network, you should change the wireless network name to a unique name that
can identify the wireless network from other wireless networks that may exist around you.
Refer to the owner's manual for your particular wireless router or access point to determine
how to access the configuration screen where you can change the default SSID.
Consider the following tips for choosing a secure SSID:
Do not use your name, address, birth date, passwords, or other personal information as
part of the SSID.
Choose an SSID that contains both letters and numbers.
Choose an SSID as long or nearly as long as the maximum length allowed.
Change your SSID every few months.
Change the Default Password
For wireless products such as access points and routers, you will be asked for a password
when you want to change their settings. These devices have a default password set at the
factory. Hackers know these defaults and may try to use them to access your wireless
device and change your network settings. To thwart any unauthorized changes, customize
the device’s password so it will be hard to guess.
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Getting Started
Enable Authentication and Encryption
Authentication and encryption protect data sent and received over a wireless network. Your
Adapter supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) authentication and Wired Equivalent
Privacy (WEP) encryption. These features offer different levels of security for wireless
communication.
A network encrypted with WPA/WPA2 is more secure than a network encrypted with WEP,
because WPA/WPA2 uses dynamic key encryption. To protect data sent through the air,
enable the highest level of encryption supported by your network equipment.
WEP is an older encryption standard and may be the only option available on older devices
that do not support WPA.
General Network Security Guidelines
Wireless network security is useless if the underlying network is not secure. To secure your
wireless network:
Password protect all computers on the network and individually password protect
sensitive files.
Change passwords on a regular basis.
Install anti-virus software and firewall software.
Disable file sharing (peer-to-peer). Some applications may open file sharing without your
consent or knowledge.
Keep wireless routers, access points, or gateways away from exterior walls and
windows.
Turn off wireless routers, access points, or gateways when they are not being used,
such as at night or during vacations.
Use strong passphrases that are at least eight characters long. Combine upper-case and
lower-case letters and numbers, and do not use standard words found in the dictionary.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
13
2 Installing the Driver
Before you can use your SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter for the first time,
install the driver from the supplied CD-ROM. When you install the driver, you will also install
the SMC WLAN configuration tool for configuring the Adapter. To simplify installation, the
driver is installed using a simple point-and-click wizard.
If your computer is running the Microsoft Windows XP operating system, refer to the
installation instructions below.
If your computer is running the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, see page 20.
If you have an Apple Macintosh, see page 25.
Installing the Driver on a Windows XP Computer
To install the Adapter on a computer running Microsoft Windows XP:
1. Insert the Adapter into the USB port of your computer.
2. When the Found New Hardware dialog box appears, click Cancel.
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Installing the Driver
Note: If the If the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM auto run feature is disabled, run wizard.exe in the
CD-ROM’s root directory.
3. Insert the supplied CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. The
Welcome screen appears.
15
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
Installing the Driver
4. Click Run. The license agreement appears.
5. Read the license agreement, then click I accept the terms of the license agreement and
click Next. You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue. The Setup
Type screen appears.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
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Installing the Driver
6. Click Install driver and SMC WLAN Config Tool, then click Next. The Ready to Install
the Program screen appears.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
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Installing the Driver
7. Click Next to install the driver. If the following screen appears, click Continue Anyway.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
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Installing the Driver
When the installation completes, the InstallShield Wizard Complete screen appears.
8. Click Finish to complete the installation.
9. If the Welcome screen is still displayed, click Exit to close the screen. When a prompt asks
whether you are sure you want to exit the program, click Yes.
This completes the driver installation for Windows XP. For information about using the SMC
WLAN configuration utility, see Chapter 3.
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Installing the Driver
Installing the Driver on a Windows 7
To install the Adapter on a computer running Microsoft Windows7:
1. Insert the Adapter into the USB port of your computer.
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20
Installing the Driver
Note: If the If the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM auto run feature is disabled, run wizard.exe in the
CD-ROM’s root directory.
2. Insert the supplied CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. The
Welcome screen appears.
3. Click Run. The license agreement appears.
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SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
Installing the Driver
4. Read the license agreement, then click I accept the terms of the license agreement and
click Next. You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue. The Setup
Type screen appears.
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Installing the Driver
5. Click Install driver and SMC WLAN Config Tool, then click Next. The Ready to Install
the Program screen appears.
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