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NETGEAR WN121T User Manual

Next 300 mbps wireless usb 2.0 adapter
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Download this manual See also: Installation Manual
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T User Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10209-02
February 2007

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  • Page 1 NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA 202-10209-02 February 2007...

  • Page 2: Technical Support

    Safety and Regulatory Notices FCC Statement The WN121T has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 3 être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son antenne d’émission) est installé à l’extérieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.” Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WN121T product package. Èesky NETGEAR, Inc.
  • Page 4 è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre deklarç, ka NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
  • Page 5 NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med WN121T February 2007 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T Home English 202-10209-02 v2.0, February 2007...
  • Page 6 v2.0, February 2007...

  • Page 7: Table Of 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 ...1-1 Verify System Requirements ...1-1 Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ...1-2 What Is in the Box ...1-2 Default Wireless Settings ...1-2 Installation ...1-3...
  • Page 8 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 ...2-15 Advanced Settings ...2-16 Statistics Page ...2-17 About Page ...2-18 Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance Optimizing Wireless Performance ...3-1...

  • Page 9: 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.

  • Page 10: How To Use This Manual

    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.
  • Page 11 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.
  • Page 12 NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual v2.0, February 2007...

  • Page 13: 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.

  • Page 14: Observe Wireless Location And Range Guidelines

    • Warranty and Support information card If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product. Default Wireless Settings If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network and verify wireless connectivity.

  • Page 15: Installation

    To install the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter: 1. First, install the WN121T software. Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the CD main page does not appear, double click Autorun.exe on the CD. a. Click Install the Software. The Check for Updates window opens.
  • Page 16 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.
  • Page 17 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).

  • Page 18: Connecting To Wireless Networks And The Internet

    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.

  • Page 19: Icon Colors

    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.
  • Page 20 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.

  • Page 21: 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.
  • Page 22 NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual 1-10 v2.0, February 2007...

  • Page 23: Network Connections And Wireless Security

    Smart Wizard, then you need to disable the Windows utility. If you are working with the Vista configuration utility, see the online document: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility To disable the Windows Zero Configuration utility: 1.

  • Page 24: Understanding The Smart Wizard

    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 desktop and in the Windows System Tray.
  • Page 25 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.

  • Page 26: Finding A Network

    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.

  • Page 27: Profiles

    For more information, see Profiles The WN121T Smart Wizard uses profiles to store all the settings for a particular wireless network. There are two special profile names: Default and Profile. Default: The Profile named Default automatically scans for any available network. You cannot change this profile name.

  • Page 28: Setting Up A Profile To Connect To An Access Point Or Router

    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.

  • Page 29: Setting Up A Computer-To-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile

    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.
  • Page 30 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.

  • Page 31: Starting A Computer-To-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection

    NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Note: If you cannot connect, see 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”...

  • Page 32: Wireless Security

    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...

  • Page 33: Wireless Network Name (Ssid) And Security Settings

    • Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local area network. Any (First available network) is the default WN121T wireless network name (SSID). You may customize it using up to 32 alphanumeric characters. Write your customized wireless network name (SSID) on the line below.

  • Page 34: Setting Up Wep Encryption Security

    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.

  • Page 35: Setting Up Wpa2-Psk Security

    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.
  • Page 36 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.

  • Page 37: Setting Up Wpa-Psk Security

    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.

  • Page 38: Advanced Settings

    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.

  • Page 39: Statistics Page

    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.

  • Page 40: About Page

    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.

  • Page 41: 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.
  • Page 42 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: –...

  • Page 43: Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth

    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 high- speed technologies for network connections with the heaviest traffic to avoid lower-speed bottlenecks in the path.

  • Page 44: Overview Of Home And Small Office Networking Technologies

    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.

  • Page 45: Assessing Your Speed Requirements

    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.
  • Page 46 NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual v2.0, February 2007...

  • Page 47: Troubleshooting

    How to maximize throughput. The Smart Wizard keeps asking me to save settings. Two WN121T icons are in the system tray. Troubleshooting Action • If the access point is WPA-PSK protected, you need the correct WPA-PSK passphrase. Otherwise, the WN121T will still be connected to the previous access point and you will not be able to change to the WPA-PSK access point.

  • Page 48: Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly

    NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued) Problem I can connect to the access point, but not the other computers on the network or to the Internet. Viewing the IP address.

  • Page 49: Default Configuration Settings And Technical Specifications

    Default Configuration Settings and Technical Default Configuration Settings The following table lists the default settings of your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. Feature Smart Wizard Wireless Wireless Communication Wireless Network Name (SSID) Security Network Type Transmission Speed Country/Region Operating Mode Data Rate a.

  • Page 50: Technical Specifications

    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 •...

  • Page 51: 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 http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm Wireless Configuration Utilities Internet Networking and http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/tcpip/index.htm TCP/IP Addressing Wireless Communications http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/wireless/index.htm...
  • Page 52 NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual v2.0, February 2007...

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