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20 cm (8 in.) to your body for extended periods of time whilst in operation. If the antennas are positioned less than 20 cm from the user, it is recommended that the user limit exposure time. SOHOware™ CableFREE iii...
1.2 THE CABLEFREE PRODUCT FAMILY............2 CHAPTER 2: NETWORK CONFIGURATION..........3 2.1 CONNECTING CABLEFREE PCS TO A CABLE/ DSL MODEM....3 2.2 CONNECTING CABLEFREE PCS TO AN EXISTING LAN ....... 4 2.3 CONNECTING CABLEFREE PCS WITHOUT A CABLEFREE NETBLASTER .................... 6 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION..............7 3.1 BEFORE YOU START .................
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4.1.1 Checking the Network Status ............. 32 4.1.2 Alternatives to the CableFREE Toolbar ..........33 4.1.3 CableFREE Utility Preference Settings..........33 4.1.4 Enabling Network Hopper..............35 4.1.5 Viewing General Information............. 35 4.2 CABLEFREE TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS............. 35 4.2.1 Network Profiles................36 4.2.2 Resource Sharing ................
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7.1 ADDING ADDITIONAL CABLEFREE PCS TO YOUR NETWORK ..55 7.2 ADDING A CABLEFREE NETBLASTER TO YOUR CABLEFREE NETWORK FOR BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS......55 7.3 SWITCHING BETWEEN A CABLEFREE NETWORK “WITH” AND “WITHOUT” A NETBLASTER..............56 CHAPTER 8: TROUBLESHOOTING............57 8.1 LOOK FIRST FOR THE OBVIOUS ............57 8.2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION PROBLEMS ..........
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FIGURE 1. CABLEFREE INSTALLATION FLOW CHART ......X FIGURE 2. CABLEFREE PC BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTION..3 FIGURE 3. CONNECTING CABLEFREE PCS TO AN EXISTING LAN ..4 FIGURE 4. INTERNET CONNECTION USING A SINGLE IP ADDRESS..5 FIGURE 5. CABLEFREE HOME NETWORKING........... 6 FIGURE 6.
CableFREE Installation Flow This manual covers the whole CableFREE product family. Jump directly to the sections relevant to you. Before Your Start Before You Start (Chapter 3.1) (Chapter 3.1) CableFREE Network CableFREE Network with a NetBlaster Without a NetBlaster Installing NetBlaster...
Combo Starter Kit (NCF221 in US) (NCF220 in US) (NW680CK in Europe) (NW680SK in Europe) § § Two CableFREE PCI Cards with One CableFREE PCI Card with external antennas an external antenna § § One User’s Guide and one Quick One PC Card §...
To maintain network performance, we recommend that you don’t connect more than sixteen computers in a CableFREE network With the addition of a CableFREE NetBlaster to the network, each CableFREE PC can share wireless high-speed Internet access through a single Cable/xDSL modem.
The CableFREE product family provides a total solution for all your wireless home networking needs. The family includes: • CableFREE PCI Card – Fits into a desktop computer’s PCI slot to provide a wireless network capability • CableFREE PC Card – Fits into a notebook’s PCMCIA slot to provide a wireless network capability •...
Cable/xDSL NetBlaster Modem Figure 2. CableFREE PC Broadband Internet Connection In this example, the NetBlaster acts as a bridge between the CableFREE PCs and the broadband device. To use the NetBlaster in this configuration, you need to have: • an external Cable/xDSL modem with an RJ-45 connector •...
2.2 Connecting CableFREE PCs to an Existing LAN With a connection between the NetBlaster and an Ethernet hub, each CableFREE PC can share the resources located on both the wired and the wireless LAN. In addition, if the existing LAN has a Cable/xDSL modem, a NetBlaster allows users to share high-speed Internet access without wired restrictions.
Notebook Desktop Figure 4. Internet Connection Using a Single IP Address In this example, the NetBlaster acts as a bridge between a CableFREE network and an existing LAN. To use a NetBlaster in this network configuration, you need to have: •...
PCs installed with a CableFREE card • external analog modem and an Internet account with Internet sharing software (e.g. SyGate) installed on the Server PC is required • SyGate is supplied on the CableFREE Starter kit (NCF220 or 221) CD-ROM 6 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
Chapter 3: Installation This chapter gives step-by-step instructions on installing CableFREE. 3.1 Before you Start 3.1.1 System Requirements Desktop Computer Notebook Computer 486 or better 486 or better Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 98SE, 2000, Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 98SE, 2000, or NT 4.0...
3.1.4 LED Indicators We provide LED indicators on the NetBlaster and the CableFREE cards for you to confirm that your CableFREE network is working properly. NetBlaster LEDs Blinks Green when doing the diagnostic POST test. If the test is successful, the LED will...
This section explains how to install CableFREE hardware, including CableFREE cards and NetBlaster. If you do not have a NetBlaster, go directly to 3.2.2 CableFREE PCI Card Installation, page 10, or 3.2.3 CableFREE PC Card Installation, page 12. 3.2.1 CableFREE NetBlaster Installation...
NetBlaster. 3.2.2 CableFREE PCI Card Installation To install a CableFREE PCI Card into a computer, simply follow these steps: step1. Turn off the power to your computer and all peripherals, and unplug the power cord from the wall socket...
Be sure the card is fully home, then fasten the retaining bracket with the screw from the slot cover Retaining Slot Cover Bracket PCI Slot Figure 13. Inserting the Card SOHOware™ CableFREE 11...
Note: For the best data transmission/reception you should place the antenna as high as possible. step7. Repeat the above procedure to fit a CableFREE card into each of the other desktop computers to be networked 3.2.3 CableFREE PC Card Installation The PC card fits into a PCMCIA slot.
1. CableFREE Device Driver – necessary software drivers for CableFREE network cards 2. CableFREE Utility – allows users to setup file and printer sharing functions, configures the function settings, monitors network performance, checks system status, and permits notebook users to switch between different network environments without reconfiguring network settings For Windows 95 see the next page.
3.3.1 Windows 95 Installation After installing the CableFREE hardware, when you restart the computer Windows will find a new device and show one of these two screens depending on the Windows 95 version: Figure 18. New Hardware Found Figure 17. Update Device Driver Wizard If you see the “Update Device Driver Wizard”...
Figure 20. Insert Disk step3. If this happens, click OK Figure 21. Copying Files step4. Type in the location of the CableFREE program ( ). Click OK Figure 21 Figure 22. Network step5. If it’s the first time you have setup a network on this computer, the...
Figure 23. New Hardware Found step2. Choose Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer and click Figure 24. Install From Disk step3. Insert the CableFREE CD-ROM in the CD drive. Type D:\ (or whatever your CD drive is) and click OK. 16 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
( ). The description field may be left blank. Figure 25 Enter the names and click Close step5. Go to Page 23 to choose your network configuration SOHOware™ CableFREE 17...
The Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box will open ( Figure 26 Figure 26. Add New Hardware Wizard-1 step3. Click Next Figure 27. Add New Hardware Wizard-2 step4. Choose Search for the best driver for your device ( ) and click Figure 27 Next 18 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
Figure 28. Add New Hardware Wizard-3 step5. Check CD-ROM drive. Insert the CableFREE CD-ROM in the CD drive and click Next Figure 29. Add New Hardware Wizard-4 step6. Windows will find the driver ( ). Click Next Figure 29 step7.
I/O, IRQ number to the CableFREE card manually after restarting the computer. See Chapter 8.3 for more information about IRQ, I/O number setting You are now ready to install the CableFREE Utility. Turn to page 26. 20 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
The Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box will open ( Figure 30 Click Next Figure 31. Found New Hardware Wizard-2 step3. Choose Search for a suitable driver for my device and click Next step4. Check Specify a location. Click Next SOHOware™ CableFREE 21...
On the Completing the Found New Hardware screen, click Finish step9. Install the CableFREE Utility by clicking Start/Run on the Windows taskbar. Type the path to the setup files, e.g. if the CD drive is D, type d:\utility\setup.exe and then click OK. Follow the onscreen messages to complete the installation step10.
If you are using a NetBlaster: Enter a computer name. Each computer’s name must be different. Enter the NetBlaster ID (on the base of the device) which must be capitalized and the same on every computer that will communicate via this NetBlaster SOHOware™ CableFREE 23...
(the Group name is case sensitive) step2. The setup program may ask you to insert the Windows CD-ROM Figure 36 Figure 36. Insert Disk step3. Insert it and click OK 24 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
Note: Be sure the path to your Windows source files (CD-ROM, or hard disk) is correct. You need to type the specific directory of the Windows source files or the system will not find them. You are now ready to install the CableFREE Utility. SOHOware™ CableFREE 25...
( Figure 39 Note: For Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 users, insert the CableFREE CD- ROM. Click Start/Run on the Windows task bar. Type the path to the setup files, e.g. if the CD drive is D, type d:\utility\setup.exe and then click The CableFREE utility setup program will then display the CableFREE Welcome screen.
Figure 41. Setup Complete step4. Check Yes, I want to restart my computer. Click Finish to restart and auto-launch the CableFREE utility ( Figure 41 Note: The screen shown in Figure 41 will vary slightly depending on the Windows operating system.
Figure 42. File and Printer Sharing Options step5. CableFREE will ask you which resources on this computer you want to share. Check the items to share and then click OK Congratulations! You have completed the installation. Go to Chapter 4.1.1 to check the network status.
Right-click My Computer. Click Properties ( Figure Figure 44. Properties step2. The System Properties screen will open Figure 45. System Properties step3. Click the Device Manager tab step4. Double-click the Network Adapters icon step5. Select the CableFREE card and click Remove SOHOware™ CableFREE 29...
Wireless adapter” entry. If the entry exists, delete it from the list and then restart the computer. 3.5.3 Removing the Hardware To remove the CableFREE card, power off the computer and refer to Chapter 3.2. Reverse the procedure described there. 30 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
5. Traffic Viewer: Monitors data transmissions in real time 6. Network Watcher: For Non-NetBlaster users to monitor the computers on the network These tools can also be accessed from both the CableFREE taskbar icon and the Windows Start menu. SOHOware™ CableFREE 31...
4.1 CableFREE Taskbar Icon Functions 4.1.1 Checking the Network Status After installation, you can check the network connection status either via the LED indicators on the CableFREE device, or by the color of the CableFREE taskbar icon. • If the CableFREE icon on the Windows taskbar is Green, your network is...
Right-click the CableFREE Taskbar icon to get Adapter Information, Network Profiles, Resource Sharing, Connection Quality, or Traffic Viewer information. 4.1.3 CableFREE Utility Preference Settings Right-click the CableFREE icon on the taskbar to pop up the following screen. Figure 49. Taskbar Click Preferences to open the Preferences page ( Figure 50 SOHOware™...
If checked, the Utility will be loaded automatically when Windows starts up. Show icon on the taskbar If checked, the CableFREE icon is displayed on the taskbar. Users can access all utility functions by clicking the right mouse button on the icon.
Other information includes a Help menu, which will open the Utility help file, and an About menu, which displays copyright and version information. 4.2 CableFREE Toolbar Functions The CableFREE toolbar provides powerful network functions. The following section explains how to use these functions. Resource Sharing...
Environments, for more detailed information. 4.2.2 Resource Sharing The CableFREE utility allows you to select the folders and printers you want to share. Check the resource you want to share and then click OK. Refer to Chapter 6: Network Applications, for more detailed information.
CableFREE PC or the NetBlaster higher, or remove any metal obstacles between the CableFREE PCs and the NetBlaster. If the bar is black, then your network has a problem and you should refer to Chapter 8: Troubleshooting, to find possible solutions.
Advanced Information Here you can find the product version number, system settings, and CableFREE card’s working status ( ). This information is required when upgrading the Figure 56 product or asking for technical support. Figure 56. Adapter Properties/Advanced Information If you want to know more about advanced network information, read the following section.
I/O Port Address I/O (Input/Output) Port Address describes a specific communication process between a computer and a device, i.e. a CableFREE card. Other typical I/O devices are printers, hard disks, keyboards, etc. IRQ Number The IRQ (Interrupt Request) value is an assigned location where the computer can expect the CableFREE device to interrupt it.
4.2.6 Network Watcher This tool is only available when your CableFREE network does not use a NetBlaster. If you don’t use a NetBlaster, this tool will help you to monitor the computers in the network. 40 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
Then access Network Hopper from the CableFREE taskbar icon to switch to different network environments quickly. Click Network Profiles on the CableFREE toolbar utility to open the “Network Profiles” screen and then click Show Me Details. Note: Network Hopper is currently not supported in Windows 2000 as Windows 2000 has not been released at time of printing.
5.2 Setting up Different Network Environments When you run Network Profiles for the first time, it will register the file type “.nsw” as a CableFREE Utility Network Profiles data file. Making your first setup file is as simple as this: step1.
Use one of the following methods to switch between network environments: Method 1: Open Network Profiles on the CableFREE toolbar, select a Network Adapter, click the Load button, choose a setup file, click the Apply button. Note: If you choose a network profile for a network adapter not currently in this computer, you need to shutdown the computer manually, insert the required network adapter, and then restart the computer.
For example, you can pre-select your home network configuration when you plan to go home Note: If you need to restart the computer to make the changes effective, the Network Profiles utility will pop up the following screen. Figure 61. Reboot Request 44 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
6.1 File Sharing 6.1.1 Sharing Files to the Network You can use the resource sharing utility on the CableFREE toolbar to share a hard disk drive or CD-ROM drive. If you only want to share specific files, you need to uncheck the shared drive in the CableFREE utility and then designate which files are to be shared.
If you want to restrict access, you can assign a password now. Anybody wishing to access the file will then be asked to enter the password. Click OK. The folder will be marked as shared. ( Figure 64 Figure 64. Shared Folder 46 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
Note: If you regularly connect to a particular shared folder you may find it convenient to assign a drive letter to that folder. To access it you then need only open Windows Explorer and select it there. SOHOware™ CableFREE 47...
6.2 Printer Sharing 6.2.1 Sharing Your Printer You can use the Resource sharing utility on the CableFREE toolbar to share the printer. To control sharing access to the shared printer, you need to uncheck the shared printer in the CableFREE utility. Then use the following method to set sharing control: step1.
On the next page of the wizard ( ), click Browse Figure 69 Figure 70. Add Printer Wizard-3 step5. Select the printer you want to access ( ). Click OK to return to Figure 70 the Add Printer Wizard dialog box SOHOware™ CableFREE 49...
Accessing the Internet Click Start on the taskbar, and choose your browser from the Programs menu. All CableFREE enabled PCs can surf the Internet simultaneously by running a browser on each PC. If you cannot connect to the Internet, check the connection settings in your browser by completing the following steps: 50 SOHOware™...
Note: Windows 2000 users need to manually check their browser settings via their browsers options menu. step1. Open Network Profiles on the CableFREE Utility step2. Click Show Me Details. Depending on your current Internet Browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator) click “Internet/IE” or “Navigator”...
Click Save to take a snapshot of these network settings 6.3.2 Traditional Internet Access Sharing CableFREE provides free Internet Sharing software “SyGate”. SyGate is on the CD-ROM supplied with the CableFREE Desktop Starter kit (NCF220) or CableFREE Combo Starter kit (NCF221).
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Typically, games of this type have both single and multi-player modes. For playing with others over your CableFREE network you should choose games with multi-player modes. Games in the second category are available over the Internet. You can search for Game on the Internet and then play multi-player gaming online.
2. Obtain the type of multi-player game you wish to play (Internet-based or Residence-based) 3. If you want to play Internet-based multi-player games: § § Make sure your CableFREE network can share Internet access § § Each player must connect to the Internet and sign on to the Website supporting the game Note: You can search for game websites by typing Game in any search engine (e.g.
Network This chapter explains how you can add additional CableFREE PCs to your network. You can either add a new CableFREE PC or upgrade an existing wired network PC to CableFREE. This chapter also shows you how to upgrade your CableFREE Network to use Broadband Internet access via a NetBlaster, and how to switch your “CableFREE network with a NetBlaster”...
7.3 Switching Between a CableFREE Network “With” and “Without” a NetBlaster 1. Open Network Profiles from the CableFREE toolbar 2. If you want to switch from “with a NetBlaster” to “without a NetBlaster” Uncheck “Connect with NetBlaster” and enter a group name. Each computer...
Make sure the card is fully home in the computer’s PCI/PCMCIA slot • Uninstall and reinstall the CableFREE card to see if the error message is repeated. If so, and if possible, try the card in another PC to verify that the problem is in the card and not its PC environment •...
2. If you fail to find the source files, contact the store where you purchased your PC 3. Uninstall and reinstall the CableFREE card after you have found the correct path to the source files • If you encounter IRQ Conflicts with Another Device 1.
Move the NetBlaster and the CableFREE PCs closer to each other • If there is a device using the same radio frequency as the CableFREE, e.g. a microwave oven, ensure the CableFREE computer or NetBlaster are far enough away from it (10 meters min. is advisable) Use the CableFREE utility to find the best location: 1.
2. Turn off the computer and install the CableFREE hardware 3. Insert a startup disk into the floppy disk drive and boot into DOS 4. Use the CableFREE DOS utility on the CableFREE CD-ROM Ver.2 to disable the CableFREE card PnP feature 5.
Internet? The program might have introduced a computer virus. • Has anyone recently “customized,” “tidied up,” or “streamlined,” a computer on the network? They may have changed or deleted necessary settings or files. SOHOware™ CableFREE 61...
Toll-Free (US only) Technical Support +1 (888) 785-8222 Customer Service +1 (800) 632-1118 ext: 828 1-408-7300889 E-mail support@ndclan.com Europe and Asia Pacific Telephone 886-3-5783966 886-3-5777989 E-mail techsupt@ndc.com.tw For more information about CableFREE, please visit us at: http://www.sohoware.com 62 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
NDC Limited Warranty Hardware NDC (NDC Communications, Inc.) warrants its products to be free of defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, from the date of purchase from NDC or its Authorized Reseller and for the period of time specified in the documentation supplied with each product.
NDC or an authorized NDC distributor/dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. 64 SOHOware™ CableFREE...
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The manufacturer/importer is responsible for this declaration: Company Name : NDC (EUROPE) CO., LTD Company Address : 1, EARLSFORT CENTRE, HATCH STREET, DUBLIN 2, IRELAND Person authorized to make this declaration: Name : CHANG-HUA CHIANG Position/Title : MANAGING DIRECTOR Date Legal Signature SOHOware™ CableFREE 65...