NETGEAR WN311B-100NAS User Manual
202-10203-03
October 2008
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134 USA
NETGEAR RangeMax
NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B User
Manual
ii
v1.0, October 2008
© 2008 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Product Registration, Support, and Documentation
Register your product at http://www.netgear.com/register. Registration is required before you can use our telephone
support service. Product updates and Web support are always available at http://www.netgear.com/support.
Setup documentation is available on the CD, on the support website, and on the documentation website. When the
wireless router is connected to the Internet, click the Knowledge Base or the Documentation link under Web Support on
the main menu to view support information.
Trademarks
NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are registered trademarks, and RangeMax and Smart Wizard are trademarks of
NETGEAR. Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered
trademarks and Windows Vista is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names are registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
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.
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 te sted and complies with t he specifications for a Class B di gital 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 prov ide rea sonabl e pr otecti on against harmful interference in a residential inst allat ion. T his
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 rad io 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
v1.0, October 2008
iii
• 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 ap pareil 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]
NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými
ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Dansk
[Danish]
Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR
RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
overholder de væsentlige krav og
øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Deutsch
[German]
Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden
Anforderungen und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG
befindet.
Eesti
[Estonian]
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless
PCI Adapter WN311B
vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist
tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
v1.0, October 2008
iv
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Español
[Spanish]
Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras
disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Ελληνική
[Greek]
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ
ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Français
[French]
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres
dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Italiano
[Italian]
Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT
Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni
pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Latviski
[Latvian]
Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem
noteikumiem.
Lietuviø
[Lithuanian]
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
Nederlands
[Dutch]
Hierbij verklaart
NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless
PCI Adapter WN311B
in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere
relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Malti
[Maltese]
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn relevanti li
hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Magyar
[Hungarian]
Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless
PCI Adapter WN311B
megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC
irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi stosownymi
postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
Português
[Portuguese]
NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva
1999/5/CE.
Slovensko
[Slovenian]
NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/
ES.
Slovensky
[Slovak]
NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter
WN311B
spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/
ES.
v1.0, October 2008
v
Product and Publication Details
Suomi
[Finnish]
NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI
Adapter WN311B
tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä
koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Svenska
[Swedish]
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.
Model Number: WN311B
Publication Date: October 2008
Product Family: Wireless PCI Adapter
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10203-03
v1.0, October 2008
vi
Contents vii
v1.0, October 2008
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 ..................................................1-1
WN311B Default Wireless Settings ................................................................................1-2
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................1-3
The WN311B Icon Colors .........................................................................................1-3
Smart Wizard Status Bar ..........................................................................................1-4
Removing the WN311B Software ...................................................................................1-5
Upgrading the WN311B Software ...................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility ...........................................................2-1
Using the Smart Wizard to Modify Your Settings ............................................................2-2
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area ........................................................................2-2
Joining a Network ...........................................................................................................2-4
Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to Connect to a Wireless Network .........................2-5
Setting Up Wireless Network Profiles .............................................................................2-9
Creating an Infrastructure (Access Point) Profile ...................................................2-10
Creating a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile .............................................. 2-11
Using Wireless Security ................................................................................................2-14
Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ..........................................2-15
Setting up WEP Encryption Security ......................................................................2-16
Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ..............................................................................2-17
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
viii Contents
v1.0, October 2008
Setting up WPA-PSK Security ................................................................................2-18
Advanced Settings .................................................................................................2-19
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
Monitoring Tools .............................................................................................................3-5
Statistics Screen .......................................................................................................3-6
About Screen ...........................................................................................................3-7
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
ix
v1.0, October 2008
About This Manual
The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN31 1B User Manual describes how
to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT W ireless 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:
• Formats. This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
• Scope. This manual is written for the WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter according to these
specifications:
Italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
Bold User input
Fixed Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
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.
Product Version NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B
Manual Publication Date October 2008
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
x About This Manual
v1.0, October 2008
For more information about network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies, see the links to the
NETGEAR website in Appendix B, “Related Documents”.
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 we b site at
http://www.adobe.com.
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
http://www.netgear.com/support.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
About This Manual xi
v1.0, October 2008
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
• Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manual 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.
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.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
xii About This Manual
v1.0, October 2008
1-1
v1.0, October 2008
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” in this manual.
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and ge t 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
®
III class computer with an available PCI slot
•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 co mputer 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
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
1-2 Basic Setup
v1.0, October 2008
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. For more detailed information, see Chapter 3, “Wireless Network
Performance”.
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:
– The Smart Wizard Installation Assistant
– This manual
• Warranty and Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair
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.
Your WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc): Infrastructure
• Data security WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK encryption: Disabled
Note: In order for the WN311B Wireless 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).
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
Basic Setup 1-3
v1.0, October 2008
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet
The WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter has indicators in these locations that show the status of your
connection to a wireless network and to the Internet:
• WN311B Icon: After you install the WN311B software, the icon appears on the desktop
and in the lower right of the Windows task bar. It is color coded to show the status of the
connection. See “The WN311B Icon Colors” on page 1-3.
• Smart Wizard Status Bar: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard. The
status bar at the bottom of the page shows details about your wireless and Internet connection.
See “Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-4.
• WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter LEDs: The LEDs on the wireless PCI adapter show the
network connection.
– The LEDs show an alternate blink when the wireless PCI adapter is looking for a network
association.
– When there is a good connection, the LEDs blink together.
– If the LEDs are off, then the WN311B is not properly seated in the computer.
The WN311B Icon Colors
The WN311B icon is on the desktop and in the Windows System T ray. The System Tray is located
on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.
Color Condition Description
Red The wireless PCI adapter has
no connection to any other
wireless node.
The WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter cannot 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 PCI adapter 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 PCI adapter has
a connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless PCI adapter has established good
communication with an access point and the signal quality is
strong.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
1-4 Basic Setup
v1.0, October 2008
Smart Wizard Status Bar
The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page.
Figure 1-1
Understanding the Status Bar
Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined.
Security • Locked: security enabled.
• Unlocked: security not enabled.
Channel The wireless channel used by the network. If many wireless networks in your
area use the same channel they can interfere with one another.
Throughput • Wireless throughput measured in Mega bits per second. To optimize
throughput, connect to a network with a high-speed router or access point, and
a high-speed Internet connection. See Chapter 3, “Wireless Network
Performance”.
• If your computer has a USB v1.1 port, the WN311B is limited to that port’s
maximum speed, which is 14 Mbps.
Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you will experience higher
throughput when the signal is strongest.
Join a Network Click Join a Network to open the Connection Wizard.
Connection status Identifies the status of your network connection.
• Connected to Internet: Wireless Internet connection is OK.
• Connected to Router: Wireless connection to the router is OK but the router
is not connected to the Internet.
• 169.254.x.x or ___.___.___.___: The wireless connection to the router is OK
but there is a problem with the router. See Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting”.
Wireless
network
Connection status
Security
Join a Network
Channel
Throughput
Signal
strength
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual
Basic Setup 1-5
v1.0, October 2008
If you right-click in the system tray icon, you can disable the Internet notification feature by
clearing check mark on this line. If you do so, then only the IP address is shown.
Removing the WN311B Software
You can remove the wireless adapter software in these two ways:
• Navigate the Windows Start menu to the WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter program group,
select the uninstall option, and follow the screen prompts.
• Navigate the Windows Start menu to the Control Panel Add or Remove Program item, select
the WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter option, and follow the screen prompts.
Upgrading the WN311B Software
Upgrades may be available at the NETGEAR website. 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 website Support page.
3. Remove the WN311B software from yo ur computer.
4. Remove the WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter adapter from your computer, and restart your
computer.
5. Run the installer that you downloaded (the file ends in .exe).
6. Follow the installer instructions, and then restart your computer.
Figure 1-2
Loading...