Connecting a Linksys adapter to a computer or laptop

Linksys has different types of adapters.  Follow the instructions below for each type of adapter.

USB adapter
PCI adapter
PCMCIA adapter

NOTE:  The product image may differ from one model to another.

USB adapter

USB adapters can be used for both desktop and laptop computers.

Step 1:
Power ON your computer or laptop and connect the USB adapter to any available USB port.

Step 2:
Check if the LED indicator on the USB adapter lights up.

IMPORTANT:  If the adapter’s LED lights do not light up when connected to the computer or laptop, it could mean that it is not properly connected to the port.  

PCI adapter

PCI adapters are used for desktop computers.  Before connecting a PCI adapter, remove any CDs or disks from the drives and shutdown your desktop computer.  Make sure that it is unplugged from the power outlet.

Step 1:
Open your computer’s case and locate an available PCI slot.

NOTE:  The PCI slot is a rectangular, wafer-like, white shape inside your computer.  Refer to your computer’s manufacturer for instructions.

Step 2:
Slide the adapter into the PCI slot.

NOTE:  Make sure all of its pins are touching the slot’s contacts.  You may need to apply a bit of pressure to slide the adapter all the way in.  If an antenna is attached to the PCI adapter, unscrew it before plugging it to the computer.

Step 3:
After the adapter is set firmly in place, secure its fastening tab to your computer’s chassis with a mounting screw then close your computer’s case.

Step 4:
Attach the external antenna to the adapter’s antenna port and make sure the antenna is positioned upward at a 90º angle.  This will ensure optimum wireless operating range and performance.

 

Step 5:
Power ON your computer.

IMPORTANT:  The Power LED of the adapter should light up.  If the adapter’s Power LED does not light up when connected to the computer, it could mean that it is not properly connected to the port.  To learn how to resolve this issue, click here.

PCMCIA adapter

PCMCIA adapters are used for laptop computers.  Before connecting the PCMCIA adapter, remove any CDs or disks from their drives and shutdown your laptop.  Make sure that it is unplugged from the power outlet.

Step 1:
Locate an available PCMCIA slot on the side of your laptop.

Step 2:
Insert the adapter into the PCMCIA slot.  Make sure all of its pins are touching the slot’s contacts.  You may need to apply a bit of pressure to slide the adapter all the way in.

 

IMPORTANT:  The Power LED of the adapter should light up when the adapter is plugged in.  Otherwise, this could mean that the device is not properly connected to the port or slot.  To check if your network adapter is working properly, click here for instructions.

If you have successfully connected the adapter to a computer or laptop, click on the links below on how to install the adapter:

Manually installing the Linksys adapter
Setting up the Linksys wireless-N adapter using the setup CD

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