NETGEAR WPN111 User Manual
User Manual for the
NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WPN111
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 G reat A merica P arkway
Santa C lara, CA 95054 U SA
2 02-1 0076-01
Version v1.0
February 2005
202-10076-01
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
Web site: 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.
© 2005 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
February 2005
.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WPN111 wireless USB adapter has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
VCCI Statement
This equipment is in the Class B category (information equipment to be used in a residential area or an adjacent area
thereto) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing
Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas. When used
near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference. Read instructions for correct handling.
ii
202-10076-01
FCC Information to User
This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved antennas
only. Any product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and
approvals
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment
should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Declaration Of Conformity
We NETGEAR, Inc., 4500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, declare under our sole responsibility that
the model WPN111 Cardbus Card Wireless Adapter complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Regulatory Compliance Information
This section includes user requirements for operating this product in accordance with National laws for usage of radio
spectrum and operation of radio devices. Failure of the end-user to comply with the applicable requirements may result
in unlawful operation and adverse action against the end-user by the applicable National regulatory authority.
NOTE: This product's firmware limits operation to only the channels allowed in a particular Region or Country.
Therefore, all options described in this user's guide may not be available in your version of the product.
FCC Requirements for Operation in the United States
Radio Frequency Interference Warnings & Instructions
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with 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 can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following methods:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an electrical outlet on a circuit different from that which the radio receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
202-10076-01
iii
NETG EAR RangeMax™ Wirele ss USB 2.0 Adapter W PN 111
Tested to C om p ly
with F C C Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
PY3WG111T
Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved byNETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate
the equipment.
Export Restrictions
This product or software contains encryption code which may not be exported or transferred from the US or
Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference
Regulations
This digital apparatus (NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111) does not exceed the Class B
limits for radio-noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Canada ID: 4054A-WG111T
iv
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Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, Conventions ......................................................................................1-1
How to Use this Manual ..................................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
About the W PN 111 .........................................................................................................2-1
Key Features ..................................................................................................................2-1
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-2
A R oad M ap for ‘How to Get There From H ere’ .............................................................2-2
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
What You N eed Before You Begin ..................................................................................3-1
Verifying System R equirements ...............................................................................3-1
Observing Location and R ange Guidelines ..............................................................3-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................3-2
WP N111 D efault W ireless Configuration Settings ..........................................................3-3
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-3
For W indows XP U sers Installing a W PN 111 ...........................................................3-4
For W indows 2000 U sers Installing a W P N 111 ...... .................................................. 3-8
WP N111 W ireless Connection Indicators ........................... ... .... ...................................3-11
Interpreting the LE D on the WP N111 ................. .............................................. ......3-11
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors ........... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...3-12
Chapter 4
Configuration
Understanding the Configuration Options ...................................................................... 4-1
Using Configuration P rofiles ...........................................................................................4-1
Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure M ode ............. ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-2
How to Configure an Infrastructure M ode Profile .....................................................4-2
Connecting to Another P C in Ad-hoc M ode ....................................................................4-4
Contents v
202-10076-01
How to Configure an Ad-hoc M ode Profile ....................................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-4
How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-H oc) N etwork .......................................4-6
Enabl ing Wireless Security Features ..............................................................................4-7
Identifying the W ireless N etwork Name (SSID ) and W EP Security Settings ...........4-7
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................4-8
How to Configure WPA-P SK Encryption Sec urity ....................................................4-9
Statistics Page ........................................................................................................4-10
Advanced Settings Page ........................................................................................4-11
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
Basic Tips .......................................................................................................................5-1
Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................5-2
General Questions ................ .... ... ... ............................................. .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..5-2
Appendix A
Technical Specifications ...................... ................................................................ ................A 1
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ........... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-1
Infrastructure M ode ................................................................................................. B-1
Ad H oc M ode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ................................................................ B-2
Network N ame: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID ) ................................ B-2
Wireless Channels .......... ... ... .... ... ... ... .............................................. ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-2
Wireless Security Overview ................... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ............................................. . B-6
WE P Overview ......................... ... .... ............................................. ... ... .... ....................... B-7
WE P Authentication ..................................... ... ... .............................................. ... ... . B-7
WE P Keys ................ .............................................. ... ... ... ........................................ B-9
How to Use WE P P arameters ............................................................................... B-10
802.1x Port Based Network Access Control .................................................................B-11
WPA W ireless Security ................................................................................................ B-13
How D oes WPA Compare to WE P? ...................................................................... B-14
How D oes WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ B-15
What are the Key Features of W PA Security? ...................................................... B-15
WPA D ata Encryption Key M anagement .............................................................. B-19
Is WPA Perfect? ........... ... ... ............................................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... .. B-20
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-20
vi Contents
202-10076-01
Appendix C
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Preparing Your Comp uters for TCP /IP N etworking ................... ... ...... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . C-1
Configuring Windows 98 and M e for TCP /IP N etworking ..............................................C-1
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-1
Enabling D H CP in Windows 98 and M e .................................................................. C-3
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method ..........................................................C-5
Verifying TCP/IP P roperties ....................................................................................C-5
C onfiguring W indows 2000 or XP for TCP /IP N etworking .............................................C-6
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-6
D H C P C onfiguration of TCP /IP in W indows XP or 2000 ......................................... C-7
D H CP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP .....................................................C-7
D H C P C onfiguration of TCP /IP in W indows 2000 .............. .................................... C-9
Verifying TC P /IP P roperties for W ind ows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-1 1
Glossary............ .................................................................... ............................................... G1
Index
Contents vii
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viii Contents
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User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Chapter 1
About This Manual
This chapter introduces the conventions and features of this document.
Audience, Scope, Conventions
This manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills.
However, tutorial information is provided in the Appendices, on the NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Resource CD, and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This manual uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1-1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis.
bold User input.
[Enter] N a med keys in text are sh own enclosed in square brackets.
Sm all C aps File and directory names.
This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
This manual is written according to these specifications:
Table 1-2. Manual Specifications
Product Version NETG E AR R angeM ax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter W P N 111
Manual Part Number 202-10076-01
M anual P ublication D ate February 2005
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at
http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.
About This Ma nual 1-1
202-10076-01
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
• Printing a Chapter. Use the link at the top right of any page.
– Click “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. A new browser window opens showing the PDF version of the chapter you were
viewing.
– 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 PDF button in the toolbar at the top right of the browser
window.
– Click PDF button. A new browser window opens showing the PDF version of the chapter
you were viewing.
– 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.
1-2 About This Manual
202-10076-01
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR
RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111.
About the WPN111
The NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN1 11 gives you ultimate mobility in
your office or while you are traveling. It frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring and helps you
create a wireless network for sharing your broadband Internet access among multiple PCs in and
around your home. It is designed for PC computers running Microsoft
device and is backwards compatible with USB 1.1 ports.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer at up to 108 Mbps for maximum throughput
or dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or operating limitations in an
environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference.
®
Windows®. It is a USB 2.0
The RangeMax™ WPN11 1 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11g
108 Mbps WLAN connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. It works with
Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features
The RangeMax™ WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11g and b standards-based wireless technology.
• 108 Mbps high speed data transfer. Wireless nodes negotiate to operate in the optimal data
transfer rate. In a noisy environment or when the distance between the wireless nodes is far,
the wireless nodes automatically fall back to operate at lower transfer rates.
• High level of data encryption using128-bit Shared Key WEP data encryption method. A lower
level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network setup or to
improve data transfer rate.
I n troduction 2-1
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User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
• NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Resource CD, including:
— Driver and Configuration Utility Software
— User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
— Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial
— PC Networking Tutorial
• 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.
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’
The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Wireless
technology has removed one of the barriers to networking—running wires. It allows more people
to try networking while at the same time exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking.
General networking concepts, setup, and maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition,
wireless technology adds issues, such as range, interference, signal quality, and security to the
picture.
To help overcome potential barriers to successfully using wireless networks, the table below
identifies how to accomplish such things as connecting to a wireless network, assuring appropriate
security measures are taken, browsing the Internet through your wireless connection, exchanging
files with other computers and using printers in the combined wireless and wired network.
2-2 Introd uction
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User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Connect to a
wireless
network
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snoop ing,
hacking, or
informa tion
th e ft.
Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encr yption security built into bro wsers
like Internet Exp lorer and N etscape. Any wireless networking security features you might implement are in
a d d i ti on to th os e a lre a d y in p l a ce on s ecu re I n te rn e t site s.
1 . I d e n tify th e
wireless network
name (SSID) and,
if used, the
wireless security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR
RangeMax™
W ireless U SB 2.0
Adapter WPN111
wi th th e se tti n gs
from step 1 .
1 . A ss u re th a t th e
wireless network
has security
features enabled.
2. Configure my
W P N 1 1 1 with th e
secur i ty sett i ngs of
the wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security features.
1. A wireless network
2 . A P C with in th e op e ra ti n g
range of the wireless
network. For guidelines
a b ou t th e ra n ge o f
wireless networks, see
“O b serving L ocation and
R ange G uidelines” on
page 3-2.
1 . A wi r e le ss n e two rk wi th
a u th e n tica tion a n d W E P
encryption enabled.
2. W ireless networking
equipment that supports
W E P encryption , such as
the WPN 111 and all
N E TGE AR wireless
networking products.
To s e t u p th e W P N 1 1 1 , se e
C h a p te r 3 , “B asic S e tu p ” and
follow the instructions provided.
To learn about wireles s
n e twork in g te c h n ol o g y, se e
“W ireless N etworking Overview”
on page B -1 for a general
in trod u ction .
To learn about wireles s
n e twork in g se cu ri ty, se e “W E P
A u th e n ti ca ti o n ” on p a g e B -7 .
T o use W E P security features,
see “E nab ling W ireless S ecu rity
Features” on page 4-7 and
configure your W P N 111
accordi n g ly.
I n troduction 2-3
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User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Connect to the
Inter net over my
wireless
network.
1 . A ctiva te m y
wireless link and
verify my network
con n ecti on .
2. Open an Internet
browser such as
Internet Explorer
or N etscape
Navigator.
1 . A n a cti ve I n te rn e t
connection like those from
cable or D SL service
providers.
2. A wireless network
co n n e cte d to th e ca b le o r
D S L In ternet service
th rou g h a ca b le /D S L
rou ter as illu strated in
“Connecting to an Access
P oint in Infrastructure
Mode” on page 4-2.
3. TCP/IP Internet
networking software
installed and configured
on m y P C a ccord in g to the
requirements of the
In ternet service p rovid er.
4. A b rowser like Internet
E xplorer or N etscape
Navigator.
To configure your WPN111 in
I n fra s tru ctu r e M od e, s e e “B asic
Installation Instructions” on
page 3-3, a n d loca te th e se cti on
for you r version of W ind ows.
For assistance with configuring
the TCP /IP Internet software on
a P C , see “P rep aring You r
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” on page C-1 or refer
to th e P C N etworkin g T u to ria l on
the NETGEAR RangeMax™
W ireless U S B 2 . 0 A d ap ter
WPN111 Resource CD and the
H elp information provided in the
W indows system you are using.
.
2-4 Introd uction
202-10076-01
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected P C
and other
compu ters in a
my combined
wireless and
wired network.
1. U se the W indows
Network
N eighborhood
fea tu re to b rowse
for com p u te rs in
the combined
wireless and wired
network.
2. Browse the hard
drive of the target
computer in the
n e twork in ord e r to
loc a te th e d i re ctory
or files you want t o
work with.
3. U se the W indows
Explorer copy and
paste functions to
exchange files
b e twe en th e
compu ters.
1. The PC I am using to
co n n e ct to th e wire l e s s
network needs to be
co n fi gu re d wi th th e
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The PC I am using to
co n n e ct to th e wire l e s s
network needs to be
co n fi gu re d wi th th e sa m e
W indows W orkgroup or
D o m a i n s e tti n g s a s th e
other Wind ows com puters
in the combined wireless
and wired network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights
such as login user name/
password that have been
assigne d in the W indows
network or for sharing
par ticular files must be
provided when W indows
prompts for such
informa tion.
4. I f so-called W indows
‘peer’ W orkgroup
networking is being used,
the drive, file system
directory , or file need to be
enabled for sharing.
For assistance with W indows
networking software, see
“P rep arin g Y ou r C om p u ters for
TC P /IP N et w orking” on page C - 1
for configuration scenarios or
refer to the H elp system inclu d ed
with your version of W indows.
W indows D omain settings are
usually managed b y corporate
computer support groups.
W indows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
sm a ll n e tworks in th e i r h om e s , or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Window s netwo rking , refer to the
P C N etworking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR RangeMax™
W ireless U S B 2 . 0 A d ap ter
WPN111 Resource CD and the
H elp information provided in the
W indows system you are using.
I n troduction 2-5
202-10076-01
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
U se pr inters in a
combine d
wireless and
wired network.
1. U se the W indows
Printers and Fax
fe a tu re s to l o c a te
available printers
in the combined
wireless and wired
network.
2. U se the W indows
Add a Printer
wizard to ad d
access to a
n e twork p ri n te r
from th e P C you
are using to
wirelessly connect
to th e n e two rk .
3. From the File
menu of an
application such
as Mic roso ft Word,
use the P rint
S etu p fe a tu re to
direct your print
ou tp u t to th e
printer in the
network.
1. The PC I am using to
co n n e ct to th e wire l e s s
network needs to be
co n fi gu re d wi th th e
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The PC I am using to
co n n e ct to th e wire l e s s
network needs to be
co n fi gu re d wi th th e sa m e
W indows W orkgroup or
D o m a i n s e tti n g s a s th e
other Wind ows com puters
in the combined wireless
and wired network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights
such as login user name/
password that have been
assigne d in the W indows
netwo rk must be pro vided
when W indows prompts
for su ch in form a tion .
4. I f so-called W indows
‘p eer’ networking is being
used, the printer needs to
be enabled for sharing.
W indows D omain settings are
usually managed b y corporate
computer support groups.
W indows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
sm a ll n e tworks in th e i r h om e s , or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Window s netwo rking , refer to the
P C N etworking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR RangeMax™
W ireless U S B 2 . 0 A d ap ter
WPN111 Resource CD and the
H elp information provided in the
W indows system you are using.
For assistance with setting up
printers in W indows, refer to the
H elp a n d S u p p ort inform ation
th a t com es wi th th e ve rsion of
the W indows operating systems
you are using.
2-6 Introducti on
202-10076-01
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WPN111 and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
Advanced wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 4, “Configuration” in this
manual.
Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of
several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others outside
your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take appropriate steps
to secure your network from unauthorized access. The NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 provides highly effective security features which
are covered in “Enabling Wireless Security Features” on page 4-7 in this manual.
Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can
configure your wireless USB adapter and connect.
Verifying System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111, please 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: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your PC, the throughput of the WPN111 will be
limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.
•A CD-ROM drive.
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
Basic Setup 3-1
202-10076-01
300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
• Windows XP Home, W indows XP Professional, 2000. Some versions of W indows may ask for
the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the installation of the
WPN111 driver software.
Note: Windows XP users must install SP2 or install the KB822603 Hot fix which fixes the USB
2.0 Host controller driver. Go to the following link to install the Hot fix:
http ://www.m icrosoft.com /d ownload s/
de tails . as px? displa yla n g=en & F amily ID =73 3 dd8 6 7-56 a 0-49 5 6 -b7fe-e8 5b6 88b7f86
Observing 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 NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WPN111. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 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 will decrease if such materials are
between the devices.
Two Basic Operating Modes
The RangeMax™ WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter can operate in the following two basic
modes:
•
Infrastructure Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices and computers
communicate with each other by first going through an access point (AP). For example, this
mode is used when computers in a house connect to an Access Point that is attached to a router
which lets multiple computers share a single Cable or DSL broadband Internet connection.
Ad-Hoc Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers
•
communicate directly with each other, without the use of an AP. For example, Ad-Hoc Mode
is used when two Windows computers are configured with file and print sharing enabled and
you want to exchange files directly between them.
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User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Both of these configuration options are available with the RangeMax™ WPN111 Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter. Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered
below. Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in
Chapter 4, “Configuration” of this manual.
WPN111 Default Wireless Configuration 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 configuration and security parameters already defined.
Your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 factory default basic settings
are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the RangeMax™ WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to communicate with
a wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same
wireless network name (SSID).
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc): Infrastructure
• Data security WEP encryption: Disabled
The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter WPN111 for basic wireless connectivity to an access point. The procedures below
provide step-by-step installation instructions for Windows PCs. Use the procedure that
corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
Basic Setup 3-3
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For Windows XP Users Installing a WPN111
Install the WPN111 driver and configuration
utility software.
a. Power on your PC, let the operating
system boot up completely, and log in as
needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the WPN111
into your CD drive. The CD main page
shown at the right will load.
c. Click Install Driver and Utility.
Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps.
You will be prompted to choose the
country you are located in. Select your
location from the list.
d. Click Finish when done, and if
prompted restart your computer.
WPN111 Resource CD
Note: If this screen fails to load
automatically, browse to the CD and
double-click on autorun.exe.
InstallS hield W izard
Note: If a Windows XP Certification
warning appears, click Continue Anyway to
proceed.
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Install the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111.
a. Locate an available USB port on your
PC. Connect the USB cable to the
WPN111 and insert the other end of the
cable into the USB slot on your PC.
b. After a short delay, the Found New
Hardware Wizard displays. The first
time that you install the WPN111 on a
computer, the wizard will install the
bootloader device. Follow the
installation prompts.
Note: Click Continue Anyway if you
are prompted with a Windows XP Logo
testing message.
c. After the bootloader device is installed,
the Found New Hardware Wizard will
display again and install the WPN111.
Follow the installation prompts.
d. Next you will be prompted to enable the
NETGEAR Smart Wireless Settings
Utility configuration utility.
F ou nd N ew H ard ware W izard
Note: If the U SB port in your computer is not a
U S B v2 . 0 ty p e p o rt b u t ra th e r a U S B v1 . 1 ty p e
port, you will see a “H I_SP E E D U SB D evice
P lugged into non-I-S P E E D U SB H ub” message.
T h e W P N 1 1 1 will wo rk b u t th e U S B v1 . 1 p ort
maximum speed is 14 M bps whereas the
maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps.
So, when the W P N 111 is connected to a U SB
v1.1 port, th e communications speed will be
limited to the maximum of the USB v1.1 port.
Note: Click Continue Anyway if you are
prompted with a Windows XP Logo testing
m e ssage.
Click Yes to accept this option.
If you choose No, you must read the
Windows XP documentation for an
explanation of how to use the Windows
XP wireless network configuration
Enable NETGEAR Utility Configuration
utility
e. Click Finish when done, and if
prompted restart your computer. You
will see the WPN11 1 system tray icon on
the lower right portion of the Windows
W P N 1 1 1 S ystem Tray Ic on
task bar.
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Configure your WPN111.
a. Click the icon on the Windows
desktop or in the system tray to open the
WPN111 Smart Wizard Wireless
Settings Utility.
Click here to open the configuration utility.
W P N 111 system tray icon
The utility opens to the Settings tab
page.
Click Help for instructions on using the
Smart Wizard Wireless Utility.
b. Change the Network Name SSID to
match your network.
Tip: As an alternative to typing in the
SSID, you can use the drop-down list or
the Networks tab to view the available
wireless networks, and choose the one
you want.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
You can also enter a profile name and
click Save Profile to store the current
settings.
Tip: Create profiles called work and
home. Then, activate whichever one you
need for your current location.
S m a rt W iza rd W ire l e s s U ti l i ty S e tti n g s p a g e
Tip: C lick H elp to view the context-sensitive help
informa tion.
Note: T h e N E T G E A R d e fa u lt se tti n g s a re
Infrastructure mode, with Any (first available
n e twork th a t re p li e s) for th e wi re les s n e twork
name SSID, and WEP disabled. If your WLAN
se tti n g s a re d iffere n t fro m th e N E T G E A R d e fa u l t
se tti n g s, you wi l l n o t con n e c t. S e t u p y o u r
W P N 111 accordingly.
Note: This procedure assum es you are
co n n e cti n g to a wire l e s s n e twork wh ich is n ot
us ing WEP s e curi ty. I f your ne tw ork includes WEP
se tti n g s, click th e S e ttin gs ta b p a g e a n d con figu re
th e W P N 1 1 1 a ccord i n g l y. F or h e lp with th e s e
steps, click the H elp button in the W P N 111
Configuration U tility to view context- sensitive
help information, or see “Enabling W ireless
Security Features” on page 4-7.
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Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Verify that the status monitor information at the bottom of the utility matches your
wireless network.
b. Check the color of the WPN111 icon in the Windows system tray: green or yellow
indicates a working connection; red indicates no connection.
c. Check the WPN111 LED: blinking means attempting to connect; solid indicates a good
connection; off means the WPN111 is not plugged in.
d. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting” .
Basic Setup 3-7
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For Windows 2000 Users Installing a WPN111
Install the WPN111 driver and configuration
utility software.
Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be
logged on with administrator rights.
a. Power on your PC, let the operating
system boot up completely, and log in as
needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the WPN111
into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main
page shown at the right will load.
c. Click Install Driver and Utility.
Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps.
You will be prompted to choose the
country you are located in. Select your
location from the list.
WPN111 Resource CD
Note: If this screen fails to load automatically,
b rows e to th e C D a n d d ou b le -click o n
autorun.exe.
d. Click Finish when done, and if
prompted restart your computer.
InstallS hield W izard
Note: If a W indows 2000 D igital Signature
warning appears, click Yes to p roce e d .
3-8 Basic Setup
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Install the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111.
a. Locate an available USB port on your
PC. Connect the USB cable to the
WPN111 and insert the other end of the
cable into the USB slot on your PC.
b. After a short delay, the Found New
Hardware Wizard displays. The first
time that you install the WPN111 on a
computer, the wizard will install the
bootloader device. Follow the
installation prompts.
Note: Click Yes if you are prompted
with a Digital Signature Not Found
message.
c. After the bootloader device is installed,
the Found New Hardware Wizard will
display again and install the WPN111.
Follow the installation prompts.
F ou nd N ew H ard ware W izard
Note: If your computer does not have a U SB v2.0
p ort b u t ra th e r a U S B v1 . 1 ty p e p ort, th e W P N 1 1 1
will be limited to the maximum speed of the USB
v1.1 port. USB v1.1 port maximum speed is 14
M bps whereas the maximum speed of a U SB v2.0
port is 480 Mbps.
Note: Click Yes if you are prompted
with a Digital Signature Not Found
W P N 1 1 1 S ystem Tray Ic on
message.
d. Click Finish when done, and if
prompted restart your computer.
a. You will see the WPN111 system tray
icon on the lower right portion of the
Windows task bar.
Basic Setup 3-9
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Configure your WPN111 and save the P rofile.
a. Click on the WPN11 1 icon on the
Windows desktop or in the system tray
to open the WPN111 configuration
utility.
Click here to open the configuration utility.
W P N 111 system tray icon
The utility opens to the Settings tab
page.
Click Help for instructions on using the
Smart Wizard Wireless Utility.
b. For the Network Name (SSID), use the
default of
or type an S S ID for
Any (First available network)
your network.
Tip: As an alternative to typing in the
SSID, you can use the drop-down list or
the Networks tab to view the available
wireless networks, and choose the one
you want.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
d. You can also enter a profile name and
click Save Profile to store the current
settings.
Tip: If you use your desktop PC to
connect to a wireless network at work
and at home, create profiles called work
and home. Then, activate whichever one
you need for wherever you are located.
W P N 111 C onfiguration U tility
Note: T h e N E T G E A R d e fa u lt se tti n g s a re
Infrastructure mode, with Any (first available
n e twork th a t re p li e s) for th e wi re les s n e twork
name SSID, and WEP disabled. If your WLAN
se tti n g s a re d iffere n t fro m th e N E T G E A R d e fa u l t
se tti n g s, you wi l l n o t con n e c t. S e t u p y o u r
W P N 111 accordingly.
Note: This procedure assumes you are
co n n e cti n g to a wire l e s s n e twork wh ich is n ot
us ing WEP s e curi ty. I f your ne tw ork includes WEP
se tti n g s, click th e S e cu ri ty ta b p a ge a n d c on fi g u re
th e W P N 1 1 1 a ccord i n g l y. F or h e lp with th e s e
steps, click the H elp button in the W P N 111
Configuration U tility to view context- sensitive
help information, or see “Enabling W ireless
Security Features” on page 4-7.
3-1 0 Basic Setup
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User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Verify that the status monitor information at the bottom of the utility matches your
wireless network.
b. Check the color of the WPN111 icon in the Windows system tray: green or yellow
indicates a working connection; red indicates no connection.
c. Check the WPN111 LED: blinking means attempting to connect; solid indicates a good
connection; off means the WPN111 is not plugged in.
d. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting” .
WPN111 Wireless Connection Indicators
The NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 provides the following three
indicators which give you feedback on the status of your wireless connection:
• The status LED on the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
indicates the condition of wireless link.
• The color of the SysTray icon is on the System Tray portion of the taskbar in the Microsoft
Windows desktop indicates the status of the connection.
Interpreting the LED on the WPN111
Table 3-1. LED Descriptions
Status LED
Basic Setup 3-1 1
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LED Meaning
O F F • T h e W P N 1 1 1 i n n o t p lu gge d i n to th e P C .
• P ower save mode (default from power up
or reset).
Blink Looking for network association.
On Associated or joined with network.
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