AE2500-RM - Network card / adapter LINKSYS - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Wireless USB Adapter
Model	AE2500-RM
Brand	Linksys
Wireless Standard	IEEE 802.11n
Frequency Band	2.4 GHz / 5 GHz (Dual-Band)
Maximum Data Rate	Up to 300 Mbps
Interface	USB 2.0
Security	WEP, WPA, WPA2
Dimensions (L x W x H)	Approx. 3.0 x 1.0 x 0.5 in (76 x 25 x 13 mm)
Weight	Approx. 0.5 oz (14 g)
Power Consumption	Powered via USB bus
Operating Temperature	32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Storage Temperature	-4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
Operating Humidity	10% to 80% non-condensing
Storage Humidity	5% to 90% non-condensing
Antenna Type	Internal dual-band antenna
Compatible Operating Systems	Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X 10.4+
LED Indicators	Link/Activity
Certifications	FCC, CE, IC
Package Contents	AE2500-RM adapter, Setup Guide, CD with drivers

Frequently Asked Questions - AE2500-RM LINKSYS

How do I install the Linksys AE2500-RM adapter?

Insert the CD or download drivers from Linksys support. Plug the adapter into a USB port and follow the on-screen instructions. For Windows, you may need to run the setup before inserting the device.

Is the AE2500-RM compatible with Windows 10?

Officially, it supports up to Windows 8. However, Windows 10 may have built-in drivers. If not, try installing in compatibility mode or search for updated drivers on Linksys website.

Does this adapter support 5 GHz networks?

Yes, the AE2500-RM is a dual-band adapter supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for faster speeds and less interference.

What is the maximum speed of the AE2500-RM?

It supports up to 300 Mbps on each band when connected to a compatible 802.11n router.

Why is my adapter not detected by the computer?

Ensure the USB port is working. Try a different port. Check if the drivers are installed correctly. Reboot the computer after installation. If using Windows, disable the firewall temporarily.

Can I use this adapter with macOS?

Yes, it is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 and later. Drivers may be included on the CD or downloadable from Linksys.

How do I reset the AE2500-RM to factory settings?

This adapter does not have a reset button. To reconfigure, uninstall the driver and software, then reinstall.

What security protocols does the AE2500-RM support?

It supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 personal encryption standards.

Is the AE2500-RM compatible with a 64-bit operating system?

Yes, drivers are available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

How do I clean and maintain the adapter?

Unplug the adapter and wipe with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid liquids. Do not expose to extreme temperatures or moisture. Store in a cool, dry place.

USER MANUAL AE2500-RM LINKSYS

Black Cisco Bluetooth device with USB port, against a blue gradient background (no text or symbols on device body)

Using Your Adapter

AE1200/AE2500

Wireless-N USB Network Adapter

Linksys AE1200/AE2500

Contents

Product Overview

Features 1

Installation

Installation 2

Wireless Network Configuration

Windows 7 3

Windows Vista 4

Windows XP 6

Troubleshooting

AE1200/AE2500 9

Specifications

Linksys AE1200 10

Linksys AE1200 11

Product Overview

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Wireless-N USB adapter. Using the latest wireless networking technology, the adapter adds or upgrades wireless connectivity on your Windows-based desktop or laptop computer. To help protect your data and privacy, you can use Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption to protect your wireless connection.

Features

USB plug LED

USB plug: Connect this end to any available USB port on your computer.

LED: Flashes when there is wireless network activity.

Installation

This chapter describes the procedure for installing the adapter.

Installation

To install the adapter:

1. Insert the CD into your CD or DVD drive.

Illustration of a laptop computer with a CD and an arrow pointing to it (no text or symbols)

1. Click Set up your Linksys Adapter.

Always do this for software Install or run program Set up your Linksys Adapter Published by Cisco Consumer General options Open folder to view files using Windows Explorer

If you do not see this, access setup on the CD directly. To do so, perform the following steps for your specific operating system:

Windows 7

a. Go to Start > Computer.

b. Double-click your CD or DVD drive.

Windows Vista

a. Go to Start > Computer.

b. Double-click your CD or DVD drive.

Windows XP

a. Go to Start > My Computer and select your CD or DVD drive.

b. Double-click Setup.exe.

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Linksys wireless adapter.

Windows 95.000 USB Adapter Welcome Start menu setup, read the License Agreement, then click Next ✓ Save access and adopt the terms of the Start Menu License Agreement Next Cancel Cancel

Note

You need to run Setup only once to install your adapter. After you run Setup, your computer recognizes the adapter each time it is connected to your computer's USB port.

Wireless Network Configuration

To configure the adapter's wireless connection settings, use a wireless network configuration utility. If you have installed such a utility on your computer, or if your computer came with one already installed, refer to that utility's documentation for instructions on use. Otherwise, follow the instructions in the appropriate section below to use your operating system's built-in utility:

• "Windows 7" on page 3
• "Windows Vista" on page 4
• "Windows XP" on page 6

Windows 7

After you have installed the adapter, the Wireless Network Configuration utility icon appears on your computer's system tray. (If you do not see the icon, click the Show hidden icons arrow in the system tray.)

When your mouse pointer hovers over the icon, the status information of your wireless connection appears.

New Wireless Connection

To connect to a different wireless network:

1. Click the Wireless Network Configuration utility icon. A list of available wireless networks appears.

Currently connected to LargeMagnolia Internet access Wireless Network Connection LargeMagnolia Connected LargeMagnolia-guest Smithhome RohmNet LeeFamily Mywirelessnetwork 2WIRE300 Open Network and Sharing Center

1. Select your network, and then click Connect.

Currently connected to LargeMagnolia Internet access Wireless Network Connection LargeMagnolia Connected Smithhome LargeMagnolia guest Information sent over this network might be visible to others. Connect automatically Connect Open Network and Sharing Center

1. If your network does not use wireless security, go to step 5.

2. Enter the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) passphrase or the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) key (depending on your type of security), then click OK.

Connect to a Network Type the network security key Security key: Hide characters You can also connect by pushing the button on the router. OK Cancel

This screen appears while the adapter connects to your network. Do not cancel, unless you want to end the connection.

Connect to a Network Connecting to LargeMagnolia-guest... Cancel

Your computer is now connected to your wireless network.

Note

For help with the Wireless Network Configuration utility, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Windows Vista

After you have installed the adapter, the Wireless Network Configuration utility icon appears on your computer's system tray.

When your mouse pointer hovers over the icon, the status information of your wireless connection appears.

Currently connected to: LargeMagnolia Access: Local only 12:46 PM

New Wireless Connection

To connect to a different wireless network:

1. Right-click the Wireless Network Configuration utility icon.
2. Click Connect to a network.

Connect to a network Turn on activity animation Turn off notification of new networks Diagnose and repair Network and Sharing Center

3. Select your network, then click Connect.

Connect to a network Select a network to connect to Show All MyNetwork Unsecured network LargeMagnolia Security-enabled network WirelessNetwork1 Security-enabled network Set up a connection to network Open Network and Sharing Center Connect Cancel

4. If your network uses wireless security, go to Step 5.

If your network does not use wireless security, this screen appears.

a. To connect to your unsecured network, click Connect Anyway and go to Step 6.

MyNetwork is an unsecured network Connect Anyway Information sent over this network might be visible to others. Connect to a different network Cancel

5. Enter the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) passphrase or the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) key (depending on your type of security), then click Connect.

Connect to a network Type the network security key or passphrase for My Network The person who setup the network can give you the key or passphrase. Security key or passphrase: ****** Display characters If you have a USB flash drive with network settings for My Network, insert it now. Connect Cancel

This screen appears while the adapter connects to your network. Do not cancel, unless you want to end the installation.

Connect to a network Connecting to MyNetwork Cancel

This screen appears when you are connected to your network.

Connect to a network Successfully connected to MyNetwork ✓ Save this network ✓ Start this connection automatically Close

1. If you want to save your settings, select Save this network.

2. Click Close.

The Set Network Location screen may appear. This screen helps apply the correct settings for your type of location.

Set Network Location Select a location for the "MyNetwork" network Windows will automatically apply the correct network settings for the location. Home Choose this for a home or similar location. Your computer is discoverable and you can see other computers and devices. Work Choose this for a workplace or similar location. Your computer is discoverable and you can see other computers and devices. Public location Choose this for airports, coffee shops, and other public places or if you are directly connected to the Internet. Discovery of other computers and devices is limited. Customize the name, location type, and size for the network Help me choose Cancel

a. Click Home, Work, or Public location, then click Close on the resulting screen.

Note

For help with the Wireless Network Configuration utility, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Your computer is now connected to your wireless network.

Windows XP

After you have installed the adapter, the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility icon appears on your computer's system tray.

When your mouse pointer hovers over the icon, the status information of your wireless connection appears.

(p) Wireless networks detected One or more wireless networks are in range of this computer. To see the list and connect, click this message

New Wireless Connection

To connect to a new wireless network:

1. Right-click the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration icon in your computer's system tray, then click View Available Wireless Networks. A window displays the available wireless networks.
2. Select the network that you want, then click Connect.

Wireless Network Connection 2 Network Tasks Refined network for Set up wireless network for access to read of file Related Tasks Learn about wireless etworking Change the order of preferred networks Change advanced Settings Choose a wireless network Click an event in the list below to connect to a wireless network in range or to get more information. OK Unsecured wireless network: This network is configured for open access, information sent over the network may be available to others. If you want to connect to this network, Add Closed. Cancel

If the network uses wireless security, go to Step 4. Otherwise, continue to Step 3.

1. Click Connect Anyway to connect the adapter to your unsecured network, then go to Step 5.

Wireless Network Connection You are connecting to the unsecured network "Linksys". Information sent over this network is not encrypted and might be visible to other people. Connect Anyway Cancel

1. If your network uses Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) wireless security, enter the WEP Key in the Network key and Confirm network key fields. If your network uses Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) wireless security, enter the passphrase in the Network key and Confirm network key fields. Click Connect.

Wireless Network Connection The network 'Inkysys' requires a network key (also called a WEP key or WPA key). A network key helps prevent unknown intruders from connecting to this network. Type the key, and then click Connect... Network key: ************ Confirm network key: ************ Connect Cancel

Note

Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration does not support the use of a WEP passphrase. Enter the exact WEP key used by your wireless router or access point.

Note

If your network is using WPA2 security, make sure that you have installed the Update for Windows XP (KB893357), available at www.microsoft.com.

Your wireless network will appear as Connected when your connection is active.

Wireless Network Connection 2 Choose a wireless network Click an item in the bit below to connect to a graphics network in range or to get more information. Blogs Connected Unsecured wireless network Connected Network Tasks Betwork networks list Set up a wireless network For a home or small office Related Tasks Learn about wireless networking Change the order of preferred networks Change advanced settings

Note

For help with the Wireless Network Configuration utility, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Your computer is now connected to your wireless network.

Troubleshooting

AE1200/AE2500

Your computer does not recognize the adapter.

• Make sure that the adapter is properly inserted into your computer's USB slot.
• Connect the adapter into a different USB port.

The adapter does not work properly.

Remove the adapter, and then reinsert it into the computer's USB slot.

Your computer cannot communicate with the other computers on your wireless network.

1. Make sure that the computers are powered on.
2. Make sure that the adapter is configured with the same Wireless Network Name (also called the SSID or Service Set Identifier) and wireless security settings as the other computers on your wireless network.

Note

If your questions are not addressed here, refer to our support section on the web at Linksys.com/support.

Specifications

Linksys AE1200

Model Name Linksys AE1200

Description High Performance Wireless-N USB

Adapter

Model Number AE1200

Standards 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n

Interface USB 2.0

LEDs Link/Act

Antennas 2 Internal Single-band

Transmitted Power 802.11b: 15 dBm ± 2.0

802.11g: 15 dBm ± 2.0

801.11n:

MCS15 (20 MHz): 15 dBm ± 2.0

MCS8 (20 MHz): 15 dBm ± 2.0

MCS7 (20 MHz): 15 dBm ± 2.0

MCS0 (20 MHz): 15 dBm ± 2.0

MCS15 (40 MHz): 13 dBm ± 2.0

MCS8 (40 MHz): 13 dBm ± 2.0

MCS7 (40 MHz): 13 dBm ± 2.0

MCS0 (40 MHz): 15 dBm ± 2.0

Receive Sensitivity 802.11b: (+2/-4 dB)

DBPSK: -96 dBm Typical

BPSK: -93 dBm Typical

QPSK: -90 dBm Typical

16-QAM: -84 dBm Typical

64-QAM: -76 dBm Typical

802.11n: (+2/-4 dB)

-72 dBm @MCS15 (20 MHz)

-90 dBm @MCS0 (20 MHz)

-68 dBm @MCS15 (40 MHz)

-87 dBm @MCS0 (40 MHz)

Antenna Gain in dBi Antenna 1: ≤ -1.2 dBi

Antenna 2: ≤-1.0 dBi

Power Consumption TX: MCS15 @20 MHz: 278 mA

MCS8 @20 MHz: 371 mA

MCS15 @40 MHz: 266 mA

MCS8 @40 MHz: 344 mA

RX: 20 MHz: 111 mA

Standby: 37 mA

Radio Off: 37 mA

Security Features WEP, WPA & WPA2 Personal,

WPA & WPA2 Enterprise, WPS

Security Key Bits Up to 128-Bit Encryption

OS Requirements Windows XP, Windows Vista,

Windows Vista 64-bit Edition,

Windows 7, or Windows 7 64-bit

Environmental

Dimensions 2.87" x 0.94" x 0.35"

(73.0 x 23.8 x 9.0 mm)

Weight 0.39 oz (11 g)

Certification FCC, CE, IC, UL, RoHS, WEEE, IDA,

C-Tick, Wi-Fi B/G/N

Operating Temp. 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)

Storage Temp. -4 to 158°F (-20 to 70°C)

Operating Humidity 10 to 85% Noncondensing

Storage Humidity 5 to 90% Noncondensing

Model Name Linksys AE2500

Description High Performance Dual-Band

Wireless-N USB Adapter

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Linksys AE2500

Model Number AE2500

Standards 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n

Interface USB 2.0

LEDs Link/Act

Antennas 2 Internal Dual-band (selectable)

Transmitted Power 802.11a: 14 dBm ± 2.0

802.11b: 15 dBm ± 2.0

802.11g: 15 dBm ± 2.0

801.11n:

MCS15 (20 MHz): 14 dBm ± 2.0

MCS8 (20 MHz): 14 dBm ± 2.0

MCS7 (20 MHz): 14 dBm ± 2.0

MCS0 (20 MHz): 14 dBm ± 2.0

MCS15 (40 MHz): 13 dBm ± 2.0

MCS8 (40 MHz): 13 dBm ± 2.0

MCS7 (40 MHz): 13 dBm ± 2.0

MCS0 (40 MHz): 13 dBm ± 2.0

Receive Sensitivity 802.11b: (+2/-4 dB)

DBPSK: -96 dBm Typical

BPSK: -93 dBm Typical

QPSK: -90 dBm Typical

6-QAM: -84 dBm Typical

64-QAM: -76 dBm Typical

802.11n: (+2/-4 dB)

-72 dBm @MCS15 (20 MHz)

-90 dBm @MCS0 (20 MHz)

-68 dBm @MCS15 (40 MHz)

-87 dBm @MCS0 (40 MHz)

Antenna Gain in dBi Antenna 1

2.4 GHz: ≤ 3 dBi

5.15\~5.35 GHz: ≤ 1.5 dBi

5.5\~5.85 GHz: ≤ 4.5 dBi

Antenna 2

2.4 GHz: ≤ 4.0 dBi

5.15\~5.35 GHz: ≤ 1.0 dBi

5.5\~5.85 GHz: ≤ 5.0 dBi

Power Consumption TX: MCS15 @20 MHz: 364 mA

MCS8 @20 MHz: 447 mA

MCS15 @40 MHz: 316 mA

MCS8 @40 MHz: 430 mA

RX: 20 MHz: 176 mA

40 MHz: 173 mA

Standby: 48 mA

Radio Off: 48 mA

Security Features WEP, WPA & WPA2 Personal,

WPA & WPA2 Enterprise, WPS

Security Key Bits Up to 128-Bit Encryption

OS Requirements Windows XP, Windows Vista,

Windows Vista 64-bit Edition,

Windows 7, or Windows 7 64-bit

Environmental

Dimensions 2.87" x 0.94" x 0.35"

(73.0 x 23.8 x 9.0 mm)

Weight 0.39 oz (11 g)

Certification FCC, CE, IC, UL, RoHS, WEEE, IDA,

C-Tick, Wi-Fi A/B/G/N

Operating Temp.

32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)

Storage Temp.

-4 to 158°F (-20 to 70°C)

Operating Humidity

10 to 85% Noncondensing

Storage Humidity

5 to 90% Noncondensing

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting Guide

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