3Com/Microsoft
19
Your Home Network
18
Network Connection Problems
You can use the HomeClick Self Test in HomeClick Network
Center to diagnose most problems with the network settings on
each computer. The HomeClick Self Test confirms that the net-
work adapter is installed and detected, and that all of the net-
work settings are correct on the computer on which you run the
HomeClick Self Test.
To run the HomeClick Self Test
1. On the computer you want to verify network settings, open
HomeClick Network Center.
2. Click Network Status.
3. On the Network Status page, click Test.
The HomeClick Self Test tells you if any problems are de-
tected with your network settings. If a problem is detected,
click Fix It to have HomeClick fix the problem or click Details
for more information about detected problems. The
HomeClick Self Test will fix the problems it can, and then
prompt you to fix any problems that need your input.
Your laptop computer cant connect to the network
Most laptop computers enter sleep or suspend mode when left
unattended for a while. If this happens, wait about 10 seconds
before awakening the laptop. If you awakened the laptop any
sooner, it may disconnect itself from the network. To reconnect,
unplug your USB Network Adapter and then plug it back in. If
this fails, simply shut down and restart your laptop computer.
The network appears to be slow
If you experience a slow response time on the network, the most
likely causes are:
The cable connecting the computer to the hub may be dam
aged.
The network adapter is faulty.
The computer does not have enough processing or memory
resources for the type of work that you want to perform.
Other users on your network may also be opening, editing
or saving shared files on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if USB is enabled on my computer?
Go to your Windows 98 desktop. Right-click the My Computer
icon. Click Properties. Click the Device Manager tab. Double-
click Universal Serial Bus Controller. If USB is enabled on your
computer, you will see the text Universal/Open Host Controller.
Do I need to turn off my computer before connecting or dis-
connecting the USB Network Adapter?
No. You can connect the USB Network Adapter to your computer
with the power turned on.
What do I do if the USB ports on my computer are already
connected to other USB devices?
You could use a USB hub. See "What is a USB hub?" for more
information.
What is a USB hub?
A USB hub is a peripheral device that expands the number of
USB ports available on your computer. A USB hub cannot be
used to link computers together in a network the same way that
an Ethernet hub is used. It is simply a device for connecting
more USB devices (such as scanners, printers, and game con-
trollers) to your computer.
How does the USB Network Adapter compare to a traditional
network adapter card?
The USB Network Adapter performs exactly the same function
as a traditional network adapter card, with the added benefit of
not having to open the computer to install it. One key difference
is in transmission speed: network adapter cards are available in
10 Mbps or 100 Mbps varieties; however, because of speed
limitations of the USB port, the USB Network Adapter is only
available in 10 Mbps.
Can I connect more than one USB Network Adapter to a com-
puter at a time?
No. You should only attach one USB Network Adapter to a com-
puter at any one time.
Can I unplug the USB Network Adapter while my computer is
powered on?
If you disconnect your USB Network Adapter from your com-
puter and then reconnect it, some computers on your network
may not be able to see your computer. If this happens, shut
down your computer and restart your computer.
Can I connect two USB Network Adapters back to back?
It is not recommended that you use this configuration.
09-1860-000.p65
8/25/99, 5:44 PM
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