Netgear WPN511 installation guide
User Manual for the
NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PC Card
WPN511
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10077-01
Version v1.3
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 WPN511 Wireless PC Card 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.
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
ii
February 2005
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.
Declaration Of Conformity
We NETGEAR, Inc., 4500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, declare under our sole responsibility that
the model WPN511 Cardbus Card W ireless 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 rea sonable 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved by NETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate
the equipment.
FCC ID: PY3WG511TV1H3
February 2005
iii
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 PC Card WPN511) 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-WG51TV13
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WPN511
Publication Date: February 2005
Product Family: wireless access point
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10077-01
iv
February 2005
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 PC Card WPN511 ...................................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 Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................3-1
Verifying System Requirements ...............................................................................3-1
Observing Location and Range Guidelines ..............................................................3-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................3-2
WPN511 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ........................ .................................. 3-2
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-3
For Windows XP Users Installing a WPN511 ...........................................................3-4
For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WPN511 .........................................3-8
WPN511 Wireless Connection Indicators .....................................................................3-12
Interpreting the LEDs on the WPN511 ... ...................................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...3-12
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................3-13
Troubleshooting .................................................. .......................................................... 3-13
Basic Tips ...............................................................................................................3-14
Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................3-14
Chapter 4
Configuration
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................4-1
Contents v
February 2005
Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................4-1
Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ............................................4-2
How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile ......................... ............................4-3
Connecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc Mode ....................................................................4-4
How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode Profile ......... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-5
How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network .......................................4-7
Enabling Wireless Security Features ........................ .................... ................... ...............4-8
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings ...........4-8
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................4-9
Statistics Page ........................................................................................................4-11
Advanced Settings Page ........................................................................................4-12
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
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-5
WEP Configuration Options ...................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .................................... B-6
Wireless Channels ....................... .... ... ... ... ..................................................................... B-7
Appendix C
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ......................................... ... .... ... ... . C-1
Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP Networking ....................................... C-2
Installing or Ve rifying Windows Networking Components ............ .... ... ... ... ....... ... ... . C-2
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in
Windows 95B, 98, and Me ........................ ... ... ... .... ... ... .......................................... . C-3
Selecting the Windows’ Internet Access Method .................................................... C-5
Verifying TCP/IP Properties .................................................................................... C-5
vi Contents
February 2005
Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking ............................................. C-6
Install or V erify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-6
Configuring DHCP of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4 .................................. C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ..................................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 .................................................. C-9
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4 .................................................. C-11
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4 .............................. C-12
.............................................................................................................................. C-13
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................G-1
Index
Contents vii
February 2005
viii Contents
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Ca rd WPN511
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511.
The WPN511 provides connection for multiple personal computers to the Internet through an
external broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL modem).
Audience, Scope, Conventions
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 PC Card WPN511
Manual Part Number 202-10077-01
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
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
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
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Ca rd WPN511
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR
RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511.
About the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN51 1
The NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511 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 cable or DSL Internet access among multiple PCs
in and around your home. It is designed for notebook computers running Microsoft
is both 16-bit PCMCIA and 32-bit CardBus compatible and works in any available PCMCIA or
CardBus slot.
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
The WPN511 Wireless PC Card provides reliable, standards-base d 802.11b 11 Mbps WLAN
connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security . In addition, it offers the faster speeds
of the soon-to-be ratified 802.11g standard. It works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP
operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WPN511 Wireless PC Card provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11g and b 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.
Introduction 2-1
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
• 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 o r to
improve data transfer rate.
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
• NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511 Resource CD, including:
— Driver and Configuration Utility Software
— User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
— Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial
— PC Networking Tutorial
• 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.
The NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511 has two interfaces:
• The PCMCIA Type II connector connects to any notebook PC with an available PCMCIA or
CardBus slot.
• The wireless interface of the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511 remains
outside of the notebook PC chassis when the wireless PC card is inserted into a notebook. The
LED indicates the wireless link condition and signal quality of the NETGEAR RangeMax™
Wireless PC Card WPN511 with another wireless node or the associated access point.
2-2 Introduction
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Ca rd WPN511
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.
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 PC
Card WPN511
with the
settings from
step 1.
1. A wireless network
2. A notebook PC within the
operating range of the wireless
network. For guidelines about
the range of wireless networks,
see “Observing Location and
Range Guidelines” on
page 3-2.
To set up the WPN511, 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 2-3
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
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
WPN511 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
WPN511 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 4-2.
3. TCP/IP Internet networking
software installed and
configured on my notebook 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 WEP security features,
see “Enabling Wireless Security
Features” on page 4-7 and
configure your WPN511
accordingly.
To configure your WPN511 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 PC Card WPN511
Resource CD and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
.
2-4 Introduction
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Ca rd WPN511
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 notebook 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 notebook 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 , “Preparing Your
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” 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 PC Card WPN511
Resource CD and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
Introduction 2-5
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
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
notebook 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 notebook 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 notebook 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 PC Card WPN511
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.
2-6 Introduction
February 2005
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
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 PC Card WPN511 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 pc card and connect.
Verifying System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511, please make sure that
these minimum requirements have been met:
• You must have a notebook PC with a Pentium® 300 MHz or higher compatible processor with
an available Cardbus slot.
•A CD drive.
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
• Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, 2000, Me, 98SE or 98
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WPN511 driver software.
Basic Setup 3-1
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
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 PC Card
WPN511. 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 WPN511 Wireless PC Card 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.
Both of these configuration options are available with the WPN511 Wireless PC Card.
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.
WPN511 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 PC Card WPN511 factory default basic settings are:
3-2 Basic Setup
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Ca rd WPN511
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the WPN511 W ireless PC Card 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 PC
Card WPN511 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
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
For Windows XP Users Installing a WPN511
Install the WPN511 driver and configuration
utility software.
a. Power on your notebook, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the
WPN511 into your CD drive. The
Resource 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.
WPN511 Resource CD main page
Smart Wizard - Install Assistant
Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning
appears, click Continue Anyway to proceed.
3-4 Basic Setup
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Ca rd WPN511
Install the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless
PC Card WPN511.
a. Locate an available CardBus slot on
the side of your notebook. Hold the PC
Card with the NETGEAR logo facing
up and insert it into the CardBus slot.
The Found New Hardware Wizard
displays.
Note: Click Continue Anyway if you
are prompted with a Windows XP
Logo testing message.
b. Next you will be prompted to enable
the NETGEAR Smart Wireless
Settings Utility configuration utility.
Click Yes to accept this option.
Found New Hardware Wizard
If you choose No, you must read the
Windows XP documentation for an
explanation of how to use the
Windows XP wireless network
configuration utility
You will also be prompted to choose
Enable NETGEAR Utility Configuration
the country you are located in. Select
your location from the list.
c. Click Finish to complete the
installation. You will see the WPN511
system tray icon on the lower right
WPN511 System Tray Icon
portion of the Windows task bar.
Basic Setup 3-5
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
Configure your WPN511.
a. Click the WPN511 icon in the
Windows system tray to open the
WPN511 Smart Wizard Wireless
Assistant.
The Settings tab page opens.
b. Change the Network Name SSID to
match your network.
Tip: Instead of 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.
Smart Wizard Wireless Assistant Settings page
Tip: Click Help to view the context-sensitive
help information.
Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with Any (case
sensitive) for the wireless network name SSID,
and WEP disabled. If your WLAN settings are
different from the NETGEAR default settings,
you will not connect. Set up your WPN511
accordingly.
This procedure assumes you are connecting to
a wireless network which is not using WEP or
WPA security. If your network includes WEP
or WPA settings, click the Security tab page
and configure the WPN511 accordingly. For
help with these steps, click the Help button in
the Install Assistant to view context- sensitive
help information, or see
Security Features” on page 4-7.
System Tray Icon
“Enabling Wireless
3-6 Basic Setup
February 2005
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Ca rd WPN511
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Verify that your Connection and Status Monitor information matches your wireless
network.
b. Check the two LEDs on the WPN511:
LED 2
Table 3-1. LED Descriptions
LED 1
LED 1 LED 2 Meaning
Slow blink OFF Power save mode (default from power up or reset)
Alternate
blink
Slow blink Slow blink Associated or joined with network; no activity
Fast blink Fast blink Associated or joined with network; blink rate increases
OFF OFF No power applied to the card
Alternate
blink
Looking for network association
Power LED goes ON; Network LED is OFF; then Power
LED goes OFF and Network LED goes ON
with activity on the network over the air or local l y on th e
network
c. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see troubleshooting tips in the Basic Installation section
of the Reference Manual on the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
Resource CD.
Basic Setup 3-7
February 2005
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