Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless USB Adapter

by Microsoft

Product Details

Product Manual [941kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006IJO6
• Item model number: L21-00002
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 19, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Microsoft wireless USB adapter makes it easy to securely add any computer with a powered USB port to your 802.11b wireless network. Share a broadband connection by connecting to a base station, share files and printers with other computers on your network, or play games with multiple players on the Internet.

The wireless USB adapter comes with an easy-to-use setup wizard, designed to make connecting your computers together easier. It has strong security features, including 128-bit wireless WEP security, and support for 802.1x standards. The Microsoft broadband network utility makes it easy to monitor your network status.

Included with the wireless USB adapter are an adjustable antenna and attached cable and setup CD-ROM, as well as a startup guide and a user's guide.

System requirements include: a computer with an available USB 1.0 or later, full-speed compliant high-power port, and a Wireless Base Station (sold separately) or other 802.11b/Wi-Fi device or network, as well as a computer running Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, XP Home or Professional edition; Internet Explorer 5.0 or later (setup will install Internet Explorer 6.0 browser components, if necessary, but will not displace your primary browser); 28 MB of available hard disk space if you already have Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0 (132 MB of available hard disk space if you are installing Internet Explorer for the first time); a 4x or faster CD-ROM drive, and a VGA or higher-resolution monitor.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, October 14, 2002

By 

Randy Given (Manchester, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

This is a combined review of the MN-500 / MN-510 / MN-610 since they are combined (the MN-610 is a kit of a MN-500 base station and MN-510 USB adapter). The base station installed up to the very end. It said that the installation could not complete because of a firewall or similar problem. I checked, re-checked and re-booted many times. However, I could get through to the Internet, so I had no idea why it would not continue the installation. I ended up calling technical support and they were very helpful. Since I was connecting to the Internet, everything was configured. It just would not complete and make a floppy that could be used on the other systems. So, that part had to be done manually. I was glad support was quick and helpful.

Installing the first other station was very easy, but the second was more problematic. Still, compared to other network installations, it was pretty easy.

Throughput is pretty impressive. In fact, it is just as fast on the others as it was on my base station BEFORE the wireless network. My base station varies from the same performance to THREE TIMES what it was before. I am guessing that the router doing the firewall instead of the OS doing it may account for most of the improvement.

Overall, we are very happy with it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and easy..., December 9, 2002

By 

Daniel W (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

I live in a townhome with 4 bedrooms. I bought the Microsoft home base unit with 4 of these Wireless USB Adapters. We hooked up all 4 units with ease. The wizards worked flawlessly. Pretty much, all you need to do is click on "Next" and nothing else, and you're pretty much set. I have the base unit downstairs, and 3 of the USB adapters upstairs, and all of them get the reception fine... a "Very Good" rating instead of Excellent though. It's good enough to watch a movie wirelessly.

Also, I have a computer hooked up to it by ethernet cables, a laptop with integrated wireless, and an Xbox hooked up. Every machine is working fine.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Easy Easy & Excellent Customer Service, April 5, 2003

By 

M. Haines (Overland Park, KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless USB Adapter (Personal Computers)

I bought this wireless USB adapter in conjuntion with the Microsoft wireless base station and found it easy, easy, easy to install. Installation went seamlessly. It's fast. A few weeks later, however, I had trouble setting up file sharing when I added a new desktop with XP Home (I am using XP Pro on my other PC) to my existing network. I called their tech support who was EXCELLENT and not only got my network back up but transferrred me to the XP Home tech who assisted me with the file sharing. They even followed up with a call and an email! Wow! Who gets customer service like that these days! I have recently added an older laptop to my network using this same USB adapter (since it cannot accomodate a wireless card) and it works great! You want a broadband network?...then buy this product!