NETGEAR WPNT121 User Manual
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WPNT121 User Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10175-01
March 2006
Technical Support
For customer support see http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n10005.asp
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your support
information card.
E-mail: support@netgear.com
North American NETGEAR 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.
© 2006 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
Maximum Wireless Signal Rate Derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 Specifications
Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic,
building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.
.
Safety and Regulatory Notices
FCC Statement
The WPNT121 has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide rea sonabl e pr otecti on ag ai nst harmful int erferen ce in a resi dentia l in stal lation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
ii
v1.0, March 2006
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by Netgear could void the user’s
authority to operate the device.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements
SAR Statement
The Netgear WPNT121 has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
compliance. The FCC has established detailed SAR requirements and has established that these
requirements have been met while installed in host notebook computer.
RF Exposure Information
The radio module has been evaluated under FCC Bulletin OET 65C (01-01) and found to be compliant to the
requirements as set forth in CFR 47 Sections, 2.1093, and 15.247 (b) (4) addressing RF Exposure from radio frequency
devices. This model meets the applicable government requirements for exposure to radio frequency waves. The highest
SAR level measured for this device was 0.442w/kg.
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210 du Canada.
“To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from
windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to
licensing.”
“Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l’objet d’une licence, il doit être utilisé à
l’intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son
antenne d’émission) est installé à l’extérieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.”
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WPNT121 product
package.
Èesky
[Czech]
Dansk
[Danish]
Deutsch
[German]
NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter WPNT121
ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR
RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240
Wireless USB 2.0 Ad apter WPNT121
Anforderungen und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG
befindet.
je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými
overholder de væsentlige krav og
in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden
v1.0, March 2006
iii
Eesti
[Estonian]
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB
Español
[Spanish]
Ελληνική
[Greek]
Français
[French]
Italiano
[Italian]
Latviski
[Latvian]
Lietuviø
[Lithuanian]
Nederlands
[Dutch]
Malti
[Maltese]
Magyar
[Hungarian]
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB
Português
[Portuguese]
Slovensko
[Slovenian]
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
direktiivist tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
2.0 Adapter WPNT121
provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ∆ΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ∆ΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ Ο∆ΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240
Wireless USB 2.0 Ad apter WPNT121
autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240
Wireless USB 2.0 Ad apter WPNT121
disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WPNT121
saistîtajiem noteikumiem.
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WPNT121
Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless
atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to
atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter WPNT121
li hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
1999/5/EC irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
2.0 Adapter WPNT121
stosownymi postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud
is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera
ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩ∆ΕΙΣ
est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux
è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre
in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere
jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn relevanti
megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az
jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi
NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WPNT121
Directiva 1999/5/CE.
está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da
NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 W ireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WPNT121
5/ES.
v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/
iv
v1.0, March 2006
Slovensky
[Slovak]
Suomi
[Finnish]
Svenska
[Swedish]
NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WPNT121
1999/5/ES.
spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice
NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WPNT121
koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med
de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv
1999/5/EG.
tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WPNT121
Publication Date: March 2006
Product Family: Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10175-01
v1.0, March 2006
v
vi
v1.0, March 2006
Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, and Conventions ...............................................................................1-1
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-1
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
A Road Map for “How to Get There From Here” ............................................................2-1
What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................2-4
Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................2-4
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ..................................................2-5
What’s in the Box? ...................................................................................................2-5
Default Wireless Settings .........................................................................................2-6
Installation Instructions ...................................................................................................2-6
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ......................................................2-10
The Smart Wizard Status Bar .................................................................................2-10
Icon Colors ............................................................................................................. 2-11
Removing the Software ................................................................................................2-12
Upgrading the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Software .....................................................2-12
Chapter 3
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Understanding the Smart Wizard ...................................................................................3-1
Finding a Network ...........................................................................................................3-2
Profiles ............................................................................................................................3-3
Adding Profiles .........................................................................................................3-3
Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router ........................................3-3
Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile ....................................................3-5
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection ...........................3-7
Wireless Security ............................................................................................................3-8
Know Your Wireless Network Settings .....................................................................3-8
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vii
Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ..................................................3-9
Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................3-10
Setting up WPA2-PSK Security .................................................................................... 3-11
Setting up WPA-PSK Security ......................................................................................3-13
Advanced Settings .................................................................................................3-14
Networks Page .............................................................................................................3-14
Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................3-16
About Page ...................................................................................................................3-17
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................4-1
Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................4-1
Appendix A
Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications
Default Configuration Settings ....................................................................................... A-1
Technical Specifications ................................................................................................. A-2
Appendix B
Related Documents...............................................................................................................B1
viii
v1.0, March 2006
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, and Conventions
This manual assumes that you have basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills. However,
tutorial information is provided on the NETGEAR CD, and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This manual uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1-1. Typographical conventions
Italics Emphasis
Bold User input
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™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121
Manual Part Number 202-10175-01
Manual Publication Date March 2006
Note: Product updates in English language tare available on the NETGEAR Web site at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/downloads_support.asp.
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
1-1
v1.0, March 2006
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual
• Printing a Chapter. Use the link at the top right of any page.
— Click “PDF of This Chapter” 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 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. A new 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.
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v1.0, March 2006
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
The NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 lets you connect a PC
computer to wireless networks. It is designed for PC computers running Microsoft Windows. For
information about product features and compatible NETGEAR products, please see the
NETGEAR Web site at http://www.netgear.com.
This chapter describes how to install your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter and set up basic wireless
connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network set up is
covered in Chapter 3, “Network Connections and Wireless Security”.
A Road Map for “How to Get There From Here”
Wireless technology has removed one of the barriers to networking—running wires. Wireless
technology also adds issues such as range, interference, signal quality, and security to the picture.
The table below shows how to complete common tasks with a network: connecting to a wireless
network, using security, connecting to the Internet, 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 Is Needed? How Do I?
Connect to a
wireless
network
1. Get the wireless
network name (SSID)
and, if used, the
wireless security
settings.
2. Set up the Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter with
the settings from
Step 1.
1. A wireless network
2. A computer within the
operating range of the
wireless network.
v1.0, March 2006
For set up, see “Installation
Instructions” on page 2-6 and
follow the instructions.
For wireless network range,
see “Observe Wireless
Location and Range
Guidelines” on page 2-5.
For wireless networking, see
the Web link to “Wireless
Communications:” in
Appendix B.
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NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...
If I Want to... ? What Do I Do? What Is 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 Web
browsers. Wireless security features that you implement are in addition to those on secure Internet sites.
Connect to the
Internet over my
wireless
network.
1. Enable wireless
security for the
wireless network.
2. Set up wireless
security for your
Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter to match the
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,
WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment such as the
WPNT121 that supports
these security features.
1. An Internet service such as
cable modem or DSL.
2. A network with a wireless
router or access point
connected to the cable/DSL
modem.
3. TCP/IP Internet networking
software installed and
configured on your PC
based on the requirements
of the Internet service
provider
4. An Internet browser.
To use wireless security
features, see “Internet
Networking and TCP/IP
Addressing:” in Appendix B
and set up your WPNT121
accordingly.
To use your Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter in Infrastructure
Mode, see “Installation
Instructions” on page 2-6.
To set up a Profile, see.
“Profiles” on page 3-3.
For TCP/IP See the Web link
to “Internet Networking and
TCP/IP Addressing:” in
Appendix B.
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NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...
If I Want to... ? What Do I Do? What Is Needed? How Do I?
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected
computer and
other computers
in a 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 a computer in the
network to locate the
directory or files you
want to work with.
3. Use the Windows
Explorer functions to
exchange files
between the
computers.
1. The computer that connects
to the wireless network must
be configured with:
• Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing
• The same Windows
Workgroup or Domain
settings as the other
Windows computers in the
combined wireless and
wired network.
2. When Windows prompts for
security access rights such
as login user name/
password, you must enter
them.
3. If Windows ‘peer’ Workgroup
networking is used, the
drive, file system directory,
or file need 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 set up small
networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For TCP/IP see the Web link
to “Internet Networking and
TCP/IP Addressing:” in
Appendix B.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to
the PC Networking Tutorial on
the NETGEAR CD and the
Help information provided in
the Windows system you are
using.
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NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...
If I Want to... ? What Do I Do? What Is 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 computer that you are
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
be configured with:
• Windows Client and File and
Print Sharing
• The same Windows
Workgroup or Domain settings
as the other Windows
computers in the combined
wireless and wired network.
2. 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.
3. If so-called Windows ‘peer’
networking is being used,
the printer needs to be
enabled for sharing.
What You Need Before You Begin
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 CD and the
Help information provided in
the Windows system you are
using.
For help 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.
You need to verify that yo ur computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network settings of the wireless network where you will connect before you can set up
your wireless USB adapter and connect.
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NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter, please make sure that these minimum
requirements have been met. You must have a computer with:
• A Pentium
•A CD drive.
• 5 MB of free hard disk space.
• Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP1 with KB822603 hot fix, Windows XP SP2.
300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
Note: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your computer, the throughput of the
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.
Note: Windows XP users must have SP2 installed or the KB822603 Hot fix for SP1,
which fixes the USB 2.0 Host controller driver. Go to the following link to install
the Hot fix: http://www.microsoft.com
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based
on the location of the computer with the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. For best results, avoid
potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
• Microwave ovens
• 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.
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v1.0, March 2006
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