Netgear WPN311 User Manual
User Manual for the
NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PCI Adapter
WPN311
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Version v1.0
February 2005
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 WPN311Wireless PCI 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.
FCC Information to User
This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved antenn as only. Any
product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and approvals
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure
In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, the user is advised to maintain a
distance of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the antenna of this device while it is in use.
ii
FCC Electronic Emission Notices
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement
NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FCC ID: PY3WG311TV3
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 rea sonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, 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.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
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
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
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 (Model WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter) 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-WG311TV3
iii
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WPN311
Publication Date: February 2005
Product Family: wireless access point
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10074-01
iv
Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, Conventions ......................................................................................1-1
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2
Introduction
About the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 .............................2-1
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................2-1
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-2
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .................... .........................................2-3
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
What You Will Need Before You Begin .................................. .... ... ..................................3-1
Verify System Requirements .................................. ... ... ... .... ... ... ...............................3-1
Observe Location and Range Guidelines ................................................................3-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................3-2
WPN311 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ........................ .................................. 3-2
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-3
For Windows XP Users Installing a WPN311 ...........................................................3-4
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WPN311 ....................................3-8
WPN311 Wireless Connection Indicators .....................................................................3-11
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................3-12
Basic Troubleshooting Tips ...........................................................................................3-12
About Page ...................................................................................................................3-13
Chapter 4
Configuration
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................4-1
Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................4-1
Networks Page ...............................................................................................................4-2
Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ...................................................4-3
How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile ......................... ............................4-3
Contents v
Connecting to Another PC in Ad-Hoc Mode ...................................................................4-5
How to Configure an Ad-Hoc Mode Profile ..............................................................4-5
Enabling Wireless Security Features ........................ .................... ................... ...............4-8
Identifying the Wireless Security Settings ................................................................4-9
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ..........................................................4-10
How to Configure WPA-PSK Encryption Security ..................................................4-11
Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................4-12
Advanced Settings Page ..............................................................................................4-13
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................5-1
General Questions ................................................................................. ... ...............5-1
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Questions ...............................................................5-3
Appendix A
Technical Specifications ......................................................................................................A1
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview .............................. ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. B-1
Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) .................................. ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ B-2
Authentication and WEP ........................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .............................. B-2
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. B-3
Open System Authentication .............................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ....................... B-3
Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... B-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ B-5
Key Size .................................................................................................................. B-6
WEP Configuration Options ............................................ .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... .... B-6
Wireless Channels ....................... .... ... ... ... ..................................................................... B-7
WPA Wireless Security .................................................................................................. B-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ B-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ B-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... B-10
Is WPA Perfect? .............................................................. .... ... ... ... .... ..................... B-16
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-16
vi Contents
Appendix C
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ......................................... ... .... ... ... . C-1
Configuring Windows 98SE and Me for TCP/IP Networking .........................................C-1
Install or V erify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-1
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 98SE and Me
C-3
Selecting the Internet Access Method ............................. .... ... ... ... .... ....................... C-5
Verifying TCP/IP Properties ....................................................................................C-5
Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking ............................................. C-6
Install or V erify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 ......................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ..................................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 .................................................. C-9
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-11
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................G-1
Index
Contents vii
viii Contents
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Chapter 1
About This Manual
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 PCI Adapter WPN311 Resourc e CD , and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This manual uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1-1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis.
bold User input.
SMALL CAPS 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 NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Manual Part Number 202-10075-01
Manual Publication Date February 2005
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at
http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.
About This Manual 1-1
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
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
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR
RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311.
About the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
The NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 gives you flexibility to install the
PC in the most convenient location available. The WPN311 frees you from traditional Ethernet
wiring that is limited by cabling requirements.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer 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.
The WPN311 W ireless PCI Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b 11 Mbps W ireless
Local Area Network (WLAN) connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. In
addition, it offers the faster speeds of the 802.11g standard. The WPN311 works with Windows
98SE, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11b/g standards-based wireless technology.
• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode.
• 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. Lower
level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network setu p or to
improve the data transfer rate.
Introduction Chapter 2-1
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WPN311 W ireless
PCI Adapter:
• WPN824 RangeMax™ Wireless Router
• WGT634U 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router
• WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router
• WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point
• WGR614 54 Mbps Cable/DSL Wireless Router
• WGR511 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card
• MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
• ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
• MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter
• MR814 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Routers
• MA521 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
• User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
• NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 Resource CD, including:
— Driver Software
— Wireless Assistant
— Installation Guide
• Warranty card
• 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.
Chapter 2-2 Introduction
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
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, set up, 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.
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
1. Identify the
wireless
network name
(SSID) and, if
used, the
wireless
security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR
RangeMax™
Wireless PCI
Adapter
WPN311 with
the settings
from step 1.
1. A wireless network
2. A desktop PC within the
operating range of the wireless
network. For guidelines about
the range of 802.11b/g
wireless networks, please see
“Observe Location and Range
Guidelines” on page 3-2.
To set up the WPN311, see
Chapter 3, “Basic Setup” and
follow the instructions provided.
To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix B, “Wireless
Networking Basics” for a general
introduction.
Introduction Chapter 2-3
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
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?
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encryption security built into browsers
like Internet Explorer and Netscape. Any wireless networking security features you might impleme n t are in
addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
Connect to the
Internet over my
wireless
network.
1. Assure that the
wireless
network has
security
features
enabled.
2. Configure my
WPN311 with
the security
settings of the
wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security
features.
1. Activate my
wireless link
and verify my
network
connection.
2. Open an
Internet
browser such
as Internet
Explorer or
Netscape
Navigator.
1. A wireless network with
authentication and WEP
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment that supports WEP
encryption, such as the
WPN311 and all NETGEAR
wireless networking products.
1. An active Internet connection
like those from cable or DSL
service providers.
2. A wireless network connected
to the cable or DSL Internet
service through a cable/DSL
router as illustrated in
“Connecting to an Access
Point in Infrastructure Mode”
on page 4-3.
3. TCP/IP Internet networking
software installed and
configured on my PC
according to the requirements
of the Internet service provider
4. A browser like Internet
Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Authentication and WEP” on
page B-2.
To use wireless security
features, please see “Enabling
Wireless Security Features” on
page 4-8 and configure your
WPN311 accordingly.
To configure your WPN311 in
Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic
Installation Instructions” on
page 3-3, and locate the section
for your version of Windows.
For assistance with configuring
the TCP/IP Internet software on
a PC, see “Preparing Your
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” on page C-1 or refer
to the PC Networking Tutorial on
the NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Resource CD and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
.
Chapter 2-4 Introduction
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
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
notebook
computer and
other computers
in a my
combined
wireless and
wired network.
1. Use the
Windows
Network
Neighborhood
feature to
browse for
computers in
the combined
wireless and
wired network.
2. Browse the
hard drive of
the target
computer in
the network in
order to locate
the directory or
files you want
to work with.
3. Use the
Windows
Explorer copy
and paste
functions to
exchange files
between the
computers.
1. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the Windows
Client and File and Print
Sharing.
2. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the same
Windows Workgroup or
Domain settings as the other
Windows computers in the
combined wireless and wired
network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights such as
login user name/ password
that have been assigned in the
Windows network or for
sharing particular files must be
provided when Windows
prompts for such information.
4. If so-called Windows ‘peer’
Workgroup networking is being
used, the drive, file system
directory, or file need to be
enabled for sharing.
For assistance with Windows
networking software, see
Appendix C, “Preparing Y our
PCs for Network Access” for
configuration scenarios or refer
to the Help system included with
your version of Windows.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Resource CD and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
Introduction Chapter 2-5
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
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?
Use printers in a
combined
wireless and
wired network.
1. Use the
Windows
Printers and
Fax features to
locate
available
printers in the
combined
wireless and
wired network.
2. Use the
Windows Add
a Printer
wizard to add
access to a
network printer
from the PC
you are using
to wirelessly
connect to the
network.
3. From the File
menu of an
application
such as
Microsoft
Word, use the
Print Setup
feature to
direct your
print output to
the printer in
the network.
1. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the Windows
Client and File and Print
Sharing.
2. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the same
Windows Workgroup or
Domain settings as the other
Windows computers in the
combined wireless and wired
network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights such as
login user name/ password
that have been assigned in the
Windows network must be
provided when Windows
prompts for such information.
4. If so-called Windows ‘peer’
networking is being used, the
printer needs to be enabled for
sharing.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Resource CD and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
For assistance with setting up
printers in Windows, refer to the
Help and Support information
that comes with the version of
the Windows operating systems
you are using.
Chapter 2-6 Introduction
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This section describes how to install your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter
WPN311 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 from
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 PCI Adapter WPN311 provides highly effective security
features which are covered in “Enabling Wireless Security Features” on page 4-8.
Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
What You Will Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that 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 pc adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311, please make sure
that these minimum requirements have been met:
• Pentium
•CD drive
• 20 Mbytes of free hard disk space
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WPN311 driver software
Basic Setup 3-1
®
III class computer with an available PCI slot
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Observe Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks indoors at a range which varies
significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311. For best results , avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz Cordless phones
In general, 802.11g wireless devices can co mmun icate through walls. However, if the walls are
constructed with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the 802.11g effective range will decrease
if such materials are between the devices.
Two Basic Operating Modes
The WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter, like all 802.11b/g adapters, 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 AP 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 access point. 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.
Both of these configuration options are available with the WPN311 Wireless PCI 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.
WPN311 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.
3-2 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification
first available network will be used
Note: In order for the WPN311 Wireless PC I 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 PCI
Adapter WPN311 for basic wireless connectivity to an access point. The procedures provide
step-by-step installation instructions for Windows PCs. Use the procedure that corresponds to the
version of Windows you are using.
(SSID): ANY — a special name which indicates the
Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
Basic Setup 3-3
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
For Windows XP Users Installing a WPN311
Install the WPN311 software.
a. Power on your computer, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Resource CD into your CD drive. The
CD main page shown at the right
loads.
c. Click the “Install Driver & Utility”
link.
WPN311 Resource CD main page
d. Follow the Smart Wizard - Install
Assistant steps, and click Finish when
done to restart your computer.
Note: If this page does not automatically appear,
browse the root of the CD and double-click on
autorun.exe to display this page.
Smart Wizard - Install Assistant
Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning
appears, click Continue Anyway to proceed.
3-4 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Install the NETGEAR RangeMax™ W i re le ss
PCI Adapter WPN311.
a. Shut down the PC and remove the
power cord. Insert the WPN311
Wireless PCI Adapter into an available
PCI slot.
Connect the antenna to the adapter and
position the antenna to the up position.
Reconnect the power cord and reboot
the computer.
b. The Found New Hardware Wizard
displays. Click Next and follow the
prompts to proceed.
c. When prompted, choose the country
where you are located from the list.
Found New Hardware Wizard
Note: If you are prompted with a Windows XP Logo
Testing message, click Continue Anyway.
d. You also will be prompted to enable
the NETGEAR Smart Wireless
Settings Utility configuration utility.
e. Click Yes to accept this option.
If you choose No, you must read the
Windows XP documentation to learn
how to use the Windows XP wireless
network configuration utility.
f. After the installation completes, click
Finish to close the wizard.
WPN311 System Tray Icon
You should see the WPN311 system tray
icon on the lower right portion of the
Windows task bar.
Windows XP displays a Wireless Network
Connection message.
Windows XP Network Connection Alert
Basic Setup 3-5
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Configure your WPN311 and save the Profile.
a. Click the system tray icon to open the
WPN311 Smart Wizard Wireless
Assistant.
The Settings page opens.
b. Change the Network Name SSID to
match your network.
Tip: Instead of typing in the SSID, you
can use the Network tab to view the
available wireless networks.
Double-click on the desired network.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
d. Enter a name for y our profile and click
Save Profile to store the current
settings.
Tip: If you use your notebook PC to
connect to a wireless network at work
and at home, create profiles called
work and home.
Note: This procedure assumes your
wireless network is not using security.
If your wireless network uses WEP or
WPA-PSK, set up your WPN311
accordingly. To view the wireless
security settings help, click the Help
button.
System Tray Icon
WPN311 Wireless Assistant Settings Page
Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless
network name SSID, and WEP disabled.
3-6 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Click the WPN311 icon in the Windows system tray to open the Smart Wizard
Installation Assistant.
Note: You can use the Networks
tab to verify the availability of
wireless networks and their
SSIDs.
For more information, see
“Understanding the Configuration
Options” on page 4-1.
b. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see “Basic Troubleshooting Tips” on page 3-12.
Basic Setup 3-7
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WPN311
Install the WPN311 software.
Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be
logged on with administrator rights.
a. Power on your computer, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the
WPN311 into your CD drive. The CD
main page shown at the right will load.
c. Click the “Install Driver & Utility”
link.
d. Follow the Smart Wizard - Install
Assistant steps, and click Finish when
done to restart your computer.
WPN311 Resource CD
Note: If you are prompted to restart your
computer, choose instead to shut it down. This
will let you install the WPN311 before
restarting. Windows will find the new
hardware and can use the software you
installed.
3-8 Basic Setup
Smart Wizard - Install Assistant
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Install the NETGEAR RangeMax™ W i re le ss
PCI Adapter WPN311.
a. Shut down the PC and remove the
power cord. Insert the WPN311
Wireless PCI Adapter into an available
PCI slot.
b. Reconnect the power cord and reboot
the computer. After a short delay, the
Found New Hardware Wizard
displays.
c. You will be prompted to choose the
country where you are located. Select
your location from the list.
d. Click Next and follow the prompts to
proceed. After the installation
completes, click Finish to close the
wizard.
Found New Hardware Wizard
Note: If Windows displays a Digital Signature Not
Found warning, click Yes to continue.
WPN311 System Tray Icon
You should see the WPN311 system tray
icon on the lower right portion of the
Windows task bar.
Basic Setup 3-9
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Configure your WPN311 and save the Profile.
a. Click the system tray icon to open the
WPN311 Smart Wizard Wireless
Assistant.
The Settings page opens.
b. Change the Network Name SSID to
match your network.
Tip: Instead of typing in the SSID, you
can use the Network tab to view the
available wireless networks.
Double-click on the desired network.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
d. Enter a name for y our profile an d click
the Save Profile button to store the
current settings.
Tip: If you use your notebook PC to
connect to a wireless network at work
and at home, create profiles called
work and home.
Note: This procedure assumes you are
connecting to a wireless network
which is not using WEP security. If
your network includes WEP settings,
enter the security information in the
Security section. For help with these
steps, see “Enabling Wireless Security
Features” on page 4-8.
System Tray Icon
WPN311 system tray icon
Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless
network name SSID, and WEP disabled.
3-10 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Verify that your connection information matches your wireless network.
Note: You can use the Networks
tab to verify the availability of
wireless networks and their
SSIDs.
For more information, see
“Understanding the Configuration
Options” on page 4-1.
b. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see “Basic Troubleshooting Tips” on page 3-12.
WPN311 Wireless Connection Indicators
The NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 SysTray icon, which is on the
System Tray portion of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop, is an indicator that gives
you feedback on the status of your wireless connection. The color of the SysTray icon indicates the
status of the connection.
Basic Setup 3-11
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