Reference Manual for the Model MA101 802.11b Wireless PC Card NETGEAR, Inc.
Technical Support Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your product at 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: www.NETGEAR.
Contents Preface - About This Installation Guide Chapter 1 - Introduction About the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter ...................................1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ......................................1 What’s in the Box? ...................................................................................2 A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .......................................3 Chapter 2 - Installing the MA101 802.
Configuring WEP Encryption Security .............................................32 Appendix A - Technical Specifications Appendix B - 802.11b Wireless Networking Basics Related Publications ..............................................................................35 Wireless Networking ..............................................................................35 Wireless Network Configuration ......................................................36 Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ..............
Preface About This Installation Guide Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR® MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter. Note: If you are unfamiliar with networking, routing, and wireless communications, refer to Appendix B, “802.11b Wireless Networking Basics,” to become more familiar with the terms and procedures used in this guide. This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills.
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Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter. See “What You Will Need Before You Begin” on page 9 for the minimum system requirements. Also, a “road map” for achieving your installation objectives is provided on page 3. About the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter The MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter gives you ultimate flexibility in your office or home.
• Highest level security with 128-bit Shared Key WEP data encryption. Lower level data encryption or no data encryption options simplify network setup and improve data transfer rates. The following Netgear products can be configured to communicate with the MA101 USB Adapter. • • • • • • WAB102 Dual Band Access Point MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card ME102 802.11b Wireless Access Point MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter MR314 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Router MA701 802.
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, set up, and maintenance can be difficult to understand.
Table 1-1. If I Want To... ? A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What Do I Do? What’s Needed? Protect my 1. Assure that the 1. A wireless network with wireless wireless authentication and WEP connection from network has encryption enabled. snooping, security 2. Wireless networking hacking, or features equipment that supports information enabled. WEP encryption, such as theft. 2. Configure my the MA101 and all MA101 with Netgear wireless Note: Secure the security networking products.
Table 1-1. If I Want To... ? A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What Do I Do? Connect to the 1. Activate my Internet over my wireless link wireless and verify my network. network connection. 2. Open an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. What’s Needed? How Do I? 1. An active Internet connection like those from cable or DSL service providers. 2.
Table 1-1. If I Want To... ? A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What Do I Do? Exchange files 1. Use the between my Windows wirelessly Network connected Neighborhood computer and feature to other computers browser for in a combined computers in wireless and the combined wired network. 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.
Table 1-1. 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 combined Windows wireless and Printers and wired network. Fax features to locate available printers in the combined wireless and wired network. 2. Use the Windows Add a Printer wizard to add access a network printer from the PC you are using to wirelessly connect to the network. 3.
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Chapter 2 Installing the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter This chapter describes how to set up your MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Note: Computers can connect over 802.11b wireless networks at a range of as much as 500 feet or more indoors. With this distance, and because walls do not always block wireless signals, others outside your immediate area could access your network.
Verify System Requirements Before installing the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met: • • • • • You must have a Pentium® Class computer. An available USB port. A CD-ROM drive. 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space. Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the installation of the MA101 driver software. Observe Location and Range Guidelines Computers can connect over 802.
Two Basic Operating Modes The MA101 USB Adapter, like all 802.11b adapters, 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.
MA101 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. On Windows XP computers, your MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter does not use factory default settings.
Using the MA101 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode 802.11b Wireless Access Point Cable/DSL Router MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter Connected to a Desktop Computer Cable or DSL modem Figure 2-1: MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter in Infrastructure Mode This section provides instructions for setting up the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter.
Setting Up the MA101 in Infrastructure Mode Use the procedure below that corresponds to your version of Windows. For Windows XP Users Installing a MA101 Connect the MA101 USB Adapter to your computer. a. Power on your computer and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Locate an available USB port on the back of your computer. c. Lift the antenna on the MA101. d. Connect the USB cable from the MA101 USB Adapter to your computer.
Install the MA101 driver software. a. After connecting the MA101, the Found New Hardware popup message appears, then the Wizard dialog displays. Windows XP Wireless Found New Hardware Popup Message b. Insert the Model MA101 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. c. After inserting the Model MA101 Resource CD, the Found New Hardware Wizard appears. Click the Next button to proceed with the Wizard. d. The wizard will install the MA101 driver. e.
Configure your wireless network connection. a. Click on the “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network even though this is not secure” check box. b. Click Connect. The connection status popup message appears. Note: This procedure assumes you are connecting to a wireless network which is not Windows XP Wireless Network Connection using WEP security. If your Configuration Utility network includes WEP settings, click the Advanced button and configure the MA101 accordingly.
For Windows 98/Me Users Installing a MA101 Insert the Model MA101 Resource CD into your computer. Note: Do not connect the USB cable to your computer until after you complete the installation of the software as described in step 2 below a. Power on your computer and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Have the Windows 98 or Me operating system installation files handy. Windows 98/Me needs these files to complete the installation of new network adapter drivers. Install the MA101 software. a.
Connect the MA101 to your computer using the included USB cable. a. Lift the antenna on the MA101. b. Locate an available USB port on the back of your computer. Netgear MA101 c. Connect the USB cable from your computer to the MA101. Windows 98/Me prompts for the location of the driver software. d. Click the CD-ROM drive box and click Next to proceed. e. After the installation completes, click Finish to close the wizard. Windows 98/Me Add Hardware Wizard f.
Configure your wireless adapter. a. The MA101 default settings are as follows: • SSID: Wireless • Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure • WEP encryption not enabled. b. Double click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings. Note: You will not get a connection unless your settings match those of the wireless network. If your wireless network settings are different from the Netgear.
For Windows 2000 Users Installing a MA101 Insert the Model MA101 Resource CD into your computer. Note: Do not connect the USB cable to your computer until after you complete the installation of the software as described in step 2 below a. Power on your computer and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Have the Windows 2000 operating system installation files handy. Windows 2000 needs these files to complete the installation of new network adapter drivers. c.
Connect the MA101 to your computer using the included USB cable. a. Lift the antenna on the MA101. b. Locate an available USB port on the back of your computer. c. Connect the USB cable from Netgear MA101 your computer to the MA101. d. The Windows Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box displays. Click Next, and Next again at the search for the best driver screen. e. If the Digital Signature Not Found warning appears, click Yes to continue.
Configure your wireless adapter. a. The MA101 default settings are as follows: • SSID: Wireless • Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure • WEP encryption not enabled. b. Double click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings. MA101 Configuration Utility Note: You will not get a connection unless your settings match those of the wireless network. If your wireless network settings are different from the Netgear.
Using the MA101 to Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode 802.11b Wireless PC Card in a Notebook Computer MA101 Wireless USB Adapter Connected to a Desktop Computer Figure 2-2: MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter in Ad-Hoc Mode Ad-Hoc Mode is an 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other, without the use of an access point.
Setting Up a MA101 in Ad-Hoc Mode Set up the MA101 USB Adapter for your computer. Follow the instructions above for setting up the MA101 with the version of the Windows operating system you are using. Configure your wireless adapters. a. Double click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility to make whatever configuration changes may be needed. b.
Verify wireless connectivity between the computers. Verify connectivity by accessing resources on either computer. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the “Troubleshooting Tips” on page 27. If you have 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 “Preparing Your PCs for Network Access” on page 41.
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors The SysTray (System Tray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. The wireless LAN configuration utility installation for the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter adds a configuration and status reporting utility icon in the SysTray. Color Condition Description Red The wireless USB adapter has no connection to any other wireless node.
Troubleshooting Tips If you have problems getting wirelessly connected to your network, try the tips below. Symptom Cause The LED on the wireless USB adapter is off The wireless USB adapter cable is not inserted into the USB port properly or the proper MA101 USB Adapter software is not loaded. • Remove and reinsert the wireless USB adapter USB cable. This could be a physical layer problem or a network configuration problem.
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Chapter 3 Protecting Your Wireless Connection The absence of a physical connection between nodes makes wireless links vulnerable to information theft. This chapter describes how to use the basic security features of the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter to protect your connection. Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features There are several ways you can strengthen the security of your wireless connection. • Enable Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption of the wireless data communications.
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings Print this form, fill in the configuration parameters, and put it in a safe place for future reference. For an existing wireless network, fill in the configuration parameters. The person who set up or is responsible for the network will be able to provide this information. • Wireless Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local area network. Wireless is the default MA101 SSID.
Setting the Wireless Network Name (SSID) The MA101 USB Adapter allows you to restrict access to your wireless communications based on the SSID and WEP keywords. These settings must match the settings of the wireless Access Point. Follow the steps below to perform this procedure. 1. Run the Configuration Utility and select the Configuration tab page. Figure 3-1: Changing the SSID 2. To change the SSID, enter a new SSID. Note: The characters are case sensitive. 3.
Configuring WEP Encryption Security The MA101 USB Adapter allows you to restrict access to your wireless network based on WEP keywords. Following the steps below to perform this procedure. 1. Run the Configuration Utility and select the Security tab page. Figure 3-2: Configuring WEP Encryption 2. Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. The characters are case sensitive. Use the same values when configuring other wireless devices that will communicate with this wireless USB adapter.
Appendix A Technical Specifications This appendix provides technical specifications for the MA101 USB Adapter. Antenna 1 Integrated antenna and 1 external non-removable antenna Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) Frequency 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Maximum Range Outdoor Environment 1Mbps–1650 ft (503 m) 2Mbps–1320 ft (402 m) 5.5Mbps–1155 ft (352 m) 11Mbps–835 ft (255 m) Emissions FCC, CE, C-TICK Bus interface USB 1.
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Appendix B 802.11b Wireless Networking Basics This chapter provides an overview of IP networks, routing, and wireless networking. Related Publications As you read this document, you may be directed to various RFC documents for further information. An RFC is a Request For Comment (RFC) published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), an open organization that defines the architecture and operation of the Internet.
Wireless Network Configuration The 802.11b standard offers two methods for configuring a wireless network — ad hoc and infrastructure. Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) In an ad hoc network, computers are brought together as needed; thus, there is no structure or fixed point in the network — each node can generally communicate with any other node. There is no access point involved in this configuration.
Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) The Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) is one of two types of Service Set Identification (SSID). In an ad-hoc wireless network with no access points, the Basic Service Set Identification (BSSID) is used. In an infrastructure wireless network which includes an access point, the ESSID is used, but may still be referred to as SSID. An SSID is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key identifying the wireless local area network.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption is utilized when the wireless nodes or access points are configured to operate in Shared Key authentication mode. There are two shared key methods implemented in most commercially available products, 64-bit and 128-bit WEP data encryption. The 64-bit WEP data encryption method, allows for a five-character (40-bit) input. Additionally, 24 factory-set bits are added to the forty-bit input to generate a 64-bit encryption key.
The radio frequency channels used are listed in Table 3-1: Table 3-1. 802.11 Radio Frequency Channels Channel Center Frequency Frequency Spread 1 2412 MHz 2399.5 MHz - 2424.5 MHz 2 2417 MHz 2404.5 MHz - 2429.5 MHz 3 2422 MHz 2409.5 MHz - 2434.5 MHz 4 2427 MHz 2414.5 MHz - 2439.5 MHz 5 2432 MHz 2419.5 MHz - 2444.5 MHz 6 2437 MHz 2424.5 MHz - 2449.5 MHz 7 2442 MHz 2429.5 MHz - 2454.5 MHz 8 2447 MHz 2434.5 MHz - 2459.5 MHz 9 2452 MHz 2439.5 MHz - 2464.5 MHz 10 2457 MHz 2444.
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Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access This appendix describes how to prepare your PCs to connect to the Internet through the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter. For adding file and print sharing to your network, please consult the Windows help information included with the version of Windows installed on each computer on your network. Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking Computers access the Internet using a protocol called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).
Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking As part of the PC preparation process, you may need to install and configure TCP/IP on your PC. Before starting, locate your Windows CD; you may need to insert it during the TCP/IP installation process. Install or Verify Windows Networking Components To install or verify the necessary components for IP networking: 1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Network icon.
You must have an Ethernet adapter or an MA101, the TCP/IP protocol, and the Client for Microsoft Networks. Note: It is not necessary to remove any other network components shown in the Network window in order to install the adapter, TCP/IP, or Client for Microsoft Networks. If you need to add TCP/IP: a. b. c. d. Click the Add button. Select Protocol, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. Select TCP/IP, and then click OK.
If you need to add the Client for Microsoft Networks: a. b. c. d. Click the Add button. Select Client, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. Select Client for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. If you need to add File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks: a. b. c. d. 3. Click the Add button. Select Client, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. Select File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Locate your Network Neighborhood icon. • If the Network Neighborhood icon is on the Windows desktop, position your mouse pointer over it and right-click your mouse button. • If the icon is not on the desktop, • Click Start on the task bar located at the bottom left of the window. • Choose Settings, and then Control Panel. • Locate the Network Neighborhood icon and click on it. This will open the Network panel as shown below.
By default, the IP Address tab is open on this window. • Verify the following: Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. If not selected, click in the radio button to the left of it to select it. This setting is required to enable the DHCP server to automatically assign an IP address. • Click OK to continue. Restart the PC. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network. Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Verifying TCP/IP Properties After your PC is configured and has rebooted, you can check the TCP/IP configuration using the utility winipcfg.exe: 1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, and then click Run. 2. Type winipcfg, and then click OK. The IP Configuration window opens, which lists (among other things), your IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. 3. From the drop-down box, select your Ethernet adapter.
3. If an Ethernet adapter is present in your PC, you should see an entry for Local Area Connection. Double-click that entry. 4. Select Properties. 5. Verify that Client for Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) are present. If not, select Install and add them. 6. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), click Properties, and verify that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. 7. Click OK and close all Network and Dialup Connections windows. 8. Then, restart your PC.
Now the Network Connection window displays. The Connections List that shows all the network connections set up on the PC, located to the right of the window. • Right-click on the Connection with the wireless icon and choose Status. Now you should be at the Local Area Network Connection Status window. This box displays the connection status, duration, speed, and activity statistics. Administrator logon access rights are needed to use this window.
The TCP/IP details are presented on the Support tab page. • Select Internet Protocol, and click Properties to view the configuration information. Verify that Obtain an IP address automatically radio button is selected and that the Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button is selected. • Click the OK button. This completes the DHCP configuration in Windows XP. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 After you install a network card, TCP/IP for Windows 2000 is configured and set to DHCP without your having to configure it. However, if there are problems, following the steps below to configure TCP/IP with DHCP for Windows 2000. Click on the My Network Places icon on the Windows desktop. This will bring up a window called Network and Dial-up Connections. • Right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
With Internet Protocol (TCP/ IP) selected, click on Properties to open the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialogue box. Verify that • • Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected. Click OK to return to Local Area Connection Properties. Click OK again to complete the configuration process for Windows 2000. Restart the PC. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 To check your PC’s TCP/IP configuration: 1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, and then click Run. The Run window opens. 2. Type cmd and then click OK. A command window opens 3. Type ipconfig /all Your IP Configuration information will be listed, and should match the values below if you are using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a router or gateway: 4. • The IP address is between 192.168.0.
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Numerics 2.5 GHz Cordless phones 2-10 Index 802.11b B-37 A Access Point 2-27 Ad Hoc 2-12 Ad-Hoc Mode 2-11 ad-hoc mode B-38, B-39 B BSSID B-39 C Channel B-40 Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode 2-23 D Default Wireless Configuration Settings 2-12 E ESSID B-39 F features 1-1 G Green 2-26 I I cannot see the other computers on the Ethernet side of the network.
IETF B-37 Infrastructure 2-12 Infrastructure Mode 2-11 infrastructure mode B-38, B-39 IP networking for Windows C-44, C-49 L Large metal surfaces 2-10 LED on the PC Card is off 2-27 Location and Range Guidelines 2-10 M Microwaves 2-10 Modes 2-11 O Open System authentication B-39 P publications, related B-37 R range 2-10 Red 2-26 S Shared Key authentication B-39 sources of interference 2-10 SSID 1-3, 2-12, B-39 System Requirements 2-10 System Tray Icon Colors 2-26 2
T TCP/IP properties verifying for Windows C-49 Troubleshooting Tips 2-27 W walls 2-10 WEP 1-4, 3-29, B-40 Wi-Fi B-37 Windows 2000 2-20 Windows 98/ME 2-17 Windows XP Users 2-14 Windows, configuring for IP routing C-44, C-49 winipcfg utility C-49 Wired Equivalent Privacy.
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Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer It is hereby certified that the Model MA401 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 Communications Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation.
R NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA E-mail: support@NETGEAR.com www.NETGEAR.
