NetComm VELOCITY NP910n User manual

NETCOMM VELOCITY TM SERIES
Wireless N USB Adapters
USER GUIDE

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Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................3
FEATURES.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
PACKAGE CONTENTS. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................5
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. .............................................................................................................................................................................................5
INSTALLATION (WINDOWS XP AND VISTA).............................................................................................................................................6
VERIFY INSTALLATION (XP). ............................................................................................................................................................................................9
VERIFY INSTALLATION (VISTA). .....................................................................................................................................................................................10
SETUP NETWORK CONFIGURATION (XP).....................................................................................................................................................................11
SETUP NETWORK CONFIGURATION (VISTA)................................................................................................................................................................12
WIRELESS NETWORK ............................................................................................................................................................................14
APPLYING NETWORK SECURITY SETTINGS...............................................................................................................................................................17
SETTING WEP/WPA WAN SETTINGS .....................................................................................................................................................................18
ADDING PROFILES........................................................................................................................................................................................................19
NETWORK.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
ADVANCED SETTINGS............................................................................................................................................................................21
STATISTICS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
WMM.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
WPS CONFIGURATION .................................................................................................................................................................................................23
RADIO ON/OFF..............................................................................................................................................................................................................24
ABOUT ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
UNINSTALLING NETCOMM UTILITY/DRIVER ................................................................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX A – INSTALLATION AND FUNCTIONALITY FOR MAC ........................................................................................................26
INSTALLATION (IMAC). ..................................................................................................................................................................................................27
VERIFY INSTALLATION (IMAC).......................................................................................................................................................................................28
CONNECTING TO A NETWORK. ...................................................................................................................................................................................29
APPLYING NETWORK SECURITY SETTINGS................................................................................................................................................................30
ADDING PROFILES........................................................................................................................................................................................................31
LINK STATUS.................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
SITE SURVEY.................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
STATISTICS. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
ADVANCED SETTINGS..................................................................................................................................................................................................34
ABOUT...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
APPENDIX B – SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................................................................................35

Introduction
Get To Know Your Product

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Introduction
Your NetComm Velocity Series Wireless N USB Adapter
Congratulations on your purchase of the NetComm 900n Series USB Adapter
The NetComm 900n Series USB Adapters (NP900n, NP901n, NP910n and NP902n) use the latest wireless technology, 802.11n. This
dramatically improves wireless signal, and throughput for your network when compared to existing wireless 802.11g technology. The
incredible speed of the NetComm 900n Series USB adapters makes light work of heavy trafc networking activities, while at the same time
allowing greater freedom for the user with wireless signal being transmitted over a greater range.
Adding a NetComm 900n Series USB adapter to your Notebook or Computer, provides an excellent solution for media-centric activities
such as streaming video, gaming, and enhances the Quality of Service (QoS) without any performance penalty.
It extends network coverage by up to 300% and boosts transmission throughput by up to 600% when compared to existing 11g products.
For more security-sensitive applications, the NetComm 900n Series supports Hardware-based IEEE 802.11i encryption/decryption engine,
including 64-bit/128-bit WEP, TKIP, and AES. Also, it supports Wi-Fi alliance WPA and WPA2 encryption.
* Theoretical wireless signal rate based on IEEE standard of 802.11a, b, g chipset used. Actual throughput may vary. Network conditions and environmental factors lower actual
throughput rate.
Features
Features Advantages
High Speed Data Rate of Up to 150/300Mbps* Capable of handling heavy data payloads such as
MPEG video streaming
IEEE 802.11n Compliant and backward compatible with 802.11b/g Backward compatibility allows you to upgrade your
network at the rate you want, providing you with a
progressive upgrade path
WPA/WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i), WEP 64/128 Support Peace of Mind Security for your wireless network
2 Transmitting and 2 Receiving antennas (NP901n and NP902n).
1 Transmitting and 2 Receiving antennas (NP900n)
1 Transmitting and 1 Receiving antennas (NP910n)
Greater Speed and Range
Wireless Multimedia Enhancements Quality of Service support
(QoS) / enhanced power saving for Dynamic Networking.
Data such as voice and media streaming will
get priority, giving you clearer sound and crisper
images.
2 Detachable Antennas (NP902n only) Flexible with SMA connector design

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Package Contents
Open the package carefully, and make sure that none of the items listed below are missing. Do not discard the packing materials, in case of
return; the unit must be shipped back in its original package.
NP910n NP900n NP901n NP902n
NP910n USB Adapter NP900n USB Adapter NP901n USB Adapter NP902n USB Adapter
CD-ROM with User Manual and
Utility
CD-ROM with User Manual
and Utility
CD-ROM with User Manual
and Utility
CD-ROM with User Manual and Utility
Quick Start Guide (Printed) Quick Start Guide (Printed) Quick Start Guide (Printed) Quick Start Guide (Printed)
1 USB cable (1m)
2 detachable antennas
1 removable hook
NP910n/NP902n LED Description
LED Description
Off There is no driver/utility loaded
Blinking slowly An active connection is available
Blinking rapidly Data communication is in progress
NP900n/NP901n LED Description
LED Description
Link Blinks when transmitting or receiving data
Power On when receiving power through the USB port
System Requirements
To begin using the 900n Series USB Adapter, your PC/Notebook must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Operating System – Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000 or Mac
• USB socket x 1 (USB 1.0 can be used. USB 2.0 will allow maximum speed)
• 256MB system memory or larger
• 750MHz CPU or higher conguration

Installation (XP AND VISTA)
Connecting Your Device

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Installation
(Windows XP and Vista)
Important: Install the 900n Series Adapter utilities before inserting the 900n Series Adapter into your computer
Insert the support CD into your CD/DVD drive. The Utility should auto run.
If this does not happen, follow the steps below.
• Click [Start]
• Open [My Computer]
• Double click on you CD/DVD drive
• Double click on the NetComm 900n Series Utility icon
In the CD drive folder, you will see the following le.
Open the le and you can briey see the following…
NOTE: If operating with Windows Vista a warning message will open up, asking if you are sure you would like to continue with the installation.
Do Not click no as this will cancel the installation.
Click Install to begin the installation of the utility.
Await instructions as you see the setup progress as shown below...

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Click nish to complete the installation.
Please insert the 900n Series USB Adapter in your notebook/PC’s available USB socket

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Verify installation (XP)
•Open [Control Panel]
• Double-click [System].
• Select [Hardware] tab
• Click [Device Manager].
• Select [Network Adapters]
• Select and double-click [802.11N USB wireless LAN card]
• Verify the device status of the 802.11N USB wireless LAN card
• [This device is working properly]
• Click [OK]

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Verify installation (Vista)
• Enter [Start Menu]
• Open [Control Panel]
• Click on [System and Maintenance]
• Under the Device Manager heading, click [View Hardware and Devices]
• Click on [Network Adapters]
• Select and double click [802.11n wireless LAN Card]
• Verify the status of the 802.11n USB Wireless LAN Card. (This device is working properly)
• Click [OK]

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Setup Network Conguration (XP)
• Enter [Start Menu]
• Select [Control panel]
• Select [Network Connections].
• Right-click [Wireless Network Connection], under the LAN heading
• Select [properties]
• Select [Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)]
• Click [Properties].
• Select the [General] tab.
Most Access Points/Routers will support DHCP*, therefore select (a) to obtain addresses automatically. If you are unsure, select
option (a).
* Dynamic Host Conguration Protocol (DHCP) is a protocol used by networked devices to obtain the parameters necessary for operation in an Internet Protocol network. This
protocol reduces system administration workload, allowing devices to be added to the network with little or no manual congurations.

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Setup Network Conguration (Vista)
• Enter [Start Menu]
• Select [Control Panel]
• Click directly into [View Network Status and Tasks] from under the [Network and Internet] heading.
• From the taskbar on the left hand side click on [manage wireless networks]
• Click on [Adapter Properties]
• Select [Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)]

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• Click [Properties]
• Under the [General] tab.
Most Access Points/Routers will support DHCP*, therefore select [Obtain an IP address automatically] and [Obtain DNS Server
address automatically]. If you are unsure, select these options.
* Dynamic Host Conguration Protocol (DHCP) is a protocol used by networked devices to obtain the parameters necessary for operation in an Internet Protocol network. This
protocol reduces system administration workload, allowing devices to be added to the network with little or no manual congurations.

Wireless Network
The Home Of All Your Wireless Settings

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Wireless Network
Prerequisite:
1. Your home/ofce environment should have a wireless LAN that is available for your use.
2. You should readily have the security keys (if required) to connect those Wireless LAN’s
Conguration utility will rst automatically link with the Wireless AP if there is no security key required. If the connection is successful, a
message will appear on taskbar.
The following steps guide you to initially setup a wireless network connection.
Notice the NetComm conguration utility on the taskbar
Hovering the mouse cursor briey over the icon will show status as follows.The current status indicates that Cong utility has
automatically connected to an Access Point (default).
Right click on the icon and the below menu will open.
NOTE: If using Windows Vista, the menu will not include [Use Zero Conguration as Conguration Utility]
Click on [Launch Cong Utilities]. Notice it has many tabs for conguration
Please note that making a connection when operating on Windows XP is different to making a connection when operating on Windows
Vista. Instructions for connecting on both are listed below.

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MAKING A CONNECTION USING WINDOWS XP
To make a connection, select one AP/SSID (eg: Default) and click [Connect]. When the connection is successful, will appear in front of
the linked AP.
If the connection fails, [Disconnected] will appear. If the AP has set up the encryption, please setup the same before you click [OK].
Click on the Network tab. Press Rescan. You will see several AP’s listed under SSID
They denote individual access points. Click on the one you want to connect with. Notice that if there is a security key needed, there will be
an image of a key in the AP List.
If there is a security key required, obtain it and click connect. If you need to input a security key, refer to chapter 9 to understand setting up
network security.
MAKING A CONNECTION USING WINDOWS VISTA
• On the bottom right corner of your screen, in the taskbar, will be an image of a computer screen. This is your zero conguration
manager. Right click on this image and a menu will appear, as shown below.
• Click on [Connect to a network]. This will bring up a screen as shown below
• All of the networks available to you can be seen listed on the screen. Select one to connect to. You can select to see available
networks listed by connection type. To ensure you connect to the appropriate network you can select to view all available wireless
networks.

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Applying Network Security Settings
If your Access Point/Router has a network security key, your NetComm 900n Series security settings must match the settings on your
wireless Access Point/Router to get a connection. The details of the network security settings are described below.
WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a less secure, but more widely adopted wireless security protocol. Depending on the security
level (64- or 128-bit), the user will be asked to input a 10- or 26-character hex key.
WPA – Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is the new standard in the wireless security. However, not all wireless cards and adapters support
this technology. Instead of a hex key, WPA uses only pass phrases, which are much easier to remember. It can be broken down into the
categories listed below
WPA-PSK – Wi-Fi Protected Access - Pre Shared Key (WPA-PSK) is a simplied but still powerful form of WPA most suitable for
home Wi-Fi networking
WPA2-PSK – The advanced protocol of WPA-PSK
WPA (WPA-EAP) – Wi-Fi Protected Access - Extensible Authentication Protocol (WPA-EAP) is a more complex form of WPA, more
suitable for enterprise Wi-Fi networking
WPA2 (WPA2-EAP) – The advanced protocol of WPA-EAP

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a. Setting WEP/WPA WAN Settings
Windows XP
If the Access Point you want to connect to has security authentication, select it from the list and press [Connect].
Windows Vista
If the Access Point you want to connect to has security authentication, select it from the list and press [Add to Prole]. (Adding Proles
is covered in the next chapter).This will open the drop down menu and you will be able to enter the security information as shown in the
below images. Alternatively, you are able to select a wireless network from the Zero Conguration Manager (See Chapter “Connecting to
your Wireless Network”) and enter the security information there when prompted.
Press the arrow on the right of the page. You will see a window pop up as shown below.
Follow steps below:
• [Authentication Type]: Indicates the authentication type of the AP/Router. Please conrm the setting of the AP/Router.
• [Encryption]: Select the same encryption as the AP/Router
• For WEP Encryption, key in AP encryption keys (64/128bits) in the box Key1~Key4. Please accept the auto selected setting of
[Hex]/ [ASCII]
• For WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK encryption, enter the selected AP’s password in [WAP Preshared Key] box.
• For WPA and WPA2 encryption if the AP/Router has [802.1x Setting] function, click it for advanced settings. Please consult your
network administrator for details or check the user manual of the Wireless Access Point
• Press [OK] to nish setting.

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Adding Proles
By adding an SSID as a prole, a user is able to reconnect onto the same wireless network at a later date, without having to re-enter
the conguration. Adding proles has practical implications for users who connect to multiple wireless networks at regular occurrences.
Someone who connects their laptop to a wireless router at home, is part of a different wireless network at work and also connects to a
hotspot at their favourite café on the weekend is a prime example of someone who could benet from adding proles.
Proles can be added by following the steps below.
• Select one AP in the SSID column that you want to add as a prole, eg: default
• Click [Add to Prole] and the page shown below will appear.
• Setting items in the [system conguration] tab:
• Prole Name: Enter the connected AP prole, eg: PROF1.
• SSID: Click the drop-down menu and select one AP. You can also enter the AP manually.
• PSM: PSM stands for Power Saving Mode. Select between “off” and “on”. “Off” is the default setting. Only select “on” under
infrastructure network type.
• Network Type: [Infrastructure] or [Ad Hoc] type. We recommend you select [Infrastructure].
• Tx power: The amount of power used by a radio transceiver to send the signal out. User can choose power value from the drop
down menu.
• [RTS Threshold] and [Fragment Threshold]:
- Fragment Threshold species the maximum size of packet during the fragmentation of data to be transmitted. If you set
this value too low, it will result in bad performance.
- RTS Threshold species the size of the data packet to be sent. Small values cause RTS packets to be sent more often. It
will enable the system to recover from interference or collisions quicker but it consumes more of the available bandwidth.
We recommend you to use the default value 2312. Users can adjust threshold numbers by sliding the bars or key in the values directly.
• Click [OK] and the set AP will appear in the [Prole] tab.
• [Add]: Click [Add] to add a new prole.
• [Delete]: to delete a prole, select one prole name and click [Delete].
• [Edit]: to edit the setting of a prole, select the prole and click [Edit].
• [Activate]: to activate the selected prole, select the prole and click [Activate].

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Network
The Network tab is where all of the basic connection information can be found. In the main window, you can nd listed;
• All of the available wireless networks that your NetComm 900n Series USB Adapter has in range
• The channel at which the Access Point is running.
• The speed at which the Access Point is operating. This will be listed as b, g and/or n. To get maximum performance out of your
NetComm 900n Series USB Adapter, connect to an access point with greater speed.
• Encryption Keys. If an Access Point requires a security setting, it will be represented by an image of a key.
• The strength of the wireless signal from the Access Point.
This information is able to be sorted by SSID name, Channel or Wireless Signal, simply by selecting from these options at the top of the
page
At the bottom of the page is an arrow, which when pressed will provide details on the link status of your chosen Access Point
• Status: Displays the linked AP name and MAC address. When [Disconnect]
appears in this box, the connection is failed.
• Extra Info: link status and strength.
• Channel: Current channel in use.
• Link Speed: Show current transmit rate and receive rate.
• Throughput: Display transmit and receive throughput value.
• Link Quality: Display connection quality based on signal strength and TX/RX packet error rate.
• Signal Strength 1 & 2: Receive signal strength, user can choose to display
as percentage or dBm format
• Noise Level: Display noise signal strength.