NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual NETGEAR, Inc.
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.
• 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. This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements SAR Statement The Netgear WPNT121 has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance.
Eesti [Estonian] Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele. English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Español [Spanish] Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc.
Slovensky [Slovak] NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/ES. Suomi [Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen. Svenska [Swedish] Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc.
vi v1.
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 .......................................................................
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 ...................................
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.
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.
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).
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Table 2-1. If I Want to... ? A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What Do I Do? Protect my 1. Enable wireless wireless security for the connection from wireless network. snooping, 2. Set up wireless hacking, or security for your information Wireless USB 2.0 theft. Adapter to match the network. 3. Use Windows security features. What Is Needed? How Do I? 1.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Table 2-1. If I Want to... ? A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What Do I Do? What Is Needed? Exchange files 1. Use the Windows 1.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Table 2-1. If I Want to... ? A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What Do I Do? Use printers in a 1. Use the Windows combined Printers and Fax wireless and features to locate wired network. 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.
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 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. • A CD drive.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual What’s in the Box? The product package should contain the following items: • NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 • Installation Guide • NETGEAR CD, including: — Driver and Configuration Utility Software — NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual • Warranty and Support information card If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Follow the instructions below to install the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. 1. First, install the software. a. Insert the NETGEAR CD in your computer’s CD drive. If the CD main page does not appear, double-click autorun.exe on the CD. b. Click the Install Software link and the Smart Wizard starts. c. Follow the Wizard steps, and click Next to continue. d. When the Installation Complete message appears, click Next. Figure 2-1 2.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual 3. For Windows XP users, choose the wizard. If you use Windows 2000, skip to Step 4, below. a. Choose the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows XP Configuration utility. If you choose the Windows XP option, then you must read the Windows XP documentation for instructions. b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard. Figure 2-3 4. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter a.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual b. Select the wireless network from the drop-down list, and the wizard records your choice. Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the Network Name (SSID). These networks are included in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) is blank. Hidden If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it. Figure 2-5 c. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile. d.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet Note: The maximum speed of a USB 2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a USB 1.1 port, the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is limited to that port’s maximum speed, which is 14 Mbps. The Wireless USB 2.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual This connection indicator is useful in isolating a problem. For example, if you are connected to a router, but not to the Internet, then check the router’s Internet connection. Connection Indicator Description Connected to Internet or IP Address Wireless Internet connection OK. Connected to Router Wireless connection to router OK but no Internet connection at router. ___.___.___.___ or 169.254..x.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Removing the Software You can remove the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter software in these two ways: • Navigate the Windows Start menu to the RangeMax™ 240 WPNT121 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter program group, select the uninstall option, and follow the screen prompts. • Navigate the Windows Start menu to the Control Panel Add or Remove Program item, select the RangeMax™ 240 WPNT121 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter option, and follow the screen prompts.
Chapter 3 Network Connections and Wireless Security This chapter explains how to use your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network. Understanding the Smart Wizard Note: These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR Smart Wizard to change the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter wireless settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Finding a Network During the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter software installation, the Smart Wizard lists the available networks. After installation you can use the Find a Network button on the Network tab at any time to view the available networks and select the one that you want to use. Note: Make sure that you know the security settings for the network that you want to use. For example, if WEP is used then you need to know the WEP key.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Profiles The WPNT121 Smart Wizard uses profiles to store all the settings for a particular wireless network. There are two special profile names: Default and Profile. Default: The Profile named Default automatically scans for any available network. You cannot change this profile name. Profile: If you do not enter a name in the Profile Name box, then the name Profile is used to save your settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens. Figure 3-2 2. Enter the network settings. a. In the Network Type section, be sure that Access Point (Infrastructure) is selected. b. In the Profile box, type the name of the profile. c. In the Network Name (SSID) field select a network or enter the SSID.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual You can check the status bar in the Smart Wizard for the current connection status. Note: If you cannot connect, see Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting. Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. Please refer to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing:” in Appendix B.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual 3. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. b. Click Apply. c. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard, or Cancel to return to the previous settings. 4. Configure the PC network settings. a. Configure each PC with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol. b. Restart the PCs. 5. Verify wireless connectivity between your peer devices.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual At this point the connection is established. For more information about using ping, see http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N101453.asp. Note: If you cannot connect, see “Removing the Software” in Chapter 2. Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Wireless Security Many networks use wireless security to encrypt wireless data communications. If you try to connect to a network with wireless security the Smart Wizard detects it. Before you can use that network you must set up the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter with the same SSID, wireless security, and security settings as that network. If you do not know what these are, contact the person who set up the network. The Wireless USB 2.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings Print this form, fill in the configuration parameters and put it in a safe place for possible future reference. For an existing wireless network, the person who set up the network will have this information. • Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local area network.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Setting up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the software is installed and the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is connected to the USB port in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 3-7 2. Configure the Security settings. a.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual 3. Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. The choices are: • 64-bit WEP data encryption • 128-bit WEP data encryption Note: The 128-bit encryption keys require more processing, and slow performance slightly. 4. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will automatically generate the WEP keys. Note: The characters are case sensitive.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 3-8 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name. b. In the Network Name (SSID) field select the network, or enter the SSID. Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID matches exactly what is configured in the access point. c.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Setting up WPA-PSK Security Follow the steps below to configure WPA-PSK Security. 1. Run the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the software is installed and the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is fully inserted in a USB port in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 3-9 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual 3. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. b. Click Apply. c. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard. Advanced Settings Most people do not need to change the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Advanced Settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual The following buttons are at the bottom of the Networks tab: • Help: Display online help. • • • • Find a Network: Use the wizard to help you connect to a network. See “Finding a Network” on page 3-2. Connect: Connect to the network that you selected. Scan: Check for wireless networks. Close: Close the window of the Wizard.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Statistics Page The Statistics page provides real time and historical trend information on the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter. Figure 3-12 • • • • Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the total, receive, and transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual About Page The About page displays the current software version information. Figure 3-13 The following information is displayed in the About page: • Regional Domain: This is the region setting for the wireless adapter. The approved channels for the region are automatically scanned. Governments regulate the channels used for wireless transmission. Operating the wireless adapter in a different region may violate local laws.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual 3-18 v1.
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. After each problem description, instructions are given to help you diagnose and solve the problem. For information about connecting to wireless networks and the Internet, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” in Chapter 2. Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual The Smart Wizard keeps asking me to save my settings This is because you have made changes to the settings and the Smart Wizard is offering you the chance to save the changes. If you want to avoid these Profile setting prompts, simply click Apply before you close the Smart Wizard. Ad Hoc mode is not working correctly You need to click the Initiate Ad Hoc button before you click Apply. Here is how you start an Ad Hoc network: 1.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual I cannot connect to the AP that I want from the Networks browser list. The access point is available and there is good signal strength. There are a few possibilities: • If the access point (AP) is WPA-PSK protected, you need the correct WPA-PSK passphrase. Otherwise, the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter will still be connected to the previous access point and you will not be able to change to the WPA-PSK access point.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Why do I see two Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter icons in the System Tray? If you see two icons in the System Tray at the bottom right corner of the screen, you have an older software version installed on your system and it needs to be removed. See “Removing the Software” in Chapter 2 or “Upgrading the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Software” in Chapter 2. 4-4 v1.
Appendix A Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications Default Configuration Settings The following table lists the default settings of your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Technical Specifications This table below describes technical specifications for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121. Antennas 2 separate PCB internal antennas Standards 802.11g, 802.11b Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 40, 48, 54, 72, 80, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144, 160, 168, 192, 216, and 240 Mbps Frequency 2.4GHz to 2.
Appendix B Related Documents This appendix provides links to reference documents you can use to gain a more complete understanding of the technologies used in your NETGEAR product. Document Link Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/tcpip/index.htm Wireless Communications: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/wireless/index.htm Preparing a Computer for Network Access: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/wsdhcp/index.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ 240 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPNT121 User Manual Appendix B-2 v1.
