on networks N300MA User manual

February 2012
202-11002-01
v1.0
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
February 2012
202-11002-01
v1.0
N300 Micro USB WiFi
Adapter N300MA
User Manual

© 2012 On Networks All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated
into any language in any form or by any means without the written permission of On Networks
Technical Support
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online, visit us at http://www.on-networks.com/support .
Phone (US & Canada only): 1-855-NET-0100
Phone (Other Countries): See Support information card.
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Brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
© 2012 On Networks. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
Statement of Conditions
To improve internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, On Networks reserves the right to make
changes to the products described in this document without notice. On Networks does not assume any liability
that may occur due to the use, or application of, the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.

Table of Contents |4
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Getting Started
What You Need Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installation with Custom Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
First, Install the WNA1000M Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Then, Install Your Wireless-N USB Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using the Smart Wizard to Connect to a Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . 10
Wireless Network and Internet Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
WNA1000M Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Smart Wizard Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Wireless-N USB Adapter LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Upgrading the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Removing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 2 Network Connections and Wireless Security
Using the Smart Wizard After Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Joining a Network without WPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using Push 'N' Connect to Join a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Creating Profiles to Connect to Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Wireless Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting Up WPA2-PSK or WPA-PSK Wireless Security . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting Up WEP Encryption Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Viewing Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Viewing the About Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Advanced Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Working with Ad Hoc Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Creating an Ad Hoc Mode Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection. . . . . 27
Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance
Optimizing Wireless Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Networking Technology and Connection Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Assessing Your Network Speed Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
Table of Contents |5
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Appendix A Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix B Related Documents
Appendix C Notification of Compliance

N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
6 | Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Started |7
1. Getting Started 1
This chapter describes how to install your micro USB adapter with custom setup and how to
connect to a wireless network. For help with express installation, see the N300 Micro USB WiFi
Adapter N300MA Installation Guide.
What You Need Before You Begin
Make sure your computer meets the system requirements. You should also know the name of
the wireless network you want to join and its wireless security settings (if used).
• PC with a Pentium 300 MHz or higher compatible processor with a USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
The maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a USB v1.1
port, the micro USB adapter is limited to the port’s maximum speed of 14 Mbps.
• A CD drive.
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
• Vista, Windows XP Home, or Windows XP Professional. Some versions of Windows ask
for the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the installation of
the N300MA software.
Note: Windows XP users must install SP2 or install the KB822603 hot fix
(update), which fixes the USB 2.0 host controller driver. Go to the
following link to install the hot fix:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=
en&FamilyID=733dd867-56a0-4956-b7fe-e85b688b7f86

8|Chapter 1: Getting Started
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
Installation with Custom Setup
Note: For help with Express installation, see the N300 Micro USB WiFi
Adapter N300MA Installation Guide.
First, Install the N300MA Software
1. Insert the Resource CD in your computer’s CD drive. If the CD main screen does not
display, browse the files on the CD and double-click Autorun.exe.
2. Click Setup. The Software Update Check screen displays.
3. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, click Install from CD.
4. Accept the license agreement. Then select Custom and click Next on the Setup Type
screen.

Chapter 1: Getting Started |9
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
5. When prompted, browse to select the destination folder for your wireless adapter software,
and click Next.
6. Select one of the following methods to configure and manage your wireless network:
• Smart Wizard. Manage your wireless networks with the On Networks Smart Wizard.
- Automatically. Let the Smart Wizard configure the settings for your micro USB
adapter.
- Manual. Specify the settings for your micro USB adapter in the Settings screen.
• Windows Utility. Connect to and manage your wireless networks using only the
Windows configuration utility.
Then, Install Your Micro USB Adapter
You are prompted to insert your adapter:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
Note: For best results, put the wireless adapter at least 4 feet (1 meter)
away from your router.

10 |Chapter 1: Getting Started
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
2. Click Next. The Smart Wizard software detects the adapter.
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the driver and complete the installation.
How you connect to a network depends on what you selected during custom installation.
• If you installed the Smart Wizard with automatic configuration, see the following
section, Using the Smart Wizard to Connect to a Wireless Network.”
• If you installed the Smart Wizard with manual configuration, the Settings tab displays.
See Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area on page 17.
• To use a Windows utility, see your Windows documentation or the On Networks
application note at http://documentation.On
Networks.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm.
Using the Smart Wizard to Connect to a Wireless Network
After the software is installed, you are prompted to connect to a wireless network.
1. One of the following screens displays:
WPS network No WPS networks
• WPS network: A network in your area supports Push 'N' Connect (also called WPS).
Click Next, and follow the prompts to push the WPS button on your adapter and on
your router. Then connect without entering a password.
• No WPS networks: Select a wireless network from the list and click Next. To connect
to a secure network, you must enter its passphrase or network key.

Chapter 1: Getting Started |11
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
2. The adapter connects to the network, which can take a minute or two. Your settings are
saved in a profile, which you can name:
3. Click Finish, and the Smart Wizard Settings screen displays.
The icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop so you can open the Smart
Wizard to make changes or connect to a different wireless network.
Wireless Network and Internet Connections
The Smart Wizard and micro USB adapter provide several ways to check the status of your
connection to a wireless network and to the Internet:
• N300MA icon. After you install the N300MA software, the icon appears on the
desktop and in the right on the Windows task bar. It is color coded to show the status of
the connection.
• Smart Wizard status bar. Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard. The
status bar at the bottom of the screen shows details about your wireless and Internet
connection. See Smart Wizard Status Bar.
• Adapter LED status lights. The LED on the micro USB adapter shows the network
connection. Solid indicates a connection. The LED blinks when the micro USB adapter is
looking for a network association and when it is sending or receiving data. See Micro
USB WiFi Adapter LED on page 14.

12 |Chapter 1: Getting Started
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
N300MA Icon
This icon is on the desktop and in the Windows system tray. The system tray is on one end of
the task bar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. The icon color shows the wireless connection.
Smart Wizard Status Bar
For more information, you can view the Smart Wizard status bar. Click the icon to open
the Smart Wizard status bar. The Smart Wizard Settings tab displays. The status bar is
located at the bottom of the Settings tab.
The following table describes how to interpret the Smart Wizard status bar.
Color Meaning Recommended Action
Red The micro USB adapter is not
connected to a wireless network.
Check your configuration, or try moving to a location
where the wireless signal quality is better.
Yellow The micro USB adapter has a
weak wireless connection.
Move to a better location, such as closer to the wireless
access point. Also, look for interference such as from a
2.4 GHz cordless phone or large metal surface.
Green The wireless connection is good. No action is required
Understanding the Status Bar
Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined.
Security • A closed lock indicates that security is enabled.
• An open lock indicates an open network without wireless security.
Channel The wireless channel used by the network. If many wireless networks in
your area use the same channel, they can interfere with one another.
Throughput • To optimize wireless throughput, connect to a network with a high-speed
router or access point and a high-speed Internet connection.See
Chapter 3.
• If your computer has a USB v1.1 port, the micro USB adapter is limited
to that port’s maximum speed, which is 14 Mbps.
Join a Network
Wireless
network
Security Channel Throughput
Signal
strength
Connection status

Chapter 1: Getting Started |13
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
The connection status is useful in isolating a problem. For example, if you are connected to a
router, but not to the Internet, check the router’s Internet connection.
Internet Connection and Smart Wizard Configuration
You can turn off the Internet notification feature on the Status bar. Right-click the system tray
icon to view the Enable Internet Connected Notification check mark. If you clear the
checkmark, only the IP address is shown.
In Microsoft Windows 7 and Vista, there is one more option. If you clear the Enable On
Networks Smart Wizard check mark, the On Networks Smart Wizard is disabled, and you
must set up the wireless adapter with auto-configuration.
Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you experience higher
throughput when the signal is strongest.
Join a Network Click Join a Network to open the Connection Wizard.
Connection
status
The status of your network connection.
• Connected to Internet. The wireless Internet connection is OK.
• Connected to Router. The wireless connection to the router is OK, but
the router is not connected to the Internet.
169.254.x.x or ___.___.___.___. The wireless connection to the router is
OK, but there is a problem with the router. See the online help or
Chapter 4.
Understanding the Status Bar (Continued)
Windows XP Windows 7 and Vista

14 |Chapter 1: Getting Started
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
Micro USB WiFi Adapter LED
The LED shows the status of the wireless link as explained in the following table.
Upgrading the Software
Upgrades might be available at the On Networks website.
To check for an update and install it:
1. Open the Smart Wizard and click the About tab:
2. Click the Software Update Check button.
Micro USB WiFi Adapter LED Meaning
Off • The micro USB adapter in not plugged in to the USB port.
• The micro USB adapter is in power save mode (default from
power up or reset).
Slow
blinking • Alternating amber and blue. The micro USB adapter is
scanning for a network.
• Blue. The micro USB adapter is connecting to a network at 2.4
GHz.
Blinking The micro USB adapter is connected to a wireless network, and is
sending or receiving data.
Solid The micro USB adapter is connected to a wireless network, but it is
not sending or receiving data.

Chapter 1: Getting Started |15
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
The Smart Wizard goes to the On Networks website and checks for newer software. If
there is a newer version of firmware, this screen displays:
3. Click OK. When the file has been downloaded, a message like the following displays:
4. Click Yes. Follow the installer instructions, and if prompted, restart your computer.
Removing the Software
You can remove the wireless adapter software through the Windows Program List or the
Windows Control Panel.
• Windows Program List: Select Windows Start > Micro USB Adapter program group.
Click Uninstall and follow the screen prompts.
• Control Panel: How you do this depends on your Windows operating system:
- Windows 7: Select Windows Start >Control Panel > Programs and Features >
Micro USB Adapter. Click Uninstall and follow the screen prompts.
- Windows Vista: Select Windows Start >Control Panel > Programs and Features >
Micro USB Adapter. Click Uninstall/Change from the top menu and follow the
screen prompts.
- Windows XP: Select Windows Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Program,
and then select Micro USB Adapter.

Chapter 2: Network Connections and Wireless Security |16
2. Network Connections and Wireless
Security 2
This chapter explains how to use your micro USB adapter to connect to wireless networks and
how to set up wireless security for the micro USB adapter so that it matches the wireless security
settings for your network.
Using the Smart Wizard After Installation
When you installed the software from the Resource CD, the icon appeared on your
desktop and in the Windows system tray. The Windows system tray is located on the
Windows taskbar. You can either double-click this icon on the desktop or click it in the system
tray at any time, to use the Smart Wizard. This software automatically restarts when you
reboot your computer.
The Smart Wizard provides a complete and easy-to-use set of tools to:
• View details about wireless networks in your area.
• Choose the network that you want to use.
• Configure wireless settings for your micro USB adapter.
• Save your wireless network settings in profiles.
• Remove or reinstall the wireless adapter software.
Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility
If you chose the Windows XP or Windows Vista Zero Configuration utility during installation,
and now you want to use the Smart Wizard that is installed on your PC, you must disable the
Windows utility. If you are working with the Vista configuration utility, see the On Networks
online application note at: http://documentation.On
Networks.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm
To disable the Windows Zero Configuration utility:
1. Attach the wireless adapter to a USB port for your computer.
2. In Windows, select Start > Network Connections.

Chapter 2: Network Connections and Wireless Security |17
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
3. Select Wireless Network Connection, right-click, and then select Properties.
4. Click the Wireless Networks tab. Then clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless
settings check box.
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area
You can use the Networks tab to view all available wireless networks in your area. You can
also scan to search for wireless networks and refresh the tab.
To view wireless networks:
1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard.
2. Click the Networks tab to display the following screen:
You can click a column
heading to sort.
If many networks use
the same channel they
can interfere with each
other. (G) indicates a
The status bar shows
your network connection
and Internet connection.
2.4 GHz network.
The screen shows the following information for each network scanned:
• Network Name (SSID). The name of the wireless network. As a security measure, some
wireless access points do not broadcast the network name. In such cases, the Network
Name (SSID) field is blank even though the rest of the information is displayed.

18 |Chapter 2: Network Connections and Wireless Security
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
• Channel. The channel determines which operating frequency is used. In this column
(G) indicates a 2.4 GHz network.
• N. The access point supports wireless N mode.
• WPS. The access point supports WPS.
• Security. Identifies whether the wireless network uses security settings such as
WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, or WEP.
• Signal. Identifies the signal strength of the communications.
• MAC Address. Identifies the hardware address (MAC address) of the wireless device
broadcasting this information.
• Mode. Identifies the type of wireless network — Access Point (Infrastructure) or
Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc)
The buttons located at the bottom of the Networks tab are:
• Help. Display online help.
• Join a Network. View networks and join a network. See Joining a Network without WPS
on page 18.
• Connect. Connect to the network that you selected.
• Scan. Check for wireless networks. Clicking Scan refreshes the screen.
• Close. Close the window of the Wizard.
Joining a Network without WPS
1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. On the status bar at the bottom of the
screen, click Join a Network.
If there is a WPS network in your area, the Smart Wizard displays the WPS screen. To
bypass WPS, select No to avoid connecting, and then click Next.
2. Select a network from the drop-down list. If
you select a hidden network, you must enter
the SSID. Click Next.
hidden network
3. Follow the wizard steps to specify the
wireless security if used, and to create a
profile.
4. Review you settings, and click Finish.
The status bar shows the status of your
wireless connection.

Chapter 2: Network Connections and Wireless Security |19
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
Using Push 'N' Connect to Join a Network
Push 'N' Connect (also called WPS) lets you join a secure wireless network by pushing a
button instead of entering a passphrase or network key. Your micro USB adapter works with
WPS, but only if the wireless network you want to join also supports WPS. An access point or
router that supports WPS has a WPS symbol on it.
To join a network using WPS:
1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. On the status bar at the bottom of the
screen, click Join a Network.
The Smart Wizard detects a WPS
network.
2. Select the Yes, I will connect using Push
'N' Connect radio button, and then click
Next.
3. Either push the WPS button on the micro
USB adapter or click the onscreen WPS
button. Click Next.
4. On the access point or router for the
network you want to join, use its Smart
Wizard or WPS configuration utility, and
push its WPS button as directed.
• The access point or router adds the
micro USB adapter to the network.
• The micro USB adapter Smart Wizard
status bar shows the status of your
wireless connection.
5. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard.
6. Close the Smart Wizard or configuration utility for the access point or router.

20 |Chapter 2: Network Connections and Wireless Security
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
Creating Profiles to Connect to Networks
The Smart Wizard can create a profile for each wireless network that you join when using
your micro USB adapter. If you connect to different networks, name the profiles and save
them to easily connect the next time you join the same network. Advanced users can also set
up profiles for Ad Hoc mode connections for peer-to-peer networking. See Working with Ad
Hoc Mode on page 25.
There are two special profile names: Default and Profile.
• Default. This profile scans for any available network. You cannot change this profile
name.
• Profile. If you do not enter a name in the Profile Name field when you connect to a
network, the name Profile is used to save your settings. If you do this more than once,
you are asked if you want to replace the previous settings stored in Profile.
To set up a profile to connect to a network:
1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab displays:
2. In the Profiles field, type the name of the profile.
3. In the Network Name (SSID) field, select a network or enter the SSID.
Note: You cannot connect wirelessly unless the network SSID matches
exactly the SSID used by the wireless network.
4. Make sure that the Access Point (Infrastructure) radio button is selected. This setting
allows you to connect to a wireless router or access point.
5. Click Save Profile.
6. Click Apply, then click Close to exit, or click Cancel to return to the previous settings.
7. To make sure your network connection is working, use a browser to connect to the Internet.
The status bar in the Smart Wizard shows the current connection status.

Chapter 2: Network Connections and Wireless Security |21
N300 Micro USB WiFi Adapter N300MA
Wireless Security
Many networks use wireless security. The first time you join a network that uses wireless
security, you must either know its security settings, or use Push 'N' Connect (WPS) for a
WPS-compatible wireless network. The main types of wireless security are:
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 Pre-Shared Key (WPA2-PSK)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK)
• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
For more information about wireless security, see the wireless reference document at
http://documentation.On Networks.com/reference/enu/wireless/index.htm.
Setting Up WPA2-PSK or WPA-PSK Wireless Security
1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab displays:
2. In the Profile field, select the profile, or type in a profile name.
3. In the Network Name (SSID) field select the network, or enter the SSID.
4. In the Security section, select the WPA2 or WPA setting for the wireless network that you
want to join and enter the passphrase.
5. Click the Save Profile button. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
6. Click Apply, and then click Close to exit the Smart Wizard.