Introduction Thank you for purchasing the MyEssentials Wireless G USB Network Adapter (the Adapter). Now you can take advantage of this great new technology and gain the freedom to network your home and office computers wirelessly. This Adapter allows you to connect a desktop or notebook computer to your network.
Introduction Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal Performance Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is to your wireless router (or access point). Typical indoor operating range for your wireless devices is between 100 and 200 feet. In the same way, your wireless connection and performance will degrade somewhat as the distance between your wireless router (or access point) and connected devices increases.
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Introduction Avoid Obstacles and Interference Avoid placing your wireless router (or access point) near devices that may emit radio “noise”, such as microwave ovens. Other objects that can inhibit wireless communication can include: • Refrigerators • Washers and/or dryers • Metal cabinets •...
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Introduction For more MyEssentials wireless networking products, use the detailed Site Survey and wireless channel information included in your User Manual. Secure Connections, VPNs, and AOL Secure connections typically require a user name and password, and are used where security is important. Secure connections include: •...
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Introduction For more information regarding our networking products, visit our website at www.MyEssentialssupport.com or call MyEssentials Technical Support.
Overview Product Features The Adapter complies with the IEEE 802.11g standard in order to communicate with other 802.11g-compliant wireless devices at 54Mbps. The Adapter is compatible with all 802.11g devices as well as other 802.11b products at 11Mbps. 802.11g products operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency band as 802.11b Wi-Fi products.
Overview Applications and Advantages • Wireless roaming with a laptop around the home or office Offers the freedom of networking—without cables • Connection rates of up to 54Mbps Provides immediate wireless connectivity at home, work, and hotspot locations without compromising the use of existing 802.11b and 802.11g products •...
Overview (a) Protective Cap (c) USB Adapter (b) Activity LED (a) Protective Cap The cap can be stored on the opposite end of the USB connector. The cap snaps over the USB connector for protection. (b) Activity LED Lights up and flashes when the Adapter is active Blinking Green: Active Off: Not connected to network On: Connected to network...
Installing and Setting up the Adapter Step 1 Install Important Note: Install the software before connecting the Adapter. Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive. The MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility setup screen will automatically appear (may take 15–20 seconds to appear). Click “install”...
Installing and Setting up the Adapter Step 2 Connect Plug the Adapter into an Available USB Slot on your Notebook Computer During the install process, you will be prompted to insert your Adapter. Plug the Adapter into an available USB port on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Installing and Setting up the Adapter Step 3 Configure Use the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility After successfully installing the Adapter, double-click the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility icon located on the desktop screen. The Wireless Networking Utility screen will appear. Select a network to which to connect by selecting a network from the “Available Networks”...
Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility After successfully installing the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility (WNU), configurations for wireless connection and security are just a few easy clicks away. Accessing the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility from the Windows System Tray To access the WNU, simply place your mouse pointer and right-click over the WNU icon on the Windows system tray on the lower right-hand corner of your computer’s desktop.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility The WNU’s default screen is the “Current Status” tab. The “Current Status” tab displays the current network status and available networks. Network Status This window displays the connectivity status of the current network, between the computer and router, and between the router and the Internet.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Connection Failure Other options will appear during attempts to reconnect. To stop connecting, click “Stop” and to reattempt connection, click “Retry”. Network Status and Solution Tips To further understand the current Network Status, click “Open Wireless Utility”.
Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Setting Wireless Network Profiles The “My Connections” tab on the WNU allows you to add, edit, and delete connection profiles. It also displays signal strength, security, and network type. Securing your Wi-Fi Network ® If you choose to connect to a secure network, determine the type of security (WPA or WEP*) and use the appropriate field in the dialog box.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Note: When you select a network using encryption, you will first see the simple security screen. Click the “Advanced” button to see other security options (below).
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a less secure, but more widely adopted wireless security protocol. Depending on the security level (64- or 128-bit), the user will be asked to input a 10- or 26-character hex key. A hex key is a combination of letters, a–f, and numbers, 0–9.
Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility 64-Bit WEP 64-bit WEP was first introduced with 64-bit encryption, which includes a key length of 40 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated data (64 bits total). Some hardware manufacturers refer to 64-bit as 40-bit encryption.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) WPA is a new Wi-Fi standard that improves upon the security features of WEP. To use WPA security, the drivers and software of your wireless equipment must be upgraded to support it. These updates will be found on your wireless vendor’s website.
Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Configuring your MyEssentials Wireless G USB Network Adapter to use Security At this point, you should already have your wireless router (or access point) set to use WPA or WEP. In order for you to gain a wireless connection, you must set your Wireless G USB Network Adapter to use the same security settings.
Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility WEP Setup 64-Bit WEP Encryption Select “WEP” from the drop-down menu. After selecting your WEP encryption mode, you can enter your key by typing in the hex key manually, or you can type in a passphrase in the “Passphrase”...
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Click “Save” to finish. Encryption in the wireless router (or access point) is now set. Each of your computers on your wireless network must now be configured with the same security settings. WARNING: If you are using a wireless client to turn on the security settings in your wireless router (or access point), you will temporarily lose your wireless connection until you activate security on your wireless client.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Click “Save” to finish. Encryption in the wireless router (or access point) is now set. Each of the computers on your wireless network must now be configured with the same security settings. WARNING: If you are using a wireless client to turn on the security settings in your wireless router (or access point), you will temporarily lose your wireless connection until you activate security on your wireless client.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility WPA-PSK (no server) Choose this setting if your network does not use a radius server. WPA-PSK (no server) is typically used in home and small office networking. From the “Network Authentication” drop-down menu, select “WPA-PSK (no server)”.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Click “Save” to finish. You must now set all clients (network cards) to match these settings. Wireless Networking Utility Options The “Options” tab on the WNU provides the user the ability to customize his or her WNU settings.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility Wireless Networking Utility Help The WNU “Help” tab provides users with access to online and telephone support, as well as advanced diagnostic tools. Advanced Diagnostic Tools The “Advanced Diagnostic Tools” section is the central control panel for all the settings of the hardware and software components of the wireless network.
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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility...
Troubleshooting I can’t connect to the Internet wirelessly. If you are unable to connect to the Internet from a wireless computer, please check the following items: Look at the lights on your wireless router. If you’re using a MyEssentials Wireless Router, the lights should be as follows: •...
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Troubleshooting The name of your wireless network appears in “Available Networks”. If the correct network name is listed in the “Available Networks” list, please follow the steps below to connect wirelessly: Click on the correct network name in the “Available Networks” list. If the network has security (encryption) enabled, you must enter the network key.
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Troubleshooting Installation CD-ROM does not start Wireless Networking Utility. If the CD-ROM does not start the Wireless Networking Utility automatically, it could be that the computer is running other applications that are interfering with the CD drive. If the Wireless Networking Utility screen does not appear within 15–20 seconds, open up your CD-ROM drive by double-clicking on the “My Computer”...
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Troubleshooting Link LED is solid but I cannot connect to the Internet. If you have a signal but can’t get online or obtain an IP address, the problem may be that there is a mismatch between the encryption key settings in your computer and wireless router (or access point).
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Troubleshooting Signal strength is poor. Wireless technology is radio-based, which means connectivity and the throughput performance between devices decreases when the distance between devices increases. Other factors that will cause signal degradation (metal is generally the worst culprit) are obstructions such as walls and metal appliances. As a result, the typical indoor range of your wireless devices will be between 100 to 200 feet.
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Troubleshooting Technical Support You can find technical-support information at www.MyEssentialssupport. com through the tech-support area. If you want to contact technical support by phone, please call: US: 1-866-761-4608...
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY We, MyEssentials, of 501 West Walnut Street, Compton, CA 90220, declare under our sole responsibility that the product, ME1001-USB to which this declaration relates, complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may...
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Information Modifications The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications to this device that are not expressly approved by MyEssentials may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. MyEssentials 1-Year Limited Product Warranty MyEssentials warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for one year.
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