NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual NETGEAR, Inc.
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.
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 • 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 th
Eesti [Estonian] Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele. English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/ES. Suomi [Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen. Svenska [Swedish] Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc.
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Contents About This Manual Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................................................................................... ix How to Print This Manual .................................................................................................. x Chapter 1 Basic Setup What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................4-2 Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ..................................................
Setting up WPA2-PSK Security .................................................................................... 5-11 Setting up WPA-PSK Security ......................................................................................5-13 Advanced Settings .................................................................................................5-14 Networks Page .............................................................................................................5-14 Statistics Page ..........
About This Manual TheNETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual describes how to install, configure, and troubleshoot the NETGEAR® WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter. The information in this manual is intended for readers with intermediate computer and Internet skills. Conventions, Formats, and Scope The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following sections. • • Typographical conventions. This manual uses the following typographical conventions.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual • Scope. This manual is written for the WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter according to these specifications. Product version NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B Manual publication date May 2006 Product updates are available on the NETGEAR website at http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WN311B.asp. How to Print This Manual To print this manual, you can choose one of the following options, according to your needs.
Chapter 1 Basic Setup The NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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 PCI Adapter and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual What You Need Before You Begin You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and get the wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can configure your wireless PCI adapter and connect.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual • Access Point (Infrastructure): 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. • Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc): An 802.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Installation 1. First, install the WN311B software. Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the CD main page does not appear, double click Autorun.exe on the CD. a. Click Install Software.The Check for Updates window opens. b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to install from the CD. c. When the Installation Complete message appears, click Next. d.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual 3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless PCI adapter. a. Windows 2000 users skip to step c. For Windows XP users, choose to set up your wireless adapter either with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration utility. If you choose the Windows XP Zero Configuration option, then you must read the Windows XP documentation for instructions. Figure 1-3 b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual d. 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 Network Figure 1-5 e. The Smart Wizard detects if the network uses security or not. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile. f.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity. The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page. connection status signal strength indicator unlocked: network does not use security Internet/router connection indicator • The connection status indicator connection. • For details about the icons in the status bar, the WN311B LEDs, and troubleshooting tips, see the User Manual on the NETGEAR CD.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual • Smart Wizard Status Bar: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard. The status bar at the bottom of the page shows details about your wireless and Internet connection. • WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter LEDs: The LEDs on the wireless PCI adapter show the network connection. The LEDs shoe an alternate blink when the wireless PCI adapter is looking for a network association. When there is a good connection, the LEDs blink together.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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 Wireless Internet connection OK. Connected to Router Wireless connection to router OK but no Internet connection at router. ___.___.___.___ or 169.254..x.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Removing the WN311B Software You can remove the wireless adapter software in these two ways: • Navigate the Windows Start menu to the WN311B Wireless PCI 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 WN311B Wireless PCI Adapter option, and follow the screen prompts.
Chapter 2 Network Connections and Wireless Security This chapter explains how to use your NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the WN311B so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network. Understanding the WN311B Smart Wizard Note: These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WN311B Smart Wizard to change the WN311B wireless settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Finding a Network During the WN311B 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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Profiles The WN311B 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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens. Figure 2-2 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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual You can check the status bar in the Smart Wizard for the current connection status. Note: If you cannot connect, see Chapter 3, “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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual a. Click the Save Profile button. 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. Note: For instructions on configuring static IP addresses, refer to the networking tutorial on your Resource CD. b. Restart the PCs. 5.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual At this point the connection is established. Note: If you cannot connect, see “Removing the WN311B Software” in Chapter 4. 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 see the link to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing:” in Appendix B. Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection 1.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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 WN311B with exactly the same kind of wireless security settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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 be able to provide this information. • Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local area network.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Setting up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the WN311B Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WN311B software is installed and the WN311B is installed in a PCI slot in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens Figure 2-7 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name. b.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the communications response times. 4. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will automatically generate the WEP keys. Note: The characters are case sensitive. Be sure to use the same passphrase for all the wireless devices in the network.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 2-8 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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Setting up WPA-PSK Security Follow the steps below to configure WPA-PSK Security. 1. Run the WN311B Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WN311B software is installed and the WN311B is properly installed in a PCI slot in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 2-9 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name. b.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual b. Click Apply. c. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard. Advanced Settings The Advanced Settings should normally work in their default settings. On the Settings tab click the Advanced Settings button to display the dialog box and make any adjustments. Networks Page The Networks Page scans and displays all available wireless networks in your area. 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. 2.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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 5-2. Connect: Connect to the network that you selected. Scan: Check for wireless networks. Close: Close the window of the Wizard.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B 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 2-11 • • • • Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the total, receive, and transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual About Page The About page displays the current software version information. Figure 2-12 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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual 2-18 Network Connections and Wireless Security v1.
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B. 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” on page 4-7.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Frequently Asked Questions Use the information below to solve common problems you may encounter. Also, please refer to the knowledge base on the NETGEAR Web site at http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. The WN311B 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Did the WN311B card receive a valid IP address from the Wireless Router/AP? The easiest way is to click the system tray icon to open the WN311B Smart Wizard. Then check the IP address in the About page. 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual You can delete the Q815485 from the Add or Remove Program utility in the Control Panel. (The Official name is Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485). Follow this removal procedure: 1. Click Start, point to Control Panel, and then double-click Add/Remove Programs. 2. Click Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485, and then click Remove. 3.
Appendix A Default Settings and Technical Specifications Default Settings The following table lists the default settings of your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Technical Specifications This table below describes technical specifications for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B. Antennas Detachable antenna Standards 802.11g, 802.11b Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 13.5, 18, 19.5, 24, 26, 27, 36, 39, 40.5, 48, 52, 54, 58.5, 65, 81,104, 108, 117, 121.5, 130, 135, 162, 216, 243, 270, and 300 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™ NEXT Wireless PCI Adapter WN311B User Manual Industry Canada Statement Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause interference and 2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 1dBi. Antenna having a higher gain is strictly prohibited per regulations of Industry Canada.
