Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB User manual

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FRANÇAIS
ESPAÑOL
Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
CONTENTS
Click a title in this table of contents to access the corresponding section
1. YOUR HERCULES WIFI EXTENDER.........................................................................................................3
1.1. Recommendations..............................................................................................................................3
1.2. Specifications......................................................................................................................................3
1.3. System requirements..........................................................................................................................4
1.4. Factory default settings (for advanced users)......................................................................................4
1.5. Box contents.......................................................................................................................................4
1.6. Front face overview.............................................................................................................................4
1.7. Connectivity overview .........................................................................................................................5
2. INSTALLING YOUR HERCULES WIFI EXTENDER...................................................................................6
2.1. Launching the Hercules WiFi Extender Installation Assistant..............................................................6
2.2. Installing the Hercules WiFi Extender in a few easy steps...................................................................7
2.2.1. Step 1: PREPARATION BEFORE INSTALLATION...............................................................7
2.2.2. Step 2: VERIFYING THE LIVEBOX......................................................................................8
2.2.3. Step 3: DISCONNECTING ANY ETHERNET CONNECTIONS.............................................8
2.2.4. Step 4: DISCONNECTING ANY WIFI NETWORKS.............................................................. 9
2.2.5. Step 5: POWERING ON AND CONNECTION TO YOUR COMPUTER................................9
2.2.6. WiFi connection of the Hercules WiFi Extender to your Liveboxvia QuickAccess...............10
2.2.7. Step 6: DISCONNECTION FROM YOUR COMPUTER......................................................12
2.2.8. Step 7: POSITIONING THE WIFI EXTENDER.................................................................... 13
2.2.9. Step 8: VERIFYING THE WIFI CONNECTION...................................................................14
2.2.10. Step 9: CONNECTING TO THEEXTENDED WIFI NETWORK..........................................15
2.2.11. Step 10: INSTALLATION COMPLETE................................................................................16
2.3. Broadcasting your Internet connection via the Hercules WiFi Extender.............................................17
2.3.1. Testing your Internet connection.........................................................................................17
2.3.2. Resolving any difficulties in accessing WiFi Extender Manager or the Internet....................17
3. WELCOME TO THE WIRELESS ATTITUDETM!........................................................................................ 21
3.1. A few points to bear in mind..............................................................................................................21
3.2. Computers running Windows Vista: Connecting toa wireless network..............................................21
3.3. Computers running Windows Vista: Disconnecting from a wireless network.....................................25
3.4. Computers running Windows Vista: Managing your favorite networks..............................................25
3.5. Com ndows Vista: Sharing folders, a printer or an ADSL connection.....................27puters running Wi
3.5.1. Enabling sharing .................................................................................................................27
3.5.2. Windows Vista: Sharing public or personal folders..............................................................30
3.5.3. Computers running Windows Vista: Accessing shared folders............................................32
3.5.4 Windows Vista: Sharing a printer.........................................................................................32.
3.5.5. ComputersrunningWindowsVista:Accessingthesharedprinter........................................................34
3.5.6. Windows Vista: Sharing an ADSL connection in an Infrastructure type network..................36
3.6. Computers running Windows XP: Connecting to a wireless network.................................................38
3.7. Computers running Windows XP: Disconnecting from a wireless network........................................40
3.8. Computers running Windows XP: Managing your favorite networks..................................................41
3.9. Com ndows XP: Sharing folders, a printer oran ADSL connection.........................44puters running Wi
3.9.1. Windows XP: Using the Network SetupWizard in an Infrastructure network.......................44
3.9.2 Windows XP: Sharing folders..............................................................................................48.
3.9.3. WindowsXP:Accessing sharedfolders.....................................................................................49
3.9.4. Windows XP: Sharing a printer............................................................................................49
3.9.5. Windows XP: Modifying a workgroup name........................................................................51
3.9.6. Windows XP: Manually enabling or disabling your adapter’s WiFi connection
(advanced users) ................................................................................................................51
3.10. Computers running Windows 2000: Connecting toa wireless network, disconnecting from a
wireless network, managing your favorite networks ..........................................................................52
3.11. Computers running Windows 2000: Sharing folders, a printer oran ADSL connection..................... 52

Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
3.11.1. Creating a workgroup in Windows 2000...............................................................................52
3.11. Windows 2000: Sharing folders............................................................................................532.
3.11.3. Windows2000:Accessingsharedfolders.......................................................................................53
3.11.4. Windows2000:Sharingaprinter..................................................................................................53
3.11.5. Windows2000:Modifying a workgroup name..........................................................................55
3.11.6. Windows 2000: Sharing an ADSL connection in an Infrastructure network..........................56
3.11.7. Windows 2000: Manually enabling or disabling your adapter’s WiFi connection
(advanced users).................................................................................................................57
4. WIFI EXTENDER MANAGER FOR ADVANCED USERS..........................................................................58
4.1. Opening the doors of WiFi Extender Manager...................................................................................58
4.2. Protecting access to WiFi Extender Manager....................................................................................60
4.3. Navigating within the WiFi Extender Manager interface.....................................................................61
4.4. Consulting information about your WiFi network................................................................................61
4.5. Connecting to a WiFi network............................................................................................................62
4.6. Limiting access to your WiFi network tocertain WiFi computers and devices....................................64
4.7. Personalizing the general settings for your WiFi network...................................................................66
4.8. Securing your WiFi network...............................................................................................................68
4.9. A toolbox with multiple facets.............................................................................................................71
4.9.1. Restarting the Hercules WiFi Extender................................................................................71
4.9.2. Restoring your original settings............................................................................................72
4.9.3. Updating the firmware..........................................................................................................72
4.9.4. Loading and saving your configuration settings....................................................................73
4.10. Other advanced options.....................................................................................................................74
4.10.1. Configuring the internal DHCP server..................................................................................74
4.10.2. Cloning your PC's MAC address..........................................................................................75
4.10.3. Changing the Hercules WiFi Extender password.................................................................76
4.10.4. Product information..............................................................................................................76
5. GLOSSARY ...............................................................................................................................................77
6. TECHNICAL SUPPORT.............................................................................................................................80
7. WARRANTY...............................................................................................................................................80
8. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RECOMMENDATION.........................................................................80

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1. YOUR HERCULES WIFI EXTENDER
Hercules is proud to present the Hercules WiFi Extender, a device that will literally extend your sensation of
wireless freedom. When ideally positioned in your home, it will bridge distances and get around obstacles
which used to limit wireless communication between your computers, sharing your Internet access, your
devices or your data.
Great care has been taken in designing your product. Both simple to operate and user-friendly, it is well
suited to beginners and advanced users alike.
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And now, it’s time to learn about your new product and join in the Wireless AttitudeTM!
1.1. Recommendations
- Never open up your Hercules WiFi Extender, as you risk damaging its internal components.
- In order to avoid the risk of fire or electrical discharge, keep your WiFi Extender away from:
- rain or humidity, as well as all fluids (water, chemical products and any other liquids),
- sources of heat such as heaters, stoves and any other heat-producing devices (including amplifiers),
- direct sunlight.
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- Do not cover your WiFi Extender.
- Unplug the WiFi Extender’s power cable if you do not plan on using it again for an extended period of time.
To unplug the power cable, take hold of and pull on the plug. Never pull on the cable itself.
- Disconnect the WiFi Extender before cleaning. Use a soft cloth for cleaning and avoid using aerosol
cleaners.
- The device must be powered using the included power adapter only. The power adapter must remain easily
accessible when plugged in.
- This device is intended for use in a temperate environment.
1.2. Specifications
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The Hercules WiFi Extender is equipped with two functionalities: (1)WiFi repeater, (2) wireless WiFi 802.11g
access point.
802.11g wireless access point
RF specification: frequency band = 2400-2483.5MHz
Maximum transmission power: 100mW
1 adjustable external antenna
1 RJ-45 connector for a LAN Ethernet 10/100Mbps connection
Security functions: WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK/Mixed WPA-WPA2, filtering by MAC address
External DC power, input: 120~240VAC, 50/60Hz, output: 12VDC / 0.4A
Green LEDs on front face
Firmware (software) update via Ethernet port

Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
1.3. System requirements
To access configuration settings:
Intel Pentium III, AMD Athlon/AMD-K6
64MB RAM
RJ45 10/100 Ethernet network adapter
CD-ROM drive
Operating system: Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista
To access the Internet:
Orange Livebox with active Internet line
Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape Navigator 4.7 or Mozilla Firefox 1.0 or higher
802.11b/g wireless network device
1.4. Factory default settings (for advanced users)
Hercules WiFi Extender IP address: 192.168.1.254
Password: 123456
1.5. Box contents
Please verify that all of the following elements are present in your Hercules WiFi Extender box:
Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB WiFi Extender
CD-ROM containing Installation Assistant and user manual in PDF format
Ethernet cable
Power adapter (120~240VAC – 12VDC / 0.4A)
Wall mounting kit
Quick Start Guide in English
1.6. Front face overview
1Ethernet LED: the LED is lit up when the
port is connected to a device. It flashes
during data transfer.
2WiFi LED: the LED is lit up when
the WiFi connection is active. It
flashes regularly when searching
for the Livebox and intermittently
during data transfer.
3Power LED.
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1.7. Connectivity overview
1Power plug to connect power adapter
2Ethernet port allowing the Hercules WiFi
Extender to be connected to a computer for the
initial set-up
3[RESET] Return to factory settings button:
Switch on the Hercules WiFi Extender and wait
until initialization is complete. Next, press the
RESET button using an objectwith a pointed tip
for 10 seconds. Release the button andwait for
the Hercules WiFi Extender to restart.
4Detachable external antenna (must be directed
upward)
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Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
2. INSTALLING YOUR HERCULES WIFI EXTENDER
To simplify this task, Hercules proposes launching an Assistant which will verify with you, step by step, that
the installation of your Hercules WiFi Extender is carried out correctly.
2.1. Launching the Hercules WiFi Extender Installation
Assistant
The Assistant, available on the CD-ROM included with the Hercules WiFi Extender, will guide you through the
different steps of the installation procedure. To help you with the installation, each of the steps is described
below.
- Insert the included CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
The Installation Assistant appears automatically.
If the installation menu does not launch automatically:
- Double-click My Computer.
- Double-click .
- Double-click Setup.exe, if necessary.
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2.2. Installing the Hercules WiFi Extender in a few easy steps
2.2.1.Step 1: PREPARATION BEFORE INSTALLATION
Please read the on-screen instructions carefully to prepare for the installation. Don’t forget that both your
WiFi Extender and your computer must be located within your Livebox WiFi network coverage zone.
Moreover, depending on the layout of your home (and the locations of electrical outlets and telephone plugs,
in particular), you may have to move your computer close to your Livebox or move your Livebox close to
your computer (in this case, don’t bother reconnecting the ADSL (LINE) and telephone (PHONE) cables for
the moment).
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After the installation, you will be able to return your Livebox or your computer to its proper spot in your
home. You can also position your Hercules WiFi Extender between the Livebox and the computer (for details
on the best positioning, please refer to Step 7: POSITIONING THE WIFI EXTENDER).
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Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
2.2.2.Step 2: VERIFYING THE LIVEBOX
- Please verify that your Livebox is powered on and that its WiFi LED is lit up.
2.2.3.Step 3: DISCONNECTING ANY ETHERNET
CONNECTIONS
- Disconnect all Ethernet cables (connected to your Livebox or to another network) from your computer.
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2.2.4.Step 4: DISCONNECTING ANY WIFI NETWORKS
- If your computer is connected to any WiFi network, disconnect it by clicking the WiFi disconnection button.
Otherwise, proceed to the next step by clicking the Continue button.
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2.2.5.Step 5: POWERING ON AND CONNECTION TO YOUR
COMPUTER
- Connect the Hercules WiFi Extender’s power cable to the power plug 1and plug the power adapter into
an electrical outlet located near your main computer and your Livebox.
The power LED lights up.
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- Connect the included black Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port 2on the Hercules WiFi Extender and the
Ethernet (RJ-45) port on your computer's network adapter.
The Ethernet port LED lights up.
- Click Continue.

Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
2.2.6.WiFi connection of the Hercules WiFi Extender to your
Livebox via QuickAccess
The Hercules QuickAccess utility is launched automatically, allowing you to configure your Hercules WiFi
Extender.
If you have enabled the Access Manager in your Web browser in order to control access to certain
sites which may offer contents of a violent or otherwise undesirable nature, you will not be able to immediately
connect to WiFi Extender Manager.
When launching QuickAccess, the Access Manager will prompt you for authorization to visit the website
http://192.168.1.254. This site corresponds to the WiFi Extender Manager interface associated with your
Hercules WiFi Extender. To access it, simply accept the authorization to display this site. The WiFi
Extender’s address will be stored in your Web browser, and thereafter you will be able to directly access WiFi
Extender Manager.
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- Follow the on-screen instructions:
Select the WiFi network transmitted by your
Livebox.
Verify that the WiFi network's SSID corresponds
to the one found on the underside of your Livebox.
Click Next.
Carry out the Livebox-Hercules WiFi Extender
pairing by pressing the REG button (Sagem
model) or 1button (Inventel model) on your
Livebox.
Click Next.
Note: Pairing consists of temporarily disabling the
MAC address filtering mode on your Livebox. All
devices, including your WiFi Extender, may then be
added to the list of MAC addresses as long as you
enter the WEP key for your Livebox (please see
below).
Enter the WEP security key found on the
underside of your Livebox.
Click Connect.
The Hercules WiFi Extender connects to your
Livebox.
Configuration is now complete. If it was successful, move on to Step 6: DISCONNECTION FROM
YOUR COMPUTER. If not, click Restart to relaunch the configuration Assistant or Exit to exit the Assistant.
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Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
2.2.7.Step 6: DISCONNECTION FROM YOUR COMPUTER
Once the Hercules WiFi Extender has been configured to extend your WiFi network throughout your home,
you can disconnect itfrom your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet. You should then position it in
your desired location and plug it into an electrical outlet again.
- Power off your WiFi Extender.
- Disconnect the Ethernet cable connecting your WiFi Extender to your computer.
- Click Continue.
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2.2.8.Step 7: POSITIONING THE WIFI EXTENDER
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To help you choose the best location for your Hercules WiFi Extender, we present below several pieces of
advice which you may adapt according to your environment (number of rooms, computers, storeys in your
home, the presence of obstacles, the locations of electrical outlets and telephone plugs…).
- First off, verify the range of the WiFi network coverage zone transmitted by your Livebox. This will allow you
to determine the maximum distance from your Livebox that you can position your Hercules WiFi Extender.
- Disconnect your WiFi Extender, then position it in a room approximately halfway between the furthest point
you wish to cover and your Livebox.
- Verify that this location is within the current WiFi network coverage zone transmitted by your Livebox. Try to
position your WiFi Extender in an unobstructed area and well off the ground (on a high table or on the wall).
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- Keep a minimum distance of 2m between your WiFi Extender and any computers or WiFi devices.
- If you have several computers or WiFi devices on different storeys of your home, on the ground floor and on
the second floor for example, you should ideally position your Hercules WiFi Extender on the second floor
directly above your Livebox.
The WiFi performance of your Hercules WiFi Extender may be greatly affected by certain obstacles,
such as the presence of paper (a bookcase), metal, water (an aquarium), or a wall made of reinforced
concrete between your WiFi Extender and any WiFi adapters.
Moreover, you should be aware that your WiFi Extender repeats only half of the signal power received from
the Livebox, which is more than enough for Internet browsing, sharing files and even downloading (for
example, if the Livebox transmits at 20Mbps to your WiFi Extender, the latter will transmit at half of this
power, or a maximum of 10Mbps to your computer).

Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
- Position the Hercules WiFi Extender for the best possible fit with your surroundings:
2.2.9.Step 8: VERIFYING THE WIFI CONNECTION
- Power on your WiFi Extender.
In a few moments, its WiFi LED should progress from flashing (while connecting) to always lit up (connected).
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If the LED never progresses to the connected state, your WiFi Extender is too far from your Livebox.
Position it closer so that the LED arrives at the connected state.
- Click Continue.
2.2.10. Step 9: CONNECTING TO THE EXTENDED WIFI
NETWORK
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Now that your Hercules WiFi Extender is installed and connected to your Livebox, you can enjoy using your
WiFi network with extended coverage. You can now connect your computer or WiFi device (game console,
telephone, PDA...) simply by selecting the name of the WiFi network transmitted by your Livebox and entering
the security key used.
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ESPAÑOL
- Open the WiFi connection utility for your computer or WiFi device.
- Select your Livebox WiFi network (for example, Wanadoo_AAAA) and connect to it.
If you move your computer or WiFi device, it will connect to the closest WiFi access point, either your Livebox
or your Hercules WiFi Extender.
- Click Continue to move on to the final step.
Don't forget that any new WiFi device must be paired with your Livebox by pressing the REG button
(Sagem model) or 1button (Inventel model) in order for it to be recognized by your Livebox.

Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
2.2.11. Step 10: INSTALLATION COMPLETE
At the end of the installation, the Assistant prompts you to install the Hercules QuickAccess utility on your
PC. This utility allows you to access the advanced settings for your Hercules WiFi Extender later on, as well
as tools to restore factory settings. To launch the utility, simply double-click the Hercules QuickAccess icon
on your computer.
- To install QuickAccess,tick the Install "Hercules QuickAccess" on my PC box.
- Click Finish.
If you do not wish to install this utility, you will only be able to access your Hercules WiFi Extender
by manually entering its address (please see chapter 4.1 Opening the doors of WiFi Extender
Manager).
At any time, you can relaunch the installation by restarting the CD-ROM (please see chapter 2.1
Launching the Hercules WiFi Extender Installation Assistant).
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2.3. Broadcasting your Internet connection via the Hercules
WiFi Extender
As described in chapter 2. Installing your Hercules WiFi Extender, you can easily pair your Hercules WiFi
Extender with your Livebox, thereby allowing you to use your Internet connection with your other computers
and/or game consoles located in places which up until now have not been covered by your WiFi network.
2.3.1.Testing your Internet connection
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After having installed your Hercules WiFi Extender, you can carry outa first connection test. For example, you
should verify that you have access to your WiFi network by connecting to it with a laptop computer, located in
another room in your home, within the coverage zone of your WiFi network.
- In the list of networks detected, connect to your
WiFi network.
- Launch an Internet browser (Internet Explorer,
Netscape Navigator or Mozilla Firefox) on your
computer.
- Enter the address www.hercules.com.
The Hercules website’s home page should be
displayed.
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If your Internet connection is working properly:
It is now time for you to learn how to master your WiFi network (please refer to chapter 4. WiFi Extender
Manager for advanced users).
If your Internet connection is not working properly:
Please refer to the section below.
2.3.2.Resolving any difficulties in accessing WiFi Extender
Manager or the Internet
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If you have not managed to connect to the WiFi Extender Manager interface or to the Internet, your
computer’s settings may not be properly configured. The four methods described below will help you to
resolve this problem.
Method 1: Verify the Windows network connection settings
Note: The access paths mentioned below may vary slightly if you have modified the default display
configuration in Windows XP or Vista (meaning the Start menu properties and Control Panel display).

Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
- Windows XP or Vista
1. Click Start/Control Panel. Double-click Network
Connections.
2. In the LAN or High-Speed Internet section, right-click the
icon corresponding to your network adapter (or network
bridge, if you have created one) and select Properties.
3. In the General tab of the Local Area Connection
Properties window, scroll through the list and highlight
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
4. Click Properties, select Obtain an IP address
automatically and Obtain DNS server address
automatically.
5. Click OK to close the windows, then exit the Control
Panel.
The Livebox will now be able to assign an IP address to your
computer.
An IP address is a unique address assigned by the Livebox to
the computer. Each computer has its own identity, via its IP
address, allowing it to be identified within the network.
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- Windows 2000
1. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel. Double-
click Network and Dial-Up Connections.
2. Right-click the appropriate connection and
select Properties.
3. In the General tab, highlight Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP).
4. Click Properties and select Obtain an IP
address automatically and Obtain DNS
server address automatically.
5. Click OK to close the windows, then exit the
Control Panel.
The Livebox will now be able to assign an IP
address to your computer.
An IP address is a unique address assigned by
the Livebox to the computer. Each computer has
its own identity, via its IP address, allowing it to be
identified within the network.
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Hercules HWGEXT-54-LB
Method 2: Relaunch the installation from the CD-ROM
- Insert the included installation CD-ROM into your drive, and follow the procedure indicated in chapter 2.1
Launching the Hercules WiFi Extender Installation Assistant.
Method 3: Restore the Hercules WiFi Extender factory settings
- Disconnect the WiFi Extender.
- Press the Reset button 3using an object with a pointed tip for 10 seconds. Release the button and wait
for your Hercules WiFi Extender to restart.
Your WiFi Extender will load its factory settings and restart. You can then relaunch the installation from the
CD-ROM (see method 2, above).
Method 4: Access Technical Support
- Please visit http://ts.hercules.com and select your language. You will then be able to access different
services (Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), the latest firmware versions) which may help to resolve your
problem.
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