NETGEAR MA111 User Manual
User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10032-01
Version v1.0
June 2004
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at www.netgear.com/register
, we can provide you with faster expert technical support and
timely notices of product and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support
information card.
E-mail: support@netgear.com
Web site: www.netgear.com
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
©2004 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, The Gear Guy and Everybody's Connecting are
trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved
June 2004
.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model MA11 1 wireless USB adapter has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions
set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test
transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the notes
in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
VCCI Statement
This equipment is in the Class B category (information equipment to be used in a residential area or an adjacent area
thereto) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing
Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas. When used
near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference. Read in st ructions for correct handling.
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202-10032-01
FCC Information to User
This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved antennas
only. Any product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and
approvals
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment
should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Declaration Of Conformity
We NETGEAR, Inc., 4500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, declare under our sole responsibility that
the model MA111v2 Wireless USB Adapter complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Regulatory Compliance Information
This section includes user requirements for operating this product in accordance with National laws for usage of radio
spectrum and operation of radio devices. Failure of the end-user to comply with the applicable requirements may result
in unlawful operation and adverse action against the end-user by the applicable National regulatory authority.
NOTE: This product's firmware limits operation to only the channels allowed in a particular Region or Country .
Therefore, all options described in this user's guide may not be available in your version of the product.
FCC Requirements for Operation in the United States
Radio Frequency Interference Warnings & Instructions
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea sonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following methods:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an electrical outlet on a circuit different from that which the radio receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
202-10032-01
iii
NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved byNETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate
the equipment.
PY3MA111V2
Export Restrictions
This product or software contains encryption code which may not be exported or transferred from the US or
Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license.
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
This device is a 2.4 GHz low power RF device intended for
home and office use in EU and EFT A member states. In some
EU / EFTA member states some restrictions may apply.
Please contact local spectrum management authorities for
further details before putting this device into operation.
This product is certified for Switzerland and all EU countries. Marking by the above symbol indicates compliance with
the Essential Requirements of the R&TTE Directive of the European Union (1999/5/EC). This equipment meets the
following conformance standards: EN300 328, EN301 489-17, EN60950
Requirements For Operation in the European Community
Countries of Operation and Conditions of Use in the European Community
The user should run the client utility program provided with this product to check the current channel of operation and
confirm that the device is operating in conformance with the spectrum usage rules for European Community countries as
described in this section.
This device is intended to be operated in all countries of the European Community.
Operation Using 2.4 GHz Channels in France
The following radio channel usage limitations apply in France.
The radio spectrum regulator in France, Autorité de regulation des telecommunications (ART), enforces the following
rules with respect to use of 2.4GHz spectrum in various locations in France. Please check ART's web site for latest
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202-10032-01
requirements for use of the 2.4GHz band in France: http://www.art-telecom.fr/eng/index.htm. When operating in the
following metropolitan regions (départements) in France, this device may be operated under the following conditions:
Indoors using any channel in the 2.4-2.4835 GHz band (Channels 1-13)
Outdoors using channels in the 2.4-2.454 GHz band (Channels 1-7)
When operating outside of the following regions (départements) in France (see table below), this product must be
operated under the following conditions:
• Indoors using channels in the 2.4465-2.4835 GHz band (Channels 10-13).
• Outdoor operation not permitted.
Please refer to the ART web site for further details.
Metropolitan Regions with Eased Restrictions in 2.4GHz Band
202-10032-01
v
Declaration of Conformity in Languages of the European Community
Finnish: Valmistaja NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että Radio LAN device tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY
oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muid en ehtojen mukainen.
Dutch: Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel Radio LAN device in overeenstemming is met de essentiële
eisen en de andere relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
French: Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil Radio LAN device est conforme aux exigences
essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Swedish: Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna Radio LAN device står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga
egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG.
Danish: Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr Radio LAN device overholder de væsentlige
krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
German: Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich dieser/diese/dieses Radio LAN device in Übereinstimmung mit den
grundlegenden Anforderungen und den anderen relevanten Vorschriften der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
Italian: Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo Radio LAN device è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle
altre disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Spanish: Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el Radio LAN device cumple con los requisitos
esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Portugese: NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este Radio LAN device está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras
disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations
This digital apparatus (NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111) does not exceed the Class B limits for
radio-noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Canada ID: 4054A-MA111V2
vi
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Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, Conventions ......................................................................................1-1
Chapter 2
Introduction
About the MA111 ............................................................................................................2-1
Key Features ..................................................................................................................2-1
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-2
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................................2-2
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................3-1
Verifying System Requirements ...............................................................................3-1
Observing Location and Range Guidelines ..............................................................3-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................3-2
MA111 Default Wireless Configuration Settings .............................................................3-3
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-4
For Windows XP Users Installing a MA111 ..............................................................3-4
For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a MA111 ............................................3-8
MA111 Wireless Connection Indicators ........................................................................3-12
Interpreting the LED on the MA111 ........................................................................3-12
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................3-13
Troubleshooting .................................................. .......................................................... 3-13
Basic Tips ...............................................................................................................3-14
Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................3-14
Chapter 4
Configuration
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................4-1
Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................4-1
How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile ...........................................................4-2
How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode Profile ............ ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-3
Contents vii
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How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network .......................................4-5
Enabling Wireless Security Features ........................ .................... ................... ...............4-5
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings ...........4-6
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................4-7
How to Configure WPA Encryption Security ............................................................4-8
Statistics Page ........................................................................................................4-10
Advanced Settings Page ........................................................................................4-10
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ..................................................................... ... ... .... ... ... . B-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. B-1
Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) .................................. ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ B-2
Wireless Channels ....................... .... ... ... ... ..................................................................... B-2
Authentication and WEP ........................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .............................. B-4
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. B-4
Open System Authentication .............................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .......................B-5
Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... B-5
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ B-6
Key Size .................................................................................................................. B-7
WEP Configuration Options ............... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ................................. B-8
WPA Wireless Security ..................................................................................................B-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................B-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ B-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... B-10
WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS .................................................. B-12
WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................ B-14
Is WPA Perfec t? .... ... .... ... ... ... .............................................................................. .. B-16
Product Support for WPA ......................................................................................B-16
Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients ............................... B-16
Changes to Wireless Access Points ...............................................................B-16
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters .........................................................B-17
Changes to Wireless Client Programs .......................... ......................... ......... B-18
viii Contents
202-10032-01
Appendix C
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking .. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . C-1
Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking ................... ...........................C -1
Install or V erify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-1
Enabling DHCP in Windows 98 and Me ..................................................................C-3
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method .......................................................... C-5
Verifying TCP/IP Properties .................................................................................... C-5
Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking ............................................. C-6
Install or V erify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 .........................................C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ..................................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 ..................................................C-9
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-11
Glossary
Index
Contents ix
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x Contents
202-10032-01
User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Chapter 1
About This Manual
This chapter introduces the conventions and features of this document.
Audience, Scope, Conventions
This manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills.
However, tutorial information is provided in the Appendices, on the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless
USB Adapter MA111 Resource CD (240-10082-01), and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This manual uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis.
bold User input.
[Enter] Named keys in text are shown enclosed in square brackets.
SMALL CAPS
DOS file and directory names.
This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
This manual is written according to these specifications:
Table 1-1. Manual Specifications
Product Version NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Manual Part Number 202-10032-01
Manual Publication Date June 2004
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at
www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.
About This Manual 1-1
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
1-2 About This Manual
202-10032-01
User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 11 Mbps
Wireless USB Adapter MA111.
About the MA111
The NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111 gives you ultimate mobility in your
office or while you are traveling. It frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring and helps you create
a wireless network for sharing your broadband Internet acces s among multiple PCs in and a round
your home. It is designed for PC computers running Microsoft
and is compatible with USB 2.0 ports.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer at up to 11 Mbps for maximum throughput
or dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or op erating limitations in an
environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference.
®
Windows®. It is a USB 1.1 device
The MA111 Wireless USB Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b 11 Mbps WLAN
connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. It works with Windows 98SE, Me,
2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features
The MA111 Wireless USB Adapter provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11b standards-based wireless technology.
• 11 Mbps high speed data transfer. Wireless nodes negotiate to operate in the optimal data
transfer rate. In a noisy environment or when the distance between the wireless nodes is far,
the wireless nodes automatically fall back to operate at lower transfer rates.
• High level of data encryption using128-bit Shared Key WEP data encryption method. A lower
level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network setup o r to
improve data transfer rate.
Introduction 2-1
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111 (202-1032-01)
• NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111 Resource CD (240-10082-01), including:
— Driver and Configuration Utility Software
— User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
— Animated Network Properties Configuration Tu torial
— PC Networking Tutorial
• Warranty and Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair.
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’
The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Wireless
technology has removed one of the barriers to networking—running wires. It allows more people
to try networking while at the same time exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking.
General networking concepts, setup, and maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition,
wireless technology adds issues, such as range, interference, signal quality, and security to the
picture.
To help overcome potential barriers to successfully using wireless networks, the table below
identifies how to accomplish such things as connecting to a wireless network, assuring appropriate
security measures are taken, browsing the Internet through your wireless connection, exchanging
files with other computers and using printers in the combined wireless and wired network.
2-2 Introduction
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Connect to a
wireless
network
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encryption security built into browsers
like Internet Explorer and Netscape. Any wireless networking security features you might impleme n t are in
addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
1. Identify the
wireless network
name (SSID) and,
if used, the
wireless security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR 11
Mbps Wireless
USB Adapter
MA111 with the
settings from step
1.
1. Assure that the
wireless network
has security
features enabled.
2. Configure my
MA111 with the
security settings of
the wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security features.
1. A wireless network
2. A PC within the operating
range of the wireless
network. For guidelines
about the range of
wireless networks, see
“Observing Location and
Range Guidelines” on
page 3-2.
1. A wireless network with
authentication and WEP
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment that supports
WEP encryption, such as
the MA111 and all
NETGEAR wireless
networking products.
To set up the MA111, see
Chapter 3, “Basic Setup” and
follow the instructions provided.
To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix , “Wireless Networking
Overview” for a general
introduction.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Authentication and WEP” on
page B-4.
To use WEP security features,
see “Enabling Wireless Security
Features” on page 4-5 and
configure your MA111
accordingly.
Introduction 2-3
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Connect to the
Internet over my
wireless
network.
1. Activate my
wireless link and
verify my network
connection.
2. Open an Internet
browser such as
Internet Explorer
or Netscape
Navigator.
1. An active Internet
connection like those from
cable or DSL service
providers.
2. A wireless network
connected to the cable or
DSL Internet service
through a cable/DSL
router as illustrated in
“How to Configure an
Infrastructure Mode
Profile” on page 4-2.
3. TCP/IP Internet
networking software
installed and configured
on my PC according to the
requirements of the
Internet service provider.
4. A browser like Internet
Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
To configure your MA111 in
Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic
Installation Instructions” on
page 3-4, and locate the section
for your version of Windows.
For assistance with configuring
the TCP/IP Internet software on
a PC, see “Preparing Your
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” on page C-1 or refer
to the PC Networking Tutorial on
the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless
USB Adapter MA1 11 Resource
CD (240-10082-01) and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
.
2-4 Introduction
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected PC
and other
computers in a
my combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. Use the Windows
Network
Neighborhood
feature to browse
for computers in
the combined
wireless and wired
network.
2. Browse the hard
drive of the target
computer in the
network in order to
locate the directory
or files you want to
work with.
3. Use the Windows
Explorer copy and
paste functions to
exchange files
between the
computers.
1. The PC I am using to
connect to the wireless
network needs to be
configured with the
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The PC I am using to
connect to the wireless
network needs to be
configured with the same
Windows Workgroup or
Domain settings as the
other Windows computers
in the combined wireless
and wired network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights
such as login user name/
password that have been
assigned in the Windows
network or for sharing
particular files must be
provided when Windows
prompts for such
information.
4. If so-called Windows
‘peer’ Workgroup
networking is being used,
the drive, file system
directory, or file need to be
enabled for sharing.
For assistance with Windows
networking software, see
“Preparing Your Computers for
TCP/IP Networking” on page C-1
for configuration scenarios or
refer to the Help system included
with your version of Windows.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless
USB Adapter MA1 11 Resource
CD (240-10082-01) and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
Introduction 2-5
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Use printers in
a combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. Use the Windows
Printers and Fax
features to locate
available printers
in the combined
wireless and wired
network.
2. Use the Windows
Add a Printer
wizard to add
access to a
network printer
from the PC you
are using to
wirelessly connect
to the network.
3. From the File
menu of an
application such
as Microsoft Word,
use the Print
Setup feature to
direct your print
output to the
printer in the
network.
1. The PC I am using to
connect to the wireless
network needs to be
configured with the
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The PC I am using to
connect to the wireless
network needs to be
configured with the same
Windows Workgroup or
Domain settings as the
other Windows computers
in the combined wireless
and wired network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights
such as login user name/
password that have been
assigned in the Windows
network must be provided
when Windows prompts
for such information.
4. If so-called Windows
‘peer’ networking is being
used, the printer needs to
be enabled for sharing.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless
USB Adapter MA1 11 Resource
CD (240-10082-01) and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
For assistance with setting up
printers in Windows, refer to the
Help and Support information
that comes with the version of
the Windows operating systems
you are using.
2-6 Introduction
202-10032-01
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced
wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 4, “Configuration” in this manual.
Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances
of several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others
outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take
appropriate steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The NETGEAR 11
Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111 provides highly effective security features which
are covered in “Enabling Wireless Security Features” on page 4-5 in this manual.
Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can
configure your wireless USB adapter and connect.
Verifying System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111, please make sure that
these minimum requirements have been met:
• You must have a PC with a Pentium
available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
•A CD-ROM drive.
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
• Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, 2000, Me, or 98SE. Some versions of
Windows may ask for the original W in dows operating system installation files to complete the
installation of the MA111 driver software.
Basic Setup 3-1
®
300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Observing Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based
on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter
MA111. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz Cordless phones
In general, wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed
with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the effective range will decrease if such materials are
between the devices.
Two Basic Operating Modes
The MA111 Wireless USB Adapter can operate in the following two basic modes:
Infrastructure Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices and computers
•
communicate with each other by first going through an access point (AP). For example, this
mode is used when computers in a house connect to an Access Point that is attached to a router
which lets multiple computers share a single Cable or DSL broadband Internet connection.
•
Ad-Hoc Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers
communicate directly with each other, without the use of an AP. For example, Ad-Hoc Mode
is used when two Windows computers are configured with file and print sharing enabled and
you want to exchange files directly between them.
Both of these configuration options are available with the MA111 Wireless USB Adapter.
Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered below.
Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in
Chapter 4, “Configuration” of this manual.
3-2 Basic Setup
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
MA111 Default Wireless Configuration Settings
If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network
and verify wireless connectivity. If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you will
need to identify the wireless configuration and security parameters already defined.
Your NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111 factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the MA111 Wireless USB Adapter to communicate with a wireless access
point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same wireless network name
(SSID).
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc): Infrastructure
• Data security WEP encryption: Disabled
The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB
Adapter MA111 for basic wireless connectivity to an access point. The procedures below provide
step-by-step installation instructions for Windows PCs. Use the procedure that corresponds to the
version of Windows you are using.
Basic Setup 3-3
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows XP Users Installing a MA111
Install the MA111 driver and configuration
utility software.
a. Power on your PC, let the operating
system boot up completely , and log in as
needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the MA111
into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main
page loads.
Note: If this screen fails to load
automatically, browse to the CD and
double-click on autorun.exe.
c. Click Install Driver and Utility.
d. Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps
and choose the country where you are
located.
e. Click Finish when done, and if prompted
restart your computer.
Resource CD Main page
InstallShield Wizard
Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning
appears, click Continue Anyway to proceed.
3-4 Basic Setup
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Install the MA111 Wireless Adapter.
a. Locate an available USB port on your
PC. Connect the USB cable to the
MA111 and insert the other end of the
cable into the USB slot on your PC.
After a short delay, the Found New
Hardware Wizard displays.
Note: If you are prompted with a
Windows XP Logo testing message,
click Continue Anyway.
b. Next you will be prompted to choose the
country where you are located.
Click Yes to accept this option.
If you choose No, you must read the
Windows XP documentation for an
explanation of how to use the Windows
XP wireless network configuration
utility
Found New Hardware Wizard
Enable NETGEAR Utility Configuration
c. Click Finish when done, and if prompted
restart your computer.
The MA11 1 system tray icon appears on
the lower right portion of the Windows
MA111 System Tray Icon
task bar.
Basic Setup 3-5
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Configure your MA111 and Save the Profile.
a. Click the icon on the Windows
desktop or in the system tray to open the
Click here to open the configuration utility.
Wireless Configuration Utility.
Tip: You can click Help to view
MA111 system tray icon
context-sensitive help.
b. Click the Configuration tab. Change the
Network Name SSID to match your
network.
Tip: You can select an available wireless
network from the drop-down list.
If your network uses WEP security,
select Enable Encryption. For more
information about configuring WEP,
click Help, or see
“Enabling Wireless
Security Features” on page 4-5.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
d. You can use the Profile tab to enter a
profile name and click Save Profile to
store the current settings.
Tip: If you use your desktop PC to
connect to a wireless network at work
and at home, create profiles called work
Wireless Configuration Utility page
and home. Then, activate whichever one
you need for wherever you are located.
3-6 Basic Setup
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Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with Any (first available
network that replies) for the wireless network
name SSID, and WEP disabled. If your WLAN
settings are different from the NETGEAR default
settings, you will not connect. Set up your MA111
accordingly.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter MA111
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Verify that the status monitor information at the bottom of the utility matches your
wireless network.
b. Check the color of the MA111 icon in the Windows system tray: green or yellow
indicates a working connection; red indicates no connection.
c. Check the MA111 LED: blinking means attempting to connect; solid indicates a good
connection; off means the MA111 is not plugged in.
d. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see “Troubleshooting” on page 3-13.
Basic Setup 3-7
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