NETGEAR WG121 User Manual

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

NETGEAR, Inc.

4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

Version v1.0 September 2003

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.

©2003 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 2003

Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer

It is hereby certified that the Model WG121 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 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

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 WG121 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 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

iii

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

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 d etails 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

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 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

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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121) 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-WG121

vii

viii

Chapter 1 About This Manual

Audience, Scope, Conventions ......................................................................................1-1

How to Use this Manual ..................................................................................................1-2

How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3

Chapter 2 Introduction

About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 ...............................2-1

Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................2-1

What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-2

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

WG121 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ................ ............................................ 3-3

Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-4

For Windows XP Users Installing a WG121 .............................................................3-4

For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WG121 ...........................................3-8

WG121 Wireless Connection Indicators .......................................................................3-12

Interpreting the LED on the WG121 .......................................................................3-12

Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................3-13

Troubleshooting .................................................. .......................................................... 3-14

Basic Tips ...............................................................................................................3-14

Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................3-15

Chapter 4 Configuration

Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................4-1

Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................4-1

Contents ix

Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ............................................4-2

How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile ......................... ............................4-2

Connecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc Mode ....................................................................4-3

How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode Profile ......... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-3

How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network .......................................4-6

Enabling Wireless Security Features ........................ .................... ................... ...............4-6

Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings ...........4-6

How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................4-7

Statistics Page ..........................................................................................................4-9

Advanced Settings Page ..........................................................................................4-9

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

Authentication and WEP ........................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .............................. B-2

802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. B-3

Open System Authentication .............................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ....................... B-3

Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... B-4

Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ B-5

Key Size .................................................................................................................. B-6

WEP Configuration Options ................................................ ... ... ... .... ... .................... B-6

Wireless Channels ....................... .... ... ... ... ..................................................................... B-7

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 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

x Contents

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 xi

xii Contents

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

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 54 Mbps W i reless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD, and on the NETGEAR Web site.

This manual uses the following typographical conventions:

Table 1. Typographical conventions

italics Emphasis.

bold times roman 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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Manual Part Number Manual Publication Date September 2003

Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at

www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Documentation updates are available on the

NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at www.netgear.com/docs.

About This Manual 1-1

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

How to Use this Manual

The HTML version of this manual includes these features.

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 v i ew the HTML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later 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, each page of the

manual includes a link at the top right which links to a PDF file containing just the currently selected chapter of the manual.

1-2 About This Manual

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

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. A new browser window opens showing the PDF version of the chapter you were

viewing. – 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 PDF button. A new browser window opens showing the PDF version of the chapter

you were viewing. – 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

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

1-4 About This Manual

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

Chapter 2

Introduction

This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121.

About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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 cable or DSL Internet access among multiple PCs in and around your home. It is designed for PC computers running Micros oft USB 2.0 device and works is backwards compatible with USB 1.1 ports.

Windows®. It is a

Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer at up to 54 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 WG121 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11g 54 Mbps WLAN connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. It works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.

Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products

The WG121 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter provides the following features:

• Reliable IEEE 802.11g and b standards-based wireless technology.

• 54 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

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WG121 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter:

• WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router

• WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

• WGR614 54 Mbps Wireless Router

• WG511T 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card

• MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

• MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card

• ME102 802.11b Wireless Access Point

• MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter

• MR814 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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

• 5 foot USB cable

• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 (M-10205-01)

• NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD, including: — Driver and Configuration Utility Software — User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 — Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial — 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.

2-2 Introduction

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 has two interfaces:

• The USB 2.0 connector connects to any PC with an available USB port.

• The wireless antenna of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 can be adjusted to optimize wireless communications. The LEDs indicate if the WG121 is connected to a powered on PC, and the wireless link condition and signal quality of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 with another wireless node or the associated access point.

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.

Introduction 2-3

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 with the settings from step 1.

1. Assure that the wireless network has security features enabled.

2. Configure my WG121 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 WG121 and all NETGEAR wireless networking products.

To set up the WG121, see

Chapter 3, “Basic Setup” and

follow the instructions provided. To learn about wireless

networking technology, see

Appendix B, “Wireless Networking Basics” for a

general introduction.

To learn about wireless networking security, see

“Authentication and WEP” on page B-2.

To use WEP security features, see “Enabling Wireless Security

Features” on page 4-6 and

configure your WG121 accordingly.

2-4 Introduction

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

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

“Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode” 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 WG121 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 54 Mbps

Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD and the

Help information provided in the Windows system you are using. .

Introduction 2-5

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

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

Appendix C, “Preparing Your PCs for Network Access” 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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD and the Help

information provided in the Windows system you are using.

2-6 Introduction

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

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.

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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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

User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121

2-8 Introduction

Chapter 3

Basic Setup

This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 provides highly ef fective security features which are covered in “Enabling Wireless Security Features” on page 4-6 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 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121, 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.

Note: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your PC, the throughput of the WG121 will be limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.

•A CD-ROM drive.

• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.

Basic Setup 3-1

300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an

+ 56 hidden pages