Fritz! AC 430 Quick guide

FRITZ!WLAN
USB Stick AC 430
Configuration
and Operation
Configuratio
n
an
d
O
p
eration

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 2
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Conventions in the Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1 Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2 Operation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection
with Stick & Surf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Prerequisite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Transferring Security Settings to FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Connecting FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection Manually or with
WPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Installing FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick in Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4 Connecting Computers Directly (Ad Hoc Network) . . . . 15
4.1 Setting Up an Ad Hoc Network in Windows 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5 The FRITZ!WLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.1 Starting FRITZ!WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.2 The Control Software’s User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.3 Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6 Help in Case of Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.1 Errors During Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.2 Wireless LAN Connection Is Not Established . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.3 Errors during Data Exchange with Other Devices in the Network . . 21
6.4 The Wireless LAN Connection is Faulty or Interrupted . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.5 Setting Automatic IP Address Assignment in Windows. . . . . . . . . . 23

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 3
7 Removing the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
8 Wireless LAN Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
9 Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
10 Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
10.1 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
10.2 Information in the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
10.3 Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
10.4 Support from the Support Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Manufacturer’s Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Legal Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Legal Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Declaration of CE Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Disposal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 4
Safety Instructions
When working with the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, be sure to ob-
serve the following security instructions in order to protect
yourself and the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from harm.
•During electrical storms, lightning and electrical surges
present a danger to connected electrical devices.
–Do not install the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick during an
electrical storm.
–Unplug the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from the computer
during an electrical storm.
•Moisture and liquids that find their way into the
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick can cause electric shocks or short
circuits.
–Only use the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick indoors.
–Never let liquids get inside the FRITZ!WLAN USB
Stick.
•The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick contains hazardous compo-
nents and should only be opened by authorized repair
technicians.
–Do not open the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick housing.
–If the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick needs to be repaired,
please take it to a specialized vendor.
•Dust, moisture and vapors as well as caustic cleaners or
solvents can damage the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick.
–Protect the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from dust, mois-
ture and fumes.
–Remove the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from the computer
before cleaning.
–Clean the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick with a slightly moist,
lint-free cloth.

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 5
Conventions in the Manual
This manual uses the following symbols and emphases:
•Quotation marks designate elements and features in the
user interface and paths.
Example
Select “System / Push Service” and click “Sender”.
•Pointed brackets mark wild cards.
Example
To edit the device called <Name>, click the “Edit” button.
•Bold type in the text emphasizes important words.
Example
Do not leave the page without saving.
•Blue font in the text designates links and references
within this manual and addresses to be entered in the
browser.
Example
See also the information on page 5.
This symbol marks useful hints and tips.
This symbol indicates important instructions that must be
observed to avoid malfunctions.

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 6
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 at a Glance
1 FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 at a Glance
The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick connects your computer with a
FRITZ!Box or another wireless access point via wireless LAN.
The wireless connection provides the computer with access
to the Internet.
The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick can also connect your computer
directly with other computers, without a wireless access
point. Then the computers can exchange data in what is
called an ad hoc network.
1.1 Package Contents
•FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430
•Depending on the product variant:
USB extension with docking station
•printed quick guide
1.2 Operation Requirements
In order to operate the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430, your
computer must fulfill the following requirements:
•a free USB port (USB 2.0 or higher)
•Microsoft Windows 10 (32- or 64-bit edition), Microsoft
Windows 8 (32- or 64-bit edition), Windows 7 (32- or
64-bit edition) operating system. Installation of the lat-
est service packs and updates is recommended.
•pentium-class computer or notebook (500 MHz CPU or
better)
•at least 64 MB RAM and 5 MB free memory on the hard
drive

LEDs
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 7
1.3 LEDs
LED Condition Meaning
USB glows green The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick was detect-
ed by the operating system.
WLAN flashes yellow The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is exchang-
ing data with another wireless device.

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 8
Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection with Stick & Surf
2 Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection with
Stick & Surf
With Stick & Surf you can establish a secure wireless connection to
your FRITZ!Box quickly and conveniently. You do not have to make any
settings on the computer.
When you use the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick on the computer for the first
time, the device drivers are installed automatically.
2.1 Prerequisite
You can use Stick & Surf with every FRITZ!Box that has a port for USB
devices.
For instructions about establishing wireless LAN connections to other
wireless access points, read from page 11.
2.2 Transferring Security Settings to FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick
First transmit the wireless LAN security settings of the
FRITZ!Box to the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick.
1. Insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick into the USB port on
your FRITZ!Box.
The “Info” LED begins flashing.
2. When “Info” lights up, remove the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick
from the FRITZ!Box.
The WLAN security settings of the FRITZ!Box are now saved on
the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick.
The wireless LAN security settings are required on the
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick only in order to establish the wireless
LAN connection; they will be deleted afterwards.
InfoInfo
WLAN WLAN
FestnetzFestnetz
InternetInternet
PowerPower / DSLDSL

Connecting FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick to the Computer
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 9
2.3 Connecting FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick to the Computer
Once the wireless LAN security settings have been transmit-
ted to the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, connect it to your computer.
1. Start your computer.
2. Insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick into a USB port on the
computer.
3. Windows detects the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick automatical-
ly.
When you insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick in your com-
puter for the first time, the device drive installation
starts automatically. Continue with the next step.
If the device driver is already installed, a wireless LAN
connection between the computer and FRITZ!Box is es-
tablished automatically. The Stick & Surf logo appears.
Continue with step 6.
4. In the “AutoPlay” window, click “FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick
AC 430 Installation”.
This window does not always appear. In some versions
of Windows the device driver installation is performed
automatically without requiring any user intervention.
5. Confirm the questions that appear during the course of
installation by clicking “Yes”, “Install” or “Continue”.
Such questions are generally security prompts from Win-
dows “User Account Control” or the digital signature.

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 10
Connecting FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick to the Computer
6. After the device driver is installed, a wireless LAN con-
nection between the computer and FRITZ!Box is estab-
lished automatically.
The Stick & Surf logo appears on the screen.
The wireless LAN connection has been established success-
fully when the FRITZ!WLAN icon in the Windows taskbar
turns green.
Every time the computer is started the connection is resumed
automatically.
For more information on the FRITZ!WLAN software, see
page 17.

Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection Manually or with WPS
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 11
3 Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection Manually or
with WPS
This chapter describes how to install the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick on the
computer and establish a wireless LAN connection to any wireless ac-
cess point, also known as a wireless router.
You can establish the wireless LAN connection automatically with
WPS, or manually on the computer.
It is simpler to establish wireless connections to a FRITZ!Box using
Stick & Surf, see page 8.
3.1 Installing FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick in Windows
The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick can be installed in Windows 10, 8
and 7 (32-bit and 64-bit).
1. Start your computer.
2. Insert the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick into a USB port on the
computer.
Windows will detect the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick automati-
cally.
3. In the “AutoPlay” window, click “FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick
AC 430 Installation”.
This window does not always appear. In some versions
of Windows the device driver installation is performed
automatically without requiring any user intervention.

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 12
Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection
4. Confirm the questions that appear during the course of
installation by clicking “Yes”, “Install” or “Continue”.
Such questions are generally security prompts from Win-
dows “User Account Control” or the digital signature.
Installation of the device driver is complete when the
message “Installation of the wireless LAN hardware has
been completed successfully” appears.
3.2 Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection
Once you have installed the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, you can establish
the wireless LAN connection.
Establishing a Wireless LAN connection in
Windows 10/7
1. Click the wireless LAN icon or in the notifica-
tion area of the Windows task bar.
A list appears on the screen, showing all wireless net-
works found in the vicinity of the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick.
2. Select a wireless access point.

Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 13
3. Click “OK”.
The input field for the network key appears.
If the wireless access point (router) supports WPS, the
following message will also appear: “You can also con-
nect by pushing the button on the router”.
4. Enter the network key of the wireless access point and
click “Next”. On a FRITZ!Box the preconfigured network
key is located on the base of the device.
or
If the wireless access point supports WPS, press the but-
ton on the access point that enables WPS. The network
key is transferred to the computer automatically.
The wireless LAN connection will be established.
Every time the computer starts the wireless LAN connection is
resumed automatically.
Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection in Windows 8
1. Move the mouse cursor to the upper right corner of the
“Start” page and click “Settings”.
2. Click the wireless LAN icon .
A list appears on the screen, showing all wireless net-
works found in the vicinity of the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick.
On a FRITZ!Box without a “WPS” button, press the
“WLAN” button until the “WLAN” LED starts flashing.

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 14
Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection
3. Select a wireless access point.
4. Click “OK”.
The input field for the network key appears.
If the wireless access point (router) supports WPS, the
following message will appear: “You can also connect by
pushing the button on the router”.
5. Enter the network key of the wireless access point and
click “OK”. On a FRITZ!Box the preconfigured network
key is located on the base of the device.
or
If the wireless access point supports WPS, press the but-
ton on the access point that enables WPS. The network
key is transferred to the computer automatically.
The wireless LAN connection will be established.
Every time the computer starts the wireless LAN connection is
resumed automatically.
On a FRITZ!Box without a “WPS” button, press the
“WLAN” button until the “WLAN” LED starts flashing.

Connecting Computers Directly (Ad Hoc Network)
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 15
4 Connecting Computers Directly (Ad Hoc Network)
In a direct connection (also called an ad hoc network), computers are
connected with each other without any wireless access point like the
FRITZ!Box involved.
If you set up an ad hoc network on a computer with the
FRITZ!WLAN USB stick, other computers can register with the ad hoc
network.
4.1 Setting Up an Ad Hoc Network in Windows 7
1. Click the wireless LAN icon in the notification area of
the Windows task bar with the right mouse button.
2. Select “Open Network and Sharing Center”.
3. On the left, click “Manage wireless networks”.
4. Click “Add”.
5. Select “Create an ad hoc network” and click “Next” in
the following window.
6. Enter a network name.
The Windows 10 and Windows 8 operating systems no lon-
ger allow an ad hoc network to be established.

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 16
Setting Up an Ad Hoc Network in Windows 7
7. Select a wireless LAN encryption method (“Security
type”). WPA and WPA2 offer the highest level of security.
For more information on the various wireless LAN en-
cryption methods, click the “Need help deciding” link
next to the “Security Type” drop-down list.
8. Enter a “Security key”.
9. The ad hoc network is deleted automatically as soon as
all participants clear the connection or the provider of
the ad hoc network clears all connections.
Enable the “Save this network” option if the ad hoc net-
work should not be automatically deleted.
10. Click “Next”.
The ad hoc network is being configured and awaiting us-
ers. You see the ad hoc network when you click the wire-
less LAN icon in the notification area of the Windows
task bar.

The FRITZ!WLAN
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 17
5TheFRITZ!WLAN
The FRITZ!WLAN software is installed on your computer along with the
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick.
FRITZ!WLAN offers you information on the wireless LAN connection
and various settings for the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick.
The software is not required to establish wireless LAN connections.
5.1 Starting FRITZ!WLAN
Double-click the FRITZ!WLAN icon in the Windows task
bar.
FRITZ!WLAN starts. The “Connection Monitor” tab is active.
5.2 The Control Software’s User Interface
1: Tabs
2: “Help” button to open the Online Help

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 18
Online Help
The tabs present the following information and settings:
5.3 Online Help
The FRITZ!WLAN includes a comprehensive Online Help with
additional information on the software.
The Online Help can be opened on any tab by clicking the
“Help” button.
Tab Information / Settings
Connection Monitor •information on the quality of the wire-
less LAN connection
•a wireless LAN test to test and improve
the wireless LAN connection
Connection Details various data on the wireless LAN connec-
tion and the wireless LAN devices involved,
for instance:
•WLAN key
•wireless LAN channel
•throughput rates
Properties •the IP address and the MAC address of
the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick
•various settings for the
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, for instance for
transmitter power

Help in Case of Errors
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 19
6 Help in Case of Errors
This chapter presents assistance for problems that arise during instal-
lation, while establishing the wireless LAN connection, or during data
exchange with other devices in the network.
6.1 Errors During Installation
No FRITZ!WLAN Icon in the Windows Task Bar
The FRITZ!WLAN icon is not displayed in the Windows task
bar.
The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick was not installed correctly or is
disabled in the Windows “Device Manager”.
Check whether the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is displayed in the
Windows “Device Manager” and make sure it is enabled. If
the device is disabled, enable it.
If the device is not displayed, uninstall the FRITZ!WLAN USB
Stick (see page 26) and remove it from the USB port of the
computer.
Then work through the steps from one of the following sec-
tions again: Establishing a Wireless LAN Connection with
Stick & Surf on page 8 or Establishing a Wireless LAN Connec-
tion Manually or with WPS on page 11. The FRITZ!WLAN USB
Stick will be re-installed.
The Computer Does Not Detect FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick
The computer does not automatically detect the
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick when it is inserted. The device driver
installation does not start.
The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick is not inserted correctly into the
USB port or the chip set drivers of the computer are out of
date.
Cause
Help
Cause

FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick AC 430 20
Wireless LAN Connection Is Not Established
Remove the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick from your computer and
then insert it again into a USB port of the computer. Install
the latest chip set drivers. See the documentation for your
mainboard to find out which drivers your computer requires.
The latest chip set drivers are available at www.intel.com,
www.nvidia.com, www.viaarena.com.
6.2 Wireless LAN Connection Is Not Established
Checking the Settings
Could not register at the wireless access point.
When the wireless LAN connection was established the wrong
wireless access station was selected, or an incorrect network
key was entered.
Make sure you selected the right wireless access point. For a
FRITZ!Box the preconfigured name of the radio network (SSID)
always begins with “FRITZ!Box”.
Make sure that you entered the correct network key. Pay spe-
cial attention to capitalization. On a FRITZ!Box the preconfig-
ured network key is found on the base of the device.
Switching On and Correctly Positioning the Wireless
Access Point
When you search for wireless networks in the vicinity of the
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick, Windows does not find your wireless
access point.
The wireless access point is switched off or located too far
away.
Connect the wireless access point to electrical power and
switch it on.
Reduce the distance between the FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick and
the wireless access point.
Help
Cause
Help
Cause
Help