Tl-wn550g - 551g User Guide

TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter
Rev: 1.1.0
1910010375
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS

Specifications are subject to change without notice.
is a registered trademark of
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Other brands and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
No part of the specifications may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any
derivative such as translation, transformation, or adaptation without permission from TP-LINK
TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Copyright 2010 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. All rights
reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
FCC 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 off 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 different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1)
This device may not cause harmful interference.
2)
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the users authority to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or tv interference caused by unauthorized
modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the users authority to operate the
equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the antenna used for this
transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons
and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
CE Mark Warning
This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
National Restrictions
2400.0-2483.5 MHz
Country
Restriction
Reason/remark
General authorization required for outdoor use and
Bulgaria
public service
France
Outdoor use limited to 10
Military Radiolocation use. Refarming of the 2.4 GHz
mW e.i.r.p. within the band
band has been ongoing in recent years to allow current
2454-2483.5 MHz
relaxed regulation. Full implementation planned 2012

If used outside of own premises, general authorization is
Italy
required
General authorization required for network and service
Luxembourg
None
supply(not for spectrum)
This subsection does not apply for the geographical area
Norway
Implemented
within a radius of 20 km from the centre of Ny-lesund
Russian Federation
Note: Please dont use the product outdoors in France.
Only for indoor applications
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
For the following equipment:
Product Description: 54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter
Model No.: TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Trademark: TP-LINK
We declare under our own responsibility that the above products satisfy all the technical
regulations applicable to the product within the scope of Council Directives:
Directives 1999/5/EC
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents:
ETSI EN 300 328 V1.7.1: 2006
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1:2008 & ETSI EN 301 489-17 V1.3.2:2008
EN60950-1:2006
EN62311:2008
Person is responsible for marking this declaration:
Yang Hongliang
Product Manager of International Business
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

South Building, No.5 Keyuan Road, Central Zone, Science & Technology Park, Nanshan,
Shenzhen, P. R. China
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
CONTENTS
Package Contents .................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 1
Introduction ........................................................................................ 2
1.1
Overview of the product .............................................................................................. 2
1.2
Features ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.3
LED Status .................................................................................................................. 2
Chapter 2
Installation Guide ............................................................................... 3
2.1
Hardware Installation................................................................................................... 3
2.2
Software Installation .................................................................................................... 3

2.2.1 For Windows XP&2000............................................................................................ 3
2.2.2 For Windows Vista................................................................................................. 10
2.2.3 For Windows 7....................................................................................................... 14
Chapter 3
3.1
Configuration.................................................................................... 18
For Windows XP........................................................................................................ 18

3.1.1 Current Status........................................................................................................ 18
3.1.2 Profile Management............................................................................................... 20
3.1.3 Diagnostics ............................................................................................................ 28
3.2
For Windows Vista .................................................................................................... 30
3.3
For Windows 7 .......................................................................................................... 33
Appendix A: Specifications................................................................................... 35
Appendix B: Glossary............................................................................................ 36
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Package Contents
The following items should be found in your package:
One TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G 54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter

Quick Installation Guide
One Resource CD for TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G, including:
TP-LINK Wireless Client Utility (TWCU) and Drivers

User Guide
Other Helpful Information
) Note
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged or
missing, please contact with your distributor.
Conventions:
The
Adapter
and
PCI
Adapter
mentioned
in
this
User
Guide
both
stand
for
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G 54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter without any

explanations.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Chapter 1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing the TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G 54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI
Adapter
1.1
Overview of the product
The adapter gives you the flexibility to install your PC in the most convenient location available,
without the cost of running network cables.
The adapter's auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer rate of up to 54Mbps for
maximum throughput, or dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or operating
limitations in an environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference. It can also interoperate
with all 11Mbps wireless (802.11b) products. Your wireless communications are protected by up
to 152-bit WEP and WPA encryption for high security.
It adopts 2x to 3x eXtended RangeTM WLAN transmission technology so that transmission
distance is 2-3 times of traditional 11g/b solutions, up to 855.36m tested in China. Transmission
range is extended to 4-9 times.
1.2
Features
Complies with IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11b standards
Adopts 2x to 3x eXtended RangeTM wireless LAN transmission technology
Supports WPA/WPA2 data security, IEEE802.1x authentication, TKIP/AES encryption,

64/128/152-bit WEP encryption
Supports 54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6Mbps or 11/5.5/3/2/1Mbps wireless LAN data transfer rates
Provides 32-bit PCI interface
Supports Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes
Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode
Ease to configure and provides monitoring information
Supports Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Vista,7
Detachable reverse SMA connector antenna (TL-WN551G)
1.3
LED Status
Name
Status
Indication
The adapter is in an electricity saving status or the
Status Green
Intermittently
adapter is already connected but is not transmitting

or receiving data.
Status Green
Lit
The adapter is on wake up status.
Status Green
Flashing
The adapter is transmitting and receiving data.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Chapter 2 Installation Guide

2.1
Hardware Installation
To install the Adapter, follow these steps listed below:

1.
Turn off your desktop PC and disconnect the power.
2.
Open your PC case and locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard. Remove the metal
slot cover on the back of the PC. Check with your computer manufacturer for instructions if
needed.
3.
Slide the PCI Adapter into the PCI slot. Make sure that all of its pins are touching the slot's
contacts. Once the adapter is firmly in place, secure its fastening tab to your PC's chassis
with a mounting screw. Then, close your PC case.
4.
2.2
Reconnect your PCs power and turn on your desktop PC.
Software Installation
When you install the hardware before installing the software, the system will prompt Found New
Hardware Wizard, click Cancel, and run the Setup Wizard program on the CD-ROM.
2.2.1 For Windows XP&2000

The Setup steps for Windows 2000 and XP are very similar. The following setup steps are for
Windows XP.
1.
Insert the Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive, and the Figure 2-1 will appear. To continue,
select the TL-WN550G/551G. There will be a menu including: Driver (Vista), Driver
(Win2000_XP), Driver (Win98_ME), and User Guide.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-1
2.
Click Driver (Win2000_XP) to load the following screen.
Figure 2-2
3.
You can click Cancel to end the installation in the screen above. Otherwise, the installation
will continue, and then Figure 2-3 will display, click Next to continue.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-3
4.
Choose a Setup type in Figure 2-4. It is recommended to select Install Client Utilities and
Driver. Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-4
5.
The next figure should appear. Click Yes to continue the Installation, or click No to end the
Installation.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
6.
Click Browse to change the destination location for the software in Figure 2-5. After that,
click Next to continue.
Figure 2-5
7.
Create a new folder name or select one from the Existing Folders list in Figure 2-6. It is
recommended to keep the default setting. Click Next to continue.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-6
8.
Please read the information carefully in Figure 2-7, and click Next to continue
Figure 2-7
9.
Choose TP-LINK Wireless Client Utility (TWCU) and Supplicant as a tool to configure the
client adapter on the screen as below, and click Next to continue.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-8
) Note
In Windows 2000, Figure 2-7 and Figure 2-8 wont display.
10. Click OK to continue the Installation in Figure 2-9.
Figure 2-9
11. Wait for the installation program to run automatically.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-10
12. During the step, the Setup Wizard will notify you of how to proceed with the installation as
shown below. Our drivers have been tested thoroughly, and are able to work with the
operating system. Click Continue Anyway to continue the Installation.
Figure 2-11
) Note
In Windows 2000, the warning screen is shown below (Figure 2-12), and please select Yes to
continue installation.
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-12
13. After all the steps above, you will see the screen below, click Finish to complete the
installation.
Figure 2-13
2.2.2 For Windows Vista

1.
Insert the Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive, and the Figure2-14 will appear. To continue,
select the TL-WN550G/551G. There will be a menu including: Driver (Vista), Driver
(Win2000_XP), Driver (Win98_ME), and User Guide.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-14
2.
Click Driver (Vista) to load the following screen.
Figure 2-15
3.
Click Next in the screen below (shown in Figure 2-16) to continue, you can click Cancel to
end the installation.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-16
4.
Click OK to continue the Installation in Figure 2-17
Figure 2-17
5.
After that, the files will be copied as the next screen shown (shown in Figure 2-18).
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-18
) Note:
During the installation, the system will warn about Windows Security testing, please click Install
this driver software anyway to continue the installation.
Figure 2-19
6.
Click the Finish button to complete.
13
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-20
2.2.3 For Windows 7

1.
Insert the Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive, and the Figure 2-21 will appear. To
continue, select the TL-WN550G/551G. There will be a menu including: Install Driver &
Utility, and User Guide.
Figure 2-21
2.
Click Install Driver & Utility to load the following screen.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-22
3.
Click Next in the screen below (shown in Figure 2-23) to continue, you can click Cancel to
end the installation.
Figure 2-23
4.
Click YES in the following figure to continue.
15
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-24
5.
After that, the files will be copied as the next screen shown.
Figure 2-25
) Note:
During the installation, the system will warn about Windows Security testing, please click Install
this driver software anyway to continue the installation.
16
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 2-26
6.
Click the Finish button to complete.
17
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Chapter 3 Configuration
3.1
For Windows XP
TP-LINK Wireless PCI Adapter TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G can be configured by TP-LINK Wireless

Client Utility (TWCU). This chapter describes how to configure your TP-LINK Wireless PCI
Adapter for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and use the data
security encryption features.
After Installing the Adapter, the Adapters tray icon
will appear in your system tray. It appears
at the bottom of the screen, and shows the signal strength using color and the received signal
strength indication (RSSI).
If the icon is gray, there is no connection.
If the icon is red, there is poor signal strength and the RSSI is less than 5dB.
If the icon is yellow, there is poor signal strength and the RSSI is between 5dB and 10dB.
If the icon is green, there is good signal strength and the RSSI is between 10dB and 20dB.
If the icon is green, there is excellent signal strength and the RSSI is more than 20dB.
Double-click the icon and the TWCU will run. You can also run the utility by clicking the
Start>Program>TP-LINK>TWCU 4.1.2.94>TP-LINK Wireless Client Utility. The TWCU
provides integrated and easy tools to:
Display current status information
Edit and add configuration profiles
Display current diagnostics information
The section below introduces these above capabilities.
3.1.1 Current Status

The Current Status tab contains general information about the program and its operations. The
Current Status tab does not require any configurations.
18
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-1
The following table describes the items found on the Current Status screen.
Profile Name - This shows the name of current selected configuration profile. The
configuration of Profile name will be described on the General tab of Profile Management.
Link Status - This shows whether the station is associated to the wireless network.
Wireless Mode - Here displays the wireless mode. It will be configured on the Advanced tab
of Profile Management.
Network Type - The type of network and the station currently connected are shown here.
The options include:
Infrastructure (access point)

Ad Hoc
) Note:
You can configure the network type on the Advanced tab of Profile Management.
IP Address - This displays the computers IP address.
Current Channel - This shows the currently connected channel.
Data Encryption - Here displays the encryption type the driver is using. You can configure it
on the Security tab of Profile Management.
Server Based Authentication - This shows whether the server based authentication is
used.
Signal Strength - This shows the strength of the signal.
Click Advanced on the screen above, you can see advanced information about the program and
its operations. For more information, please refer to the help file of the utility.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
3.1.2 Profile Management

Click the Profile Management tab of the TWCU and the next screen will appear (shown in Figure
3-2). The Profile Management screen provides tools to:
Add a new profile
Modify a profile
Remove a profile
Switch to another Profile
Import a Profile
Export a Profile
Scan Available Networks
Order profiles
Figure 3-2
3.1.2.1. Add or Modify a Configuration Profile
To add a new configuration profile, click New on the Profile Management tab. To modify a
configuration profile, select the configuration profile from the Profile list and click Modify. Then
you will see the Management dialog box (shown in Figure 3-3).
1.
Edit the General tab
Profile Name - Please enter the Profile name which identifies the configuration profile. This
name must be unique. Note that the profile names are not case-sensitive.
Client Name - Please enter the Profile name which identifies the client machine.
Network Names (SSIDs) - Please enter the IEEE 802.11 wireless network name. This field
has a maximum limit of 32 characters.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-3
2.
Edit the Security tab
Select the Security tab in the screen above, and then you can edit the fields to configure the
profile. To define the security mode, select the radio button of the desired security mode as
follows.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-4
WPA/WPA2- Wi-Fi Protected Access
WPA/WPA2 Passphrase- Wi-Fi Protected Access Passphrase
802.1x- Enables 802.1x security.
Pre-Shared Key (Static WEP)- Enables the use of shared keys that are defined on both the
access point and the station. To define shared encryption keys, choose the Shared Key radio
button and click Configure to fill in the Define Shared Keys window (shown in Figure 3-5).
None- No security (not recommended).
) Note:
If the access point to which the Wireless PCI Adapter is associated has WEP set and the client
has WEP enabled, make sure that Allow Association to Mixed Cells is checked on the Security
Tab to allow association. To complete WEP encryption configuration, you must select the 802.11
Authentication Mode as appropriate on the Advanced tab of this Profile Management dialog.
To configure the Encryption Keys under the Pre-Shared keys (Static WEP) Security mode:
22
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-5
3.
Edit the Advanced tab
This screen below allows you to make advanced configuration for the profile.
Figure 3-6
Power Save Mode - Please select the power save mode in the drop-down list.
Maximum - Selects maximum mode to let the access point buffer incoming messages
23
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
for the Wireless PCI Adapter. The Adapter will detect the access point if any messages
are waiting periodically.
Normal - Normal mode uses maximum when retrieving a large number of packets, then
switches back to power save mode after retrieving the packets.
Off - Turns power saving off, thus powering up the Wireless PCI Adapter continuously
for a short message response time.
802.11b Preamble- Selects the preamble setting in 802.11b. The default setting is Short &
Long (access point mode), which allows both short and long headers in the 802.11b frames.
The adapter can only use short radio headers if the access point supports and uses them.
Set to Long Only to override short frames.
Wireless Mode- Specifies 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps or 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps operation in an access
point network. The Wireless PCI Adapter must match the wireless mode of the access point
with which it associates.
Wireless Mode when Starting an Ad Hoc Network- Specifies 2.4 GHz 54/11 Mbps to start
an Ad Hoc network if no matching network name is found after scanning all available modes.
This mode also allows the selection of the channel that the Wireless PCI Adapter uses. The
channels available depend on the regulatory domain. If the adapter finds no other ad hoc
adapters, the channel that the adapter starts the ad hoc network with will be selected
automatically. The Wireless PCI Adapter must match the wireless mode and channel of the
clients it associates.
QoS- Select the option, the Adapter will provide the Quality of Service for the wireless
connection.
802.11 Authentication Mode- Select which mode the Wireless PCI Adapter uses to
authenticate to an access point :
Automatic causes the adapter to attempt authentication using shared, but switches it to
open authentication if shared fails.
Open System enables an adapter to attempt authentication regardless of its WEP

settings. It will only associate with the access point if the WEP keys on both the adapter
and the access point match.
Shared-key only allows the adapter to associate with access points that have the same
WEP key.
For infrastructure (access point) networks, click Preferred APs to specify four access points at
most to the client adapter that attempts to be associated to the access points. The four access
points have different priorities; the frontal has the higher priority.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-7
3.1.2.2. Remove a profile
1.
2.
Go to the Profile Management tab (shown in Figure 3-2).

Select the profile name in the Profiles List.
3.
Click Remove.
) Note:
The profile being used cant be removed.
3.1.2.3. Switch another Profile
1.
2.
Go to the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2).

Select the profile name required in the Profiles List.
3.
Click Activate.
3.1.2.4. Export a Profile

1.
From the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2), highlight the profile to export.
2.
3.
Click Export, the Export Profile window will then appear below.
Browse the directory to export the profile to.
4.
Click Save. The profile should then be exported to the specified location.
25
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-8
3.1.2.5. Import a Profile
1.
2.
3.
From the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2), click Import. Then the Import
Profile will appear below.
Browse to the directory where the profile is located.
Highlight the profile name.
4.
Click Open, the imported profile will then appear in the Profiles List.
Figure 3-9
3.1.2.6. Scan Available Networks
1.
Click Scan on the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2), the Available
Infrastructure and Ad Hoc Networks window will appear below.
2.
3.
Click Refresh to refresh the list at any time.

Highlight a network name and click Activate to connect to an available network. If no
configuration profile exists for that network, the Profile Management window will open the
26
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
General tab screen. Fill in the Profile name and click OK to create the configuration profile for
that network.
Figure 3-10
3.1.2.7. Auto Profile Selection Management
The auto selection feature allows the Wireless PCI Adapter to automatically select a profile from
the list of profiles and use it to connect to the network. To add a new profile into the Auto Selected
Profiles list, please follow these steps.
1.
2.
On the Profile Management screen (shown in Figure 3-2), click Order Profiles.
The Auto Profiles Selection management window will appear (shown in Figure 3-11) with a
list of all created profiles in the Available Profiles.
Figure 3-11
3.
Highlight the profiles to add to auto profile selection, and click Add. The profile will appear in
27
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
4.
the Auto Selected Profiles box.

Highlight a profile in the Auto Selected Profiles box.
5.
Click Move Up or Move Down as appropriate.
) Note:
The first profile in the Auto Selected Profiles box has highest priority, and the last profile has the
lowest priority.
6.
7.
Click OK.
Check the Auto Select Profiles checkbox on the Profile Management tab (shown in Figure
3-2).
) Note:
When auto profile selection is enabled by checking Auto Select Profiles on the Profile
Management tab, the client adapter will scan for an available network. The profile with the
highest priority and the same SSID as one of the found networks will be used to connect to the
network. If the connection fails, the client adapter will try the next highest priority profile that
matches the SSID until an available network is found.
3.1.3 Diagnostics
The Diagnostics tab of the TP-LINK Wireless Client Utility (TWCU) provides buttons used to
retrieve receiving and transmitting statistics. The Diagnostics tab does not require any
configuration.
The Diagnostics tab lists the following receiving and transmitting diagnostics for frames received
or transmitted by the wireless network adapter:
Multicast frames transmitted and received
Broadcast frames transmitted and received
Unicast frames transmitted and received
Total bytes transmitted and received
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-12
3.1.3.1. Check Driver Information
Click the Adapter Information button in the screen above, you will see the adapter information,
and it contains general information about the wireless network adapter and the Network Driver
Interface Specification (NDIS) driver. Access the adapter information from the Diagnostics tab.
Card Name - The name of the wireless network adapter.
MAC Address - The MAC address of the wireless network adapter.
Driver - The driver name and path of the wireless network adapter driver.
Driver Version - The version of the wireless network adapter driver.
Driver Date - The creation date of the wireless network adapter driver.
Client Name - The name of the client computer.
3.1.3.2. Check Receive and Transmit Statistical Information

The Advanced Statistics show receiving and transmitting statistical information for the following
receiving and transmitting diagnostics for frames received by or transmitted to the wireless
network adapter.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-13
3.2
For Windows Vista
After the Adapter's driver has been installed, Windows Vista will display a wireless Network
Connection message like this one.
Figure 3-14
Icon
means the connection has been established. Icon
means there is no connection.
To establish a connection, please follow the steps below.

1.
Right-click the icon
in your system tray, then click Connect to a network.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-15
2.
The following screen will show you available wireless networks. Highlight the one you want to
join, and then click Connect.
Figure 3-16
3.
Input the Security key and click Connect to continue.
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Figure 3-17
4.
If the connection is successful established, the following screen will appear, click close to
finish the connection.
Figure 3-18
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
3.3
For Windows 7
TP-LINK Wireless Client Utility (TWCU) is not available for Windows 7. So after the Adapter's
driver has been installed, we have to use Windows WLAN Autoconfig to establish a connection.
Please follow the steps below.
1.
Click the icon
at the bottom of your screen in your system tray and then you will see
the available wireless network list. Select the SSID of your Access Point and click Connect.
Figure 3-19
33
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
2.
If your wireless network is secured, you will be required to enter the security key as shown in
Figure 3-20. Enter the passphrase, take 1234567890 for example. And then click OK.
Figure 3-20
3.
If the key entered is correct, you will successfully connect to the network as shown in Figure
3-21.
Figure 3-21
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Appendix A: Specifications
Normal
Interface
32 bit PCI Interface
Standards
IEEE802.11b; IEEE802.11g
Operating System
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Transmission Distance
Indoor up to 100m, outdoor up to 300m (Standard transmission

distance, it is limited to the environment).
Indoor up to 200m, outdoor up to 830m (Adopt 2x to 3x
eXtended RangeTM WLAN transmission technology, it is limited
to the environment)
Radio Data Rate
Modulation
54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6Mbps or 11/5.5/2/1Mbps
(Auto Rate Sensing)
1M DBPSK; 2M DQPSK; 5.5M, 11M CCK; 6M, 9M, 12M, 18M,
24M, 36M, 48M, 54M OFDM;
Media Access Protocol
CSMA/CA with ACK
Data Security
WPA/WPA2; 64/128/152-bit WEP; TKIP/AES
Frequency
2.4 ~ 2.4835GHz
Spread Spectrum
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Power Consumption
Safety & Emissions
Typically 500mA in full Transmit (TX), 250mA in full Receive

(RX)
FCC, CE
Environmental and Physical

Operating Temp.
0~40 (32~104)
Storage Temp.
-40~ 70 (-40~158)
Humidity
10% ~ 95% RH, Non-condensing
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TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
Appendix B: Glossary
802.11b - The 802.11b standard specifies a wireless product networking at 11 Mbps using
direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio
spectrum at 2.4GHz, and WEP encryption for security. 802.11b networks are also referred to
as Wi-Fi networks.
802.11g - specification for wireless networking at 54 Mbps using direct-sequence

spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology, using OFDM modulation and operating in the
unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with IEEE 802.11b devices,
and WEP encryption for security.
Ad-hoc Network - An ad-hoc network is a group of computers, each with a Wireless PCI
Adapter, connected as an independent 802.11 wireless LAN. Ad-hoc wireless computers
operate on a peer-to-peer basis, communicating directly with each other without the use of an
access point. Ad-hoc mode is also referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) or
as peer-to-peer mode, and is useful at a departmental scale or SOHO operation.
DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit pattern for all
data transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). Even if one or more bits
in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the receiver
can recover the original data without the need of retransmission. To an unintended receiver,
DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband
receivers. However, to an intended receiver (i.e. another wireless LAN endpoint), the DSSS
signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference is inherently rejected (ignored).
FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) - FHSS continuously changes (hops) the
carrier frequency of a conventional carrier several times per second according to a
pseudo-random set of channels. Because a fixed frequency is not used, and only the
transmitter and receiver know the hop patterns, interception of FHSS is extremely difficult.
Infrastructure Network - An infrastructure network is a group of computers or other devices,

each with a Wireless PCI Adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless LAN. In infrastructure
mode, the wireless devices communicate with each other and to a wired network by first
going through an access point. An infrastructure wireless network connected to a wired
network is referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single
network is referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastructure mode is useful at a
corporation scale, or when it is necessary to connect the wired and wireless networks.
Spread Spectrum - Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique

developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems.
It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other
words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the
trade off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the
receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is
not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise.
There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency
Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).
36
TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G
SSID - A Service Set Identification is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key

identifying a wireless local area network. For the wireless devices in a network to
communicate with each other, all devices must be configured with the same SSID. This is
typically the configuration parameter for a wireless PC card. It corresponds to the ESSID in
the wireless Access Point and to the wireless network name. See also Wireless Network
Name and ESSID.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or 128-bit or
152-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
Wi-Fi - A trade name for the 802.11b wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless
Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards
group promoting interoperability among 802.11b devices.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associated devices
communicate with each other wirelessly, which network serving users are limited in a local
area.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) - A wireless security protocol use TKIP (Temporal Key
Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.
37

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54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device may not cause harmful interference.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

Outdoor use limited to 10

Military Radiolocation use. Refarming of the 2.4 GHz

mW e.i.r.p. within the band

band has been ongoing in recent years to allow current

relaxed regulation. Full implementation planned 2012

Only for indoor applications

TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD

Person is responsible for marking this declaration:

TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

Overview of the product .............................................................................................. 2

LED Status .................................................................................................................. 2

Installation Guide ............................................................................... 3

Software Installation .................................................................................................... 3

For Windows XP........................................................................................................ 18

For Windows Vista .................................................................................................... 30

For Windows 7 .......................................................................................................... 33

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

One TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G 54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter

TP-LINK Wireless Client Utility (TWCU) and Drivers

TL-WN550G/TL-WN551G 54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter without any

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

Overview of the product

Complies with IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11b standards

Adopts 2x to 3x eXtended RangeTM wireless LAN transmission technology

Supports WPA/WPA2 data security, IEEE802.1x authentication, TKIP/AES encryption,

Supports 54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6Mbps or 11/5.5/3/2/1Mbps wireless LAN data transfer rates

Provides 32-bit PCI interface

Supports Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes

Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode

Ease to configure and provides monitoring information

Supports Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Vista,7

Detachable reverse SMA connector antenna (TL-WN551G)

adapter is already connected but is not transmitting

The adapter is on wake up status.

The adapter is transmitting and receiving data.

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

Chapter 2 Installation Guide

To install the Adapter, follow these steps listed below:

Turn off your desktop PC and disconnect the power.

Reconnect your PCs power and turn on your desktop PC.

2.2.1 For Windows XP&2000

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

Click Driver (Win2000_XP) to load the following screen.

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide

54Mbps eXtended Range Wireless PCI Adapter User Guide