NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311v3 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.
• 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. FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements SAR Statement The NETGEAR WG311 v3 has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance.
Eesti [Estonian] Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele. English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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.
Suomi [Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen. Svenska [Swedish] Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG.
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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 ...........................................................
Wireless Security ..........................................................................................................2-10 Using Wireless Security Features ................................................................................2-10 Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................ 2-11 Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................2-12 Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ...............
About This Manual The NETGEAR® NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual describes how to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3. 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual For more information about network, Internet, firewall, and VPN 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/WG311 v3.asp.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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 The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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, see the NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com. This chapter describes how to install your WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: • Large metal surfaces • Microwaves • 2.4 GHz Cordless phones In general, wireless devices can communicate through walls.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Your WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter factory default basic settings are: • Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network) Note: In order for the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter to communicate with a wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be set up to use the same wireless network name (SSID).
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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 Wizard steps and click Next to continue, and to install the software. d. When the software has been installed the Connection Wizard prompts you to shut down the computer. Figure 1-2 2. Now, install the wireless PCI adapter. e. Shut down your computer and unplug the power cord. f.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Figure 1-3 • NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems. • Windows configuration utilities: See the Windows documentation or “Using Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities” at: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual 4. Connect to a wireless network. a. Select the wireless network from the drop-down list, and the wizard records your choice. Hidden 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. 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual The Smart Wizard Settings page opens. Figure 1-6 5. Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity. For more details about connecting, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” on page 1-7.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual WG311 v3 Icon Colors The WG311 v3 icon is on the desktop and in the Windows System Tray. The System Tray is located on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. Color Condition Description Red The wireless PCI adapter has The wireless PCI adapter is not able to link to any other no connection to any other wireless node or the link is lost. Check your configuration or wireless node.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Understanding the Status Bar Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined. Security • Locked: security enabled. • Unlocked: security not enabled. Channel The wireless channel used by the network. If many wireless networks in your area use the same channel they can interfere with one another. Throughput Wireless throughput measured in Mega bits per second. Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Removing the WG311 v3 Software You can remove the wireless adapter software in these two ways: • Navigate the Windows Start menu to the WG311 v3 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 WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter option, and follow the screen prompts.
Chapter 2 Network Connections and Wireless Security TThis chapter explains how to use your Wireless PCI Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the Wireless PCI 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Understanding the Smart Wizard These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WG311 v3 Smart Wizard to change the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter wireless settings. When you have installed the software from the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual 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 screen shows the following information for each network scanned: • Network Name (SSID): The name assigned to a wireless network. This is the same as the SSID or ESSID configuration parameter.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Finding a Network During the WG311 v3 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual 4. Follow the steps of the wizard to specify the wireless security if used, and to create a profile. 5. 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 “The Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8. Profiles The WG311 v3 Smart Wizard uses profiles to store all the settings for a particular wireless network.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router Follow these instructions to set up the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter to connect to a wireless access point or router. 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens. Figure 2-4 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.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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 3, “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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual 2. Save your settings in a Profile. 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. 3. Configure the PC network settings. a. Configure each PC with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual c. This will cause a continuous ping to be sent to the device with the 192.168.0.1 static IP address. The ping response should change to “reply.” Figure 2-7 At this point the connection is established. Note: If you cannot connect, see “Removing the WG311 v3 Software” in Chapter 1.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual 6. Click OK. Note: The channel number differs depending on the country. The connection speed automatically defaults to the highest speed. 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 WG311 v3 with exactly the same kind of wireless security settings.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Setting up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the WG311 v3 Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WG311 v3 software is installed and the WG311 v3 is installed in a PCI slot in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 2-9 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name. b.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Setting up WPA2-PSK Security Follow the steps below to configure WPA2-PSK Security. 1. Run the WG311 v3 Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WG311 v3 software is installed and the WG311 v3 is properly installed in the PCI slot in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 2-10 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name. b.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Setting up WPA-PSK Security Follow the steps below to configure WPA-PSK Security. 1. Run the WG311 v3 Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WG311 v3 software is installed and the WG311 v3 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 2-11 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name. b.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual 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 shown below: Figure 2-12 Statistics Page The Statistics page provides real time and historical trend information on the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter. Figure 2-13 2-16 v3.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual • • • • 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): Radio buttons let you select whether to display the transmit performance, the receive performance, or both in the same graph.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual • MAC Address: The MAC address of the adapter. The Media Access Control address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface card. Some wireless networks will restrict access based on a list of known MAC addresses. If you are communicating with such a network, you would have to provide the address shown here to the network administrator before you would be allowed to connect.
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter. For information about connecting to wireless networks and the Internet, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” on page 1-7. 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 3-1.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Table 3-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued) Problem Action The Smart Wizard keeps asking me to save If you change the settings the Smart Wizard offers you the settings. chance to save the changes. To avoid this prompt, simply click Apply before you close the Smart Wizard. Two WG311 v3 icons are in the system tray. You have an older software version installed on your system and it needs to be removed.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual Ad Hoc Mode is Not Working Correctly You need to click the Initiate Ad Hoc button before you click Apply. Here is how you start an Ad Hoc network: 1. 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 This appendix provides technical specifications for the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter. Antenna 1 Integrated internal antenna Antenna external antenna Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 11, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) Frequency 2.4GHz to 2.
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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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