NETGEAR WN311B User Manual
NETGEAR RangeMax
NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B User
Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10203-02
February 2007
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
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
Certification ID: FCC: PY306100041
IC: 4054A-06100041
The WN311B has been tested a nd complies with the specif ications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Par t 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
ii
v2.0, February 2007
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
• 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
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.
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 WN311B product
package.
Èesky
[Czech]
Dansk
[Danish]
Deutsch
[German]
NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR
RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
Anforderungen und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG
befindet.
je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými
overholder de væsentlige krav og
in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden
v2.0, February 2007
iii
Eesti
[Estonian]
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
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 RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Português
[Portuguese]
Slovensko
[Slovenian]
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless
PCI Adapter WN311B
tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
Adapter WN311B
provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
noteikumiem.
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem
Adapter WN311B
Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless
PCI Adapter WN311B
relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless
PCI Adapter WN311B
irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
Adapter WN311B
postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist
is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras
ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ
est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres
è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni
atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
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 stosownymi
NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
1999/5/CE.
está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva
NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
ES.
v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/
iv
v2.0, February 2007
Slovensky
[Slovak]
Suomi
[Finnish]
Svenska
[Swedish]
NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
ES.
spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/
NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
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: WN311B
Publication Date: February 2007
Product Family: Wireless PCI Adapter
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10203-02
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 ..................................................................................1-2
Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................1-2
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ..................................................1-2
WN311B Default Wireless Settings ................................................................................1-2
Installation ......................................................................................................................1-3
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................1-6
The WN311B Icon Colors .........................................................................................1-7
Smart Wizard Status Bar ..........................................................................................1-7
Removing the WN311B Software ...................................................................................1-8
Upgrading the WN311B 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 ........................................2-5
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
Using Wireless Security Features ................................................................................2-10
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vii
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 ......................................................................................2-14
Advanced Settings ........................................................................................................2-16
Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................2-16
About Page ...................................................................................................................2-17
Chapter 3
Wireless Network Performance
Optimizing Wireless Performance ..................................................................................3-1
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth ..............................................................................3-2
Overview of Home and Small Office Networking Technologies ......................................3-3
Assessing Your Speed Requirements ......................................................................3-4
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................4-1
Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly ..........................................................................4-3
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems .............................................................4-3
Appendix A
Default Settings and Technical Specifications
Default Settings ............................................................................................................. A-1
Technical Specifications ................................................................................................. A-2
Appendix B
Related Documents
viii
v2.0, February 2007
About This Manual
The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ NEXT W ir e less PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual describes how
to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B. 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
Fixed Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
• 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 WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter according to these
specifications:
Product Version NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
Manual Publication Date February 2007
v2.0, February 2007
ix
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
For more information about network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies, see the links to the
NETGEAR website in Appendix B, “R elated Documents”.
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WN311B.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 RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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 RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
xii
v2.0, February 2007
Chapter 1
Basic Setup
The WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter 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 PCI 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 Is in the Box
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
•The antenna
• NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311T Installation Guide
• Resource CD, including:
– Driver software
– Smart Wizard setup software
– Documentation including the NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT W ir eless PCI Adapter WN31 1 T
Installation Guide, and the NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
User Manual (this document)
• 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.
v2.0, February 2007
1-1
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and get the
wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can
configure your wireless PCI adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter, please make sure that these minimum
requirements have been met:
• Pentium
•CD drive
• 20 Mbytes of free hard disk space
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WN311B driver software
Observe Wireless 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 WN31 1B Wireless PCI Adapter. For best results,
avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz Cordless phones
®
III class computer with an available PCI slot
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.
WN311B 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 will
need to identify the wireless network and wireless security settings that are already defined.
1-2 Basic Setup
v2.0, February 2007
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
Your WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the WN311B W ireless PCI 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 explain how to install the WN31 1B to connect to a network with an
access point or router. Wireless security, advanced settings, and Computer -to-Computer (Ad Hoc)
instructions are covered in Chapter 2, “Network Connections and Wireless Security”.
To install the WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter:
1. First, install the WN311B 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.
Basic Setup 1-3
v2.0, February 2007
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
c. Follow the Wizard steps and click Next to continue, and to install the software.
2. Now, insert the wireless PCI adapter.
Figure 1-2
a. When prompted, shut down the computer.
b. Unplug the computer, open the case, and install the WN311B into a PCI slot.
c. Connect the antenna to the adapter and position the antenna to the up position.
d. Close the case, plug the power cord back in, and restart your computer.
3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless PCI adapter
a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless
adapter either with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Wi ndows
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 Basic Setup
v2.0, February 2007
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
• Windows configuration utilities: See the Wi ndows documentation or “Using
Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities” at:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm
b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard. You will be prompted to let the wizard
help you connect to a network (recommended).
Figure 1-4
c. Click Next to accept.
4. Connect to a wireless network.
a. Select the wireless network from the drop-down list, and the wizard records your choice.
Hidden Network
Figure 1-5
Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the Network Name (SSID). These
networks are in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) is blank.
Basic Setup 1-5
v2.0, February 2007
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