NETGEAR WGM511NA User Manual

December 2004

202-10068-01
Version 1.0
December 2004

NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

User Manual for the
NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless
PC Card WGM511

ii

December 2004

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: [e-mail]
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.

© 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

.

December 2004

Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer

It is hereby certified that the Model WGM511 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.

FCC Information to User

This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved an tennas only. Any
product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable r egulatory 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.

December 2004

iii

Declaration Of Conformity

We NETGEAR, Inc., 4500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, declare under our sole responsibility that
the model WGM511 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 harm ful 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.

Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved by NETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate
the equipment.

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.

NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards

FCC ID: SA3-AGN1023PC0200

December 2004

iv

Contents v

December 2004

Contents

Chapter 1
About This Manual

Audience ................................ ................ ................ ................ ................. ................ ........1-1

Scope .............................................................................................................................1-1

Typographical Conventions ............................................................................................1-2

Special Message Formats ..............................................................................................1-2

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

Chapter 2
Introduction

About the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 ............................................ ..2-1

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

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

WGM511 LEDs and Interfaces .......................................................................................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 Operating Modes ........ ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .................................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..3-2

WGM511 Default Wireless Configuration Settings .........................................................3-2

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

For Windows 2000 Users Installing a WGM511 .......................................................3-6

WGM511 Wireless Connection Indicators ......................................................................3-9

Interpreting the LEDs on the WGM511 ............................................... ... ... ... .... ... ...3-10

Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................3-10

Chapter 4
NETGEAR Smart Wireless Wizard

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

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

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

December 2004

vi Contents

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 Profile ..............................................................4-5

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

Statistics Page ..........................................................................................................4-7

Advanced Settings Display ......................................................................................4-9

Chapter 5
Wireless Security Configuration

Understanding the Security Options ...............................................................................5-1

Using WEP Security .......................................................................................................5-1

Basic Requirements for WEP ...................................................................................5-2

WEP Security Settings Worksheet ......................... ..................................................5-3

How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................5-4

Using the Wireless Zero Configuration Service for WPA-PSK Advanced Security ........5-5

Enabling Wireless Security Features ..................... .................... ................... ..................5-6

Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings ...........5-6

How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................5-7

Chapter 6
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Basic Tips ......................................................................................6-1

Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................6-2

Appendix A

Technical Specifications ......................................................................................................A1

Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics

Wireless Networking Overview ..................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... .... B-1

Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. B-1

Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ........................ .... ... ................................. B-1

Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ B-2

Wireless Channels .................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ................................... .... ... ... . B-2

WEP Wireless Security ............. ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ................................... .... ... ... . B-3

WEP Authentication .............. .... ... ... ... .... ... ................................... .... ... ... ... ... ........... B-3

WEP Open System Authentication ......................................................................... B-4

WEP Shared Key Authentication ............................................................................ B-5

How to Use WEP Parameters ................................................................................. B-7

WPA Wireless Security .................................................................................................. B-7

Contents vii

December 2004

How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ B-8

How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? .......................................................... B-8

What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ........................................................ B-9

Is WPA Perfect? ................................. .... ... ... ... ... .................................... ... ... .... ... .. B-14

Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-15

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 ...................................................................................................G-1

Index

December 2004

viii Contents

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

About This Manual 1-1

December 2004

Chapter 1

About This Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless P C Card WGM511. The
WGM511 provides connection for multiple personal computers to the Internet through an external
broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL modem).

Audience

This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, and firewall technology tutorial information is
provided in the Appendices, on the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 Resource CD,
and on the NETGEAR Web site.

Scope

This manual is written for the WGM511 Pre-N Wireless PC Card according to these
specifications.:

Table 1-1. Manual Specifications

Product Version NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511
Manual Publication Date December 2004

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

http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

1-2 About This Manual

December 2004

Typographical Conventions

This guide uses the following typographical conventions:

Special Message Formats

This guide uses the following formats to highlight special messages:

How to Print this Manual

To print this manual you may choose one of the following several options, according to your
needs.

• A Chapter. Use the “PDF of This Chapter” 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.

• 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 versio n 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.

Table 1. Typographical conventions

italics Emphasis.

bold User input.

Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

Introduction 2-1

December 2004

Chapter 2

Introduction

About the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and a road map of typical applications for
the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511.

The WGM511 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

®

Windows®. It is 32-bit CardBus compatible and works in any available

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 WGM511 provides reliable, standards-based 802.1 1b/ g wireless connectivity th at is protect ed
with WEP security . It works with Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. When used
with a router such as the NETGEAR

WGM124 router with Airgo’s True MIMO technology,

the WGM511 can provide 802.11g standards-based wireless networking at up to 108 Mbps.

Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products

The WGM511 Pre-N Wireless PC Card provides the following features:

• 802.11b and 802.11g standards-based wireless networking.

• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode.

• Fast 108 Mbps speed for ultra 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 Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

2-2 Introduction

December 2004

• High level of data encryption using the 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.

• 802.11g or 802.11b wireless networking.

What’s in the Box?

The product package should contain the following items:

• NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

• NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 Resource CD, including:
— Driver and Configuration Utility Software

— User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

— 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.

WGM511 LEDs and Interfaces

The NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 has two LEDs: Link and Act (Activity). The
Activity LED lights up and blinks when the card is active. The Link LED lights when the card is
connected to a wireless network

.

The NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 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 Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

Introduction 2-3

December 2004

• The wireless interface of the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 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 Pre-N Wireless PC
Card WGM511 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.

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.

1. Identify the wireless
network name (SSID)
and, if used, the
wireless security
settings.

2. Set up the WGM511
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 3-2.

To set up the WGM511, 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.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

2-4 Introduction

December 2004

Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.

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

2. Configure your
WGM511 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 WGM511 and all
NETGEAR wireless
networking products.

To learn about wireless
networking security, see

“WEP Wireless Security” on
page B-3.

T o use WEP security features,
see “Statistics Page” on

page 4-7 and configure your

WGM511 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 your wireless
link and verify your
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 your notebook PC
according to the
requirements of the
Internet service provider.

4. A browser like Internet
Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.

To configure your WGM511 in
Infrastructure mode, see

“Basic Installation
Instructions” on page 3-3, 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

Pre-N Wireless PC Card
WGM511 Resource CD and

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

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?

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

Introduction 2-5

December 2004

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
you are using to connect
to the wireless network
needs to be configured
with the Windows Client
and File and Print Sharing.

2. The notebook computer
you are 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 , “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 Pre-N

Wireless PC Card WGM511
Resource CD and the Help

information provided in the
Windows system you are
using.

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?

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

2-6 Introduction

December 2004

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
you are using to connect
to the wireless network
needs to be configured
with the Windows Client
and File and Print Sharing.

2. The notebook computer
you are 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 Pre-N

Wireless PC Card WGM511
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 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?

Basic Setup 3-1

December 2004

Chapter 3

Basic Setup

This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 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.

What You Need Before You Begin

You need to verify that 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 Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511, please make sure that these
minimum requirements have been met:

• You must have a computer with a Pentium® 300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an
available Cardbus slot.

•A CD drive.

• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.

• Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, or Windows 2000

• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WGM511 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 Pre-N Wireless PC
Card WGM511 provides highly effective security features, which are covered in

“Statistics Page” on page 4-7 in this manual. Deploy the security features appropriate to

your needs.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

3-2 Basic Setup

December 2004

Observing Location and Range Guidelines

Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which varies significantly based
on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511.
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 Operating Modes

The WGM511 Pre-N Wireless PC Card can operate in the following two 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
that 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 o f an AP. For example, Ad Hoc mode is
used when two Windows computers are config ured with file and print sharing enabled and you
want to exchange files directly between them.

Both of these configuration options are available with the WGM511 Pre-N 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.

WGM511 Default Wireless Configuration Settings

If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network
and verify wireless connectivity. If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you will
need to identify the wireless configuration and security parameters already defined.

Your NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 factory default basic settings are:

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

Basic Setup 3-3

December 2004

• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the WGM511 Pre-N 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 NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card
WGM511 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

Basic instructions for Windows XP Users and for Windows 2000 users are included. Use the
procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows that you use.

For Windows XP Users Installing a WGM511

Install the WGM511 software.

Note: During installation the following Windows messages may appear:

• Windows Logo testing warning: Click Continue Anyway.

• Update Drivers warning: Click Yes to proceed.

a. Power on your computer, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as

needed.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

3-4 Basic Setup

December 2004

b. Insert the Resource CD for the WGM511

into your CD drive. The Resource CD main
page loads.

Note: If the Resource CD main page does
not automatically load, browse to the CD
and double-click on autorun.exe.

c. Click the Install Driver & Utility link.

The NETGEAR Smart Wizard opens.

d. Follow the Smart Wizard steps, and click

Finish when done.

Install the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511.

a. Hold the WGM511 with the NETGEAR logo facing up and insert it into a CardBus slot in

your computer.
After a short delay the Found New

Hardware Wizard displays.

Found New Hardware Wizard

b. Select Install the software automatically

(Recommended) and click Next.
You will be prompted to enable the

NETGEAR Smart Wizard Wireless
Assistant.

c. Click Yes to accept this option.

If you choose No, you must read the
Windows XP documentation to learn how to
use hte Windows XP wireless network
configuration utillity.

d. Click Finish to complete the installation. Yo u will see the WGM511 system tray icon on

the lower right part of the Windows task bar.

Resource CD main page

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

Basic Setup 3-5

December 2004

Configure your WGM511 and save the profile.

a. Determine the current settings for your wireless access point, including the case-sensitive

SSID and WEP security settings, if used (64 or 128 bit, Passphrase (case-sensitive) or Key
# with ASCII and hexadecimal key).

b. Click the icon in the Windows system tray.

The Smart Wizard Wire less
Assistant opens to the Settings tab
page.

Settings tab page

c. Change the Network Name SSID

and security settings to match your
wireless access point.

• SSID: To view available

wireless networks, use the
drop-down list or the Networks
tab and choose the one you
want.

• Security: If your network

includes WEP settings, click the Security tab page and configure the WGM511
accordingly. For help with these steps, click the Help button in the WGM511 Smart
Wireless Wizard to view context-sensitive help information, or see

see Chapter 5,

“Wireless Security Configuration” .

d. Click Apply to activate the connection.

Tip: Create work and home profiles. Then, activate whichever one you need for your
current location.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

3-6 Basic Setup

December 2004

Verify wireless connectivity to your network.

• Use the status bar at the bottom of the Smart Wizard Wireless Assistant page to verify

your wireless network connection. Click the Help button to view the online help.

Signal strength

indicator

Help button

Unlocked: the wireless network does not use security
Locked: the wireless network uses security

Note: The status bar reports the speed of your connection. 108, 96, and 72 Mbps speeds
are only possible when your wireless network has a Pre-N access point or router such as
the NETGEAR WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router

• Check the color of the WGM511 icon in the Windows system tray: green or yellow

indicates a working connection; red indicates no connection.

• Check the WGM511 LEDs: The Activity LED lights up and blinks when the card is

active. The Link LED lights when the card is connected to a wireless network. Both LEDs
off means the WGM511 is not plugged in or does not have power. See

“Interpreting the

LEDs on the WGM511” on page 3-10.

• Verify connectivity to the Internet by opening a browser or verify access to network

resources such as files and printers.

Note: If you are unable to connect, see troubleshooting tips in Chapter 6, “Troubleshooting” .

For Windows 2000 Users Installing a WGM511

Install the WGM511 software.

Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be logged on with administrator rights.

a. Power on your computer, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as

needed.

b. Insert the Resour ce CD for the WGM511 into your CD drive. The Resource CD main page

loads.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

Basic Setup 3-7

December 2004

If the Resource CD main page does not automatically load, browse to the CD and double-click
on autorun.exe.

c. Click the Install Driver & Utility link to open the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
d. You will be prompted to choose the country you are located in. Select your location from

the list.

e. Follow the Smart Wizard steps.
f. Click Finish when done.
g. If prompted, restart your computer.

Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning appears, click Continue Anyway to
proceed.

Install the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511.

a. Hold the WGM511 with the NETGEAR logo facing up and insert it into a CardBus slot in

your computer.
After a short delay the Found New

Hardware Wizard displays.

Found New Hardware Wizard

Note: If Windows 2000 displays a Digital
Signature Not Found warning, click Yes to
continue.

b. Select Install the software automatically

(Recommended) and click Next.
You will be prompted to enable the

NETGEAR Smart Wizard Wireless
Assistant.

c. Click Yes to accept this option.

If you choose No, you must read the Windows XP documentation to learn how to use hte
Windows XP wireless network configuration utillity.

d. Click Finish to complete the installation. Yo u will see the WGM511 system tray icon on

the lower right part of the Windows task bar.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

3-8 Basic Setup

December 2004

Configure your WGM511.

a. Determine the current settings for your wireless access point, including the case-sensitive

SSID and WEP security settings, if used (64 or 128 bit, Passphrase (case-sensitive) or Key
# with ASCII and hexadecimal key).

b. Click the icon in the Windows system tray.

The Smart Wizard Wire less
Assistant opens to the Settings tab
page.

Settings tab page

c. Change the Network Name SSID

and security settings to match your
wireless access point.

• SSID: To view available

wireless networks, use the
drop-down list or the Networks
tab and choose the one you
want.

• Security: If your network

includes WEP settings, click the Security tab page and configure the WGM511
accordingly. For help with these steps, click the Help button in the WGM511 Smart
Wireless Wizard to view context-sensitive help information, or see

see Chapter 5,

“Wireless Security Configuration” .

d. Click Apply to activate the connection.

Tip: Create work and home profiles. Then, activate whichever one you need for your
current location.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

Basic Setup 3-9

December 2004

Verify wireless connectivity to your network.

• Use the status bar at the bottom of the Smart Wizard Wireless Assistant page to verify

your wireless network connection. Click the Help button to view the online help.

Signal strength

indicator

Help button

Unlocked: the wireless network does not use security
Locked: the wireless network uses security

Note: The status bar reports the speed of your connection. 108, 96, and 72 Mbps speeds
are only possible when your wireless network has a Pre-N access point or router such as
the NETGEAR WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router

• Check the color of the WGM511 icon in the Windows system tray: green or yellow

indicates a working connection; red indicates no connection.

• Check the WGM511 LEDs: The Activity LED lights up and blinks when the card is

active. The Link LED lights when the card is connected to a wireless network. Both LEDs
off means the WGM511 is not plugged in or does not have power. See

“Interpreting the

LEDs on the WGM511” on page 3-10.

• Verify connectivity to the Internet by opening a browser or verify access to network

resources such as files and printers.

Note: If you are unable to connect, see troubleshooting tips in Chapter 6, “Troubleshooting” .

WGM511 Wireless Connection Indicators

The NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM51 1 provides the followi ng in dicators, wh ich give
you feedback on the status of your wireless connection:

• The two LEDs on the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511 indicate the condition of
wireless link.

• The color of the System Tray icon on the taskbar in the Microsoft Window s deskto p indi cates
the status of the connection.

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511

3-10 Basic Setup

December 2004

Interpreting the LEDs on the WGM511

These LEDs are described in this table.

Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors

The System Tray (SysTray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.

Table 3-1. LED Descriptions

Act LED
(Activity)

Link LED Meaning

Fast Blink Off The WGM511 card is active.
Fast Blink or OnOn WGM511 is active and associated or joined with network. The blink rate

increases with activity on the network over the air or locally on the network.

Off Off WGM511 is not fully inserted into the CardBus slot, or no power is applied to

the card.

Table 3-2. System Tray Icon Descriptions

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 need 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.