Netgear WNA1000 Owner's Manual
NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 User Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134 USA
202-10575-01
August 2009
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
North American NETGEAR website: http://www.netgear.com
Trademarks
NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, ProSafe, and Auto Uplink are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and Vista are registered trademarks 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
The WNA1000 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 reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used 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
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
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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 WNA1000 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 1.380 W/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.
Industry Canada Statement
This device complies with RSS-210 of the Industry Canada 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF
exposure compliance. To maintain compliance with IC RF exposure compliance requirements,
please follow operation instruction as documented in this manual.
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WNA1000 product
package.
Èesky
[Czech]
Dansk
[Danish]
NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými ustanoveními
smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR Wireless-
N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante krav i
direktiv 1999/5/EF.
v1.0, August 2009
iii
Deutsch
[German]
Eesti
[Estonian]
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB
Adapter WNA1000 in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den
übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist
tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
WNA1000 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant 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 Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR Wireless-N 150
USB Adapter WNA1000 cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras
disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB
Adapter WNA1000 ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ
ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB
Adapter WNA1000 est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions
pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB
Adapter WNA1000 è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni pertinenti
stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000
atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem noteikumiem.
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
Hierbij verklaart
NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante
bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn relevanti li hemm fid-
Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC irányelv
egyéb elõírásainak.
WNA1000 jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi stosownymi
postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
Português
[Portuguese]
Slovensko
[Slovenian]
NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000
está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE.
NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 v
skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/ES.
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v1.0, August 2009
Slovensky
[Slovak]
Suomi
[Finnish]
Svenska
[Swedish]
NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/
ES.
NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä
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.
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WNA1000
Publication Date: August 2009
Product Family: Wireless-N USB Adapter
Product Name: NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10575-01
Publication Version Number: 1.0
v1.0, August 2009
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v1.0, August 2009
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................................................................................... ix
How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................... x
How to Print This Manual .................................................................................................. x
Revision History ................................................................................................................ xi
Chapter 1
Basic Setup
What Is in the Box .............................................................................................................1
What You Need Before You Begin ....................................................................................2
Verify System Requirements .......................................................................................2
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines .....................................................2
Installation with Custom Setup ..........................................................................................3
Installing the Software and Adapter ............................................................................3
Connecting to a Wireless Network ..............................................................................5
Using the USB Adapter Cradle ...................................................................................6
Monitoring Your Wireless Network and the Internet Connections .....................................8
WNA1000 Icon ............................................................................................................8
Smart Wizard Status Bar .............................................................................................9
Wireless-N USB Adapter LED ...................................................................................10
Removing the WNA1000 Software ..................................................................................10
Upgrading the WNA1000 Software .................................................................................11
Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area ..........................................................................1
Joining a Network ..............................................................................................................2
Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to Connect to a Wireless Network ...................................3
Using a WPS Push Button to Connect to a Wireless Access Point or Router ............5
Generating a PIN to Connect to a Wireless Access Point or Router ..........................6
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NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 User Manual
Creating a Profile ...............................................................................................................8
Access Point Profiles ..................................................................................................9
Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile ...............................................10
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection ............................12
About Wireless Security ..................................................................................................13
Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings .............................................14
Setting Up WPA-PSK [TKIP] or WPA2-PSK [AES] Security .....................................15
Setting Up WEP Encryption Security ........................................................................16
Monitoring Statistics ........................................................................................................18
About Your Smart Wizard ................................................................................................19
Advanced Settings ...........................................................................................................20
Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance
Optimizing Wireless Performance .....................................................................................1
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth .................................................................................2
SOHO Networking Technologies ................................................................................3
Assessing Your Network Speed Requirements ..........................................................4
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips .........................................................................................................1
Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly .............................................................................4
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems ................................................................4
Appendix A Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................1
Factory Default Settings ....................................................................................................2
Appendix B Related Documents
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About This Manual
The NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 User Manual describes how to installthe
NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 with custom setup, configuration, and
troubleshooting. 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:
Italic Emphasis, books, CDs, file and server names, extensions
Bold User input, IP addresses, GUI screen text
Fixed Command prompt, CLI text, code
italic URL links
• 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.
Warning: Ignoring this type of note may result in a malfunction or damage to the
equipment.
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NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 User Manual
• Scope. This manual is written for the Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 according to
these specifications:
Product Version NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000
Manual Publication Date August 2009
For more information about network, Internet, firewall, and VPN 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://www.netgear.com/support.
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, 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 Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
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.
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Revision History
NETGEAR, Inc. is constantly searching for ways to improve its products and documentation. The
following table indicates any changes that might have been made since the Wireless-N 150 USB
Adapter WNA1000 was introduced.
Table 1-1. Publication Revision History
Part Number
202-10575-01 v1.0 August 2009 First publication.
Version
Number
Date Description
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NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 User Manual
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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
This chapter includes instructions for custom installation of your Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 and basic configuration. There are two methods that you can use to install the wirelessN USB adapter:
• Express Installation uses the NETGEAR Smart Wizard configures your adapter
automatically. This method is explained in the NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 Installation Guide.
• Installation with Custom Setup lets you specify where the software is installed, and select
either the NETGEAR Smart Wizard or the Windows Utility to configure your wireless-N
USB adapter. See “Installation with Custom Setup” on page 1-3.
NETGEAR strongly recommends that you implement wireless security to protect your network
from unauthorized access. See Chapter 2, “Network Connections and Wireless Security.”
What Is in the Box
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000
• USB cable and adapter cradle
• NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 Installation Guide
• Resource CD, including:
– The Smart Wizard Installation Assistant
– This manual
– NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1000 Installation Guide
• 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.
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What You Need Before You Begin
Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the wireless
network settings of the wireless local area network (WLAN) where you will connect before you
install and connect your wireless-N USB adapter.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the wireless-N USB adapter, make sure that these minimum requirements have
been met:
• You must have a PC with a Pentium
available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
Note: The maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a
USB v1.1 port, the wireless-N USB adapter is limited to that port’s maximum
speed, which is 14 Mbps.
• A CD drive.
• 10 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an
• Vista, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, or Windows 2000. Some versions of
Windows ask for the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the
installation of the WNA1000 driver software.
Note: Windows XP users must install SP2 or install the KB822603 hot fix (update),
which fixes the USB 2.0 host controller driver. Go to the following link to
install the hot fix:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=
733dd867-56a0-4956-b7fe-e85b688b7f86
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines
For best performance, place the wireless-N USB adapter at least 4 feet (over 1 meter) away from
the wireless router or access point.
Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range that varies significantly based on
the physical location of the computer with the wireless-N USB adapter. For best results, avoid
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potential sources of interference, such as the following:
• 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 decreases if such materials are
between the devices.
Installation with Custom Setup
Note: For Express installation, see the NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter
WNA1000 Installation Guide.
With Custom setup you can specify where the files are installed. You can also choose whether or
not you want to install the Smart Wizard.
• Custom installation with the Smart Wizard. Select either Configure Manually or Configure
Automatically. The Smart Wizard provides a complete and easy-to-use set of tools to:
– View details about wireless networks in your area.
– Manage your network connections and connect securely using Push 'N' Connect (WPS).
– Configure wireless settings for your wireless-N USB adapter.
– Save your wireless network settings in profiles.
• Custom installation excluding the Smart Wizard. You can choose not to install the Smart
wizard and to use only the Windows Utility to install and manage your wireless network. If
you choose to do this, you will not be able to use the Smart Wizard to configure your wirelessN USB adapter or to connect to a wireless network.
Installing the Software and Adapter
To install the wireless-N USB adapter with custom setup:
1. Insert the Resource CD. If the CD main page does not display, browse the files on the CD
and double-click Autorun.exe.
2. Click Install the Software. The Software Update Check screen displays.
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3. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, click Install from
CD.
4. The NETGEAR Smart Wizard Welcome screen displays. Click I Agree to accept the
license agreement and click Next.
5. For the Setup Type, select Custom, and then click Next:
Figure 1-1
6. Browse to select the destination folder for your wireless adapter software, and then click Next.
Figure 1-2
7. Select one of the following methods to configure and manage your wireless network:
• Smart Wizard. Allows you to manage your wireless networks with the NETGEAR
WNA1000 software and to connect securely using Push 'N' Connect.
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– Configure network manually. Specify the settings for your wireless-N USB adapter
in the Settings screen.
– Configure automatically. Allow the Smart Wizard to automatically configure the
settings for your wireless-N USB adapter.
• Windows Utility. Connect to and manage your wireless networks using only the
Windows configuration utility. For more information about Windows utilities, see the
Windows documentation or the NETGEAR application note at:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm.
8. When prompted, locate an available USB port on your PC. Connect the wireless adapter to the
USB port. You can attach the wireless USB adapter directly to the USB port or use the USB
cable (see “Using the USB Adapter Cradle” on page 1-7)
9. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. If you selected Smart Wizard, then click
Next and continue with “Connecting to a Wireless Network” on page 1-5.
Connecting to a Wireless Network
If you installed the Smart Wizard, you can use the WNA1000 software to connect to a wireless
network.
Smart Wizard, Configure Network Manually
The Settings screen displays. See “Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings” on
page 2-14 and “Joining a Network” on page 2-2.
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Smart Wizard, Configure Automatically
You are prompted to connect wirelessly with one of the following screens:
Hidden network
WPS-capable networks in your area No WPS-capable networks in your area
Figure 1-3
Note: If you are not sure if your router supports WPS, select No to connect. If your router
does not support WPS and you select Yes, the router or access point connection
will time out and no wireless network connection will be established.
1. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to a wireless network:
• If your router supports WPS and you want to use WPS to create a secure connection,
leave the radio button selected, and click Next to continue. Follow the Smart Wizard
steps to connect using WPS.
• If your router does not support WPS, select your wireless network name from the list of
wireless networks and click Next to continue. (If your wireless network has
implemented security, you need to know which type of security (WEP, WPA-PSK, or
WPA2-PSK) and you need the passphrase to complete your setup.
2. Create a wireless settings Profile.
a. If your wireless network has implemented security, and you did not use Push
select the radio button for the security type and enter the security passphrase in the
N' Connect,
Passphrase field.
b. In the Profile field, create a unique name for your settings. If you do not select a profile
name, your settings will be saved using the default name Profile.
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