FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick Installation, Configuration and Operation
Legal Notice FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick v1.1 This documentation and the software it describes are protected by copyright. AVM grants the non-exclusive right to use the software, which is supplied exclusively in what is known as object code format. The licensee may create only one copy of the software, which may be used exclusively for backup use. AVM reserves all rights that are not expressly granted to the licensee.
Table of Contents 1 FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Customer Service Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 9.1 9.2 9.3 Product Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Information in the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Support from the AVM Service Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Instructions When working with the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, follow the instructions below to protect yourself and the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from damage. • Do not install FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick during an electrical storm. • Unplug the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from the computer during an electrical storm. • Never let liquids get inside the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. Otherwise, electric shocks or short circuits may result. • Protect the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from dust, moisture and steam.
Symbols and Highlighting The following highlighting and icons are used to designate important information: This symbol indicates important instructions that must be observed to avoid malfunctions. This symbol indicates useful hints to assist you in working with the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. The table below explains the highlighting used in this manual.
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick 1 FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick An Overview FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is a WLAN adapter for the Universal Serial Bus (USB). With the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, you can connect your computer directly with a WLAN access point, for example, with an AVM FRITZ!Box WLAN. You can also connect to other WLAN devices, to printers, and to PDAs. This grants you high mobility while allowing you to work with all of the advantages of wireless connections, high throughput rates and fast connections at maximum security.
LEDs • pentium-class computer or notebook (500 MHz CPU or better) • at least 64 MB RAM and 5 MB free memory on the hard drive • one CD drive You can install FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick if your computer meets all of these requirements. If you would like to connect additional computers, additional FRITZ!WLAN USB Sticks are required. 1.3 LEDs During operation, the orange LEDs on the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick indicate the following: 1.
Technical Specifications Operating systems Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit edition) / supported: Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit edition) / Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit edition) Dimensions (WxDxH): approx. 53 x 20 x 11 mm Weight: approx. 10 g Power supply: powered by USB, no external power supply required Maximum power consumption: 0.5 W (idle) / 1.5 W (transfer) Typical power con- 1.4 W (transfer) sumption: Transmitter power: max. 50 mW Receiver sensitivity: max.
2 AVM Stick & Surf Technology Connecting Securely with a FRITZ!Box WLAN With the AVM Stick & Surf technology the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick can take over the WLAN security settings from FRITZ!Box WLAN products. This allows a secure WLAN connection to be established between your computer and your FRITZ!Box without any additional configuration. For this, your FRITZ!Box WLAN must be equipped with a port for USB devices (USB host function).
deleted from the Stick. The AVM Stick & Surf logo appears and a WLAN connection to your FRITZ!Box is established automatically.
Installation 3 Installation Installing the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick can be installed in the operating systems Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit edition), Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit edition) and Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit edition). Please install the current Microsoft Service Packs using Microsoft Windows Update and use a USB 2.0 port for optimum performance of your FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. You can change the display of menus and folders in most operating systems.
Installation in Windows 7 / Windows Vista 64-bit Edition 5. Then click “Yes” (Windows 7) or “Continue” (Windows Vista) in the “User Account Control” dialog. The drivers and the control software for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick are installed automatically. A progress bar indicates the progress and the conclusion of the installation. This completes the driver installation for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. Continue reading from section “Information on WLAN Connections” on page 16. 3.
Installation in Windows XP 32-bit Edition 7. Then click “Yes” (Windows 7) or “Continue” (Windows Vista) in the “User Account Control” dialog. 8. Insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick CD when Windows prompts you to do so. The driver software is installed automatically. This completes the driver installation for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. Continue reading from section “Information on WLAN Connections” on page 16. 3.
Installation in Windows XP 64-bit Edition This completes the driver installation for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. Continue reading from section “Information on WLAN Connections” on page 16. 3.4 Installation in Windows XP 64-bit Edition Administrator rights are required to install FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick in Windows XP 64-bit Edition! the In order to install the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, perform the following steps: 1. Switch on the WLAN device you wish to connect to. 2. Switch on your computer. 3.
Information on WLAN Connections Information on WLAN Connections If you performed installation using Stick &Surf, no further steps are necessary to establish a WLAN connection. Your FRITZ!Box WLAN will be identified automatically as WLAN access point. A WLAN connection you can use immediately will be established. If you performed installation without using Stick & Surf, you have to select the WLAN remote site (the WLAN access point) to connect with manually in your WLAN control software.
The FRITZ!WLAN Control Software 4 The FRITZ!WLAN Control Software Establishing and Clearing WLAN Connections With the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick you can establish wireless network connections (WLANs) with various WLAN devices. The FRITZ!WLAN control software is available to manage all these WLAN connections. With FRITZ!WLAN you can configure, establish and clear WLAN connections as well as view connection information.
Operating FRITZ!WLAN The left side shows your own WLAN device, the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, complete with name and IP address. The middle section displays the icon of the WLAN connection as a box with links to the devices on the left and on the right. The small icons in the box display the connection quality and the encryption used. The right side shows the WLAN remote site with which you are currently connected or were connected most recently.
Establishing a WLAN Connection Connection Status The colors of the connection icons in the FRITZ!WLAN user interface and the FRITZ!WLAN program icon in the notification area of the task bar show the current condition of the connection: Icon Meaning WLAN connection active and WLAN connection is being established or the ad-hoc network you offered is ready to connect No WLAN connection and 4.
Establishing a Connection with a WLAN Access Point (Infrastructure Network) exchange data with each other quickly and directly. The ad-hoc network participants have to share the existing bandwidth. In the device lists in the FRITZ!WLAN control software, this type of connection is designated by the ad-hoc connection icon. Establishing a Connection with a WLAN Access Point (Infrastructure Network) If you performed installation using Stick & Surf, no further steps are necessary.
Connecting Two WLAN Users Directly (Ad-hoc Network) Connecting Two WLAN Users Directly (Ad-hoc Network) To establish a direct connection via WLAN, one WLAN party has to offer an ad-hoc network that other ad-hoc parties may join. How to Create an Ad-hoc Network 1. In the FRITZ!WLAN user interface, click the icon of the WLAN remote site with the right mouse button or click the FRITZ!WLAN program icon in the notification area of the task bar and select the command “Create Ad-hoc Network…”.
Connecting to the Internet How to Join an Ad-hoc Network 1. Open the FRITZ!WLAN control software on all of the computers to be connected to the ad-hoc network by double-clicking the FRITZ!WLAN icon in the notification area of the task bar. 2. Click the “Find” button to display the WLAN devices at your location. Possible ad-hoc parties found at your location are designated by the ad-hoc icon in the list of accessible WLAN devices. 3.
Connecting to the Internet access software on the other connected computers. With this configuration, the WLAN access point can be used as a router for multiple-workplace operation. Instructions on how to configure the WLAN access point for multiple-workplace operation are presented in the WLAN access point manual. Establishing Connections Using the Computer The computer to which a FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is connected establishes the Internet connections itself.
Microsoft WLAN Service 5 Microsoft WLAN Service Establishing and Clearing WLAN Connections In Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher, the Microsoft WLAN service WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) can be used to manage wireless devices rather than the FRITZ!WLAN program. Information on the WLAN Control Software Note the following to use Microsoft WLAN Service for your WLAN connections: • If you are working with a FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick version 1.
Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows 7) – Select the command “Install AVM WLAN Software” in the context menu and follow the instructions on the screen. Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows 7) To establish a WLAN connection in Windows 7 using Microsoft WLAN Service, work through the following steps: 1. Click the Microsoft WLAN icon in the notification area of the Windows taskbar with the right mouse button.
Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows Vista) Should difficulties arise in establishing a WLAN connection, see the sections “WLAN Connection Is Not Established” from page 39 and “Errors During Installation” from page 36. For information on AVM Stick & Surf, see the section “AVM Stick & Surf Technology” on page 10. To display all important status information for your WLAN connection, click the FRITZ!WLAN Mini program icon in the notification area of the task bar.
Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows Vista) 2. Select the desired WLAN access point and click the “Connect” button. The window for entering the network security key opens: Entering the network key 3. Enter the network key of the selected WLAN access point in the “Security key or passphrase” field and click “Connect”. On the AVM FRITZ!Box family products the network key is printed on the underside of the device. The WLAN connection is established.
Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows XP from Service Pack 2) Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows XP from Service Pack 2) To establish a WLAN connection using Microsoft WLAN Service (“Wireless Zero Configuration Service”) in Windows XP from Service Pack 2, work through the following steps: 1. Click the Microsoft WLAN icon in the notification area of the task bar. The “Wireless Network Connection” window opens.
Establishing a WLAN Connection (Windows XP from Service Pack 2) Should difficulties arise in establishing a WLAN connection, see the sections “WLAN Connection Is Not Established” from page 39 and “Errors During Installation” from page 36. For information on AVM Stick & Surf, see the section “AVM Stick & Surf Technology” on page 10. To display all important status information for your WLAN connection, click the Mini FRITZ!WLAN program icon in the notification area of the task bar.
More about WLAN 6 More about WLAN AVM and WLAN WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a radio technology that allows networks and access to the Internet to be provided without cable connections. This allows multiple users to share one wireless Internet connection. 6.1 Standards The WLAN standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11i were defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Standard Gross Data Throughput 802.11b 11 Mbit/s 5 Mbit/s 802.
Security IEEE 802.11i The WPA2 security mechanism is defined in the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 is an extension of the familiar security mechanism WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). The main feature of the extension of WPA to WPA2 is the AES-CCM encryption process. • The WPA mechanism stipulates the TKIP (Temporary Key Integrity Protocol) for encryption.
Encryption Encryption The most important security setting is the encryption. The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick supports the security mechanisms WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 as follows: • As part of the WEP mechanism a static key is determined to serve for the encryption of the user data. The key must also be registered in the WLAN settings of the WLAN client and correspond with the WLAN settings of the WLAN access point.
Frequency Range 6.3 Frequency Range WLAN uses the frequency range around 2.4 GHz in the ISM band or, alternatively, the frequency range at 5 GHz. The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick can use the 2.4-GHz frequency band. A WLAN in the 2.4-GHz frequency band works in the same band as Bluetooth, DECT, microwave devices, video bridges and baby monitors. This means that interference may occur within WLANs operated in the vicinity of such devices.
Frequency Range WLAN channels in the 2.
Removing the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick 7 Removing the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick Removing Software and Program Entries The instructions for removing the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick are valid for all operating systems. The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick driver software and the FRITZ!WLAN control software are removed at the same time. Proceed as follows: 1. Insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick CD. 2. Run the “setup.exe” file.
8 Troubleshooting This chapter provides assistance if you are having problems with the WLAN connection, or if you want to change the IP settings on your computer. 8.1 Errors During Installation If an error message is returned during installation of the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, this can have various causes. Check the possible causes and attempt to resolve the error.
Checking the USB Port The computer does not detect the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. Possible Cause The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is not inserted correctly into the USB port or the chip set drivers of your computer are out of date. Remedy Make sure that the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is inserted firmly into the USB port. Pull the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick out if it is not positioned correctly and insert it into the USB port again. Install the latest chip set drivers.
Installing the Latest Service Packs The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is detected automatically in the Windows XP operating system. However, the device is not fully functional. Possible Cause The necessary service packs have not been installed. Remedy USB 2.0 support was integrated into the operating system for the first time with the Microsoft Service Packs. To ensure full operation capability, install the current service packs and updates using the Windows Update function.
8.2 WLAN Connection Is Not Established Make sure that the settings in the WLAN access point and in the FRITZ!WLAN control software agree with the entries in the following table. Try again to establish a WLAN connection. For the settings in this table it is presumed that an AVM WLAN product from the FRITZ!Box family is used with WPA/WPA2 encryption (mixed mode). In general it is always advisable to secure your WLAN using the most secure mechanism supported by your WLAN remote site.
Checking the Data of the WLAN Connection Could not register at the WLAN remote site. Possible Cause The settings of the WLAN remote site and the entries in the “WLAN Remote Site” area of the FRITZ!WLAN control software do not match. Remedy Check whether the correct WLAN access point has been selected from the list of WLAN devices and make sure that the WLAN key and the name (SSID) of the WLAN remote site have been entered correctly. Pay special attention to capitalization.
Changing the Position of the WLAN Devices No WLAN remote sites are found. Possible Cause The WLAN remote site has not been turned on or is located too far away from the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. Remedy Make sure that the power supply of the WLAN remote site is secure and that the device is switched on. Check whether the WLAN remote site is within transmission range of the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. Reduce the distance and try to establish the connection again.
8.3 Errors During Data Exchange with Other Devices in the Network Checking the WLAN Access Point The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick and the WLAN access point cannot exchange any data with each other. Possible Cause The WLAN access point is not connected correctly or not switched on. Remedy Check whether the WLAN access point is connected correctly and make sure that the device and the WLAN function are switched on.
Checking the Network Data You computer recognizes the network and the router, but cannot access the Internet or the network (limited connectivity). Possible Cause The WLAN key is wrong or the IP address was not assigned by Windows automatically (note: the process can take up to three minutes). Remedy Check the WLAN key entry. On AVM FRITZ!Box products, the WLAN key is printed on the underside of the device and on the installation CD jewel case.
Switching the WLAN Channel An undefined malfunction occurs. Possible Cause Radio traffic is subjected to interference by strong irradiation. Remedy Switch the WLAN channel setting on the access point. Find a better location for the WLAN devices to avoid potential interference from baby monitors, video bridges, microwaves, cordless DECT telephones or Bluetooth devices. Performing a Ping Test A ping to any web URL appears to be faster without the power save feature (Eco mode).
8.4 Checking the IP Settings A WLAN access point, for instance, a FRITZ!Box WLAN, has its own DHCP server, which assigns IP addresses to the connected computers. For this the computers must be configured to obtain an IP address automatically from the DHCP server of the access point. The steps for checking and adjusting this option differ among the operating systems. See the relevant section for your operating system. Obtaining an IP Address Automatically in Windows 7 1.
Properties of the Internet protocol (TCP/IP) 7. Confirm your settings by clicking “OK”. If necessary, repeat steps 5 through 7 for the “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” as well. The computer now receives an IP address from the WLAN access point. For WLAN products of the AVM FRITZ!Box family, automatic IP address assignment (DHCP) is enabled in the factory settings.
Obtaining an IP Address Automatically in Windows Vista 1. Click the “Start” button in the task bar and select “Control Panel / Network and Internet / View Network Status and Tasks”. 2. From the “Tasks”, select “Manage network connections”. 3. Click the wireless network connection icon with the right mouse button and select “Properties”. 4. Under “This connection uses the following items”, select the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” entry and click “Properties”. 5.
6. Confirm your settings by clicking “OK”. If necessary, repeat steps 4 through 6 for the “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” as well. The computer now receives an IP address from the WLAN access point. For WLAN products of the AVM FRITZ!Box family, automatic IP address assignment (DHCP) is enabled in the factory settings. Obtaining an IP Address Automatically in Windows XP 1.
Properties of the Internet protocol (TCP/IP) 5. Confirm your settings by clicking “OK”. The computer now receives an IP address from the WLAN access point. For WLAN products of the AVM FRITZ!Box family, automatic IP address assignment (DHCP) is enabled in the factory settings.
Customer Service Guide 9 Customer Service Guide Help on All Important Service Topics AVM provides numerous sources of information to assist you should any questions or problems arise. Here you will find the important information you need, in the form of manuals, updates and support. MS Service Pack In many cases problems which arise during operation can be resolved by installing the current Microsoft Service Pack for your operating system.
Information in the Internet 9.2 Information in the Internet On its web site AVM presents comprehensive information on all AVM products as well as new product announcements and new product versions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) We would like to make our products as easy to use as possible. If you still have problems, sometimes a little tip is all you need to resolve them. That is why we present you with a selection of frequently asked questions. The FAQs can be viewed at the following address: www.
Support by E-mail Support by E-mail You can send us an e-mail request at any time using the Service area of our web site. The Service area can be reached at: www.avm.de/en/service/support Click in the support area on the “Mail Form” link after your product. Select the operation system you use. Fill out the form and send it to AVM support by clicking the “Send” button. Our Support team will respond by e-mail as quickly as possible.
Index A F access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 establishing connections . . . . . . 20 ad-hoc connection icon. . . . . . . . . . . 20 ad-hoc network . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 21 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 participating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 assistance FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 frequently asked questions . . . . 51 information in the Internet . . . . . 51 product documentation. . . . . . . . 50 support. . . . . . . .
M U Microsoft WLAN Service . . . . . . . . . . 24 Microsoft WLAN service Microsoft WLAN icon . . . 25, 26, 28 WLAN key . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 27, 28 uninstallation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 W WEP key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 WEP security mechanism . . . . . . . . . . 32 Windows 7, installing in . . . . . . . . . . 12 Windows Vista, installing in . . . . . . . 12 Windows XP, installation in . . . . . . . . 14 wireless networks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Declaration of CE Conformity Declaration of CE Conformity The manufacturer AVM GmbH Address Alt-Moabit 95 D-10559 Berlin herewith declares that the product Type WLAN-Controller Product FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick v1.1 complies with the following directives: 1999/5/EC R&TTE Directive: Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment 89/336/EEC EMC Directive: Electromagnetic Compatibility The following norms were consulted to assess conformity: EN 55024/9.98 + A1/10.01 + A2/01.