NETGEAR WAG511 User Guide
User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10041-01
Version v2.0
September 2004
202-10041-01 September 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
September 2004
.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WAG511 Wireless PC Card 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
2
202-10041-01 September 2004
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 instructions for correct handling.
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
In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, the user is advised to maintain a
distance of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the antenna of this device while it is in use.
Declaration Of Conformity
We NETGEAR, Inc., 4500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, declare under our sole responsibility that
the model WAG511 CardBus Card Wireless 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 reasonable 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.
202-10041-01 September 2004
3
NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved byNETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate
the equipment.
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
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 EFTA 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.
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
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 product is certified for Switzerland and all countries of the European Community, except France and Spain.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations
This digital apparatus (NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511) 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-WAG511v2
4
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Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Conventions, Publication Date ......................................................................1-1
How to Navigate this Manual ..........................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................ 2-1
802.11a and 802.11b/g Wireless Networking ........................................................... 2-2
Related NETGEAR Products ..........................................................................................2-2
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-3
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................................2-3
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
WAG511 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ..........................................................3-3
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-4
For Windows XP Users Installing a WAG511 ...........................................................3-4
For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WAG511 .........................................3-8
WAG511 Wireless Connection Indicators .....................................................................3-12
Interpreting the LED on the WAG511 .....................................................................3-12
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................3-13
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................3-13
Basic Tips ...............................................................................................................3-14
Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................3-14
Chapter 4
Netgear Smart Wireless Wizard
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................4-1
Contents 1
202-10041-01 September 2004
Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................4-1
Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ............................................4-2
How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile .....................................................4-3
Connecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc Mode .................................................................... 4-4
How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode Network ............................................................ 4-5
What’s on the Statistics Page? .................................................................................4-7
Understanding the Advanced Settings Page ...........................................................4-8
Chapter 5
Wireless Security Configuration
Understanding the Security Options ............................................................................... 5-1
Using WEP Security .......................................................................................................5-2
Basic Requirements for WEP ................................................................................... 5-2
WEP Security Settings Worksheet ...........................................................................5-3
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................5-4
Using WPA Advanced Security ...................................................................................... 5-5
Basic Requirements for WPA ................................................................................... 5-6
WPA Security Settings Worksheet ...........................................................................5-7
How to Configure WPA Advanced Security .............................................................5-8
Using WPA-PSK Advanced Security ..............................................................................5-9
Basic Requirements for WPA-PSK ..........................................................................5-9
WPA-PSK Security Settings Worksheet .................................................................5-10
How to Configure WPA-PSK Advanced Security ...................................................5-10
Using 802.1x Advanced Security .................................................................................. 5-11
Basic Requirements for 802.1x ..............................................................................5-12
802.1x Security Settings Worksheet ......................................................................5-12
How to Configure 802.1x Advanced Security .........................................................5-13
Using Cisco-LEAP Advanced Security .........................................................................5-15
Basic Requirements for Cisco-LEAP .....................................................................5-15
Cisco-LEAP Security Settings Worksheet .............................................................. 5-15
How to Configure Cisco-LEAP Advanced Security ................................................5-16
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ...................................................................................... B-1
2 Contents
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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
802.11b/g Wireless Channels ........................................................................... B-3
802.11a Legal Power Output and Wireless Channels ...................................... B-4
Wireless Security Overview ........................................................................................... B-6
WEP Overview .............................................................................................................. B-7
WEP Authentication ................................................................................................ B-7
WEP Keys ............................................................................................................... B-9
How to Use WEP Parameters ............................................................................... B-10
802.1x Port Based Network Access Control .................................................................B-11
WPA Wireless Security ................................................................................................ B-13
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ...................................................................... B-14
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ B-15
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... B-15
WPA Data Encryption Key Management .............................................................. B-19
Is WPA Perfect? .................................................................................................... B-20
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-20
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 Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-1
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings 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 Verify 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
List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... D-1
Contents 3
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Index
4 Contents
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus
WAG511. The WAG511 provides connection for multiple personal computers to the Internet
through an external broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL modem).
Audience, Conventions, Publication Date
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic-to-intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, firewall, and networking technology tutorial
information is provided in the Appendices.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold User input
fixed font Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
This guide 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 f according to these specifications.:
Table 1-1. Firmware Version and Manual Publication Date
Manual Publication Date September 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’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
How to Navigate this Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes a variety of navigation features as well as links to PDF
versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
1
2
3
Figure 1-1: HTML version of this manual
1. Left pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, and Search tabs.
To view the HTML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later Internet Explorer
or Netcsape Navigator browser with JavaScript enabled.
2. Toolbar buttons. Use the toolbar buttons across the top to navigate, print pages, and more.
The Show in Contents button locates the current topic in the Contents tab.
Previous/Next buttons display the previous or next topic.
The PDF button links to a PDF version of the full manual.
The Print button prints the current topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your
printer--you do not have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
3. Right pane. Use the right pane to view the contents of the manual. Also, at the top right of
each page of the manual is a link to a PDF file containing just the
currently selected chapter of the manual.
1-2 About This Manual
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you man choose one of the following several options, according to your
needs.
• Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button on
the upper right of the toolbar to print the currently displayed topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your printer--you do not
have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
• Printing a Chapter. Use the link at the top right of any page.
– Click “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
Note: Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view
and print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper an printer ink by selecting this feature.
• Printing the Full Manual. Use the PDF button in the toolbar at the top right of the browser
window.
– Click the PDF button on the upper right of the toolbar. The PDF version of the
chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper an printer ink by selecting this feature.
About This Manual 1-3
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
1-4 About This Manual
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and a road map of typical applications for
the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511.
The WAG511 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 access in and around your home. It is designed for notebook computers
®
running Microsoft
CardBus slot.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer at up to 108 Mbps for maximum throughput
or dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or operating limitations in an
environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference.
The WAG511 provides reliable, standards-based 802.11a/b/g wireless connectivity that is
protected with the strongest industry-standard WPA and WEP security. In addition, it offers the
faster 54 Mbps speeds of the 802.11a and g standards as well as the 108 Mbps speeds of the
proprietary options included with this adapter. It works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP
operating systems.
Windows®. It is 32-bit CardBus compatible and works in any available
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WAG511 Wireless PC Card provides the following features:
• 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards-based wireless networking.
• AutoCell provides improved roaming between access points, and advanced automated RF
management that improves performance and enhances security.
Note: AutoCell provides additional valuable benefits that are available in wireless
networks that support this technology. Netgear products that support this mode have
this icon on the product.
• 108 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.
Introduction 2-1
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Note: 108 Mbps speed is only available in wireless networks that support this
proprietary mode. Netgear products that support this mode have this icon on the
product packaging.
• High level of data encryption using WPA, CISCO LEAP, or 128-bit Shared Key WEP data
encryption method. A lower level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to
simplify your network setup or to improve data transfer rate.
802.11a and 802.11b/g Wireless Networking
The WAG511 Wireless PC Card provides 802.11a-, b-, and g-compliant wireless communications,
providing continuous, high-speed up to 108 Mbps access to your wireless network. The WAG511
provides:
• 802.11a Standards-based wireless networking at up to 54 Mbps.
• 802.11b Standards-based wireless networking at up to 11 Mbps.
• 802.11g Standards-based wireless networking at up to 54 Mbps.
• WPA enterprise class strong security with RADIUS and certificate authentication as well as
dynamic encryption key generation.
• WPA-PSK pre-shared key authentication without the overhead of RADIUS servers but with
all of the strong security of WPA.
• IEEE 802.1x offers an effective framework for authenticating and controlling user traffic to a
protected network, as well as dynamically varying encryption keys.
• CISCO LEAP protocol support which is used to authenticate access by a wireless client to a
wireless access point, typically a Cisco base station.
• 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption security.
• WEP keys can be generated manually or by passphrase.
Related NETGEAR Products
The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WAG511 Wireless
PC Card:
• WG302 NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless Access Point 802.11g
• WG102 NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless Access Point 802.11g
• WGU624 Dual 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router
• WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
• WGT634U 108 Mbps Wireless Storage Router
• WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point
• WGR614 54 Mbps Wireless Router
• WAB102 Dual Band Access Point
• WAB501 Dual Band PC Card
• MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
• ME102 802.11b Wireless Access Point
• MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter
• MR814v2 802.11b Wireless Routers
• MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
• NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511 Resource CD, including:
— Driver and Configuration Utility Software
— User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
— Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial
— PC Networking Tutorial
• Warranty card
• 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
Introduction 2-3
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
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.
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?
Connect to a
wireless
network
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
1. A wireless network
2. A notebook 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
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment that supports
encryption, such as the
WAG511 and all
NETGEAR wireless
networking products.
1. Identify the
wireless network
name (SSID) and,
if used, the
wireless security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR Dual
Band Wireless PC
Card 32-bit
CardBus WAG511
with the settings
from step 1.
1. Assure that the
wireless network
has security
features enabled.
2. Configure my
WAG511 with the
security settings of
the wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security features.
To set up the WAG511, 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
“Wireless Networking Overview”
on page B-1.
To understand WEP security
features, see “WEP Overview”
on page B-7.”
To understand WPA security
features, see “WPA Wireless
Security” on page B-13.”
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 implement are in
addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?
Connect to the
Internet over my
wireless
network.
1. An active Internet
connection like those from
cable or DSL service
providers.
2. A wireless network
connected to an Internet
service through a router as
illustrated in “Connecting
to an Access Point in
Infrastructure Mode” on
page 4-4.
3. TCP/IP Internet networking
software installed and
configured on my notebook
PC according to the
requirements of the
Internet service provider.
4. A browser like Internet
Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
1. Activate my
wireless link and
verify my network
connection.
2. Open an Internet
browser such as
Internet Explorer
or Netscape
Navigator.
To configure your WAG511 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 Dual Band
Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WAG511 Resource CD
and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
.
Introduction 2-5
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected
notebook
computer and
other
computers in a
my combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. The notebook computer I
am using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
be configured with the
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The notebook computer 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.
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.
For assistance with Windows
networking software, see
Appendix , “Preparing Your
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” 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 Dual Band Wireless
PC Card 32-bit CardBus
WAG511 Resource CD and the
Help information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?
Use printers in
a combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. The notebook computer I
am using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
be configured with the
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The notebook computer 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.
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 notebook
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.
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 Dual Band Wireless
PC Card 32-bit CardBus
WAG511 Resource CD 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.
Introduction 2-7
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2-8 Introduction
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Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WAG511 and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN). Advanced wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 4, “Netgear Smart
Wireless Wizard” 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 Dual Band Wireless
PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511 provides highly effective security features which are
covered in “Wireless Security Configuration” on page 5-1 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 PC card and connect.
Verifying System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511, please
make sure that these minimum requirements have been met:
• You must have a notebook PC with a Pentium
an available CardBus slot.
Note: The WAG511 will not work in a PCMCIA slot. If you are not sure about what type of
slot your computer has, consult the documentation or manufacturer’s web site for your
computer.
•A CD-ROM drive.
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
Basic Setup 3-1
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®
300 MHz or higher compatible processor with
User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
• Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, 2000, Me, 98SE or 98
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WAG511 driver software.
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 Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WAG511. 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 WAG511 Wireless PC Card 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 WAG511 Wireless PC Card.
Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered below.
Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in
Chapter 4, “Netgear Smart Wireless Wizard” of this manual.
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
WAG511 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 WAG511 factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the WAG511 Wireless PC Card 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 WAG511 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.
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Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows XP Users Installing a WAG511
Install the WAG511 driver and
configuration utility software.
a. Power on your notebook, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the WAG511
into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main
page shown at the right will load.
c. Click Install Driver and Utility.
WAG511 Resource CD
d. Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps,
and click Finish when done to restart
your computer.
InstallShield Wizard
Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning
appears, click Continue Anyway to proceed.
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Insert the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless
PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511.
a. Locate an available CardBus slot on the
side of your notebook. Hold the PC Card
with the NETGEAR logo facing up and
insert it into the CardBus slot.
After a short delay, the Found New
Hardware Wizard displays.
Follow the prompts to complete the
wizard.
b. Next you will be prompted to enable the
NETGEAR Smart Wireless Settings
Utility configuration utility.
Click Ye s 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
You will also be prompted to choose the
country you are located in. Select your
location from the list.
c. Click Finish to complete the installation.
You will see the WAG511 system tray
icon on the lower right portion of the
Windows task bar.
Found New Hardware Wizard
Note: Click Continue Anyway if you are
prompted with a Windows XP Logo
testing message.
Enable NETGEAR Utility Configuration
WAG511 System Tray Icon
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Configure your WAG511.
a. Click the icon on the Windows
desktop or in the system tray to open the
WAG511 Smart Wireless Settings
Click here to open the configuration utility.
Utility.
The utility opens to the Settings tab
WAG511 system tray icon
page.
b. For the Network Name (SSID), use the
default of
type an SSID for
Any (first available network) or
your network.
Tip: As an alternative to typing in the
SSID, you can use the drop-down list or
the Networks tab to view the available
wireless networks, and choose the one
you want.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
The status monitor icons at the bottom of
the utility will turn yellow indicating the
connection is established, and will also
report the speed, signal quality, and if the
security requirements are met.
You can also enter a profile name and
click Save Profile to store the current
settings.
Tip: Create profiles called work and
home. Then, activate whichever one you
need for your current location.
Smart Wireless Utility Settings page
Tip: Click Help to view the context-sensitive help
information.
Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with Any (first available
network) 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 WAG511
accordingly.
Note: This procedure assumes you are
connecting to a wireless network which is not
using WEP security. If your network includes
security settings, configure the WAG511
accordingly. For help with these steps, click the
Help button in the WAG511 Configuration Utility to
view context- sensitive help information, or see
Chapter 5, “Wireless Security
Configuration” .
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Verify that your Connection and Status Monitor information matches your wireless
network.
b. Check the two LEDs on the WAG511:
LED 2
Table 3-1: LED Descriptions
LED 1
LED 1 LED 2 Meaning
Slow blink OFF Power save mode (default from power up or reset)
Alternate
blink
Slow blink Slow blink Associated or joined with network; no activity
Fast blink Fast blink Associated or joined with network; blink rate increases
OFF OFF No power applied to the card
Alternate
blink
Looking for network association
Power LED goes ON; Network LED is OFF; then Power
LED goes OFF and Network LED goes ON
with activity on the network over the air or locally on the
network
c. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see troubleshooting tips in the Basic Installation section of
the Reference Manual on the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus
WAG5 11 Reso urc e CD.
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WAG511
Install the WAG511 driver and
configuration utility software.
Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be
logged on with administrator rights.
a. Power on your notebook, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the WAG511
into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main
page shown at the right will load.
c. Click Install Driver and Utility.
d. Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps,
click Finish when done, and if
prompted, restart your computer.
WAG511 Resource CD
InstallShield Wizard
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Insert the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless
PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511.
a. Locate an available CardBus slot on the
side of your notebook. Hold the PC Card
with the NETFGEAR logo facing up and
insert it into the CardBus slot.
After a short delay, the Found New
Hardware Wizard displays.
b. Follow the Found New Hardware
Wizard steps, click Finish when done,
and if prompted, restart your computer.
c. Next, you will be prompted to choose the
country where you are located. Select
your location from the list.
You should see the WAG511 system tray
icon on the right in the lower right
portion of the Windows task bar and on
the Windows desktop.
Found New Hardware Wizard
Note: If Windows warns about a Digital
Signature Not Found, click Ye s to continue.
WAG511 System Tray Icon
Basic Setup 3-9
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User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WAG511
Configure your WAG511 and save the
Profile.
a. Click the icon on the Windows
desktop or in the system tray to open the
WAG511 Smart Wireless Settings
Utility.
The utility opens to the Settings tab
page.
b. For the Network Name (SSID), use the
default of
type an SSID for
Any (first available network) or
your network.
Tip: As an alternative to typing in the
SSID, you can use the drop-down list or
the Networks tab to view the available
wireless networks, and choose the one
you want.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
The status monitor icons at the bottom of
the utility will turn yellow indicating the
connection is established, and will also
report the speed, signal quality, and if the
security requirements are met.
d. You can also 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
and home. Then, activate whichever one
you need for wherever you are located.
Click here to open the configuration utility.
WAG511 system tray icon
WAG511 Configuration Utility
Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with Any (first available
network) 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 WAG511
accordingly.
Note: This procedure assumes you are
connecting to a wireless network which is not
using WEP security. If your network includes
security settings, configure the WAG511
accordingly. For help with these steps, click the
Help button in the WAG511 Configuration Utility to
view context- sensitive help information, or see
Chapter 5, “Wireless Security
Configuration” .
3-10 Basic Setup
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