The Netis WF-2117/WF-2118 Wireless N PCI Adapter is a powerful 32-bit PCI adapter designed to provide wireless connectivity for desktop computers. This device is engineered for quick and easy installation into available PCI slots, making it a convenient solution for upgrading a PC's networking capabilities.
Function Description
The primary function of the WF-2117/WF-2118 adapter is to enable a desktop computer to connect to a wireless network. It supports the 802.11n standard, offering high-speed wireless connectivity at up to 150Mbps. This makes it suitable for various online activities, including web browsing, streaming media, and online gaming.
Beyond 802.11n, the adapter is also backward compatible with older wireless standards, specifically 802.11g (up to 54Mbps) and 802.11b (up to 11Mbps). This ensures broad interoperability with a wide range of existing wireless routers and access points, whether in homes, businesses, or public hotspots. This versatility allows users to connect to virtually any Wi-Fi network they encounter, regardless of the specific standard being used by the access point.
The adapter supports two main modes of operation:
- Infrastructure Mode: In this mode, the adapter connects to a wireless access point or router. This is the most common setup for home and office networks, allowing the computer to access the internet and other network resources through the central access point.
- Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer): This mode allows the adapter to connect directly with other wireless cards without the need for an intermediary access point. This is useful for peer-to-peer file sharing between two or more computers, creating a temporary network for direct communication.
Security is a key aspect of wireless networking, and the WF-2117/WF-2118 adapter incorporates features to protect wireless communications. While the manual does not detail specific encryption protocols, it emphasizes that data stays secure in every mode of operation, implying support for standard wireless security mechanisms like WPA-PSK (TKIP+AES) as seen in the utility screenshots.
Usage Features
The installation process for the WF-2117/WF-2118 adapter is designed to be straightforward, involving both hardware and software setup.
Hardware Installation:
- Preparation: Before installing the adapter, users must power off their computer and unplug the power cord to ensure safety. The computer's back cover needs to be removed to access the internal components.
- PCI Slot Insertion: The adapter is carefully inserted into an available 32-bit PCI slot on the computer's motherboard. Users are advised to properly ground themselves by touching a metal part of the computer beforehand to discharge any static electricity, which could otherwise damage the adapter.
- Securing the Adapter: Once seated, the adapter's back panel shield is secured with a screw to prevent it from coming loose.
- Reassembly: After the adapter is firmly in place, the computer's cover is replaced, and the computer is returned to its normal position.
- Antenna Attachment: Finally, the wireless antenna is attached to the socket on the adapter's back panel shield, which is crucial for optimal wireless signal reception and transmission.
Driver and Software Installation:
- Driver CD: After hardware installation, the computer is turned on, and the provided driver CD is inserted into the CD-ROM drive. An install screen should appear automatically; if not, the installer can be manually launched.
- License Agreement: Users are prompted to accept the license agreement for the Ralink software.
- Setup Type Selection: The installation wizard offers options, typically recommending "Install driver and Ralink WLAN Utility." This option installs both the necessary device drivers and a utility for managing wireless connections.
- Configuration Tool Selection: Users can choose between the "Ralink Configuration Tool" or "Microsoft Zero Configuration Tool" for managing their wireless connections. The Ralink Configuration Tool is generally recommended for full functionality.
- Installation Completion: The installation proceeds, and once finished, users click "Finish" to complete the driver installation.
- Hardware Update Wizard (Windows XP example): Upon restarting the computer, Windows may detect new hardware and launch a "Found New Hardware Wizard." Users should select "Install the software automatically (Recommended)" to allow the operating system to configure the newly installed adapter using the drivers already installed.
Connecting to a Wireless Network:
The Ralink WLAN Utility is the primary interface for managing wireless connections.
- Launching the Utility: The utility can be launched by double-clicking its icon on the desktop or by navigating through the Start menu.
- Available Networks: Within the utility, users can access the "Available Network" tab. Clicking the "Refresh" button scans for nearby wireless networks.
- Selecting a Network: A list of available networks is displayed, showing details like SSID, signal strength, and security type. Users can select their desired network by highlighting it and then double-clicking or choosing to connect.
- Security Configuration: If the chosen network is encrypted, users will be prompted to enter the "Network Key" (password) to establish a secure connection. After entering and confirming the key, clicking "OK" attempts to connect.
- Connection Status: The utility provides real-time information about the connection, including the SSID, connection rate, channel, IP address, and subnet mask, allowing users to verify their connection status.
System Requirements:
To ensure proper operation, the computer must meet certain minimum requirements:
- An available 32-bit PCI slot.
- At least a 300 MHz processor.
- A minimum of 32 MB of memory.
- For Infrastructure Mode, an 802.11b/g/n Access Point is required.
- For Ad-Hoc (Peer-to-Peer) mode, another 802.11b/g/n wireless adapter is needed.
Maintenance Features
The manual primarily focuses on installation and initial setup, with less emphasis on ongoing maintenance. However, some aspects related to troubleshooting and ensuring continued operation can be inferred:
Troubleshooting (FAQ Section):
The manual includes a "FAQ" section to address common issues, which serves as a basic maintenance guide for users experiencing connectivity problems.
- Inability to communicate with Ethernet-linked computers in Infrastructure mode:
- Users are advised to ensure the PC to which the adapter is associated is powered on.
- Crucially, they must verify that the adapter is configured on the same channel and with identical security options as other computers in the Infrastructure configuration. Mismatched settings are a common cause of connectivity issues.
- Inability to connect to the wireless network and/or the Internet:
- Modem and Router Check: Users should check the LED indicators on their broadband modem and wireless router to ensure they are functioning normally. Problems with these devices can prevent internet access.
- Network Settings Verification: It's important to verify that the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings are correctly entered for the network. Incorrect network configurations can block connectivity.
- SSID Consistency (Infrastructure Mode): In Infrastructure mode, the Service Set Identifier (SSID) specified on the adapter's settings must match the SSID of the access point.
- SSID Consistency (Ad-Hoc Mode): In Ad-Hoc mode, all wireless clients need to have the same SSID. The manual suggests setting up one client first to establish the Basic Service Set (BSS) and then connecting other clients to avoid conflicts.
- Network Connection Configuration: Users should ensure that the Network Connection for the wireless client is properly configured within the operating system.
- Security Key Verification: If security is enabled, the encryption keys entered on both the adapter and the access point must be correct and match. Incorrect keys will prevent a connection.
Software Updates:
While not explicitly detailed as a maintenance feature, the use of a "Ralink WLAN Utility" implies that future driver or utility updates might be released to improve performance, add features, or address security vulnerabilities. Users would typically check the manufacturer's website for such updates.
FCC Compliance:
The device adheres to FCC regulations, which includes statements regarding radiation exposure and interference. This ensures the device operates within established safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards. Users are cautioned that unauthorized modifications to the equipment could void their authority to operate it, emphasizing the importance of using the device as intended and avoiding alterations. This regulatory compliance implicitly contributes to the device's reliability and safe operation.
In summary, the Netis WF-2117/WF-2118 Wireless N PCI Adapter is a functional and versatile solution for adding wireless connectivity to desktop PCs, offering broad compatibility, secure communication, and a user-friendly installation process, supported by basic troubleshooting guidance for common issues.
Need help?
General
To Next Page