Netgear WNDA3100v2 Owner's Manual

NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual

NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
202-10426-02 June 2009
© 2009 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
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 Micros oft 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 WNDA3100v2 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
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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 and SAR Statements
SAR Statement
The NETGEAR WNDA3100v2 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 m ust acce pt a ny interfer ence 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. T o maintain compliance with IC RF exposure compliance requirements, please follow operation instruction as documented in this manual.
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Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WNDA3100v2 product package.
Èesky [Czech]
Dansk [Danish]
Deutsch [German]
Eesti [Estonian]
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N
Español [Spanish]
Ελληνική [Greek]
Français [French]
Italiano [Italian]
Latviski [Latvian]
Lietuviø [Lithuanian]
Nederlands [Dutch]
NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES. Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR
RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF. Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
Anforderungen und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
Käesolevaga kinnitab
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR RangeMax Dual
Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE. ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR RangeMax Dual
Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ ΕΚ.
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE. Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE. Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100v2
saistîtajiem noteikumiem. Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N
USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
nuostatas. Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
en de andere relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými
overholder de væsentlige
in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden
NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja
is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
cumple con los requisitos esenciales y
ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ
est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux
è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre
atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to
atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos
in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen
iv
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Malti [Maltese]
Magyar [Hungarian]
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-
Português [Portuguese]
Slovensko [Slovenian]
Slovensky [Slovak]
Suomi [Finnish]
Svenska [Swedish]
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-
N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
relevanti li hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC. Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band
Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
stosownymi postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn
megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ
jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi
NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
da Directiva 1999/5/CE.
está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições
NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
direktive 1999/5/ES.
v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili
NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
Smernice 1999/5/ES.
spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia
NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
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.
tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WNDA3100v2 Publication Date: June 2009 Product Family: Wireless-N USB Adapter Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
WNDA3100v2
Home or Business Product: Home Language: English Publication Part Number: 202-10426-02 Publication Version Number: 1.0
v1.0, June 2009
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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 WNDA3100v2 Software ......................................................................... 4
Inserting the Wireless-N USB Adapter ........................................................................ 5
Connecting to a Wireless Network .............................................................................. 6
Using the USB Adapter Cradle ...................................................................................8
Monitoring Your Wireless Network and the Internet Connections ................................... 10
WNDA3100v2 Icon .................................................................................................... 10
Smart Wizard Status Bar ........................................................................................... 11
Wireless-N USB Adapter LED ................................................................................... 12
Removing the WNDA3100v2 Software ........................................................................... 13
Upgrading the WNDA3100v2 Software ........................................................................... 13
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 Button to Connect to a Wireless Network ............................................. 5
Using a PIN to Connect to a Wireless Network ........................................................... 6
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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 ......................................................................................................... 17
About Your Smart Wizard ................................................................................................ 18
Advanced Settings ...........................................................................................................19
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 .............................................................................3
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems ................................................................ 3
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® RangeMax™ Dual Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual describes how to install the NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 with custom setup, configuration, and troubleshooting. For express installation, please see the Installation Guide. 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.
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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual
Scope. This manual is written for the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
according to these specifications:
Product Version NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter
WNDA3100v2
Manual Publication Date June 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, you can choose one of the following options, according to your needs.
Printing a page from HTML. Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Select File > Print from the browser menu to print the page contents.
Printing from PDF. 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.
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Printing a PDF 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 corner of any page in the chapter you want to print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
Click the print icon in the upper left of your browser window.
Printin g a PDF version of the complete ma nual. Use the Complete PDF Manual link at
the top left corner of any page.
Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left corner 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 your browser 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.

Revision History

Part Number
202-10046-02 1.0 May
202-10426-01 1.0 July 2006 Original publication
Version Number
Date Description
New Smart Wizard installation
2009
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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
This chapter includes instructions for custom installation of your wireless-N USB adapter and basic configuration. There are two methods that you can use to install the wireless-N USB adapter:
Express Installation uses the NETGEAR Smart W izard configures your adapter automatically.
This method is explained in the 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 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2
USB cable and adapter cradle
Installation Guide
Resource CD, including: – The Smart Wizard Installation Assistant – This manual – Installation Guide Warranty and Support information
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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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual

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, or Windows XP Professional. Some versions of Windows ask for the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the installation of the WNDA3100v2 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
Note: If there is 2.4 GHz interference at your location, such as from a cordless phone, you
can change the setting to 5 GHz for better wireless throughput if your wireless router or access point supports it. See “Advanced Settings” on page 2-23.
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 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 utility or use only the Windows utility to configure and manage your wireless-N USB adapter.
Custom installation using the Smart Wizard utility. 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 using the Windows utility. You can choose not to install the Smart W izard 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 wireless-N USB adapter or to connect to a wireless network.
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Installing the WNDA3100v2 Software

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. Select Install the Software. The Software Update Check screen displays.
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 next, select I Agree to accept the license agreement, and then 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.
7. Select one of the following methods to configure and manage your wireless network:
Figure 1-2
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Smart Wizard. Allows you to manage your wireless networks with the NETGEAR
WNDA3100v2 software and to connect securely using Push 'N' Connect. – Configure network manually. Specify the settings for your wireless-N USB adapter
in the Settings screen.
by install assistant. Allow the Smart Wizard Install Assistant to automatically
configure the settings for your wireless-N USB adapter.
Windows Utility . Connect to and manage your wireless networks using only the W indows
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. Click Next.
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.

Inserting the Wireless-N USB Adapter

The WNDA3100v2 software is installed. You will be prompted to connect your adapter.
1. Locate an available USB port on your PC.
2. Insert the wireless adapter into the USB port. You can attach the wireless USB adapter directly
or use the USB cable (see “Using the USB Adapter Cradle” on page 1-8).
3. Depending on which Windows operating system you are using, do one of the following:
Windows Vista. The adapter and driver are automatically added. If a message that
Windows Vista cannot verify the publisher of this driver displays, click Install this driver software anyway.
Windows XP. Follow the on-screen instructions for the Found New Hardware Wizard.
If a Windows logo testing message appears, click Continue Anyway. When the Found New Hardware Wizard is complete, click Finish.
4. On the NETGEAR Smart Wizard screen, click Next to proceed.
5. If you selected Smart Wizard, then click Next and continue with the following section
“Connecting to a Wireless Network.”
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WPS-capable networks in your area No WPS-capable networks in your area
Hidden network

Connecting to a Wireless Network

If you installed the Smart Wizard, you can use the WNDA3100v2 software to connect to a wireless network.
Smart Wizard, by Install Assistant
If you selected the by Install Assistant radio button during installation, you are prompted to connect wirelessly with one of the following screens:
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.
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