5MileWIFI Installation Instructions

These instructions are for Windows 2000/XP/Vista as they are by far the most predominant operating systems on laptops at the moment. Windows Vista screens vary slightly from those shown below. We also supply drivers for Windows 95/98/ME. If you have one of these operating systems and need assistance, or for help with Windows Vista, contact our support team at support@5milewifi.com. No matter the operating system, please read these instructions carefully as there is other important information pertaining to connecting the booster which you must know.

Setting up a 5MileWIFI booster is a simple process.  You just connect the supplied antenna to the booster, plug the unit into your computer via 2 separate USB ports, install the software driver and you are ready to go.  This section will focus on setting up and using the 5MileWIFI system.

The system is shipped with the following items: 

• 1) The 5MileWIFI booster itself
• 2) A driver disk which includes a users manual
• 3) M/F USB extension cable for the booster - this connects the booster to the computer and is the SIGNAL cable
• 4) Adapter cable for USB power - The POWER cable connects the power cord on the booster to a USB port (or optionally to 12V or AC power)
• 5) 25 feet (or more) of low loss cable
• 6) 9dbi Omni directional antenna
• 7) Quick start guide 
• 8) Optional 12V or AC adapter
• 9) Optional Antenna cable extension

First couple of IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Never use the 5MileWIFI card without the antenna attached to the unit.  The lack of the impedance provided by the cable and antenna could potentially cause damage to the unit.
• ALWAYS plug in the USB Power cable to it’s power source (USB Port, 120V Adapter or 12V Adapter) BEFORE plugging in the USB Signal cable. The amplifier, powered through the USB Power cable, needs to power up and initialize before the USB network adapter inside the unit, powered through the USB Signal cable, turns on. See the illustration below for more on which cable is which.

To begin the installation, first disable the internal WIFI card in your laptop.  This can be done (and easily undone) by opening the Network Connections applet in the Windows Control Panel.  Select your WIFI connection in this screen and RIGHT CLICK it.  Choose the first option DISABLE.  Follow the same procedure to ENABLE the card when your not using 5MileWIFI.

MAKING THE USB CONNECTIONS

First attach the antenna cable to the 5MileWIFI booster.  The antenna cable must be attached while using the booster or severe damage to the booster could result.   Mounting the antenna is best done as high as possible since WIFI is "line of sight". 

There are two different USB cables to connect.  The one that comes from the USB connector built into the booster is called the SIGNAL connector.  The one that comes off of the black wire on the unit is called the POWER connector.  There are important features to know about these two connectors.

You will need 2 open USB ports on the computer.   It is preferable to plug both USB cables directly into the computer.   If you do not have two USB ports free, you have plenty of options. 

The SIGNAL cable  MUST be connected to the computer either directly into a USB (much preferred) or via a USB hub. 

The POWER cable is for power only.  It is preferable to plug the POWER cable directly into the computer as well - But,  it MUST NOT be plugged into a USB HUB or it will not function.  If you have no available USB port for the POWER cable, you can plug the power cable into the optional 12V adapter or the optional AC adapter (both 110 and 220 are supported).

Always plug in the USB Power Cable first, and the USB Signal Cable second.

LOADING THE 5MileWIFI Driver

Once the USB connections are made the system will notify you that it has found a new piece of hardware.  You should see the following screen:

Select the option "No, not this time" and click "Next." The next screen will look like this:

Select "Install from a list or specific location" and click "Next." The next screen will look like this:

Select the top option "Search for the best driver in these locations" and make sure the only box checked below is "Include this location in the search." Insert the included 5MileWIFI driver CD then click the "Browse" button to browse to the CD folder:

Select Windows XP from the list of folders and click "OK." Click "Next" on the previous screen and the drivers will install. After the installation is complete, go back the Network Connection control panel applet and rename the new connection to "5MileWIFI" so that you can easily distinguish between your internal WIFI connection and the 5MileWIFI connection. Either connection can be enabled or disabled, depending on which connection you prefer to use at the time.

Once the 5MileWIFI booster is installed and enabled, and any other WIFI adapters are disabled, double-click this icon  in the tray area (by the clock) to see a list of networks available to your new 5MileWIFI connection. Make sure your antenna is pointing straight up and that it is as high as possible. We have had excellent luck simply hoisting the antenna up a burgee halyard!

You can also find the wireless network list by right-clicking the connection in the Network Connections control panel applet and selecting "View available wireless networks"

Choose from one of the networks and connect!