Netgear WNDA3100v1 Quick Start Manual

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NETGEAR RangeMax™ Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100

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These setup instructions assume that you will connect to an access point or wireless router.
Estimated completion time:10 minutes.

Installation

To complete this installation you must:

2. Insert the USB adapter.

After you have installed the NETGEAR Smart Wizard, the following screen displays:

b. Click Next.

You are prompted to let the
wizard help you connect to a
network (recommended).

c. Click Next to proceed.

1. Install the WNDA3100 software.

2. When prompted, insert the wireless USB adapter and follow the Windows XP Found
New Hardware wizard prompts (unless using Vista).

3. Set up the wireless USB adapter to connect to your wireless network.

1. Install the NETGEAR WNDA3100
software.

Insert the Resource CD. If the CD main page
does not display, browse the files on the CD
and double-click Autorun.exe.

a. Click Install the Software. The Software

Update Check screen displays.

b. NETGEAR recommends that you

upgrade when new firmware is available.
If you are connected to the Internet, click
Check for Updates. If not, install from the CD.

The NETGEAR Smart Wizard Welcome screen displays.

c. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the NETGEAR WNDA3100 software.

• For Windows XP, if a Windows logo testing message appears, click

Continue Anyway.

• If a message that Windows Vista cannot verify the publisher of this driver

displays, click Install this driver software anyway.

d. When the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Installation Complete screen displays, click

Next.

a. Insert the wireless adapter in a USB port on your computer.

• For best results, put the wireless adapter at least 4 feet (1 meter) away from
your router.

• To use the USB cable, connect it to the wireless USB adapter and a USB
port. See “Placing the USB Adapter Cradle” on the other side of this
document.

b. For Windows Vista computers, the adapter and driver are automatically added.

Click Next and then go to Step 3. For Windows XP computers, the Found New
Hardware Wizard displays.

c. Follow the onscreen instructions for the Found Ne w Ha rdware Wizard.
d. When the NETGEAR Smart Wizard screen returns, click Next.

3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless USB adapter.

a. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the

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

• NETGEAR Smart Wizard. Reveals
more information about each network
and makes it easier to troubleshoot
network connection problems.

• Windows configuration utilities. See
the Windows documentation or the NETGEAR application note at:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm.

Connecting to a Wireless Network

To use the Connection Wizard:

1. Select a wireless network from the drop-down list. The wizard records your choice.

Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the network name (SSID). These networks
are in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) field is blank.

If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it.

2. Follow the wizard steps for security (if used) and for saving a profile.

3. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
The WNDA3100 icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop; the Settings tab

displays. The wizard initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for
your wireless connection to be established. Check the status bar. See “Using the Status
Bar” on the other side of this document.

Placing the USB Adapter Cradle

Wireless

network

Connection status

Security

Find a Network

Channel

Throughput

Signal
strength

You can attach the wireless USB adapter directly to a USB port on your computer, or use
the USB cable to extend the range and obtain better wireless reception.

To use the USB cable, plastic cradle, and loop-and-hook fastener for better USB adapter
placement on a computer monitor:

1. The wireless USB adapter comes with three black
fasteners. Locate the one with a prickly side, and attach it
to the plastic cradle on the middle of the outside rear.

2. Insert the wireless USB adapter in the plastic cradle, and
connect the USB cable.

3. Place one of the other pieces of loop-and-hook fastener on the side or back of your
monitor near the top for better reception. Then join the pieces of the fastener to attach
the USB adapter in the plastic cradle to the monitor.

December 2007

Using the Status Bar

The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings tab.

Understanding the Status Bar

Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined.
Security • A closed lock indicates that security is enabled.

• An open lock indicates an open network without wireless security.

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 Mbps
(megabits per
second)

Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you experience

Find a Network Click Find a Network to start the Connection Wizard.
Connection

status

• To optimize wireless throughput, connect to a network with a high­speed router or access point and a high-speed Internet
connection.

• If there is wireless interference in the 2.4 GHz range, such as from
a cordless phone, use the Advanced Settings to select 5 GHz.
See the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Dual Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100 User Manual on the Resource CD.

higher throughput when the signal is strongest.

The status of your network connection.

• Connected to Internet. The wireless Internet connection is OK.

• Connected to Router. The 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 the

NETGEAR RangeMax™ Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
WNDA3100 User Manual on the Resource CD.

Technical Support

After completing the Smart Wizard configuration assistant, locate the serial number on the
bottom label of your product, and use it to register your product at
http://www.NETGEAR.com/register.

Registration on the website or over the phone is required before you can use our telephone
support service. The phone numbers for worldwide regional customer support centers are
on the Warranty and Support Information card that came with your product .

Go to http://www.netgear.com/support for product updates and Web support.

Attention: When you configure the wireless settings of this device,
please make sure to select the correct country settings. Due to EU
law, the country settings must be identical to the country where the
device is operating.

This symbol was placed in accordance with the European Union Directive
2002/96 on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (the WEEE
Directive). If disposed of within the European Union, this product should be
treated and recycled in accordance with the laws of your jurisdiction
implementing the WEEE Directive.

© 2007 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are registered trademarks
of NETGEAR, Inc. 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.