Setup: Tp-Link TL-WN725N 150Mbps Wireless N Nano USB Adapter User Manual

Overview

The TL-WN725N 150Mbps Wireless N Nano USB Adapter adds wireless networking to a compatible desktop or notebook computer through a USB port. Its compact design is suitable for upgrading a computer without built-in Wi-Fi, connecting to a home router, or providing wireless access for everyday activities such as web browsing, video streaming, online gaming, and secure internet use.

The adapter supports 2.4 GHz 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n networks. It can connect through a standard infrastructure network using a router or access point, or communicate directly with another wireless client in ad hoc mode.

Specifications

• Model: TL-WN725N
• Product type: 150Mbps Wireless N Nano USB Adapter
• Hardware interface: USB 2.0
• Wireless standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.1x, and IEEE 802.11e
• Maximum throughput: Up to 150Mbps
• Frequency range: 2.4GHz to 2.4835GHz
• Wireless security: 64-bit and 128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, TKIP, AES, and IEEE 802.1x
• Wireless modes: Infrastructure and ad hoc
• Supported operating systems: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows Vista
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Operating humidity: 10% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
• Storage humidity: 5% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing

The advertised 150Mbps rate is a maximum wireless link rate. Actual performance depends on the router, signal strength, interference, network traffic, computer hardware, and environmental conditions.

Detailed Description

The TL-WN725N uses a USB 2.0 connection to exchange data between a computer and a wireless network. The adapter contains an internal wireless antenna and operates in the 2.4GHz band, which is compatible with a broad range of older and newer Wireless N equipment.

In infrastructure mode, the adapter communicates with a wireless router or access point. This is the normal choice for internet access and shared network resources. In ad hoc mode, it connects directly to another wireless computer or compatible client without requiring an access point.

Supported protection methods include WEP, WPA, and WPA2, with TKIP or AES encryption options. WPA2-PSK with AES is generally the preferred choice when it is available on the wireless router.

The included TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility provides network connection, profile, status, advanced, SoftAP, and version-management functions on supported Windows systems. The adapter can also use the built-in Windows wireless configuration tools.

Safety

• Keep the adapter away from water, splashes, damp areas, and other wet locations.
• Do not disassemble the adapter or attempt internal repairs. Unauthorized repair can create an electric-shock risk and may void the limited warranty.
• Do not block ventilation openings on equipment connected to the adapter, and keep networking equipment away from excessive heat.
• Disconnect the computer or relevant power source before cleaning connected equipment.
• Use the product only in regions where it is approved for operation and follow applicable local wireless regulations.
• Maintain at least 20cm of separation between the wireless radiator and people during operation.
• In a domestic environment, the product may cause radio interference. If interference affects radio or television reception, increase the distance between the devices, reposition the receiving antenna, use a different electrical circuit, or seek help from a qualified radio or television technician.
• Do not modify the adapter, antenna, frequency, power level, or original design. Unauthorized changes can affect compliance and operating permission.

Setup and Operation

Connect the Adapter

1. Start the computer and allow the operating system to load.
2. Insert the TL-WN725N directly into an available USB port.
3. In Windows XP or Windows Vista, cancel the automatic new-hardware wizard if it appears. Install the supplied driver and utility instead.

Install the Driver and Utility

1. Insert the supplied resource CD into the computer.
2. Open the automatic setup screen. If it does not appear, run the CD manually.
3. Select TL-WN725N and choose the option to install the driver and utility.
4. Select the installation language and continue through the setup wizard.
5. Choose to install the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility and driver.
6. Keep the default installation location or select another location.
7. Start the installation and select Finish when it completes.
8. Open the TP-LINK Utility from the desktop or Windows system tray to manage wireless connections.

If the computer does not have a working CD drive, use the driver package intended for the adapter and operating system from the manufacturer’s official support source.

LED Status

• Off: The driver may not be installed, or the adapter’s wireless radio may be disabled.
• Slow flashing: The driver is installed, but the adapter is not currently transmitting or receiving data.
• Fast flashing: The adapter is transmitting or receiving wireless data.

Connect with the TP-LINK Utility

1. Open the TP-LINK Utility.
2. On the network screen, select the wireless network to use.
3. Choose Connect.
4. Enter the wireless password when requested.
5. Enable automatic connection if the adapter should reconnect to this network in the future.

If the desired network is hidden or does not appear in the scan list, create a profile manually or use WPS if the router supports it.

Connect with WPS

WPS can establish a connection through the router’s push-button method or with a PIN.

Push-Button Configuration

1. Press the WPS or QSS button on the wireless router or access point.
2. Open the TP-LINK Utility and select the WPS tab.
3. Choose the option for using the button on the access point or router.
4. Select Connect and confirm the successful connection.

Router PIN Method

1. Open the WPS tab in the TP-LINK Utility.
2. Select the option to enter the router or access-point PIN.
3. Enter the current PIN shown on the router or access point.
4. Select Connect and confirm the result.

Adapter PIN Method

1. Open the WPS tab and choose the option to enter the adapter’s PIN into the router or access point.
2. Note the randomly generated adapter PIN displayed by the utility.
3. Open the router or access point’s wireless management page and enter the PIN in its WPS section.
4. Start the WPS connection and confirm the successful result in the utility.

Use the Windows Wireless Utility

Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista can use their built-in wireless connection tools. Windows XP can use Wireless Zero Configuration.

1. Open the network icon in the Windows system tray.
2. Select the required wireless network and choose Connect.
3. Enter the network password when prompted.
4. Confirm that Windows displays the network as connected.

In Windows XP, switch from the TP-LINK Utility to the Windows wireless configuration tool before opening the list of available wireless networks. In Windows Vista, use the built-in wireless connection window because the TP-LINK Utility is not supported.

Manage Profiles

A profile stores wireless connection settings so that frequently used networks can be selected without entering every setting again. Profiles are also useful for hidden networks that do not broadcast their network name.

1. Open the Profile screen and choose Add.
2. Enter a unique profile name.
3. Select a network from the list or enter its SSID manually.
4. Choose Infrastructure for a router or access point, or ad hoc for a direct computer-to-computer connection.
5. Enter the matching security and encryption settings.
6. Save the profile.

To use a saved profile, select it and choose Connect. Use Modify to change its settings or Remove to delete it.

For WEP profiles, ASCII and hexadecimal key formats are available. A 64-bit key uses 5 ASCII characters or 10 hexadecimal digits, while a 128-bit key uses 13 ASCII characters or 26 hexadecimal digits. Hexadecimal entries may use numerals and the letters A through F without spaces.

Use SoftAP Mode

SoftAP mode allows the computer to act as a software access point and share an available internet connection with nearby wireless devices.

1. Open the TP-LINK Utility and switch to SoftAP mode from the system-tray menu.
2. Open the SoftAP tab.
3. Turn SoftAP mode on.
4. Select the computer connection that provides internet access, such as a wired local-area connection.
5. Enter a name for the shared wireless network.
6. Keep WPA2-PSK with AES or configure the available security settings.
7. Set a new security key instead of relying on the default key.
8. Choose Apply to activate the configuration.

The SoftAP screen displays the adapter’s IP address. An address of 0.0.0.0 indicates that the shared internet connection has not been established successfully.

Advanced Settings and Status

• Status: Displays connection information such as the adapter IP address, MAC address, wireless signal strength, and network state.
• Advanced: Allows Windows XP users to select between the TP-LINK Utility and Windows wireless configuration tool, choose another installed adapter, enable SoftAP mode, and enable power saving.
• Power Save: Reduces power consumption when the adapter is not being used.
• About: Shows the utility version and driver version.

Troubleshooting

The Adapter Is Not Detected

• Remove and reinsert the adapter directly into a USB port.
• Try another USB port if the first port does not respond.
• Install the correct driver before attempting to connect to a wireless network.
• In Windows XP or Vista, close the automatic hardware wizard and run the supplied setup program.

No Wireless Networks Appear

• Confirm that the adapter’s driver is installed and the wireless radio is enabled.
• Move the computer closer to the router or access point.
• Check that the router is broadcasting a compatible 2.4GHz network.
• Use a manually created profile for a hidden SSID.
• Try WPS if the router supports push-button or PIN configuration.

The Password Is Rejected

• Re-enter the wireless password carefully.
• Check that the selected security and encryption types match the router.
• For a WEP connection, verify the key format and character count.
• Remove an outdated profile and create a new one with the current wireless settings.

The Connection Is Slow or Unstable

• Reduce the distance between the adapter and wireless router.
• Move the adapter or computer away from sources of radio interference.
• Check the signal strength in the Status screen.
• Remember that the 150Mbps figure is a maximum link rate rather than a guaranteed internet speed.
• Use the router’s compatible security mode and ensure that both devices operate on the same wireless network.

SoftAP Does Not Share the Internet

• Confirm that SoftAP mode is enabled.
• Select the network connection that actually provides internet access.
• Apply the SoftAP settings again after changing the shared connection.
• Check the displayed IP address. An address of 0.0.0.0 indicates a failed shared connection.

Uninstall the Driver and Utility

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

• Open the Apps screen and locate the TP-LINK entries.
• Run the adapter driver uninstaller and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Run the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility uninstaller separately if the utility is also being removed.

Windows XP and Windows 7

• Open the TP-LINK folder from the Start menu’s All Programs list.
• Run the driver uninstaller and complete the prompts.
• Run the wireless configuration utility uninstaller if required.

Windows Vista

• Open the TP-LINK folder from All Programs.
• Run the driver uninstaller and follow the on-screen instructions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Nano-sized USB design that adds Wi-Fi without a large external antenna.
• Supports widely used 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz networks.
• Offers up to 150Mbps wireless throughput.
• Includes infrastructure, ad hoc, WPS, profile, and SoftAP operating options.
• Supports several security standards, including WPA and WPA2 with AES or TKIP.
• Provides both TP-LINK and Windows-based connection methods on supported systems.

Cons

• Limited to the 2.4GHz wireless band.
• Actual performance can be lower than the advertised maximum rate.
• The supplied software instructions target older Windows versions.
• Windows Vista does not support the TP-LINK Utility and must use the built-in wireless tool.
• WEP security and ad hoc networking are legacy options and may not be available on every modern router.