NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual NETGEAR, Inc.
Technical Support See 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.
Español [Spanish] Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ. Français [French] Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc.
Product and Publication Details Model Number: WPN311 Publication Date: January 2007 Product Family: Wireless PCI Adapter Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 Home or Business Product: Home Language: English Publication Part Number: 202-10075-03 v v3.
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Contents About This Manual Conventions, Formats and Scope ...................................................................................... i How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................... ii How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................... ii Chapter 1 Basic Setup What You Need Before You Begin ........................................................
Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................2-13 Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ....................................................................................2-14 Setting up WPA-PSK Security ......................................................................................2-16 Advanced Settings ........................................................................................................2-17 Statistics Page ................
About This Manual The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual describes how to install, configure, and troubleshoot the WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter. 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 Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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/WPN311.asp.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter 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 WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range that can vary significantly based on the location of the computer with the WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter. 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 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Your NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 factory default basic settings are: • Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network) Note: In order for the WPN311 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 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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. 2. Now, install the wireless PCI adapter. Figure 1-2 d. When the Connection Wizard prompts you, shut down your computer and unplug the power cord. e. Open the case and insert your WPN311 into a PCI slot. f.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless adapter either with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration utilities. • • 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.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual c. 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. d. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile. e. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual 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 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 Connection status Find a Network Figure 1-2 The following table describes how to interpret the Smart Wizard status bar.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual If you right-click the system tray icon, you can disable the Internet notification feature by clearing the check mark enabling notification, as shown in Figure 1-3. If you do so, then only the IP address is shown.
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Chapter 2 Network Connections and Wireless Security This chapter explains how to use your WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network. If you chose the Windows XP or Windows Vista configuration utilities during installation, and now you want to use the Smart Wizard, then you need to disable the Windows utility.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Understanding the Smart Wizard These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WPN311 Smart Wizard to change the WPN311 Wireless PCI 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 Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Finding a Network During the WPN311 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 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is used then you need to know the WEP key.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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” on page 1-8.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router Follow these instructions to set up the WPN311 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 2-3 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 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual c. Click Close to exit the wizard, or Cancel to return to the previous settings. 2. 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 Smart Wizard for the current connection status. Note: If you cannot connect, see Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens. Figure 2-7 2. Enter the network settings. 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. d. Click Apply. 3. Save your settings in a Profile. a. Click the Save Profile button. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. b. Click Apply.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual b. Restart the PCs. 5. Verify wireless connectivity between your peer devices. Verify connectivity by using the Ping program: a. On the Windows taskbar click the Start button, and then click Run. Figure 2-8 b. Assuming the target PC is configured with 192.168.0.1 as its IP address, type ping -t 192.168.0.1 and then click OK. c. This will cause a continuous ping to be sent to the device with the 192.168.0.1 static IP address.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection 1. On the Settings page of the Smart Wizard, select or type the Network Name (SSID). 2. Select the Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) network type. 3. Click Initiate Ad Hoc. The Ad Hoc Setting dialog box opens: Figure 2-5 4. In the Start Ad Hoc field, choose the wireless standard (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g) for your Ad Hoc computer-to-computer network. 5.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 WPN311 with exactly the same kind of wireless security settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 WPN311 wireless network name (SSID).
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Setting up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the WPN311 Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WPN311 software is installed and the WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter 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 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the communications response times. 4. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The Smart Wizard automatically generates the WEP keys. Note: The characters are case-sensitive. Be sure to use the same passphrase for all the wireless devices in the network.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual b. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens. Figure 2-6 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 entered exactly matches the SSID used by the access point. c.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Setting up WPA-PSK Security Follow the steps below to configure WPA-PSK Security. 1. Run the WPN311 Smart Wizard. a. Make sure the WPN311 software is installed and the WPN311 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 2-7 2. Configure the Security settings. a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name. b.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual 3. 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. Advanced Settings The Advanced Settings normally work in their default settings.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 2-9 • • • • Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the total, receive, and transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual About Page The About page displays the current software version information. Figure 2-10 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 3 Wireless Network Performance This chapter explains how to use your WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the WPN311 Wireless PCI 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 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual In the network shown in Figure 3-10, 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 PCI Adapter WPN311 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).
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 4 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your WPN311 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 4-1.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued) Problem Action Throughput is only 54 Mbps. The WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter can operate at faster speeds. You are probably connecting to a standard 802.11g network. See Chapter 3, “Wireless Network Performance” for help in understanding how to get the best performance from your WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter.
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 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 WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter. Antenna Detachable antenna Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, and 108 Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) Frequency 2.4 GHz 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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