NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 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 Website: http://www.netgear.
• 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 the user’s authority to operate the device. For product available in the USA/Canada market, only channel 1~11 can be operated.
Eesti [Estonian] Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele. English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 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 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/ES. Suomi [Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 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 Use This Manual ................................................................................................... x How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................... x Chapter 1 Basic Setup What You Need Before You Begin ...........................................................
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection ...........................2-9 Wireless Security ..........................................................................................................2-10 Using Wireless Security Features ................................................................................2-10 Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................ 2-11 Setting up WEP Encryption Security ..................................
About This Manual The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual describes how to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111. 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 paragraphs: • • Typographical Conventions.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual For more information about network technologies, see the links to the NETGEAR website in Appendix B, “Related Documents”. Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WN111.asp.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual – 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 Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page. – Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page in the manual. The PDF version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.
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Chapter 1 Basic Setup This chapter describes how to install your RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N 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 2, “Network Connections and Wireless Security”. Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of several hundred feet.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual • Vista, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, or Windows 2000. Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the installation of the WN111 driver software. Note: Windows XP users must install SP2 or install the KB822603 Hot fix, which fixes the USB 2.0 Host controller driver. Go to the following link to install the Hot fix: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/ details.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual WN111 Default Wireless 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 network and wireless security settings that are already defined. Your RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to install from the CD. c. Follow the onscreen instructions for the InstallShield wizard and the NETGEAR Smart Wizard. • For Windows XP, if a Windows logo testing message appears, click Continue Anyway. • If a message that Windows Vista cannot verify the publisher of this driver appears, click Install this driver software anyway. d.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual 3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless USB adapter. Figure 1-3 a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless adapter either with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration utilities. • NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual 4. Connect to a wireless network. Figure 1-5 Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the Network Name (SSID). These networks are in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) is blank. a. Select the wireless network from the drop-down list, and the wizard records your choice. If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it. b. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile. c.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet Note: The maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a USB v1.1 port, the WN111 is limited to that port’s maximum speed, which is 14 Mbps.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Smart Wizard Status Bar Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard so you can view the status bar. The Smart Wizard Settings screen displays. The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual If you right-click the system tray icon, you can disable the Internet notification feature by clearing the check mark enabling notification, as shown in the following figure. If you do so, then only the IP address is shown. Figure 1-8 In Vista, there is one more option: Enable NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual 2. Insert the RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter in the plastic cradle. Figure 1-10 3. Place one of the other pieces of loop and hook fastener on the back of your monitor near the top for better reception. Figure 1-11 Note: The last piece of the fastener can be placed on the side of your PC monitor nearest your wireless access point, if you are using the USB Adapter with a desktop PC.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Upgrading the WN111 Software Upgrades may be available at the NETGEAR website. To install an upgrade, follow these steps. 1. Write down the settings for any profiles that you want to save. They will not be retained. 2. Download the upgrade from the NETGEAR website Support page. 3. Remove the WN111 software from your computer. 4. Remove the WN111 adapter from your computer, and if prompted restart your laptop computer. 5.
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Chapter 2 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. If you chose the Windows XP or Windows Vista Zero Configuration utility during installation, and now you want to use the Smart Wizard, then you need to disable the Windows utility.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Understanding the Smart Wizard These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WN111 Smart Wizard to change the RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter wireless settings. When you have installed the software from the Resource CD, the icon appears on your desktop and in the Windows System Tray. The Windows System Tray is located on the Windows taskbar.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual 2. Click the Networks tab. The Networks screen displays: You can click a column heading to sort. If many networks use the same channel they can interfere with each other. The Status bar shows your network connection and Internet connection. Figure 2-2 The buttons located at the bottom of the Networks tab are: • Help. Display online help. • • • • Join a Network. View networks and join a network. See “Joining a Network” on page 2-4. Connect.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual • MAC Address. Identifies the hardware address (MAC Address) of the wireless device broadcasting this information. • Mode. Identifies the type of wireless network — Access Point (Infrastructure) or Computerto-Computer (Ad Hoc) Joining a Network During the WN111 software installation, the Smart Wizard lists the available networks.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual 2. Select a network from the drop-down list. If you select a hidden network then you must enter the SSID. Click Next. 3. Follow the steps of the wizard to specify the wireless security if used, and to create a profile. 4. Review you settings, and click Finish. The Smart Wizard initiates your wireless connection. You can use the Status Bar to verify your network connection. For more information, see “Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router Follow these instructions to set up the RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter to connect to a wireless access point or router. 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings screen displays. Figure 2-4 2. Enter the network settings. a. In the Network Type section, make sure that Access Point (Infrastructure) is selected. b.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Use a browser to connect to the Internet, or check for file and printer access on your network.You can check the status bar in the Smart Wizard for the current connection status. Note: If you cannot connect, see Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting”. 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 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual 2. Enter the network settings. a. Select Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) for the Network Type. b. Select or enter the Network Name (SSID) for the Ad Hoc network. c. In the Profile box, type the name of the profile. d. Click Apply. 3. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Click Save Profile and all the configuration settings are saved in this profile. b. Click Apply. c.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual At this point the connection is established. Note: If you cannot connect, see “Removing the WN111 Software” in Chapter 1. For problems accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed or configured properly on your computers. 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 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 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 WN111 with exactly the same kind of wireless security settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 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 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Setting up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the WN111 Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WN111 software is installed and the WN111 is connected to the USB port in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings screen displays. 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 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual 3. Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. • 64-bit WEP data encryption • 128-bit WEP data encryption 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings screen displays: Figure 2-10 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 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Statistics Tab 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. Transmit, Receive, and Total (TxRx).
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual About Tab The About Tab displays the current version information. Figure 2-12 The following information is displayed in the About screen: • 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. • Driver Version.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Advanced Settings The default advanced settings usually work fine. To view or change the advanced settings, from the Settings tab, click Advanced Settings. The Advanced Settings screen displays: Figure 2-13 • 2-17 v1.
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Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance This chapter explains how to use your RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network. Optimizing Wireless Performance The speed and operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the location of the wireless router.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual • • Reduce interference. Avoid windows unless communicating between buildings. Place wireless devices away from various electromagnetic noise sources, especially those in the 2400–2500 MHz frequency band. Common noise-creating sources are: – Computers and fax machines (no closer than one foot) – Copying machines, elevators, and cell phones (no closer than 6 feet) – Microwave ovens (no closer than 10 feet) Choose your settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth The speed of network connections depends on the type of equipment that you use. Try to use highspeed technologies for network connections with the heaviest traffic to avoid lower-speed bottlenecks in the path. The following figure shows a home network that includes many different connection speeds.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual The Powerline HD family of products can coexist on the same network with older generation XE family products or HomePlug 1.0 products, but they are not interoperable with these older products. • Wired Ethernet As Gigabit Ethernet ports become common on newer computers, wired Ethernet remains a good choice for speed, economy, and security. Gigabit Ethernet can extend up to 100 meters with twisted-pair wiring of CAT-5e or better.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Table 3-1. Theoretical Transfer Time for 1 Gigabyte Network Connection Theoretical Raw Transfer Time Cable Modem (3 Mbps) 2700 seconds Analog Modem (56 kbps) 144,000 seconds (40 hours) 3-6 v1.
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter. For information about connecting to wireless networks and the Internet, see “Basic Setup” in Chapter 1. Troubleshooting Tips Use the information below to solve common problems you may encounter. Also, refer to the knowledge base on the NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Table 4-1.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued) Problem Action Throughput is only 54 Mbps or only 14 Mbps. The RangeMax WN111 Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter can operate at faster speeds. • At 54 Mbps you are probably connecting to a standard 802.11g network. See Chapter 3, “Wireless Network Performance”. • If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your PC, the throughput is limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly You must click the Initiate Ad Hoc button before you click Apply. Here is how you start an Ad Hoc network: 1. Fill in the Network Name (SSID). 2. Select the Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Type. 3. Click Initiate Ad Hoc. 4. Accept the default settings or make your changes and click OK 5. Click Apply.
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Appendix A Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings Technical Specifications The following table provides technical specifications for the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. Antenna 2 Integrated internal antenna Standards 802.11n, 802.11g, or 802.11b Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, 08, 140, 246, and 300 Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) Frequency 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz DSSS and OFDM Modulation) Power 5V Bus powered Emissions FCC, CE Bus interface USB 2.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter WN111 User Manual Factory Default Settings The following table lists the default settings of your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. Feature Description Smart Wizard Enabled Wireless Wireless Communication Enabled Wireless Network Name (SSID) Any (will connect to first wireless network that responds) Security Disabled Network Type Infrastructure Transmission Speed Autoa Country/Region United States (varies by region) Operating Mode 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.
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 Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/ index.htm Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/tcpip/index.htm Wireless Communications: http://documentation.netgear.
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