Introduction

Overview

The AT&T Plug&ShareWireless PCI Adapter allows you to connect any desktop computer with an avail- able PCI slot to a compatible wireless network.

Package Contents

Please check to make sure your package contains the following items:

Quick

Start Guide

Plug&Share

CD-ROM

Wireless PCI Adapter

Contains installation software and

22Mbps Turbo 802.11b

printable versions of this User

 

Manual, Quick Start Guide and

 

Safety & Warranty Information.

Safety &

Warranty

Information

System Requirements:

You must have a desktop computer with the following applications & hardware:

Windows® 98 SE, Me, 2000 or XP

Available PCI slot

Intel® Pentium II (or higher)

64 MB of RAM

CD-ROM drive

5 MB of available hard-disk space (60 MB to load Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®)

AT&T Plug&ShareWireless Router (or other 802.11b or g compliant router or access point)

STEP 1: Install the Driver and Configuration Utility

1Do NOT install adapter first. Insert the enclosed CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

2Your CD auto-run function may start automatically. If it does not, click on the Start button. Click Run and enter D:\autorun. (If your CD-ROM drive is not your D drive, use the appropriate drive letter.)

3When the adapter menu screen appears, click on Install Software from the menu on the left side of the screen.

4The InstallShield Wizard will appear.

5Different versions of Windows® will present different screens. Press Next at each screen until the Wizard driver installation has completed.

6Some versions will present a screen that asks about restarting your computer. Choose Yes, I will restart my computer now.

7Click Finish, if necessary.

Proceed to Step 2 only after the software has been correctly installed (see next page).

AT&T Plug&ShareWireless PCI Adapter 22 Mbps Turbo 6500B4X

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AT&T Turbo 802.11b Overview, Package Contents, System Requirements, Install the Driver and Configuration Utility

Turbo 802.11b specifications

The AT&T Turbo 802.11b represents a significant evolution in wireless networking technology, designed to enhance connectivity and speed in home and office environments. Introduced in the early 2000s, this standard rapidly gained popularity due to its promising features and capabilities that paved the way for modern wireless communication.

At the core of the AT&T Turbo 802.11b is its operational frequency of 2.4 GHz, which allows for an extended range of wireless connectivity. This frequency is not only accommodating to a broader area but also beneficial for penetrating walls and other obstacles, reducing dead zones within a typical home or office setup. With a maximum data transfer rate of 11 Mbps, the Turbo version enhances performance over its predecessors, although it is eclipsed by later standards like 802.11g and 802.11n.

One of the critical features of the Turbo 802.11b is its support for a Multi-Channel operation. By leveraging different channels within the 2.4 GHz spectrum, users can improve their data throughput and minimize interference, especially in densely populated areas where multiple networks are in operation. This capability includes automatic channel selection, which streamlines the setup process and optimizes performance based on the current environment.

Security is another prominent aspect of the Turbo 802.11b technology. It offers WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, an essential feature for safeguarding data transmitted over wireless networks. While WEP is not regarded as the most robust security measure by today’s standards, it was a step forward at its introduction, prompting users to recognize the importance of protecting their wireless communications.

Compatibility is a hallmark of the Turbo 802.11b, as it is designed to easily integrate with existing 802.11b devices. This backward compatibility ensures that users can seamlessly transition from older networks while still taking advantage of the technology’s enhancements.

Furthermore, the AT&T Turbo 802.11b is built with user-friendliness in mind. Its plug-and-play setup allows even non-technical users to establish a wireless network with minimal effort, making it particularly appealing for home users who desire connectivity without extensive technical knowledge.

In summary, the AT&T Turbo 802.11b exemplifies a critical milestone in wireless technology, boasting features like enhanced data rates, multi-channel support, basic security, and remarkable compatibility, which have laid foundational groundwork for subsequent advancements in wireless networking.