NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual NETGEAR, Inc.
Technical Support For customer support see http://kbserver.netgear.com 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 North American NETGEAR website: http://www.netgear.com Statement of Conditions In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
• 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 WN121T has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance.
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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. declara que el NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE. Ελληνική [Greek] ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc.
Suomi [Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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.
vi v2.
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 ...........................................................
Know Your Wireless Network Settings ...................................................................2-10 Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................ 2-11 Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................2-12 Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ....................................................................................2-13 Setting up WPA-PSK Security .....................................
About This Manual The NETGEAR® Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual describes how to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T. 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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/WN121T.asp.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual xii v2.
Chapter 1 Basic Setup The NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Note: Windows XP users must have SP2 installed or the KB822603 Hot fix for SP1, which fixes the USB 2.0 Host controller driver. Go to the following link to install the Hot fix: http://www.microsoft.com Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based on the location of the computer with the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter factory default basic settings are: • Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network) Note: In order for the Wireless USB 2.0 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual c. When the Installation Complete message appears, click Next. 2. Now, connect the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. Figure 1-2 a. Locate an available USB port on your computer. b. Insert the end of the cable on the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter into the USB port. c. The Found New Hardware Wizard opens. Follow the wizard prompts. 3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your VPN firewall. a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual • 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 Smart Wizard. You will be prompted to let the wizard help you connect to a network (recommended). Figure 1-4 c. Click Next to accept. 4. Connect to a wireless network. a.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 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. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish. The icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop; and the Settings page opens . Figure 1-6 The wizard initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for your wireless connection to be established. 5.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual • Smart Wizard Status Bar: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard. The status bar at the bottom of the page shows details about your wireless and Internet connection. Icon Colors The 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 VPN firewall has no connection to any other wireless node.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Understanding the Status Bar (continued) 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. To optimize throughput, connect to a network with a high-speed router or access point, and a high-speed Internet connection. See Chapter 3, “Wireless Network Performance”.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Removing the Software You can remove the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter software in these two ways: • Navigate the Windows Start menu to the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 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 Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter option, and follow the screen prompts.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 1-10 v2.
Chapter 2 Network Connections and Wireless Security This chapter explains how to use your wireless USB adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the wireless USB 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Understanding the Smart Wizard These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WN121T Smart Wizard to change your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter wireless settings. When you have installed the software from the NETGEAR CD, the icon appears on your desktop and in the Windows System Tray. The Windows System Tray is located on the Windows taskbar.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Finding a Network During the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 3. Select a network from the drop-down list. If you select a hidden network then you must enter the SSID. Click Next. 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 “Smart Wizard Status Bar” in Chapter 1.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router Follow these instructions to set up the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 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.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Use 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 Smart Wizard for the current connection status. Note: If you cannot connect, see Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 2. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Click Save Profile. 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. b. Restart the PCs. 4. Verify wireless connectivity between your peer devices.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Note: If you cannot connect, see “Removing the Software” in Chapter 1. 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. See the link to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing” in Appendix B. Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection 1.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter with the same SSID, wireless security, and security settings as that network. If you do not know what these are, contact the person who set up the network. The Wireless USB 2.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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 have this information. • Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local area network.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Setting up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the software is installed and the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is connected to the USB port 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.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 3. Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. • 64-bit WEP data encryption • 128-bit WEP data encryption Note: The 128-bit encryption keys require more processing, and slow performance slightly. 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 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. 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Setting up WPA-PSK Security Follow the steps below to configure WPA-PSK Security. 1. Run the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the software is installed and the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is fully inserted in a USB port 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.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual c. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard. Advanced Settings Most people do not need to change the Advanced Settings. If you cannot connect without making changes, or if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator recommend changes, then some of these will be important to you. On the Settings tab click Advanced Settings to display the dialog box shown below: Figure 2-12 2-16 v2.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Statistics Page The Statistics page provides real-time and historical trend information on the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter. Figure 2-13 • • • • Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the total, receive, and transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual About Page The About page displays the current software version information. Figure 2-14 The following information is displayed in the About page: • Regional Domain: This is the region setting for the wireless adapter. The approved channels for the region are automatically scanned. Governments regulate the channels used for wireless transmission. Operating the wireless adapter in a different region may violate local laws.
Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance This chapter explains how to use your Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T 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 Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Overview of Home and Small Office Networking Technologies Common connection types and their speed and security considerations are: • Broadband Internet Your Internet connection speed is determined by your modem type, such as ADSL or cable modem, as well as the connection speed of the sites to which you connect, and general Internet traffic.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual • 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. A wired connection is not susceptible to interference, and eavesdropping would require a physical connection to your network. Note: Actual data throughput will vary.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 3-6 v2.
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. After each problem description, instructions are given to help you diagnose and solve the problem. For information about connecting to wireless networks and the Internet, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” in Chapter 1. Troubleshooting Tips Use the information below to solve common problems you may encounter.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued) Problem Action I can connect to the access point, but not the other computers on the network or to the Internet. This could be a physical layer problem or a network configuration problem. 1. Check to make sure that the access point is physically connected to the Ethernet network. 2. Make sure that the IP addresses and the Windows networking parameters are all configured correctly.
Appendix A Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications Default Configuration Settings The following table lists the default settings of your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Technical Specifications This table below describes technical specifications for the NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T. Antennas 2 separate PCB internal antennas Standards 802.11n Draft, 802.11g, 802.11b Radio Data Rate • 802.11n Draft: 6, 6.5, 13, 13.5, 19.5, 26, 27, 39, 40.5, 53, 54, 58.5, 65, 78, 81, 104, 108, 117, 121.5, 130, 135, 162, 216, 243, 270, 300 Mbps • 802.11b/g: 1, 2, 5.
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.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual B-2 v2.
