NETGEAR WG511NA, WG511 User Manual
June 2005
202-10049-01
Version v2.0
June 2005
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
User Manual for the
NETGEAR 54 Mbps
Wireless PC Card
WG511 v2
ii
June 2005
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at http://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: http://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.
©2005 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 2005
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WG511 v2 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 complianc e with the regulations.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency
Notice
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
Warning!
T o comply with the FCC’ s of ex posure requirements
you must maintain a distance of at least 1 cm from
the antenna of this device while it is in use. This
device should not be co-located with other
transmitters.
June 2005
iii
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: 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 generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the inst ructi ons, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this e quipment 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 of more of the following measures: (1) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, (2)
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver, (3) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is conn ected, (4) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technici an for
help.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environmen t. In order to avoid
the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less
than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations
This digital apparatus (NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2) 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.
FCC ID: PY3WG511-F
Canada ID: 4054A-WG511F
CE0336!
Japan ID: 003NY03050
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WG51 1 v2
Publication Date: June 2005
Product Family: wireless access point
Product Name: NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10049-01
June 2005
iv
Contents v
June 2005
Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 ........................................1-1
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................1-1
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................1-2
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................. ... .... ........1-3
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................2-1
Verifying System Requirements ...............................................................................2-1
Observing Location and Range Guidelines ..............................................................2-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................2-2
WG511 v2 Default Wireless Configuration Settings .......................................................2-2
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................2-3
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG511 v2 ........................................................2-3
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WG511 v2 ..................................2-6
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................2-7
The Smart Wizard Status Bar ...................................................................................2-8
The System Tray Icon Colors ...................................................................................2-9
WG511 v2 LEDs .............. ... ... .... ................................... ... .................................... ... ..2-9
Removing the WG511 v2 Software ...............................................................................2-10
Upgrading the WG511 v2 Software ..............................................................................2-10
Chapter 3
Configuring Wireless Adapter Settings
Understanding the Smart Wizard Options ......................................................................3-1
Using Profiles .................................................................................................................3-1
Adding Profiles ...... .................................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .................................... ... ..3-2
Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ............................................3-2
Setting up an Access Point Mode Profile .................................................................3-3
Connecting to Another PC in Ad Hoc Mode ...................................................................3-4
Setting up an Ad Hoc Mode Profile ................. ......................................................... 3-5
June 2005
vi Contents
How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network ..... ... ... ............................3-7
Hidden Networks ............................................................................................................3-7
Enabling Wireless Security Features ..................... .................... ................... ..................3-9
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings .........3-10
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ..........................................................3-11
How to Configure WPA-PSK Security ....................................................................3-12
Advanced Settings Button ......................................................................................3-13
Networks Page .............................................................................................................3-14
Using the Connection Wizard to Connect to a Network .........................................3-15
Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................3-16
About Page ...................................................................................................................3-17
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................4-1
Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................4-2
XP Professional and XP Home occasional connection problems ..................................4-3
Appendix A............................................................................................................................A1
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
WPA Wireless Security .................................................................................................. B-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ B-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? .......................................................... B-9
Contents vii
June 2005
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... B-10
Is WPA Perfect? .............................. ... .................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ......... B-16
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-16
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-5
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................... ....................... ....... C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 ......................................... C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP .....................................................C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 ..................................................C-9
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-10
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................G-1
June 2005
viii Contents
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Introduction 1-1
June 2005
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps
Wireless PC Card WG511 v2.
About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 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 notebook computers running Micro soft
®
Windows®. It is
both 16-bit PCMCIA and 32-bit CardBus compatible and works in any available PCMCIA or
CardBus slot.
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 WG511 v2 Wireless PC Card provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b 11 Mbps WLAN
connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. In addition, it offers the faster speeds
of the 802.11g standard. It works with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WG511 v2 Wireless PC Card provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11g and b standards-based wireless technology.
• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode.
• 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
1-2 Introduction
June 2005
• 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 setu p or to
improve data transfer rate.
• WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) support.
The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WG511 v2
Wireless PC Card:
• WGT614 54 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router
• WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router
• WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point
• 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
• MR314 and MR814 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL 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 PC Card WG511 v2
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
• NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 Resource CD, including:
— Driver and Configuration Utility Software
— User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
• 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.
The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 has two interfaces:
• The PCMCIA Type II connector connects to any notebook PC with an available PCMCIA or
CardBus slot.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Introduction 1-3
June 2005
• The wireless interface of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 remains
outside of the notebook PC chassis when the wireless PC card is inserted into a notebook. The
LED indicates the wireless link condition and signal quality of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps
Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 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 ba rriers 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 1-1. 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
1. Identify the
wireless
network name
(SSID) and, if
used, the
wireless
security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR 54
Mbps Wireless
PC Card
WG51 1 v2 with
the settings
from step 1.
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 2-2.
To set up the WG511 v2, see
Chapter 2, “Basic Setup” and
follow the instructions provided.
To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix B, “Wireless
Networking Basics” for a
general introduction.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
1-4 Introduction
June 2005
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
1. Assure that the
wireless
network has
security
features
enabled.
2. Configure my
WG51 1 v2 with
the security
settings of the
wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security
features.
1. A wireless network with
authentication and WEP
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment that supports WEP
encryption, such as the
WG511 v2 and all NETGEAR
wireless networking products.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Authentication and WEP” on
page B-2.
To use WEP security features,
see “Hidden Networks” on
page 3-7 and configure your
WG511 v2 accordingly.
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 imple m e n t are in
addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
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 3-2.
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.
To configure your WG511 v2 in
Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic
Installation Instructions” on
page 2-3, 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 PC Card WG511 v2
Resource CD and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
.
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Introduction 1-5
June 2005
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected
notebook
computer 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 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.
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
PC Card WG511 v2 Resource
CD and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
1-6 Introduction
June 2005
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
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.
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.
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
PC Card WG511 v2 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.
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Basic Setup 2-1
June 2005
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 and
set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced
wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 3, “Configuring Wireless Adapter Settings”
in this manual.
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 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2, please make sure that
these minimum requirements have been met:
• You must have a Pentium® Class notebook computer with an available Cardbus slot.
•A CD drive.
• 5 MB of free hard disk space.
• Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, 2000, Me, or 98SE.
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WG511 v2 driver software.
Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.1 1 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
PC Card WG511 v2 provides highly effective security features which are covered in
“Hidden Networks” on page 3-7 in this manual. Deploy the security features
appropriate to your needs.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
2-2 Basic Setup
June 2005
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 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511
v2. 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 WG511 v2 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 WG511 v2 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 3, “Configuring Wireless Adapter Settings” of this manual.
WG511 v2 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Basic Setup 2-3
June 2005
Your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the WG511 v2 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 or WPA-PSK encryption: Disabled
The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card
WG511 v2 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 Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG511 v2
1. First, install the WG511 v2 software.
a. Insert the NETGEAR CD.
If the CD main
page does not appear, double click
autorun.exe on the CD.
b. Click the Install Driver & Utility link and
the Smart Wizard starts.
c. Follow the Wizard steps and click Next to
continue.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
2-4 Basic Setup
June 2005
d. The Connection Wizard opens and prompts you to
insert the wireless adapter.
2. Now, insert the wireless adapter.
You will be prompted to choose the country you are
located in. Select your location from the list.
3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless adapter.
a. Choose to configure your wireless adapter either
with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended)
or the Windows configuration utility.
b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
You will be asked if you want the Connection Wi zard
to guide you (recommended).
c. Click Finish to accept.
The Connection Wizard will show your progress and
record your choices
Note: If you choose the Windows
Zero Configuration option, you must
read the Windows XP documentation
for setup and configuration
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Basic Setup 2-5
June 2005
d. Select the wireless network from the dropdown list.
Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the
Network Name (SSID). These networks are included
in the dropdown list, but the Network Name (SSID)
is blank.
If the network uses security then the Smart Wizard
detects it.
e. Follow the Smart Wizard steps for Security (if used)
and for saving a Profile.
f. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
The Connection Wizard initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for
your wireless connection to be established. The Smart Wizard Wireless Assistant Settings
page opens.
4. Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity.
For more details about connecting, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” on
page 2-7.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
2-6 Basic Setup
June 2005
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WG511 v2
1. First, install the WG511 v2 software.
a. Insert the NETGEAR CD.
If the CD main
page does not appear, double click
autorun.exe on the CD.
b. Click the Install Driver & Utility link and
the Smart Wizard starts.
c. Follow the Wizard steps and click Next to
continue.
2. Now, insert the wireless adapter.
Follow the Windows prompts, and if instructed
to restart your computer, do so.
You will be prompted to choose the country you are located in. Select your location from the
list.
3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless adapter.
You will be asked if you want the Connection Wizard to
guide you (recommended).
a. Click Finish to accept.
The Connection Wizard will show your progress and
record your choices
b. Select the wireless network from the dropdown list.
Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the
Network Name (SSID). These networks are included
in the dropdown list, but the Network Name (SSID)
is blank.
If the network uses security then the Smart Wizard
detects it.
c. Follow the Smart Wizard steps for Security (if used)
and for saving a Profile.
d. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Basic Setup 2-7
June 2005
The Connection Wizard initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for
your wireless connection to be established. The Smart Wizard Wireless Assistant Settings
page opens.
4. Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity.
For more detailed information about connecting, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and
the Internet” on page 2-7.
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet
The WG511 v2 has indicators in three locations that show the status of your connection to a
wireless network and to the Internet:
• System Tray Icon: After you install the WG511 v2 software, the icon appears in the
lower right of the Windows task bar. It is color coded to show the status of the connection. See
“The Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 2-8
• Smart Wizard S tatus Bar: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard W ireless
Assistant. The status bar at the bottom of the page shows details about your wireless and
Internet connection.
• WG511 v2 Wireless PC Card LEDs: The two LEDs on the wireless card show the speed of
the network connection.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
2-8 Basic Setup
June 2005
The Smart Wizard Status Bar
Click the system tray icon to open the Smart Wizard so you can view the status bar. The Smart
Wizard Wireless Assistant Settings page opens.
Connection Status: The color shows the connection status.
Router/Internet Connection Indicator: This shows the
progress of your connection. If you right-click here and
disable Internet notification then only the IP address is
shown:
This connection indicator is useful in isolating a problem. For example, if you are connected to a
router, but not to the Internet, then check the router’s Internet connection.
Signal Strength: Shows the signal strength of the wireless network. If the signal is poor, then try
moving closer to the wireless access point.
Lock icon: Shows if security is used on the network.
Connection Indicator Description
Connected to Internet
or IP Address
Wireless Internet connection OK.
Connected to Router Wireless connection to router OK but
no Internet connection at router.
___.___.___.___ or
169.254..x.x
Wireless connection to a router OK
but problem with the router.
Signal Strength
Unlocked: Network does not use security
Locked: Network uses security
Router/Internet
Connection Indicator
Connection
Status
This is the default setting (unchecked).
The Status Bar shows the message
“Connected to Internet”.
If you check the box and click OK then
the Status Bar does not show the
“Connected to Internet” message.
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
Basic Setup 2-9
June 2005
The System Tray Icon Colors
The System Tray (SysTray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.
WG511 v2 LEDs
The two LEDs on the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2 indicate the condition of
wireless link.
Figure 2-1: WG511 v2 LEDs
Color Condition Description
Red The wireless PC Card has no
connection to any other
wireless node.
The wireless PC Card is not able to link to any other wireless
node or the link is lost. Check your configuration or try
moving to a location where the wireless signal quality is
better.
Yellow The wireless PC Card has a
connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless link is weak. You may deed to move to a better
spot, such as closer to the wireless access point. Also, look
for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz cordless phone
or large metal surface.
Green The wireless PC Card has a
connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless PC Card has established good communication
with an access point and the signal quality is strong.
LED Activity Description
Link - Green On
Blinking
The card is plugged in to the notebook PC.
Blinking indicates the WG511 is trying to establish a connection but is
unable to do so.
Activity - Amber On/Blinking
Off
The WG511 has a connection and is transmitting or receiving data.
There is no data transmission on the wireless network.
Link LED
Activity LED
User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
2-10 Basic Setup
June 2005
Removing the WG511 v2 Software
You can use the Resource CD to remove the wireless adapter software.
1. Insert the Resource CD in the computer where
you installed the software. The main page
opens.
2. Click the Install Software button. If the WG511
v2 software has been installed, the Smart
Wizard detects it.
3. Follow the steps of the Smart Wizard to remove
the software.
4. After the software has been removed the
following dialog box appears:
5. Take the WG511 v2 out of its slot and click OK.
Upgrading the WG511 v2 Software
Upgrades may be available at the NETGEAR Web site. To install an upgrade, follow these steps.
1. Write down the settings for any profiles that you want to save. They will not be retained.
2. Download the upgrade from the NETGEAR Web site Support page.
3. Remove the WG511 v2 software from your laptop computer.
You can use the NETGEAR Resource CD as described in the previous section to do this, or
you can use the Windows Control Panel “Add or Remove Programs” feature.
4. Remove the WG511 v2 adapter from your laptop computer, and if prompted restart your
laptop computer.
5. Run the installer that you downloaded (the file ends in .exe).
6. Follow the installer instructions, and if prompted, then restart your laptop computer.
Configuring Wireless Adapter Settings 3-1
June 2005
Chapter 3
Configuring Wireless Adapter Settings
This chapter describes how to configure your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511 v2
for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and use the data security
encryption features.
Understanding the Smart Wizard Options
The WG511 v2 Smart Wizard Installation Assistant provides a complete and easy to use set of
tools to:
• Choose the network you want to use
• Configure wireless settings
• Monitor wireless network connections
• Save your settings in profiles
• Remove or reinstall the wireless adapter software
The following sections in this chapter explain how to use the Smart Wizard.
Using Profiles
The WG511 v2 Smart Wizard uses profiles to store all the configuration settings for a particular
wireless network. There are two special profile names: Default and Profile.
Note: The instructions in this section refer to the NETGEAR WG51 1 v2 Smart Wizard.
If you are a Windows XP user and during the WG511 v2 installation you chose the
Windows XP configuration utility, then you must first disable the Windows XP
configuration utility. Open the network connections from the system tray icon, click the
Properties button, click the Wireless Networks tab and then clear the “Use Windows to
configure my wireless network settings” check box.
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