Actiontec Electronics 802UI3B USB 802.11b Wireless LAN Adapter User Manual Prism USB Adapter Manual
Actiontec Electronics Inc USB 802.11b Wireless LAN Adapter Prism USB Adapter Manual
users manual
1
Table of Contents
l. Introduction 2
ll. Contacting Technical Support 3
lll. Connecting the Prism Wireless Adapter 4
lV. Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter 5
Configuring Windows 98 SE 5
Configuring Windows ME 8
Configuring Windows 2000 10
V. Configuring the Prism Wireless Adapter 14
Vl. Configuring the AdHoc Feature 16
Vll. Configuring File and Print Sharing 17
Table of Contents Page
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3
Contacting Technical Support
l
2Introduction
Contacting Technical Support
Thank you for purchasing the Prism Wireless Adapter. This Prism Wireless Adapter is
easy to use and easy to setup. If you are tired off all those messy wires just to connect a
laptop to your Home network, then take your networking to the next level with the
Prism Wireless Adapter. You will be able to share files, printers and even your High-
Speed Internet access, all without wires.
Package Contents
Make sure the following items came in this package:
Prism Wireless Adapter
USB Cable
Prism Wireless Adapter Installation CD-ROM
This User’s Manual and Quick Start Installation Guide
Minimum System Requirements
One Pentium class computer, 200 Mhz or higher (preferably 300 Mhz or above)
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Microsoft ME, Microsoft 2000
installed
Introduction
lV
5
Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
lll
4Connecting the Prism Wireless Adapter
1. It will not affect the installation process if your computer is on or off. However, if
your computer is off then after you have connected the Prism Wireless Adapter,
please be sure to turn on your computer.
2. Insert the Prism Wireless Adapter into the appropriate USB slot on either the front
or the back of your PC.
Connecting the Prism Wireless Adapter
For Windows 98
1. After you have installed the Prism Wireless Adapter your computer will display an
“Add New Hardware Wizard” screen. Click Next.
Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
2. In the next screen, select the option Search for the best driver for your device and
then click the Next button.
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7
Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
lV
6Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
3. Please insert the Prism Wireless Adapter Installation CD into your CD-ROM
drive. Select CD-ROM Drive and then click Next.
4. Your computer will locate the correct drivers named “AEIWLNIC.inf”. Click Next
to install the drivers.
5. The Prism Wireless Adapter’s properties screen will appear. (Note: The “SSID”
must be the same as the “ESSID” on your Home Gateway or Access Point.) Click
OK to complete the installation process.
6. The installation is now complete. Please click Finish .
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Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
lV
8Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
7. It will be necessary for you to shut down your computer. Please click OK to restart
your computer. If this screen does not appear please restart your computer manu-
ally.
Windows ME
1. After you have installed the Prism Wireless Adapter your computer will display an
“Add New Hardware Wizard” screen. Click Automatic search for a better driver
(Recommended). Then click the Next button.
2. The Prism Wireless Adapter’s properties screen will appear. (Note: The “SSID”
must be the same as the “ESSID” on your Home Gateway or Access Point.) Click
OK to complete the installation process.
3. The installation is now complete. Please click Finish.
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Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
For Windows 2000
1. After you have installed the Prism Wireless Adapter your computer will display the
“Found New Hardware Wizard” screen. Click Next.
2. In the next screen, select the option Search for the best driver for your device and
then click the Next button.
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10 Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
4. It will be necessary for you to shut down your computer. Please click OK to restart
your computer. If this screen does not appear please restart your computer manu-
ally.
3. Please insert the Prism Wireless Adapter Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.
Select CD-ROM Drive and then click Next.
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Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
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12 Installing the Prism Wireless Adapter
4. Your computer will locate the correct drivers named “AEIWLNIC.inf”. Click Next
to install the drivers.
5. The “Wireless LAN Configuration Utility” screen will appear. (Note: The “SSID”
must be the same as the “ESSID” on your Home Gateway or Access Point.) Click
OK to continue the installation process.
6. If you have configured any Encryption capabilities in your Home Gateway or
Access Point then complete the following screen accordingly. Otherwise, please
click Finish to complete the installation process.
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Configuring the Prism Wireless Adapter
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14 Configuring the Prism Wireless Adapter
After you have installed the software for the Prism Wireless Adapter an, Icon will appear in your
Task Bar on the lower right hand side on your Desktop. You will not be automatically connect-
ed to your Home Gateway or Access Point. Follow these steps to configure your Prism Wireless
Adapter.
Configuring the Prism Wireless Adapter
Prism Wireless Adapter Status Icon
3. After you have entered the appropriate SSID value click Apply and then click OK.
Your Prism Wireless Adapter will now be able to connect to your Home Gateway
or Access Point. If your Home Gateway or Access Point is connected to a DSL or
Cable modem then test your wireless connection. You can do this by opening your
Internet Browser and then surf the web.
Note: There are two colored bars on either side of the Prism Wireless Adapter Icon.
When they are Green it means that your wireless connection is strong or good.
When they are Yellow it means that your wireless connection is fair. When they are
Red it means that your wireless connection is poor or weak. When the bars are
Yellow or Red you may experience slower connection speeds then when they are
Green.
Encryption (WEP)
You can use Encryption to add a level of security to your Prism Wireless Adapter net-
work. This is not a required feature. If you are using a Home Gateway or Access Point
you must be sure to use the same Encryption (WEP) keys for your Prism Wireless
Adapter. Please follow these steps to set this feature up:
1. Right click on the Prism Wireless Adapter Status Icon. A list will appear as shown
in the picture on the previous page. Then select Advanced Configuration... from
the given list.
2. Click on the Encryption tab.
3. You can either select 64 bit or 128 bit Encryption depending on your needed level
of security. You can select Create Keys with Passphrase (a passphrase is the same as
a password, with the same type of functionality). Once you have entered a pass
phrase the utility will automatically generate the 4 keys. Remember, if you are using
a Home Gateway or Access Point these keys will need to be added to it. If you
already have a set of keys configured into your Home Gateway or Access Point or
you prefer to create the keys manually, select Create Keys Manually and enter them
in the given fields. Click Apply and then OK to activate your settings.
1. Right click on the Prism Wireless Adapter Status Icon. A list will appear as shown
in the picture below. Make sure that there is a black dot next to the Turn Wireless
Radio On. If the dot is not present then simply select it. Then you want to select
the Advanced Configuration... selection from the given list.
2. The Prism Wireless Adapter’s Properties screen will appear. Under the “Configuration” tab
the SSID value should be the same as the ESSID value of your Home Gateway or Access
Point. For example, if you have configured your Home Gateway or Access Point’s ESSID
value to “PRISM” then this same value needs to be typed into the SSID field in the fol-
lowing screen.
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Configuring File and Print Sharing
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16 Configuring the AdHoc Feature
AdHoc enables two or more computers with the Prism Wireless Adapter to talk to each
other. The most common usage for this feature is multi-player games in which each
player can play the game from each computer against one another via this Adhoc net-
work. If you use the AdHoc feature then a Home Gateway or Access Point is not
required. Please follow these steps to set up the AdHoc feature:
1. Right click on the Prism Wireless Adapter Status Icon. A list will appear as shown
in the picture below. Then select Advanced Configuration... from the given list.
Configuring the AdHoc feature
2. In the “Profile” field type in any name you wish. This will save all the settings under
that name. Then click on the down arrow in the “Mode” field and select 802.11
AdHoc. Enter an SSID value in the given field. The SSID value should be the same
on each computer that you want to network together. Then in the “AdHoc
Channel” box select a channel between the numbers 1-11. This value also must be
the same on each computer that you wish to network. Finally, click Apply and OK
to activate the settings. Be sure to repeat this for each computer you want to net-
work.
If you have and are using a Home Gateway or Access Point you can establish a network
that will allow you to share files and printers. This is an easy method to set up a network
in your home or small office. Please follow these steps to setup file and print sharing:
For Windows 95, 98 and ME
1. On your computer’s desktop click Start, then select Settings and then select
Control Panel. In the “Control Panel” window double click the Network icon.
2. The following “Network” screen should appear. Click the Add button.
Configuring File and Print Sharing
3. In the “Select Network Component Type” screen, click Service and then click the
Add button.
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Configuring File and Print Sharing
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18 Configuring File and Print Sharing
4. In the following screen please select File and printer sharing for Microsoft
Networks from the given list.
5. In the “File and Print Sharing” screen make sure that both of the selection have a
check mark beside them. If they do not please click on the box next to each state-
ment and then click OK.
6. After you have clicked OK you will return to the network screen from step 2. Please
click on the Identification tab (see the first image on page 26).
Computer Name: In this field you can type any name you want. (i.e. My
Computer, John, CPU654) Do not use the same name for each computer you
wish to have on your network.
Workgroup: This field enables you to set a unique name for your network. This
name must be set up on every other computer you wish to have on your net-
work.
Computer Description: You can enter anything you wish. Traditionally, the
location name or main user’s name is used in this field.
7. Click on the Configuration tab. This will take you back to the screen from step 2.
In the “Primary Network Logon:” box, located just above the “File and Print
Sharing” button, make sure that Client for Microsoft Networks is selected. If it is
not then click the down arrow and select it from the given list. Click OK.
8. A screen will appear asking you to restart your computer. Click Yes to restart the
computer. If you do not see this screen please restart your computer manually. After
your computer restarts you will be asked to supply a User Name and Password.
Enter whatever you would like but be sure to write down these values, as they will
enable you to access your network.
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Configuring File and Print Sharing
Vll
20 Configuring File and Print Sharing
9. After your computer has restarted and you entered a password and user name, you
must enable a file or drive for sharing. Locate the file or drive you wish to share.
(The easiest way to achieve this is through your Windows Explorer, located in the
start menu.) Right click on the File or Drive you wish to share. In the given menu
select Sharing.
10. The following screen will appear. Please select Shared As. This will enable other
users on your network to see the file or drive you selected. Then you can chose the
Access Type:
Read Only: This will allow other users on your network to view and read the file
or drive you selected. They will not be able to modify it in any way. You can fur-
ther restrict their privlidges by entering a password in the appropriate field.
Full: This will allow other users on your network to read, modify, move and
delete any information in the shared drive or file. You can further restrict their
privlidges by entering a user name and password.
Depends on Password: This will allow you to set both Read Only and Full access
on the shared file or drive. The level of access will depend on the passwords you
enter in the appropriate field.
When you are finished click Apply and then OK.
11. Next you need to share your printer. On your desktop, click Start, click Settings,
and then select Printers.
12. Right click on the printer you want to share. Select “Sharing” from the given list.
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Configuring File and Print Sharing
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22 Configuring File and Print Sharing
13. The next step will be to enable the sharing by selecting the “Share As” button. It
will automatically insert a default name for the Share Name. You may set a pass-
word for the printer at this time if you want to restrict who on the network can use
this resource. You may also set the default printer settings by modifying informa-
tion on the other tabs of this window.
For Windows 2000
1. After you have installed and configured your USB Adapter, Windows 2000 will
automatically enable file and print sharing for your computer. The only item that
needs to be altered is your workgroup settings. All the computers on your network
must have the same workgroup name but different computer names. To check or
change this locate the “My Computer” icon on your desktop. Right click on it and
select Properties from the given list.
2. In the “System Properties” click on the Network Identification tab. If the
“Workgroup” name is already the same as all the other computers on your network,
then you do not need to change it. Click OK. If it is not the same then click
Properties.
3. In the “Computer Name:” box type a name that is different from your other PC’s
on your network. Then, in the “Workgroup” box type the name that you are using
to identify your network. This will be the same on each computer on your network.
Click OK and you will return to the “Network Properties” screen. Click OK again
and even if you are not asked to do so, please restart your computer.
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Notices
28 Notices
Canadian Department Of Communications (CDOC)
Requirements for End Users:
Note: The Canadian Department of Communications label identifies certified
equipment. This certification means the equipment meets certain telecommunications
network requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will
operate to the user’s satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that connection to the line is
allowed by the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be
installed using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the company’s
inside wiring associated with a single line individual service may be extended by
means of a telephone extension cord. Compliance with the above conditions may not
prevent degradation of service in certain situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian
maintenance facility designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the
user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications
company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.
Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of
the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present,
are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.
CAUTION: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but
should contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority, or electrician, as
appropriate.
Regulatory Compliance Notices Class B Equipment
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 or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
X
- 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 or television technician for help.
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this
device that are not expressly approved by Actiontec Electronics, Inc may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Declaration of conformity for products marked with the FCC logo – United States only
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.
"IMPORTANT NOTE: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements
the antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance
of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter."
For questions regarding your product, or the FCC declaration, contact:
Actiontec Electronics, Inc
760 North Mary Ave,
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
United States
Tel: (408) 752-7700
Fax: (408) 541-9005