User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 NETGEAR, I n c. 4 5 00 G re a t A m erica P a rkwa y S a n ta C la ra , C A 9 5 05 4 U S A 2 02 -1 007 6 -01 V ersion v1 .
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.
FCC Information to User This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved antennas only. Any product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and approvals FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body.
N E T G E A R R a n geM a x™ W ire less U S B 2 . 0 A d a p ter W P N 1 1 1 Tested to C om p ly with F C C S ta n d a rd s F O R H O M E O R O F F IC E U S E P Y 3W G 1 1 1 T Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved byNETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate the equipment. Export Restrictions This product or software contains encryption code which may not be exported or transferred from the US or Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license.
Contents Chapter 1 About This Manual A u d ien ce, S cop e, C on ven tion s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 -1 H ow to U se th is M a n u a l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H ow to C on figu re a n A d -h oc M od e P rofile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 -4 H ow to S ta rt a C om p u te r-to-C om p u te r (A d -H oc) N e twork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 -6 E n a b lin g W ire le ss S e cu rity F e a tu res . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access P rep a rin g Y ou r C om p u ters for T C P /I P N etworkin g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C -1 C on figu rin g W in d ows 9 8 a n d M e for T C P /I P N etworkin g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C -1 I n sta ll or V e rify W in d ows N e tworkin g C om p on en ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
viii C on te n ts 202-10076-01
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Chapter 1 About This Manual This chapter introduces the conventions and features of this document. Audience, Scope, Conventions This manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills. However, tutorial information is provided in the Appendices, on the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Resource CD, and on the NETGEAR Web site.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 How to Print this Manual To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs. • Printing a Chapter. Use the – – – • link at the top right of any page. Click “PDF of This Chapter” link 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Chapter 2 Introduction This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111. About the WPN111 The NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 gives you ultimate mobility in your office or while you are traveling.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 What’s in the Box? The product package should contain the following items: • • • NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Resource CD, including: — Driver and Configuration Utility Software — User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I? C on n ect to a wireless n etwork 1 . I d en tify th e wireless n etwork n a m e (S S I D ) a n d , if u sed , th e wireless secu rity settin gs. 2 . S et u p th e N E TG E A R R a n geM a x™ W ire less U S B 2 . 0 A d a p te r W P N 1 1 1 with th e settin gs from step 1 . 1 . A wirele ss n e twork 2 .
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Table 2-1. If I Want To? A Road Map for How to Get There From Here What Do I Do? C on n ect to th e 1. I n te rn et over m y wireless n etwork. A ctiva te m y wireless lin k a n d verify m y n etwork con n ection . 2 . O p en a n I n tern et b rowser su ch a s I n te rn et E xp lorer or N etsca p e N a viga tor. 2 -4 202-10076-01 What’s Needed? How Do I? 1 .
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here If I Want To? What Do I Do? E xch a n ge files b etwee n a wirelessly con n ecte d P C a n d oth er com p u ters in a m y com b in ed wireless a n d wired n etwork. 1 . U se th e W in d ows 1 .
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I? U se p rin ters in a com b in ed wireless a n d wired n etwork. 1 . U se th e W in d ows P rin ters a n d F a x fe a tu res to loca te a va ila b le p rin ters in th e com b in ed wireless a n d wired n etwork. 2 .
Chapter 3 Basic Setup This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 4, “Configuration” in this manual. Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of several hundred feet.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 • Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, 2000. Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the installation of the WPN111 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: h ttp ://www. m icrosoft. com /d own loa d s/ d eta ils.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Both of these configuration options are available with the RangeMax™ WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered below. Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in Chapter 4, “Configuration” of this manual.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 For Windows XP Users Installing a WPN111 Install the WPN111 driver and configuration utility software. a. Power on your PC, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed. b. Insert the Resource CD for the WPN111 into your CD drive. The CD main page shown at the right will load. c. Click Install Driver and Utility. Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps. You will be prompted to choose the country you are located in.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Install the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111. a. Locate an available USB port on your PC. Connect the USB cable to the WPN111 and insert the other end of the cable into the USB slot on your PC. b. After a short delay, the Found New Hardware Wizard displays. The first time that you install the WPN111 on a computer, the wizard will install the bootloader device. Follow the installation prompts.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Configure your WPN111. a. Click the icon on the Windows desktop or in the system tray to open the WPN111 Smart Wizard Wireless Settings Utility. C lick h ere to op en th e con figu ra tion u tility. W P N 1 1 1 system tra y icon The utility opens to the Settings tab page. Click Help for instructions on using the Smart Wizard Wireless Utility. b. Change the Network Name SSID to match your network.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Verify wireless connectivity to your network. a. Verify that the status monitor information at the bottom of the utility matches your wireless network. b. Check the color of the WPN111 icon in the Windows system tray: green or yellow indicates a working connection; red indicates no connection. c. Check the WPN111 LED: blinking means attempting to connect; solid indicates a good connection; off means the WPN111 is not plugged in. d.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 For Windows 2000 Users Installing a WPN111 Install the WPN111 driver and configuration utility software. Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be logged on with administrator rights. a. Power on your PC, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed. b. Insert the Resource CD for the WPN111 into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main page shown at the right will load. c. Click Install Driver and Utility.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Install the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111. a. Locate an available USB port on your PC. Connect the USB cable to the WPN111 and insert the other end of the cable into the USB slot on your PC. b. After a short delay, the Found New Hardware Wizard displays. The first time that you install the WPN111 on a computer, the wizard will install the bootloader device. Follow the installation prompts.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Configure your WPN111 a n d sa ve th e P rofile. a. Click on the WPN111 icon on the Windows desktop or in the system tray to open the WPN111 configuration utility. C lick h e re to op en th e con figu ra tion u tility. W P N 1 1 1 system tra y icon The utility opens to the Settings tab page. Click Help for instructions on using the Smart Wizard Wireless Utility. b.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Verify wireless connectivity to your network. a. Verify that the status monitor information at the bottom of the utility matches your wireless network. b. Check the color of the WPN111 icon in the Windows system tray: green or yellow indicates a working connection; red indicates no connection. c. Check the WPN111 LED: blinking means attempting to connect; solid indicates a good connection; off means the WPN111 is not plugged in. d.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors The System Tray (SysTray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. Color Condition Description R ed Th e W P N 1 1 1 h as no con n e ction to a n y wireless n od e . T h e W P N 1 1 1 is n ot a b le to lin k to a n y oth e r wire less n od e or th e lin k is lost.
Chapter 4 Configuration This chapter describes how to configure your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and use the data security encryption features. Note: The instructions in this section refer to the NETGEAR WPN111 configuration utility. For Windows XP users to use the NETGEAR configuration utility, the Windows XP configuration utility must be deselected.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 For example, if you use your notebook PC to connect to a wireless network in an office and a wireless network in your home, you can create a profile for each wireless network. Then, you can easily load the profile that has all the configuration settings you need to join the network you are using at the time. There are two types of wireless network connections you can configure: • Infrastructure Mode — uses the 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Figure 4-1: Settings page 2. Configure the wireless Network settings. a. In the Network Type section, be sure that Access Point (Infrastructure) is selected. b. Enter the SSID. This is also called the Wireless Network Name. Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 4. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. Verify connectivity by using a browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer to connect to the Internet, or check for file and printer access on your network. You can check the status bar in the configuration utility for the current connection status. Note: If you cannot connect, see the Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 2. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Type a descriptive name in the “Profiles” field. b. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. c. Click Apply. d. Click Close to exit the configuration utility. 3. Configure the PC network settings. a. Configure each PC with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Figure 4-3: Ping test results At this point the connection is established. You may need to reboot in certain Windows operating systems such as Windows 98. Note: If you cannot connect, see the “” on page 3-12. 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Note: The channel number differs depending on the country. The connection speed automatically defaults to the highest speed. Enabling Wireless Security Features You can strengthen the security of your wireless connection by enabling Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption of the wireless data communications. For more information on 802.11 wireless security, see “WEP Authentication” on page B-7.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 A Passphrase is used to automatically generate the WEP hexadecimal numbers for the key. If the wireless network Access Point uses a Passphrase, you can also use that here. Otherwise, you will have to manually enter the hexadecimal numbers.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Tip: You can click the Networks tab to view a list of the available wireless networks and their SSIDs at your location. 3. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Type a descriptive name in the “Profiles” field. b. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. c. Click Apply. d. Click Close to exit the configuration utility. 4. Select the WEP encryption strength you will use.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 To configure WPA-PSK security, click the Advanced Security button. The Advanced Security button is located in the Settings page, Security section. Figure 4-6: Advanced Security page The Passphrase can be between 8 and 63 characters For more information on WPA security, see “WPA Wireless Security” on page B-13.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Advanced Settings Page To display the Advanced Settings page, click the Advanced Settings button on the Settings page. Figure 4-7: Advanced Settings page The Advanced settings should not require adjustment. Except for the power saving setting, changing any of the settings incorrectly on this page could cause your wireless connection to fail.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 • RTS/CTS Threshold: RTS is request to send and CTS is clear to send; their purpose is to avoid collisions. RTS/CTS will be enabled if the data frame size is larger than the threshold value set here. The maximum frame size is 2346 octets, so if the threshold is 2346, RTS/CTS will be disabled. Note: This setting is reserved for wireless testing and advanced configuration only. Do not change this setting unless you are sure you need to.
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111. After each problem description, instructions are given to help you diagnose and solve the problem. Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. Please refer to Appendix C, “Preparing Your PCs for Network Access” of the Reference Manual on the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 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 www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. General Questions Why do I see no more than 54 Mbps on the Configuration Utility status line? The product literature says the WPN111 can operate at 108 Mbps. You are probably connecting to a standard 802.11g network.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 4. Accept the default settings or make your changes and click OK 5. Click Apply. Note: Be sure all computers in your Ad Hoc network are configured with static IP addresses in the same subnet. How to know if the WPN111 card has received a valid IP address from the Wireless Router/AP The easiest way is to open up the WPN111 utility program and check the IP address in the About page.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 How to get a PDF copy of the Manual In the Manual HTML page, there is a PDF button image at the top right hand corner of the web page. Click the PDF icon to bring up a PDF file of the entire manual. You can also Print, Email, or Bookmark pages using the corresponding icons next to the PDF icon.
Appendix A Technical Specifications This appendix provides technical specifications for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111. A n te n n a e 1 I n tegra te d in tern a l a n ten n a S ta n d a rd s 8 02 . 1 1 g, 8 02 . 1 1 b R a d io D a ta R a te 1 , 2 , 5 . 5 , 6 , 9 , 1 1 , 1 2 , 1 8 , 2 4 , 3 6 , 4 8 , 5 4 , a n d 1 08 M b p s (A u to R a te S e n sin g) F requ en cy 2 . 4 G H z to 2 .
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.
Appendix B Wireless Networking Basics This chapter provides an overview of wireless networking and security. Wireless Networking Overview The RangeMax™ WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b standard for wireless LANs (WLANs) and a product update will bring the WPN111 into conformance to the 802.11g standard when it is ratified. On an 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 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 points to the network - each node can generally communicate with any other node. There is no access point involved in this configuration.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 802.11b/g Wireless Channels IEEE 802.11b/g wireless nodes communicate with each other using radio frequency signals in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. Neighboring channels are 5 MHz apart. However, due to spread spectrum effect of the signals, a node sending signals using a particular channel will utilize frequency spectrum 12.5 MHz above and below the center channel frequency.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Note: The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different. For example, Channels 1 to 11 are supported in the U.S. and Canada, and Channels 1 to 13 are supported in Europe and Australia. The preferred channel separation between the channels in neighboring wireless networks is 25 MHz (5 channels). This means that you can apply up to three different channels within your wireless network.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Figure B-1: IEEE 802.11a Channel Allocations The WPN111 user can use thirteen channels in non-turbo mode. Table B-3: 802.11a Turbo Mode Off Radio Frequency Channels Turbo Mode OFF Channel Frequency 36 5.1 8 0 G H z 40 5 . 2 00 G H z 44 5.2 2 0 G H z 48 5.2 4 0 G H z 52 5.2 60 G H z 56 5.2 8 0 G H z 60 5 . 3 00 G H z 64 5.32 0 G H z 1 49 5.7 4 5 G H z 1 53 5.7 65 G H z 1 57 5.7 8 5 G H z 1 61 5 .
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 The WPN111 user can use five channels in turbo mode. Turbo Mode ON Channel Frequency 42 5.21 GHz 50 5.25 GHz 58 5.29 GHz 152 5.76 GHz 160 5.8 GHz The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different. Wireless Security Overview Wireless technology is evolving rapidly to accommodate the need for stronger security.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 • 802.1x 802.1x defines port-based, network access control used to provide authenticated network access and automated data encryption key management. • Cisco LEAP Light Extensible Authentication Protocol (LEAP) is a proprietary 802.1x EAP method developed by Cisco for use on wireless networks that use Cisco 802.11 wireless devices. It features dynamic per user per session WEP keys. These security technologies are discussed below.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 802.11 Authentication Open System Steps Access Point (AP) 1) Authentication request sent to AP 2) AP authenticates IN TER N ET Cable/DSL ProSafeWirelessVPN Security Firewall PWR W LA N FVM318 100 ACT Enable LNK/ACT 1 Client attempting to connect MODEL LO CA L LNK TEST 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cable or DLS modem 3) Client connects to network Figure B-2: 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 2. The access point sends challenge text to the station. 3. The station uses its configured 64-bit or 128-bit default key to encrypt the challenge text, and sends the encrypted text to the access point. 4. The access point decrypts the encrypted text using its configured WEP Key that corresponds to the station’s default key. The access point compares the decrypted text with the original challenge text.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 When configured for 128-bit encryption, 802.11 products typically support four WEP Keys but some manufacturers support only one 128-bit key. The 128-bit WEP Key is expressed as 13 sets of two hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). For example, “12 34 56 78 90 AB CD EF 12 34 56 78 90” is a 128-bit WEP Key. Typically, 802.11 access points can store up to four 128-bit WEP Keys but some 802.11 client adapters can only store one.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Note: Some 802.11 access points also support Use WEP for Authentication Only (Shared Key Authentication without data encryption). However, the WPN111 does not offer this option. 802.1x Port Based Network Access Control Securing any kind of network involves allowing authorized parties to access traffic and networked resources (e.g., servers, hosts) while blocking outsiders.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 IEEE 802.1x offers an effective framework for authenticating and controlling user traffic to a protected network, as well as dynamically varying encryption keys. 802.1x ties a protocol called EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) to both the wired and wireless LAN media and supports multiple authentication methods, such as token cards, Kerberos, one-time passwords, certificates, and public key authentication.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 7. If the authentication server accepts the client, then the access point will transition the client's port to an authorized state and forward additional traffic. Initial 802.1x communications begin with an unauthenticated supplicant (i.e., client device) attempting to connect with an authenticator (i.e., 802.11 access point).
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 The IEEE introduced the WEP as an optional security measure to secure 802.11 (Wi-Fi) WLANs, but inherent weaknesses in the standard soon became obvious. In response to this situation, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced a new security architecture that remedies the short comings of WEP. This standard, formerly known as Safe Secure Network (SSN), is designed to work with existing 802.11 products and offers forward compatibility with 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 For 802.11, WEP encryption is optional. For WPA, encryption using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) is required. TKIP replaces WEP with a new encryption algorithm that is stronger than the WEP algorithm, but that uses the calculation facilities present on existing wireless devices to perform encryption operations.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Wireless Network W PA e n a b led wire le ss clie n t with “su p p lica n t” W P A e n a b led A cce ss P oin t u sin g p re -sh a re d ke y or 8 02 . 1 x/E A P Wired Network with Optional WPA 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 The supplicant in the station uses the authentication and cipher suite information contained in the information elements to decide which authentication method and cipher suite to use. For example, if the access point is using the Pre-shared key method then the supplicant need not authenticate using full-blown 802.1X. Rather, the supplicant must simply prove to the access point that it is in possession of the pre-shared key.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 The AP sends Beacon Frames with WPA information element to the stations in the service set. Information elements include the required authentication method (802.1x or Pre-shared key) and the preferred cipher suite (WEP, TKIP, or AES). Probe Responses (AP to station) and Association Requests (station to AP) also contain WPA information elements. 1. Initial 802.1x communications begin with an unauthenticated supplicant (i.e.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Note: For environments with a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) infrastructure, WPA supports Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). For environments without a RADIUS infrastructure, WPA supports the use of a preshared key. Together, these technologies provide a framework for strong user authentication. WPA Data Encryption Key Management With 802.1x, the rekeying of unicast encryption keys is optional.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 With 802.11 and WEP, data integrity is provided by a 32-bit integrity check value (ICV) that is appended to the 802.11 payload and encrypted with WEP. Although the ICV is encrypted, you can use cryptanalysis to change bits in the encrypted payload and update the encrypted ICV without being detected by the receiver.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 • • Wireless network adapters Wireless client programs Check the NETGEAR web site for WPA-enabled updates to NETGEAR products. For wireless devices in your network from other vendors, check with the vendor regarding WPA support.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.
Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access This appendix describes how to prepare your PCs to connect to the Internet through the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111. 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Network icon. The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components: You must have an Ethernet adapter or an WPN111, the TCP/IP protocol, and the Client for Microsoft Networks.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 a. b. c. d. Click the Add button. Select Client, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. Select File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. 3. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect. Enabling DHCP in Windows 98 and Me After the TCP/IP protocol components are installed, each PC must be assigned specific information about itself and resources that are available on its network.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Verify the following settings as shown: • Client for Microsoft Network exists • Ethernet adapter is present • TCP/IP is present • Primary Network Logon is set to Windows logon Click on the Properties button. The following TCP/IP Properties window will display.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 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. The window is updated to show your settings, which should match the values below if you are using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a router or gateway: • The IP address is between 192.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 You will find there are many similarities in the procedures for different Windows systems when using DHCP to configure TCP/IP. The following steps will walk you through the configuration process for each of these versions of Windows. DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP Locate your Network Neighborhood icon. • Select Control Panel from the Windows XP Start Menu.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 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. • Click the Properties button to view details about the connection. The TCP/IP details are presented on the Support tab page. • Select Internet Protocol, and click Properties to view the configuration information.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box appears. Verify that you have the correct Ethernet card selected in the Connect using: box and that the following two items are displayed and selected in the box of “Components checked are used by this connection:” • • Client for Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Click OK.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 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.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.
Glossary Use the list below to find definitions for technical terms used in this manual. 10BASE-T IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring. 100BASE-Tx IEEE 802.3 specification for 100 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring. 802.11b IEEE specification for wireless networking at 11 Mbps using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5GHz. 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Domain Name A descriptive name for an address or group of addresses on the Internet. Domain names are of the form of a registered entity name plus one of a number of predefined top level suffixes such as .com, .edu, .uk, etc. For example, in the address mail.NETGEAR.com, mail is a server name and NETGEAR.com is the domain.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Like UDP/IP, IPX is a datagram protocol used for connectionless communications. Higher-level protocols, such as SPX and NCP, are used for additional error recovery services. ISP Internet service provider. Internet Protocol The main internetworking protocol used in the Internet. Used in conjunction with the Transfer Control Protocol (TCP) to form TCP/IP.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 router A device that forwards data between networks. An IP router forwards data based on IP source and destination addresses. Routing Information Protocol RIP. A protocol in which routers periodically exchange information with one another so that they can determine minimum distance paths between sources and destinations. router A device that forwards data between networks.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 wide area network WAN. A long distance link used to extend or connect remotely located local area networks. The Internet is a large WAN. Wi-Fi A trade name for the 802.11b wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards group promoting interoperability among 802.11b devices. Windows Internet Naming Service WINS.
User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless USB 2.
Index Numerics W 802.11b 1 WEP 3, 7, 10 Wi-Fi 1, 7 A ad-hoc mode 2 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 9 Windows, configuring for IP routing 1, 6 winipcfg utility 5 B BSSID 2 E Wired Equivalent Privacy.
