NETGEAR WN121T User Manual

NETGEAR Next 300 Mbp s
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T User Manual

NETGEAR, Inc.

4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

202-10209-02
February 2007

Technical Support

For customer support see http://kbserver.netgear.com
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your support

information card.
E-mail: [e-mail]
North American NETGEAR website: 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.

© 2007 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

Maximum Wireless Signal Rate Derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 Specifications

Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic,
building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.

.

Safety and Regulatory Notices

FCC Statement

The WN121T has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide rea sonabl e pr otecti on ag ai nst harmful int erferen ce in a resi dentia l in stal lation. This

equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to 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 is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices

• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s

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v2.0, February 2007

• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by Netgear could void the user’s

authority to operate the device.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements

SAR Statement

The Netgear WN121T has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance.
The FCC has established detailed SAR requirements and has established that these requirements
have been met while installed in host notebook computer.

RF Exposure Information

The radio module has been evaluated under FCC Bulletin OET 65C (01-01) and found to be compliant to the
requirements as set forth in CFR 47 Sections, 2.1093, and 15.247 (b) (4) addressing RF Exposure from radio frequency
devices. This model meets the applicable government requirements for exposure to radio frequency waves. The highest
SAR level measured for this device was 0.442w/kg.

Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210 du Canada.

“To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from
windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to
licensing.”

“Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l’objet d’une licence, il doit être utilisé à
l’intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son
antenne d’émission) est installé à l’extérieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.”

Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity

A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WN121T product
package.

Èesky
[Czech]

Dansk
[Danish]

Deutsch
[German]

Eesti
[Estonian]

NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WN121T

ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR Next 300

Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T

relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless

USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T

und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB

2.0 Adapter WN121T

tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.

je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými

overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige

in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen

vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist

v2.0, February 2007

iii

English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0

Adapter WN121T

provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.

Español
[Spanish]

Ελληνική
[Greek]

Français
[French]

Italiano
[Italian]

Latviski
[Latvian]

Lietuviø
[Lithuanian]

Nederlands
[Dutch]

Malti
[Maltese]

Magyar
[Hungarian]

Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB

Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps

Wireless USB 2.0 Ad ap ter WN121T

otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps

Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T

ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps

Wireless USB 2.0 Ad ap ter WN121T

autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps

Wireless USB 2.0 Ad ap ter WN121T

disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter

WN121T

noteikumiem.
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0

atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem

Adapter WN121T

Hierbij verklaart

USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T

relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB

2.0 Adapter WN121T

hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB

2.0 Adapter WN121T

irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.

2.0 Adapter WN121T

stosownymi postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.

Português
[Portuguese]

Slovensko
[Slovenian]

Slovensky
[Slovak]

NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T

1999/5/CE.

está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva

NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T

ES.

v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/

NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WN121T

1999/5/ES.

is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant

cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera

ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ

est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux

è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre

atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.

NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless

in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere

jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn relevanti li

megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC

jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi

spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice

iv

v2.0, February 2007

Suomi
[Finnish]

Svenska
[Swedish]

NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WN121T

koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med

de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv
1999/5/EG.

tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä

Product and Publication Details

Model Number: WN121T
Publication Date: February 2007
Product Family: Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
Product Name: NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10209-02

v2.0, February 2007

v

vi

v2.0, February 2007

Contents

About This Manual

Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................................................................................... ix

How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................... x

How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................... x

Chapter 1
Basic Setup

What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................1-1

Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................1-1

Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ..................................................1-2

What Is in the Box ....................................................................................................1-2

Default Wireless Settings .........................................................................................1-2

Installation ......................................................................................................................1-3

Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................1-6

Icon Colors ...............................................................................................................1-7

Smart Wizard Status Bar ..........................................................................................1-7

Removing the Software ..................................................................................................1-9

Upgrading the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Software .......................................................1-9

Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security

Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility ...........................................................2-1

Understanding the Smart Wizard ...................................................................................2-2

Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area ........................................................................2-2

Finding a Network ...........................................................................................................2-4

Profiles ............................................................................................................................2-5

Adding Profiles .........................................................................................................2-5

Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router ........................................2-6

Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile ....................................................2-7

Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection ...........................2-9

Wireless Security ..........................................................................................................2-10

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vii

Know Your Wireless Network Settings ...................................................................2-10

Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................ 2-11

Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................2-12

Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ....................................................................................2-13

Setting up WPA-PSK Security ......................................................................................2-15

Advanced Settings ........................................................................................................2-16

Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................2-17

About Page ...................................................................................................................2-18

Chapter 3
Wireless Network Performance

Optimizing Wireless Performance ..................................................................................3-1

Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth ..............................................................................3-3

Overview of Home and Small Office Networking Technologies ......................................3-4

Assessing Your Speed Requirements ......................................................................3-5

Chapter 4
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................4-1

Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly ..........................................................................4-2

Appendix A
Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications

Default Configuration Settings ....................................................................................... A-1

Technical Specifications ................................................................................................. A-2

Appendix B
Related Documents

viii

v2.0, February 2007

About This Manual

The NETGEAR® Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121 T User Manual describes how
to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T. The information in this manual is intended for readers with intermediate computer and
Internet skills.

Conventions, Formats, and Scope

The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following paragraphs:

• Typographical Conventions. This manual uses the following typographical conventions:

Italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names

Bold User input

• Formats. This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:

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

Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.

• Scope. This manual is written for the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter

according to these specifications:

Product Version NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T
Manual Publication Date February 2007

v2.0, February 2007

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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual

For more information about network technologies, see the links to the NETGEAR website in

Appendix B, “Related Documents”.

Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at

http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WN121T.asp.

How to Use This Manual

The HTML version of this manual includes the following:

• Buttons, and , for browsing forwards or backwards through the manual one page
at a time

• A button that displays the table of contents and an button. Double-click on a
link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the
manual.

• A button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the product
model.

• Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.

How to Print this Manual

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

• Printing a Page in the HTML View.
Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Use the Print

button on the browser toolbar to print the page contents.

• Printing a Chapter.
Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.

– Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page in the chapter you want to

print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.

– Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view and

print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe website at

http://www.adobe.com.

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v2.0, February 2007

NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual

– 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 and printer ink by selecting this feature.

• Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manua l link at the top left of any page.
– Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page in the manual. The PDF

version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.

– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.

Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can

save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

v2.0, February 2007

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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual

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v2.0, February 2007

Chapter 1

Basic Setup

The NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T lets you connect a PC
computer to wireless networks. It is designed for PC computers running Microsoft Windows. For
information about product features and compatible NETGEAR products, see the NETGEAR
website at http://www.netgear.com.

This chapter describes how to install your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter and set up basic wireless
connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network set up is
covered in Chapter 2, “Network Connections and Wireless Security”.

What You Need Before You Begin

You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network settings of the wireless network where you will connect before you can set up
your VPN firewall and connect.

Verify System Requirements

Before installing the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter, make sure that these minimum requirements have
been met. You must have a computer with:

• A Pentium

•A CD drive.

• 5 MB of free hard disk space.

• Windows Vista, Windows XP SP1 with KB822603 hot fix, Windows XP SP2, or Windows
2000 SP4.

300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.

Note: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your computer, the throughput of the

Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.

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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual

Note: Windows XP users must have SP2 installed or the KB822603 Hot fix for SP1,

which fixes the USB 2.0 Host controller driver. Go to the following link to install
the Hot fix: http://www.microsoft.com

Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines

Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based
on the location of the computer with the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. For best results, avoid
potential sources of interference, such as:

• Large metal surfaces

• Microwave ovens

• 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.

What Is in the Box

The product package should contain the following items:

• NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T

• Installation Guide

• NETGEAR CD, including:
– Driver and Configuration Utility Software
– NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual (this

document)

• 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.

Default Wireless 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 need the
wireless network and wireless security settings that are already defined.

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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual

Your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter factory default basic settings are:

• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)

Note: In order for the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to communicate with a wireless

access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be set up to use the same
wireless network name (SSID).

• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc): Infrastructure

• Data security WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK encryption: Disabled

Installation

The instructions in this chapter are for an Access Point (Infrastructure) installation. Wireless
security, advanced settings, and Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) instructions are covered in

Chapter 2, “Network Connections and Wireless Security”.

To install the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter:

1. First, install the WN121T software.
Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the CD main page does not appear, double click Autorun.exe on

the CD.
a. Click Install the Software. The Check for Updates window opens.

Figure 1-1

b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to

install from the CD.

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v2.0, February 2007

NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual

c. When the Installation Complete message appears, click Next.

2. Now, connect the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.

Figure 1-2

a. Locate an available USB port on your computer.
b. Insert the end of the cable on the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter into the USB port.
c. The Found New Hardware Wizard opens. Follow the wizard prompts.

3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your VPN firewall.
a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless

adapter with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration
utilities.

Figure 1-3

• NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and

makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems.

1-4

v2.0, February 2007