NETGEAR WAG311 Installation Manual
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NETGEAR WAG311 Installation Manual

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Installation Guide for the
NETGEAR Dual Band
Wireless PCI Adapter
WAG311
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
M-10148-01
Version v1.0
July 2003

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  • Page 1 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA M-10148-01 Version v1.0 July 2003...

  • Page 2: Technical Support

    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. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.

  • Page 3: Fcc Radio Frequency Interference Statement

    Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer It is hereby certified that the Model WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions.

  • Page 4: Export Restrictions

    Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: •...
  • Page 5 Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations This digital apparatus (Model WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter) does not exceed the Class B limits for radio-noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 1 Introduction About the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 ...1-1 802.11a and 802.11b/g Wireless Networking ...1-1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ...1-2 What’s in the Box? ...1-3 A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ ...1-3...
  • Page 8 Before You Change the SSID and WEP Settings ...3-9 How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ...3-10 Statistics Page ...3-12 Advanced Settings Page ...3-13 Appendix A Technical Specifications Appendix B Wireless Networking Basics Wireless Networking Overview ... B-1 Infrastructure Mode ... B-1 Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ...
  • Page 9 Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ... C-11 Glossary List of Glossary Terms ... D-1 Index Contents...
  • Page 10 Contents...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    About the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 The NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 gives you flexibility to install the PC in the most convenient location available. The WAG311 frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring that is limited by cabling requirements.

  • Page 12: Key Features And Related Netgear Products

    Lower level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network setup or to improve the data transfer rate. The following NETGEAR products can be con figured to communicate with the WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter: •...

  • Page 13: What's In The Box

    • 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 for repair. A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’...
  • Page 14 WEP encryption, such as the WAG311 and all NETGEAR wireless networking products. How Do I? To set up the WAG311, see Chapter 2, “Basic Setup” follow the instructions provided. To learn about wireless networking technology, see Appendix B, “Wireless Networking Basics”...
  • Page 15 Internet service provider 4. A browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. How Do I? To configure your WAG311 in Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic Setup” on page 2-1, and locate the section for your version of Windows.
  • Page 16 For assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource CD (SW-10015-01) and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using. Introduction...
  • Page 17 For assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource CD (SW-10015-01) and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using. For assistance with setting up...
  • Page 18 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Introduction...

  • Page 19: Basic Setup

    This section describes how to install your NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network configuration is covered in Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of several hundred feet.

  • Page 20: Observe Location And Range Guidelines

    Computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks indoors at a range which varies significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: •...

  • Page 21: Wag311 Default Wireless Configuration Settings

    Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): first available network will be used : In order for the WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter to communicate with a wireless access Note point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same wireless network name (SSID).

  • Page 22: For Windows Xp Users Installing A Wag311

    CD and double-click on autorun.exe to display this page. Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning appears, click Continue Anyway to proceed. Install the WAG311 Note: Be sure the WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter is fully seated in the PCI slot. Basic Setup...
  • Page 23 Windows XP Logo testing message. After the installation completes, click Finish to close the wizard. You should see the WAG311 system tray icon on the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Windows XP will display a Wireless Network Connection message.
  • Page 24 Note: This procedure assumes your wireless network is not using WEP security. If your wireless network uses WEP, set up your WAG311 accordingly. To view WEP settings help, click the Advanced button and click the “Learn about...” link on the Windows XP Local Area Connection Wireless Networks Properties tab page.
  • Page 25 Verify wireless connectivity to your network. Open the WAG311 utility by clicking on the icon Verify that your connection information matches your wireless network. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources. Note: If you are unable to connect, see Basic Setup in the Windows system tray.

  • Page 26: For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing A Wag311

    For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WAG311 Install the WAG311 software. Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be logged on with administrator rights. Power on your computer, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed.
  • Page 27 Open the case of your PC. Identify an available PCI slot. Insert the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 into your PC. Basic Setup Install the WAG311 Note: Be sure the WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter is fully seated in the PCI slot.
  • Page 28 Windows 2000 Digital Signature Not Found warning message. After the installation completes, click Finish to close the wizard. You should see the WAG311 system tray icon on the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. 2-10 Mount the antenna in the stand The antenna base is magnetic.
  • Page 29 Configure your WAG311. Open the WAG311 Smart Wireless Settings Utility by clicking on the icon in the Windows system tray. The utility opens to the Settings page. Change the Network Name SSID to match your network. Tip: As an alternative to typing in the SSID, you can use the Network tab to view the available wireless networks.
  • Page 30 Verify wireless connectivity to your network. Verify that your connection information matches your wireless network. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources. Note: If you are unable to connect, see 2-12 Note: You can use the Networks tab to verify the availability of wireless networks and their SSIDs.

  • Page 31: Wag311 Wireless Connection Indicators

    WAG311 Wireless Connection Indicators The NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 SysTray icon, which is on the System Tray portion of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop, is an indicator that gives you feedback on the status of your wireless connection. The color of the SysTray icon indicates the status of the connection.

  • Page 32: Basic Troubleshooting Tips

    Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. Please refer to Network Access” of the Reference Manual on the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource CD (SW-10015-01). 2-14...

  • Page 33: About Page

    About Page The About page displays important information about the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311. Figure 2-1: About page The About page shows the following information: • Regional Domain: This is the region setting for the wireless adapter. The approved channels for this region are automatically scanned.
  • Page 34 • MAC Address: The MAC address of this 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.

  • Page 35: Configuration

    Wireless Networks tab and then clear the “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings” check box. Understanding the Configuration Options The WAG311 configuration utility provides a complete and easy to use set of tools to: • Configure wireless settings.

  • Page 36: Networks Page

    For example, if you use your PC to connect to a wireless network in an office and a wireless network in your home, you can create a profile for each wireless network. Then, you can easily load the profile that has all the configuration settings you need to join the network you are using at the time.

  • Page 37: Connect To An Access Point In Infrastructure Mode

    The highlighted SSID is the one currently connected. Connect to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode This section provides instructions for configuring the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 to connect to a wireless access point. How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile Follow the instructions below to configure an infrastructure mode profile for connecting to an access point.
  • Page 38 Click on the Settings tab to display the view shown below. Figure 3-2: Settings tab page 2. Configure the wireless Network settings. In the Network Type section, be sure that Infrastructure is selected. Enter the SSID. This is also called the Wireless Network Name. Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID matches exactly what is configured in the access point.

  • Page 39: Connecting To Another Pc In Ad-Hoc Mode

    “Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking” on page Connecting to Another PC in Ad-Hoc Mode The computer-to-computer setting of the WAG311 uses Ad-Hoc mode. Ad-Hoc mode is an 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other, without the use of an access point.
  • Page 40 Configure each PC with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol. Note: For instructions on configuring static IP addresses or the IPX protocol, refer to the networking tutorial on your NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource CD (SW-10015-01).

  • Page 41: How To Start A Computer-To-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network

    How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network Note: Ad-Hoc wireless networks require static IP address configurations. For more information on configuring TCP/IP settings, please see the PC Networking Tutorial included on the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource CD (SW-10015-01).

  • Page 42: Enabling Wireless Security Features

    “Authentication and WEP Data Encryption” on page In addition to the WAG311 wireless security features, you should also configure appropriate LAN network security features such as requiring a user name and password to access the shared resources in your network.

  • Page 43: Before You Change The Ssid And Wep Settings

    • Network Name (SSID): The Network Name identifies the wireless local area network. Any is the default for the WAG311. You may customize it by using up to 32 alphanumeric characters. Write your customized SSID on the line below. Note: The SSID in the wireless PCI adapter is what you the wireless network uses. All wireless nodes in the same network must be configured with the same SSID.

  • Page 44: How To Configure Wep Encryption Security

    How to Configure WEP Encryption Security Following the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the WAG311 Configuration Utility. Open the configuration utility by clicking on the WAG311 icon system tray. Figure 3-5: Settings tab page Click on the Settings tab to display the view shown above.
  • Page 45 Tip: You can click the Networks tab to view a list of the available wireless networks and their SSIDs at your location. 3. Save your settings in a Profile. Type a descriptive name for the Profile name. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. Click Apply.

  • Page 46: Statistics Page

    Statistics Page The Statistics page provides real time and historical trend information on the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter. Figure 3-6: Statistics tab page • Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the Total, Receive, and Transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible.

  • Page 47: Advanced Settings Page

    Wireless Mode: Select the wireless protocols you will use. Depending on your wireless adapter, you can choose some or all of the available 802.11 wireless protocols. Note that, if the wireless network you are communicating with uses the 802.11a Turbo mode, you must include that in your selection.
  • Page 48 • RTS/CTS Threshold: The packet size that is used to determine whether it should use the CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) mechanism or the CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) mechanism for packet transmission. CSMA/CD is slightly more efficient. 3-14 Configuration...

  • Page 49: Technical Specifications

    This appendix provides technical specifications for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Antennae Radio Data Rate Frequency Emissions Bus interface Provided drivers Weight Operating Environment Encryption Technical Specifications Technical Specifications 4/5 dbi external antenna with magnetic base Auto Rate Sensing 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, & 108 Mbps turbo mode (turbo mode for 802.11a is available only for models shipped in the...
  • Page 50 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Technical Specifications...

  • Page 51: Wireless Networking Basics

    Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b standard for wireless LANs (WLANs) and a product update will bring the WAG311 into conformance to the 802.11g standard when it is ratified. On an 802.11b or g wireless link, data is encoded using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and is transmitted in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5 GHz.

  • Page 52: Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-To-Peer Workgroup

    Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) In an ad hoc network, computers are brought together as needed; thus, there is no structure or fixed points to the network - each node can generally communicate with any other node. There is no Access Point involved in this configuration.

  • Page 53: 802.11 Authentication

    The 802.11 standard defines several services that govern how two 802.11 devices communicate. The following events must occur before an 802.11 Station can communicate with an Ethernet network through an access point such as the one built in to the WAG311: Turn on the wireless station.

  • Page 54: Shared Key Authentication

    The access point authenticates the station. The station associates with the access point and joins the network. This process is illustrated in below. Open System Authentication Steps 1) Authentication request sent to AP 3) Client connects to network Client attempting to connect Figure B-1: Open system authentication Shared Key Authentication...

  • Page 55: Overview Of Wep Parameters

    Shared Key Authentication Steps 1) Authentication request sent to AP 2) AP sends challenge text Client 3) Client encrypts attempting challenge text and to connect sends it back to AP 4) AP decrypts, and if correct, authenticates client 5) Client connects to network Figure B-2: Shared key authentication Overview of WEP Parameters Before enabling WEP on an 802.11 network, you must first consider what type of encryption you...

  • Page 56: Key Size

    128-bit encryption is stronger than 40-bit encryption, but 128-bit encryption may not be available outside of the United States due to U.S. export regulations. In NETGEAR’s 802.11a solutions, there are three shared key methods implemented: the standards based 40-bit and 128-bit WEP data encryption; and an extended 152-bit WEP data encryption.

  • Page 57: Wep Configuration Options

    WEP settings. Note: Whatever keys you enter for an AP, you must also enter the same keys for the client adapter in the same order. In other words, WEP key 1 on the AP must match WEP key 1 on the client adapter, WEP key 2 on the AP must match WEP key 2 on the client adapter, etc.

  • Page 58: 802.11A Legal Power Output And Wireless Channels

    The radio frequency channels used in 802.11b/g networks are listed in Table B-2: 802.11b/g Radio Frequency Channels Channel Center Frequency 2412 MHz 2417 MHz 2422 MHz 2427 MHz 2432 MHz 2437 MHz 2442 MHz 2447 MHz 2452 MHz 2457 MHz 2462 MHz 2467 MHz 2472 MHz...
  • Page 59 52 sub carriers and each carrier is approximately 300 KHz wide. Figure B-3: IEEE 802.11a Channel Allocations The WAG311 user can use thirteen channels in non-turbo mode. Table B-4: 802.11a Turbo Mode Off Radio Frequency Channels...
  • Page 60 Frequency 5.745 GHz 5.765 GHz 5.785 GHz 5.805 GHz 5.825 GHz The WAG311 user can use five channels in turbo mode. Turbo Mode ON Channel Frequency The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different. B-10 5.21 GHz...

  • Page 61: Preparing Your Pcs For Network Access

    Preparing Your PCs for Network Access This appendix describes how to prepare your PCs to connect to the Internet through the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311. For adding file and print sharing to your network, please consult the Windows help information included with the version of Windows installed on each computer on your network.
  • Page 62 Double-click the Network icon. The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components: You must have an Ethernet adapter or an WAG311, the TCP/IP protocol, and the Client for Microsoft Networks. Note: It is not necessary to remove any other network components shown in the Network window in order to install the adapter, TCP/IP, or Client for Microsoft Networks.

  • Page 63: Enabling Dhcp To Automatically Configure Tcp/Ip Settings

    Select Client for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. If you need to add File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks: Click the Add button. Select Client, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. Select File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
  • Page 64 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Verify the following settings as shown: • Client for Microsoft Network exists • Ethernet adapter is present • TCP/IP is present • Primary Network Logon is set to Windows logon Click on the Properties button.

  • Page 65: Selecting The Internet Access Method

    By default, the IP Address tab is open on this window. • Verify the following: Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. If not selected, click in the radio button to the left of it to select it. This setting is required to enable the DHCP server to automatically assign an IP address.

  • Page 66: Configuring Windows 2000 Or Xp For Tcp/Ip Networking

    From the drop-down box, select your Ethernet adapter. The window is updated to show your settings, which should match the values below if you are using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a router or gateway: •...

  • Page 67: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows Xp Or 2000

    DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 You will find there are many similarities in the procedures for different Windows systems when using DHCP to configure TCP/IP. The following steps will walk you through the configuration process for each of these versions of Windows.
  • Page 68 Now you should be at the Local Area Network Connection Status window. This box displays the connection status, duration, speed, and activity statistics. Administrator logon access rights are needed to use this window. • Click the Properties button to view details about the connection.

  • Page 69: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows 2000

    Verify that Obtain an IP address automatically radio button is selected and that the Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button is selected. • Click the OK button. This completes the DHCP configuration in Windows XP. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
  • Page 70 The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box appears. Verify that you have the correct Ethernet card selected in the Connect using: box and that the following two items are displayed and selected in the box of “Components checked are used by this connection:”...
  • Page 71 Type ipconfig /all Your IP Configuration information will be listed, and should match the values below if you are using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a router or gateway: • The IP address is between 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.254 •...
  • Page 72 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 C-12 Preparing Your PCs for Network Access...

  • Page 73: List Of Glossary Terms

    Glossary List of Glossary Terms Use the list below to find definitions for technical terms used in this manual. 10BASE-T IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring. 100BASE-Tx IEEE 802.3 specification for 100 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring. 802.11a IEEE specification for wireless networking at 54 Mbps operating in unlicensed radio bands over 5GHz.
  • Page 74 .com, .edu, .uk, etc. For example, in the address mail.NETGEAR.com, mail is a server name and NETGEAR.com is the domain. Short for digital subscriber line, but is commonly used in reference to the asymmetric version of this technology (ADSL) that allows data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at data rates of from 1.5...
  • Page 75 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Ranges of addresses are assigned by Internic, an organization formed for this purpose. Short for Internetwork Packet Exchange, a networking protocol used by the Novell NetWare operating systems. Like UDP/IP, IPX is a datagram protocol used for connectionless communications. Higher-level protocols, such as SPX and NCP, are used for additional error recovery services.
  • Page 76 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 packet A block of information sent over a network. A packet typically contains a source and destination network address, some protocol and length information, a block of data, and a checksum.
  • Page 77 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 wide area network WAN. A long distance link used to extend or connect remotely located local area networks. The Internet is a large WAN. Wi-Fi A trade name for the 802.11b wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards group promoting interoperability among...
  • Page 78 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Glossary...
  • Page 79 Numerics 802.11b 1 ad-hoc mode 2 BSSID 2 ESSID 2 features 2 infrastructure mode 2 IP networking for Windows 1 Open System authentication 2 passphrase 2 Shared Key authentication 3 SSID 4 TCP/IP properties verifying for Windows 5 WEP 4 Index Index Wi-Fi 1...

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