NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T User Manual NETGEAR, Inc.
Technical Support For customer support see http://kbserver.netgear.com/main.asp 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.
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 WN511B has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance. The FCC has established detailed SAR requirements and has established that these requirements have been met while installed in host notebook computer.
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T 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 RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T 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.
Slovensky [Slovak] NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/ES. Suomi [Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen. Svenska [Swedish] Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc.
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Contents About This Manual Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................................................................................... ix How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................... x How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................... x Chapter 1 Basic Setup What You Need Before You Begin ...........................................................
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 ....................................................................................2-13 Setting up WPA-PSK Security ...........................
About This Manual The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ Wireless Notebook Adapter Model WN511T User Manual describes how to install, configure, and troubleshoot the NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T. The information in this manual is intended for readers with intermediate computer and Internet skills. Conventions, Formats, and Scope The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following paragraphs: • • Typographical Conventions.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T 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/WN511T.asp.
NETGEAR RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T 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 RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B 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 Notebook Adapter and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual In general, wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the effective range will decrease if such materials are between the devices.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Installation The instructions in this chapter are for an Access Point (Infrastructure) installation. Wireless security, advanced settings, and Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) instructions are covered in Chapter 1, “Network Connections and Wireless Security. To install the Wireless Notebook Adapter. 1. First, install the WN511B software. Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the CD main page does not appear, double click Autorun.exe on the CD. a.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual 2. Now, insert the Wireless Notebook Adapter. Figure 1-2 a. When prompted, insert your Wireless Notebook Adapter. b. Click Next to proceed. Windows will discover the adapter and continue the software installation process. c. Follow the Windows prompts to complete the software installation. d. If a Windows logo certification warning appears, click Continue to proceed with the installation. e.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual • NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems. See “Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8 and “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” on page 1-7. • Windows configuration utilities: See the Windows documentation or http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual 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. b. The Smart Wizard will detect if the network uses security or not. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile. c. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish. d. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet The Wireless Adapter has indicators that show the status of your connection to a wireless network and to the Internet: • Icon: After you install the software, this icon appears on the desktop and in the lower right of the Windows task bar. It is color coded to show the status of the connection. • Smart Wizard Status Bar: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Smart Wizard Status Bar Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard so you can view the status bar. The Smart Wizard Settings page opens. The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page. Security Channel Throughput Signal strength Wireless network Find a Network Connection status Figure 1-7 The following table describes how to interpret the Smart Wizard status bar.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual If you right-click in the System Tray icon, you can disable the Internet notification feature by clearing check mark on this line. If you do so, then only the IP address is shown. Figure 1-8 Removing the Software You can remove the Wireless Adapter software in these two ways: • Navigate the Windows Start menu to the Wireless Notebook Adapter program group, select the uninstall option, and follow the screen prompts.
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Chapter 1 Network Connections and Wireless Security This chapter explains how to use your Wireless Notebook Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the Wireless Notebook Adapter so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network. If you chose the Windows XP or Windows Vista Zero Configuration utility during installation, and now you want to use the Smart Wizard, then you need to disable the Windows utility.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Understanding the Smart Wizard These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WN511B Smart Wizard to change the Wireless Notebook 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 RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B 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 1-2 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 RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Finding a Network During the WN511B 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B 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 “Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8. Profiles The WN511B Smart Wizard uses profiles to store all the settings for a particular wireless network.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens. Figure 1-4 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. In the Network Name (SSID) field select a network or enter the SSID.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual You can check the status bar in the Smart Wizard for the current connection status. Note: If you cannot connect, see Chapter 1, “Troubleshooting. 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. Refer to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing” in Appendix B.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual a. Select Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) for the Network Type. b. Select or enter the Network Name (SSID) for the Ad Hoc network. c. In the Profile box, type the name of the profile. 3. Click Apply. 4. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Click the Save Profile button. The configuration settings are saved in this profile. b. Click Apply, and then click Close to exit the Smart Wizard, or Cancel to return to the previous settings. 5.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B 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 1-7 At this point the connection is established. Note: If you cannot connect, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” in Chapter 1.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings Print this page, fill in the configuration details, and keep it in a safe place for 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. Any (First available network) is the default wireless network name (SSID).
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Setting up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the NETGEAR software is installed and the Wireless Notebook Adapter is fully inserted in the Cardbus slot port in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 1-9 2. Configure the Security settings. a.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual 3. Select the WEP encryption strength you will use: • 64-bit WEP data encryption • 128-bit WEP data encryption Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the communications response times. 4. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will automatically generate the WEP keys. Note: The characters are case sensitive.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 1-10 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 SSID that you enter exactly matches the SSID used by the access point c.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual a. Make sure the NETGEAR software is installed and the Wireless Notebook Adapter is fully inserted in the Cardbus slot in your computer. b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 1-11 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Advanced Settings The Advanced Settings normally work in their default settings. To view them, click the Advanced Settings button on the Settings tab. Changing these settings is only recommended for advanced users who have a specific reason to adjust them. Use the Help button to understand these options.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual About Page The About page displays the current software version information. Figure 1-13 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.
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Chapter 1 Wireless Network Performance This chapter explains how to use your WPN511 Wireless PC Card to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the WPN511 Wireless PC Card so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network. Optimizing Wireless Performance The speed and operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the location of the wireless router.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 User Manual – – – • 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. – Use a scanning utility to determine what other wireless networks are operating nearby, and choose an unused channel. – Turn off SSID Broadcast, and change the default SSID.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 User Manual In the network shown in Figure 3-1, the two PCs with gigabit (1000 Mbps) Ethernet adapters have a gigabit connection through the router to the storage server. With a high-speed router this connection allows for extremely fast backups or quick access to large files on the server. The PC connected through a pair of Powerline HD adapters is limited to the 200 Mbps speed of the Powerline HD connection.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 User Manual To get the best performance, use newer adapters such as RangeMax adapters for your computers. A high-speed router may be compatible with older 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, but the use of these older wireless technologies in your network can result in lower throughput overall (typically less than 10 Mbps for 802.11b and less than 40 Mbps for 802.11g). In addition, many older wireless products do not support the latest security protocols, WPA and WPA2.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 User Manual • Backing up computers over the network has become popular due to the availability of inexpensive mass storage. Table 3-1 shows the time to transfer one gigabyte (1 GB) of data using various networking technologies. Table 3-1.
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Chapter 1 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your wireless PC card. 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. Also, refer to the knowledge base on the NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Table 1-1.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511B User Manual Table 1-1. 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 Product Family.
NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless Notebook Adapter WN511T User Manual Technical Specifications This table below describes technical specifications for the WNT511T Wireless Notebook Adapter. Antennas 2 separate PCB internal antennas Standards 802.11g, 802.11b Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 13.5, 18, 19.5, 24, 26, 27, 36, 39, 40.5, 48, 52, 54, 58.5, 65, 81,104, 108, 117, 121.5, 130, 135, 162, 216, 243, and 270 Mbps Frequency 2.4GHz to 2.
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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