StarTech.com PEX300WN2X2 User manual

Manual Revision: 06/21/2012
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: www.startech.com
DE: Bedienungsanleitung - de.startech.com
FR: Guide de l'utilisateur - fr.startech.com
ES: Guía del usuario - es.startech.com
IT: Guida per l'uso - it.startech.com
NL: Gebruiksaanwijzing - nl.startech.com
PT: Guia do usuário - pt.startech.com
PEX300WN2X2
PCI Express 802.11n 300MbpsWiFi Adapter
*actual product may vary from photos

Instruction Manual
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use ofTrademarks, RegisteredTrademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols
This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other
protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to
StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only and do not
represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an endorsement of the
product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company in question. Regardless
of any direct acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of this document, StarTech.com hereby
acknowledges that all trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, and other protected
names and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the property of
their respective holders.

Instruction Manual
i
Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................1
Packaging Contents ................................................................................................................................. 1
System Requirements.............................................................................................................................. 1
Installation ..............................................................................................2
Hardware Installation .............................................................................................................................. 2
Driver Installation...................................................................................................................................... 2
Verifying Installation................................................................................................................................ 4
How to Use ..............................................................................................5
Windows XP ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Windows Vista/7/8.................................................................................................................................... 6
Ralink WLAN Utility................................................................................................................................... 7
Connecting to an available network:................................................................................................. 8
Manually Creating a Prole.................................................................................................................... 9
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)................................................................................................................. 10
Specications..........................................................................................11
Technical Support ..................................................................................12
Warranty Information............................................................................12

Instruction Manual
1
Introduction
The PEX300WN2X2 PCI Express Wireless N Card (PCIe x1) adds high speed wireless
network connectivity to almost any PCI Express-enabled desktop/workstation PC.
Using a 2T2R (2 Transmitter/2 Receiver) design over the 2.4GHz frequency, this PCIe
wireless card provides up to 300Mbps of data bandwidth over an 802.11n network,
while improving signal reception and range.
Backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (11/54Mbps), this WiFi N adapter
oers a versatile wireless networking solution with support for standard and advanced
security options such as WEP, WPA and WPA2, along with wireless Quality of Service
(QoS) support and quick and easy setup through WPS.
This easy-to-install PCI Express 2.0 card is backed by StarTech.com’s 2-year warranty
and free lifetime technical support, making for an excellent wireless upgrade or rst-
time setup option.
Packaging Contents
• 1x PCI Express Wireless Networking Card
• 2x Antenna
• 1x Low Prole Bracket
• 1x Driver CD
• 1x Instruction Manual
System Requirements
• PCI Express enabled computer system with available full prole PCI Express slot
• Microsoft® Windows® XP/Vista/Server 2003/Server 2008 R2/7/ 8 (32/64-bit), or Linux®
kernel 2.6.3 or later

Instruction Manual
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Installation
WARNING! PCI Express cards, like all computer equipment, can be severely damaged by static
electricity. Be sure that you are properly grounded before opening your computer case or touching
your PCI Express card. StarTech.com recommends that you wear an anti-static strap when installing any
computer component. If an anti-static strap is unavailable, discharge yourself of any static electricity
build-up by touching a large grounded metal surface (such as the computer case) for several seconds.
Also be careful to handle the PCI Express card by its edges and not the gold connectors.
Hardware Installation
1. Turn your computer o and any peripherals connected to the computer (i.e. Printers,
external hard drives, etc.). Unplug the power cable from the rear of the power
supply on the back of the computer and disconnect all peripheral devices.
2. Remove the cover from the computer case. See documentation for your computer
system for details.
3. Locate an open PCI Express slot and remove the metal cover plate on the rear of the
computer case (Refer to documentation for your computer system for details.). Note
that this card will work in PCI Express slots of additional lanes (i.e. x4, x8 or x16 slots).
4. Insert the card into the open PCI Express slot and fasten the bracket to the rear of
the case.
5. Place the cover back onto the computer case.
6. Attach the included external antennas to the rear bracket of the card.
7. Insert the power cable into the socket on the power supply and reconnect all other
connectors removed in Step 1.
Driver Installation
Windows XP/Server 2003
1. Upon starting Windows, if the “Found New Hardware” wizard appears on the screen,
cancel/close the window and insert the included Driver CD into the computer’s CD/
DVD drive.
2. AutoPlay should automatically launch the Driver/Software installation splash screen.
If not, open “My Computer” then open the CD/DVD drive the disk is inserted into
and double-click the le Setup.exe.
3. Select the option to install the Drivers. This will launch the Driver Installation wizard.
4. During the installation, you will be prompted to install only the drivers or also the
Ralink WLAN Utility. If you wish to use the built-in Windows utility for setting up your
wireless connection, then install the drivers only. If you do not wish to use the built-in
Windows Utility (Zero Conguration Utility), then also install the Ralink Utility.
NOTE: You can switch to using the Windows Utility at any time.

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5. Complete the wizard and this will automatically install all of the drivers/software.
Restart the computer when prompted.
Windows Vista/7/8
1. Upon starting Windows, if the “Found New Hardware” wizard appears on the screen,
cancel/close the window or choose not to install the drivers and insert the included
Driver CD into the computer’s CD/DVD drive.
2. AutoPlay should automatically launch the Driver/ Software installation splash screen
or prompt you to run Setup.exe. If not, open “Computer” open the CD/ DVD drive
the disk is inserted into and double-click the le Setup.exe.
3. Select the option to install the Drivers. This will launch the Driver Installation wizard.
4. During the installation, you will be prompted to install only the drivers or also the
Ralink WLAN Utility. If you wish to use the built-in Windows utility for setting up your
wireless connection, then install the drivers only. If you do not wish to use the built-in
Windows Utility (Zero Conguration Utility), then also install the Ralink Utility.
NOTE: You can switch to using the Windows Utility at any time.
5. Complete the wizard and this will automatically install all of the drivers/software.
Restart the computer when prompted.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Note:
By default, the Microsoft “Wireless LAN Service” Feature is not installed. Before any
wireless networking can be enabled, this feature must be installed through the
Windows Server Manager window. Refer to Windows’ documentation for details.

Instruction Manual
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Verifying Installation
Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8
From the main desktop, right-click on “My Computer” (“Computer” in Vista/7), then
select Manage. In the new Computer Management window, select Device Manager
from the left window panel.
Double-click on the “Network adapters” option to open it. A new Wireless adapter
should be listed.

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How to Use
Connecting to a wireless network is done through the Windows wireless conguration
utilities. You must know the name of the wireless network (SSID), the type of security
it is using (if any) and it’s associated password to connect to a wireless network.
Consult the documentation for your wireless access point (AP) or contact your network
administrator or the wireless AP manufacturer for details.
Windows XP
The wireless network adapter may appear in
the System Tray (next to the clock), or you may
have to access it through the Control Panel. If
visible in the System Tray, right-click on the icon
and select “View available wireless networks”.
This will bring up a new window that will show
you all available wireless networks that Windows
has found.
Alternatively, you can access this window by
opening the Control Panel from the Start Menu
and double-clicking the Network Connections
icon. Right-click on the Wireless Network
Connection icon (there may be multiple; the
highest number should be the latest) and select
“View available wireless networks”.
Select the wireless network you wish to connect to
from the list, and click on the“Connect”button in
the bottom right corner. If the network has security
enabled, you will be prompted for the password.

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Windows Vista/7/8
The wireless network adapter will appear as a small icon in the System Tray (next to
the clock). Left-clicking on this icon will bring up a list of detected wireless networks.
Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click the “Connect” button. If
the network has security enabled, you will be prompted for a password.
Alternatively, you can access the wireless network adapter by opening the Control
Panel from the Start Menu, and selecting the Network and Internet category, followed
by Network and Sharing Center.
Click on the “Connect to a network” option on the far right side of the window to bring
up the list of detected wireless networks.

Instruction Manual
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Ralink WLAN Utility
Instead of using the built-in Windows wireless utility, a 3rd party utility, Ralink WLAN
Utility, can be used. This utility provides access to additional advanced features of the
wireless card, such as Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). If the Ralink WLAN
utility is installed, then a small icon will appear in the system tray area near the clock.
Double-click the icon to open the utility window, or right-click on it to bring up the
menu and select the ‘launch’ option.
From the main interface, dierent sub sections can be accessed via the buttons along
the top of the window.
1. Wi-Fi Direct: Enables Wi-Fi Direct mode for peer-to-peer wireless networking.
2. Available Networks: Lists all detected wireless networks within range.
3. Link Information: Lists detailed information about the currently connected
wireless network.
4. Prole List: Manage all of the created network proles and congure Wi-Fi
Protected Setup (WPS).
5. Advanced Settings: Advanced wireless settings such as wireless mode and
certicate management.
6. About: Information about the Ralink Utility.
1 2 3 4 5 6

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Connecting to an available network:
1. To connect to a wireless network, bring up “Available Networks” from the main
window. This will list all of the detected wireless networks in the area.
2. Once you locate the network you wish to connect to, select it from the list by click
on the entry, then click the ‘Connect’ button. If this is a network that you will be
connecting to often, then you may wish to create a persistent prole by clicking the
“Add to Prole” button and following the prompts. The Ralink Utility will always rst
try to connecting to any network that has a prole.
Refresh List
Add to Prole
Connect

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3. If the network uses encryption, a window will popup where you will need to enter
the proper authentication information (i.e. password/passphrase).
4. Once successfully connected to the network, information about the wireless router/
access point will be listed in the main window and the “AP Information” section of
the Available Networks window.
Manually Creating a Prole
If the network you want the computer to connect to is currently not available (o
site), or otherwise not listed as an available network, a prole for the network can
be manually created. You must know the name of the network (SSID), the type of
encryption and any passwords/passphrases required to connect to the network prior
to creating a prole. Multiple proles can be created, if you regularly connect to
dierent wireless networks in dierent locations.
1. From the main utility window, click on the “Prole List” button.
2. In the Prole List window, click on the “Add Prole” button.
3. Enter in a name for this prole, then enter the name of the network you wish to
connect to in the “SSID” eld. Click the “Next” arrow button when ready.
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 Add Prole
2 Edit Prole
3 Import Prole
4 Export Prole
5 WPS Setup
6 Activate Prole
Cancel
Back
Next

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4. Select the type of Authentication/Encryption used by the network (if any). Click the
‘Next’ arrow button when ready.
5. If an Authentication type was specied, enter in the password/passphrase used to
access the network. Click the ‘Next’ arrow button when ready.
6. Once the prole has been created, you must activate it for it to become the default
prole. Select the prole and click the“Activate Prole”button. The wireless adapter will
automatically try to connect to the default prole every time you log into the computer.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
WPS can be used to quickly and easily setup a secure wireless connection to a WPS-
enabled wireless router/access point (AP). The WPS conguration section can be
accessed via the Prole List window.
Select the method of conguring the WPS connection (push button or PIN code) and
select the WPS-enabled AP from the list of detected networks. Click the ‘Next’ arrow
and proceed with the remainder of the setup.
WPS Conguration

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Specications
Host Interface PCI Express 1.1 (x1 slot connector)
Form Factor Low/Full Prole
Chipset ID Ralink RT5392
External Connectors 2 x RP-SMA Female
LEDs 1 x Link/Activity
Antenna Conguration 2x2:2 (TxR:S)
Wireless Frequency 2.4 GHz
Supported Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n
Supported Security Schemes WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP/AES
Operating Temperature -10°C ~ 70°C (14°F ~ 158°F)
Storage Temperature -20°C ~ 70°C (-4°F ~ 158°F)
Humidity 5% ~ 95% RH
Dimensions 120.0mm x 75.0mm x 18.0mm
Weight 15g
Compatible Operating Systems
Windows XP/ Server 2003/ Vista/ Server
2008 R2/ 7/ 8 (32/64-bit), Linux kernel
2.6.31 and later

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Technical Support
StarTech.com’s lifetime technical support is an integral part of our commitment to
provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need help with your product, visit
www.startech.com/support and access our comprehensive selection of online tools,
documentation, and downloads.
For the latest drivers/software, please visit www.startech.com/downloads
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a two year warranty.
In addition, StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials
and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial date of purchase.
During this period, the products may be returned for repair, or replacement with
equivalent products at our discretion. The warranty covers parts and labor costs only.
StarTech.com does not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from
misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their
ocers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect,
special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of prots, loss of business,
or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the
actual price paid for the product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions
contained in this statement may not apply to you.

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