Installation Guide

USB Network Ethernet Adapter

1 Connect the USB Network Ethernet Adapter to the Computer

A.Insert the round connector on the USB cable into the USB port on the USB Network Ethernet Adapter

3

Connect the USB Network Ethernet

 

Adapter to the Ethernet Port

CAUTION: Use only an Ethernet cable to make this connection. Inserting a telephone cable into the Ethernet port can damage either device

A.

Insert the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on

 

the USB Network Ethernet Adapter.

 

Note: The Ethernet cable is not included. See

Troubleshooting

This section offers answers to specific questions you may have during installation and setup. For additional information, contact 3Com technical support. See “Support Resources” on the back side of this guide for detailed contact information.

Using the LEDs to Diagnose Problems

As shown below, the USB Network Ethernet Adapter has two light emitting diodes (LEDs). You can use these to diagnose installation and connection problems.

Part Number 09-2054-000

Before You Begin

You have just purchased the 3Com® USB Network Ethernet Adapter. The USB connection is the easiest way to connect a computer to a Broadband modem, Ethernet hub, home gateway, or any other Ethernet Internet device.

Please read this Installation Guide before you begin installation. If you have questions or problems during installation, see the “Troubleshooting” section.

Download Valuable Free Software

3Com offers Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) software for this product. PXE allows a system administrator to manage the PC remotely, which reduces the number of support visits to the PC and can decrease total cost. PXE support for this product is available with 3Com’s MBA on Disk. To download MBA on Disk for free and to obtain more information on PXE, go to:

http://www.3Com.com/managedpc.

Then click Managed PC Boot Agent on Disk (MBA on Disk).

Supplied and Required Items

Review these lists of items to be sure you have everything ready to install the USB Network Ethernet Adapter.

Supplied:

„10/100* Mbps USB Network Ethernet Adapter

„2 ft USB cable

„Installation diskette

„This Installation Guide

*This adapter is compatible with 100Base-TX networks, but the throughput is based on the bandwith of USB 1.0/1.1.

Required (Not Supplied):

„Standard category 5 Ethernet cable with 2 male RJ-45 connectors

„Computer running Microsoft® Windows® 98, Windows 2000 Professional, or Windows Me operating system with:

„Available USB port

„66 MHz processor or higher

B.Insert the flat connector on the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.

Windows automatically detects the USB Ethernet Adapter and displays the New Hardware Found screen. Windows then prompts you to search for a driver.

Note: If Windows does not automatically detect the device, click Windows Start, select Settings and then click Control Panel. Then click the Add/Remove Hardware icon and follow the on-screen prompts.

C.See “Install the USB Network Ethernet Adapter Driver” for step-by-step instructions

2

Install the USB Network Ethernet

 

Adapter Driver

A.Insert the Installation disk into the floppy drive, and follow the on-screen prompts to install the driver file from the disk.

Windows automatically installs the driver.

Note: If Windows prompts you to restart the computer, follow the prompt to restart the computer.

B.See “Connect the USB Network Ethernet Adapter to the Ethernet Port” to finish the installation.

Note: The illustration below shows one example of how the USB Network Ethernet Adapter is used to connect multiple devices on a home network.

“Before You Begin” for more information.

B.Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an available Ethernet port on a broadband modem, hub, home gateway, or other Ethernet Internet device.

C.The installation is complete. To verify the IP address, see “Release and Renew the IP Address.”

4 Release and Renew the IP Address

Note: For more information about this procedure, consult the Microsoft documentation that came with the computer.

Windows 98/Me Users:

A.Click Windows Start and select Run.

B.In the Open: field, type winipcfg and click OK. The IP Configuration screen appears.

C.Select 3Com USB Network Ethernet Adapter from the drop-down menu.

D.Click Release and then click Renew. Windows releases and renews the IP address.

E.Exit the IP Configuration screen and return to the Windows desktop.

Windows 2000 Users:

A.Click Windows Start and select Run.

B.In the Open: field, type command and click OK. An MS-DOS Prompt screen appears.

C.At the C:\ prompt, type ipconfig /release and press Enter.

Windows releases the IP address.

D.Then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. Windows renews the IP address.

E.Exit the MS-DOS prompt and return to the Windows desktop.

100 LED

Link/Activity LED

100 Link/Act

The following tables describes how to interpret the LED signal. The 100 signal varies depending on the speed of the device that is connected to the USB Network Ethernet Adapter. If you detect a problem, contact 3Com technical support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about installation and use of the USB Network Ethernet Adapter.

Q: How do I know if USB is enabled on the computer?

A:Follow this procedure to verify that USB is enabled on your computer:

(1)Right-click the My Computer icon on your Windows desktop,

(2)Click Properties and then click the Device Manager tab (Win- dows 2000 users click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager), (3) Double-click Universal Serial Bus Controller. If USB is enabled on your computer, Universal/Open Host Controller appears below this listing.

Q:Should the computer be powered off when I connect or disconnect the USB Network Ethernet Adapter?

A:No, the power can remain on during installation.

Q:What if I do not have an available USB port on the computer?

A:If you do not have an available USB port on your computer, you can use a USB hub. A USB hub is a peripheral that expands the number of USB ports available to the computer.

Note: You must use a USB hub that is self-powered. The computer cannot provide sufficient power to run both the USB hub and the USB Network Ethernet Adapter.

Q:How do I remove the USB Network Ethernet Adapter driver file or an incomplete installation?

A:Follow this procedure to uninstall the driver file:

(1)From the Windows Start menu, select Settings and then Control Panel, (2) Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon, (3) Click the Install/Uninstall tab and select 3Com USB Network Ethernet Adapter, (4) click Add/Remove (Windows 2000 users click Change/ Remove) and then click Yes.

Copyright 2001 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com is a registered trademark, and the 3Com logo is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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3Com manual Connect the USB Network Ethernet Adapter to the Computer, Adapter to the Ethernet Port, Troubleshooting
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Network Ethernet Adapter specifications

The 3Com Network Ethernet Adapter has long been recognized as a reliable and proficient solution for connectivity in both home and business environments. Known for its robust performance, this adapter has played a vital role in the evolution of networking technologies.

One of the headlining features of the 3Com Ethernet Adapter is its ease of installation. Many versions come with plug-and-play capabilities, allowing users to set up their networks without the need for extensive technical knowledge. This characteristic has made the adapter particularly popular among small businesses and home users who may not have dedicated IT support.

The adapter utilizes a variety of Ethernet technologies, including traditional 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, and even Gigabit Ethernet options, making it suitable for a range of networking needs. Its compatibility with older network standards ensures that users can integrate it into existing systems without experiencing connectivity issues, while support for high-speed standards allows for increased bandwidth and faster data transmission.

Another significant characteristic of the 3Com Ethernet Adapter is its durability and reliability. Built with high-quality materials, the adapter is designed to withstand the rigor of daily use while maintaining stable performance. The adapter typically features diagnostic LEDs that provide real-time status updates, allowing users to quickly troubleshoot issues as they arise.

Moreover, the 3Com Ethernet Adapter is equipped with advanced security features, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to the network. Many models support hardware-based encryption and data integrity checks, vital elements in today's cyber security landscape.

Energy efficiency is another key attribute of the 3Com Ethernet Adapter. Many of its models comply with green standards, reducing power consumption without compromising performance. This makes it an attractive option for environmentally-conscious organizations looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

Finally, the 3Com brand is synonymous with excellent customer support and warranty options. Users can feel confident in their investment, knowing they can access resources and assistance when needed.

In conclusion, the 3Com Network Ethernet Adapter merges ease of use, robust technology, and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for users seeking efficient networking solutions.
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