Alfa Network AWUS036NHA User manual

User’s Guide
AWUS036NHA
150Mbps Wireless High Gain USB Adapter

FCC STATEMENT
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.
• 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/ TV technician for help.
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.
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:
This device has been tested for compliance with FCC RF Exposure (SAR) limits in the typical
laptop computer configuration and this device can be used in desktop or laptop computers. This
device cannot be used with handheld PDAs (personal digital assistants). This device and its
antenna must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
SAR measurements are based on a 5mm spacing from the body and that compliance is
achieved at that distance.

CE Mark Warning
This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference,
in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
National restrictions
This device is intended for home and office use in all EU countries (and other countries
following the EU directive 1999/5/EC) without any limitation except for the countries mentioned
below:
Country
Restriction
Reason/remark
Bulgaria
None
General authorization required for outdoor use and
public service
France
Outdoor use limited to 10
mW e.i.r.p. within the band
2454-2483.5 MHz
Military Radiolocation use. Refarming of the 2.4 GHz
band has been ongoing in recent years to allow current
relaxed regulation. Full implementation planned 2012
Italy
None
If used outside of own premises, general authorization is
required
Luxembourg
None
General authorization required for network and service
supply(not for spectrum)
Norway
Implemented
This subsection does not apply for the geographical area
within a radius of 20 km from the centre of Ny-Ålesund
Russian Federation
None
Only for indoor applications
Note: Please don’t use the product outdoors in France.

TABLE OF CONTENT
Package Contents.......................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1.Introduction................................................................................................................2
1.1 Overview of the product..........................................................................................2
1.2 Features....................................................................................................................2
1.3 LED Status................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2.Installation Guide......................................................................................................4
2.1 Hardware Installation...............................................................................................4
2.2 Software Installation................................................................................................4
2.2.1 Overview .......................................................................................................4
2.2.2 Software Installation for Windows XP ......................................................4
Chapter 3.Configuration for Windows XP................................................................................9
3.1 Current Status ..........................................................................................................9
3.2 Profile Management..............................................................................................11
3.2.1 Add or Modify a Configuration Profile.....................................................11
3.2.2 Remove a profile........................................................................................15
3.2.3 Switch another Profile...............................................................................16
3.2.4 Export a Profile...........................................................................................16
3.2.5 Import a Profile...........................................................................................16
3.2.6 Scan Available Networks..........................................................................17
3.2.7 Auto Profile Selection Management.......................................................17
3.3 Diagnostics.............................................................................................................18
3.3.1 Check Driver Information..........................................................................19
3.3.2 Check Receive and Transmit Statistical Information...........................20
Appendix A: Specifications ......................................................................................................21
Appendix B: Glossary ...............................................................................................................22

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Package Contents
The following contents should be found in your box:
One AWUS036NHA 150Mbps Wireless High Gain USB Adapter
One USB extension cable
One Installation CD for AWUS036NHA, including:
• Atheros Wireless Client Utility and Drivers
• User Guide
• Other Helpful Information
)
Note:
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged or
missing, please contact with your distributor.
Conventions:
The ‘Adapter’ mentioned in this user guide stands for AWUS036NHA 150Mbps Wireless High
Gain USB Adapter without any explanations.

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Chapter 1.Introduction
Thank you for choosing AWUS036NHA 150Mbps Wireless High Gain USB
Adapter.
1.1 Overview of the product
The adapter is designed to provide a high-speed and unrivaled wireless performance for your
notebook and PC. With a faster wireless connection, you can get a better Internet experience,
such as downloading, gaming, video streaming and so on.
The AWUS036NHA’s auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer rate of up to 150Mbps
for maximum throughput. It has good capability on anti-jamming; it can also interoperate with
other wireless (802.11b/g) products. The adapter supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption to
prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information from being exposed.
The Quick Setup Wizard guides you step-by-step through the installation process; the Atheros
Wireless Client Utility (ACU) helps you create a wireless connection immediately.
With unmatched wireless performance, reception, and security protection, the AWUS036NHA is
the best choice for easily adding or upgrading wireless connectivity.
1.2 Features
IEEE 802.11n, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11b standards
Supports WPA/WPA2 data security, IEEE802.1x authentication, TKIP/AES encryption,
WEP encryption
Make use of IEEE 802.11n wireless technology to provide a wireless data rate of up to
150Mbps
supports automatically adjust to lower speeds due to distance or other operating limitations
Provides USB interface
Supports Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes
Good capability on anti-jamming
Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode
Ease to configure and provides monitoring information
Supports Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7

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1.3 LED Status
LED Indications
Status
Working Status
Status Green
Flashing Alternately
The adapter is trying to scan a networking
connection.
Activity Green
Status Green
Intermittently
The adapter is already connected but is not
transmitting or receiving data.
Activity Green
Status Green
Flashing
The adapter is transmitting or receiving data.
Activity Green

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Chapter 2.Installation Guide
2.1 Hardware Installation
Connect the Adapter and your computer through the USB cable attached in package.
The LED will light up when the Adapter is installed successfully and the PC is on.
2.2 Software Installation
2.2.1 Overview
The Adapter’s Setup Wizard will guide you through the Installation procedure for Windows XP.
The Setup Wizard will install the Atheros Wireless Client Utility (ACU) and drivers.
When you install the hardware prior to before installing the software, the system will prompt
“Found New Hardware Wizard”, click Cancel, and run the Setup Wizard program on the
CD-ROM.
The Setup steps for Windows 2000 and XP are similar with each other. This user guide takes
Windows XP for example.
2.2.2 Software Installation for Windows XP
1. Insert the Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive, and the Figure 2-1 will appear. To
continue, select the AWUS036NHA.There will be a menu including: Windows (Driver &
Utility), and User Guide.
Figure 2-1
2. Click AWUS036NHA to load the following screen and select your language. Click Next to
continue.

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Figure 2-2
3. Soon, Figure 2-3 will display after a moment. Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-3
4. After License Agreement, you should choose a Setup type. It is recommended that
you select Install Client Utilities and Driver. Select Install Driver Only to install driver
only, select Make Driver Installation Diskette(s) to make the diskette(s) as the
installation driver (shown in Figure 2-4). Click Next to continue.

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Figure 2-4
5. Click Browse to change the destination location for the software, then click Next in the
screen below (shown in Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5
6. After that, select the program folder, you should create a new folder name or select one
from the Existing Folders list. It is recommended that you keep the default setting. Click
Next to continue the installation.

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Figure 2-6
7. Choose configuration tool, if you are not sure, please leave it default. Then click Next to
continue.
Figure 2-7
8. Click OK to continue the Installation. Wait a while for the setup as shown in Figure 2-8.

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Figure 2-8
9. After all the steps above, you will see the screen below, click Finish to reboot the system.
Figure 2-10
Now, carefully insert the device into the USB port of your computer. Windows will automatically
detect the device and display the icon and below in the taskbar.

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Chapter 3.Configuration for Windows XP
Alfa AWUS036NHA can be configured by Atheros Wireless Client Utility (ACU) in
Windows XP & 2000. This chapter describes how to configure your Adapter for wireless
connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and use the data security encryption
features.
The configuration of the adapter in Windows XP is similar with that of Windows 2000. This User
Guide takes Windows XP for example.
After Installing the Adapter, the Adapter’s tray icon will appear in your system tray. It
appears at the bottom of the screen, and shows the signal strength using color and the received
signal strength indication (RSSI).
If the icon is gray, there is no connection.
If the icon is red, there is poor signal strength and the RSSI is less than 5dB.
If the icon is yellow, there is poor signal strength and the RSSI is between 5dB and 10dB.
If the icon is green, there is good signal strength and the RSSI is between 10dB and 20dB.
If the icon is green, there is excellent signal strength and the RSSI is more than 20dB.
Double-click the icon and the ACU will run. You can also run the utility by clicking the Start→
All Programs→Atheros→Atheros Wireless Client Utility. The ACU provides some
integrated and easy tools to:
Display current status information
Edit and add configuration profiles
Display current diagnostics information
The section below introduces these above capabilities.
3.1 Current Status
The Current Status tab contains general information about the program and its operations. The
Current Status tab needn’t any configurations.

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Figure 3-1
The following table describes the items found on the Current Status screen.
Profile Name - This shows the name of current selected configuration profile. The
configuration of Profile name will be described on the General tab of Profile Management.
Link Status - This shows whether the station is associated to the wireless network.
Wireless Mode - Here displays the wireless mode.
Network Type - The type of network and the station currently connected are shown here.
The options include:
• Infrastructure (access point)
• Ad Hoc
)
Note:
You can configure the network type and wireless mode on the Advanced tab of Profile
Management.
IP Address - This displays the computer’s IP address.
Control Channel - This shows the currently connected channel.
Data Encryption - Here displays the encryption type the driver is using. You can configure
it on the Security tab of Profile Management.
Server Based Authentication - This shows whether the server based authentication is
used.
Signal Strength - This shows the strength of the signal.
Click Advanced on the screen above, you can see advanced information about the program
and its operations.

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3.2 Profile Management
Click the Profile Management tab of the ACU and the next screen will appear (shown in
Figure 3-2). The Profile Management screen provides tools to:
Add a new profile
Modify a profile
Remove a profile
Activate a Profile
Import a Profile
Export a Profile
Scan Available Networks
Order profiles
Figure 3-2
3.2.1 Add or Modify a Configuration Profile
To add a new configuration profile, click New on the Profile Management tab. To modify a
configuration profile, select the configuration profile from the Profile list and click Modify. Then
you will see the Management dialog box (shown in Figure 3-3).
1. Edit the General tab
Profile Name - Please enter the Profile name which identifies the configuration profile.
This name must be unique. Note that the profile names are not case-sensitive.
Client Name - Please enter the Profile name which identifies the client
machine.

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Network Names (SSIDs) - Please enter the IEEE 802.11 wireless network name.
This field has a maximum limit of 32 characters.
Figure 3-3
2. Edit the Security tab
Select the Security tab in the screen above, and then you can edit the fields to configure the
profile. To define the security mode, select the radio button of the desired security mode as
follows.
Figure 3-4

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WPA/WPA2: Wi-Fi Protected Access
WPA/WPA2 Passphrase: Wi-Fi Protected Access Passphrase
802.1x: Enables 802.1x security.
Pre-Shared Key (Static WEP): Enables the use of shared keys that are defined on
both the access point and the station. To define shared encryption keys, choose the
Shared Key radio button and click Configure to fill in the Define Shared Keys window
(shown in Figure3-5).
None: No security (not recommended).
)
Note:
If the access point which the Adapter is associated has WEP set and the client has WEP enabled,
make sure that Allow Association to Mixed Cells is checked on the Security tab to allow
association. To complete WEP encryption configuration, you must select the 802.11
Authentication Mode as appropriate on the Advanced tab of this Profile Management dialog.
To configure the Encryption Keys under the Pre-Shared keys (Static WEP) Security mode:
Figure 3-5
)
Note:
Select different Security Options, the configurations are different; you can select the
appropriate security option and configure the exact key as your need.
3. Edit the Advanced tab
This screen below allows you to make advanced configuration for the profile.

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Figure 3-6
Power Save Mode - Please select the power save mode in the drop-down list.
• Maximum - Selects maximum mode to let the access point buffer incoming
messages for the Adapter. The Adapter will detect the access point if any messages
are waiting periodically.
• Normal - Normal mode uses maximum when retrieving a large number of
packets, then switches back to power save mode after retrieving the packets.
• Off - Turns power saving off, thus powering up the Wireless USB Adapter
continuously for a short message response time.
Network Type: There are basically two modes of networking:
• Infrastructure - All wireless clients will connect to an access point or wireless router.
• Ad-Hoc - Directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-peer
communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer, such as two or
more AWUS036NHA wireless adapters.
)
Note:
1) An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point or wireless router. All the wireless
devices or clients will connect to the wireless router or access point.
2) An Ad-Hoc network contains only clients, such as laptops with wireless desktop adapters. All
the adapters must be in Ad-Hoc mode to communicate.
Wireless Mode: Specifies 2.4 GHz 150 Mbps, 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps or 2.4 GHz 11
Mbps operation in an access point network. The Wireless adapter must match the
wireless mode

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of the access point with which it associates.
Wireless Mode when Starting an Ad Hoc Network: Specifies 2.4 GHz 54/11
Mbps to start an Ad Hoc network if no matching network name is found after
scanning all available modes. This mode also allows the selection of the channel that
the Wireless Adapter uses. The channels available depend on the regulatory domain.
If the adapter finds no other ad hoc adapters, the channel that the adapter starts the
ad hoc network with will be selected automatically. The Adapter must match the
wireless mode and channel of the clients it associates.
802.11 Authentication Mode: Select which mode the Adapter uses to authenticate
to an access point:
• Auto - Automatic causes the adapter to attempt authentication using shared,
but switches it to open authentication if shared fails.
• Open - Open System enables an adapter to attempt authentication regardless
of its WEP settings. It will only associate with the access point if the WEP keys on
both the adapter and the access point match.
• Shared - Shared-key only allows the adapter to associate with access points that
have the same WEP key.
For infrastructure (access point) networks, click Preferred APs…to specify four access points
at most to the client adapter that attempts to be associated to the access points. The four
access points have different priorities; the frontal has the higher priority.
Figure 3-7
3.2.2 Remove a profile
1. Go to the Profile Management tab (shown in Figure 3-2).
2. Select the profile name in the Profiles List.
3. Click Remove.

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)
Note: The profile being used can’t be removed.
3.2.3 Switch another Profile
1. Go to the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2).
2. Select the profile name required in the Profiles List.
3. Click Activate.
3.2.4 Export a Profile
1. From the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2), highlight the profile to export.
2. Click Export…, the Export Profile window will then appear below.
3. Browse the directory to export the profile to.
4. Click Save. The profile should then be exported to the specified location.
Figure 3-8
3.2.5 Import a Profile
1. From the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2), click Import…. Then the
Import Profile will appear below.
2. Browse to the directory where the profile is located.
3. Highlight the profile name.
4. Click Open, the imported profile will then appear in the Profiles List.