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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA M0-WG311NA-0 Version v2.0 May 2004...
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.
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This device may not cause harmful interference This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Tested to Comply with FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE...
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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: •...
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ETSI RF specification ETSI EN 300 328 Part 1 V1.2.2 (2000-07) ETSI EN 300 328 Part 2 V1.1.1 (2000-07) Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations This digital apparatus (Model WG311T 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.
Chapter 1 Introduction About the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T ...1-1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ...1-1 What’s in the Box? ...1-2 A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ ...1-3 Chapter 2 Basic Setup What You Will Need Before You Begin ...2-1...
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Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings ...3-9 How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ...3-9 How to Configure WPA-PSK Encryption Security ... 3-11 Statistics Page ...3-12 Advanced Settings Page ...3-13 Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions ...4-1 General Questions ...4-1 Why do I see no more than 54 Mbps on the Configuration Utility status line? ..4-1 The WG311T Smart Configuration Utility keeps asking me to save my settings 4-1...
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Key Size ... B-6 WEP Configuration Options ... B-6 Wireless Channels ... B-7 WPA Wireless Security ... B-8 How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ... B-9 How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ... B-10 What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ... B-10 WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS ...
About the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T The NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T gives you flexibility to install the PC in the most convenient location available. The WG311T frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring that is limited by cabling requirements.
• Warranty card • 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. Introduction...
(SSID) and, if used, the wireless security settings. 2. Set up the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T with the settings from step 1. Introduction What’s Needed? 1. A wireless network 2. A desktop PC within the operating range of the wireless network.
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WEP encryption enabled. 2. Wireless networking equipment that supports WEP encryption, such as the WG311T and all NETGEAR wireless networking products. 1. An active Internet connection like those from cable or DSL service providers. 2. A wireless network connected...
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For assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using.
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For assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using.
This section describes how to install your NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: •...
• Data security WEP encryption: Disabled The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T for basic wireless connectivity to an access point. The procedures provide step-by-step installation instructions for Windows PCs. Use the procedure that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
Power on your computer, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed. Insert the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main page shown at the right will load.
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PCI Adapter WG311T. Shut down the PC and remove the power cord. Hold the PCI Adapter with the NETGEAR logo facing up and insert it into an available PCI slot. Connect the antenna to the adapter and position the antenna to the up position.
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Local Area Connection Wireless Networks Properties tab page. Click the system tray icon to open the Smart Wireless Configuration utility. WG311T Configuration Utility Note: The NETGEAR default settings are Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless network name SSID, and WEP disabled. Basic Setup...
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Verify wireless connectivity to your network. Open the WG311T utility by clicking on the icon Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources. Note: If you are unable to connect, see Basic Setup in the Windows system tray. Note: You can use the Networks tab to verify the availability of wireless networks and their SSIDs.
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WG311T Install the WG311T 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. Insert the Resource CD for the WG311T into your CD-ROM drive.
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Install the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. Shut down the PC and remove the power cord. Insert the WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter with the NETGEAR logo facing up into an available PCI slot. Reconnect the power cord and reboot the computer.
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Features” on page 3-8. 2-10 Click here to open the configuration utility. WG311T system tray icon WG311T Configuration Utility Note: The NETGEAR default settings are Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless network name SSID, and WEP disabled. Basic Setup...
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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 Basic Setup Note: You can use the Networks tab to verify the availability of wireless networks and their SSIDs.
WG311T Wireless Connection Indicators The NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD. Basic Setup 4-1.
About Page The About page displays important information about the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. 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.
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T • Configuration Utility Software: The version and release date of this utility. Basic Setup 2-15...
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 2-16 Basic Setup...
This section describes how to configure your NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and use the data security encryption features. Note: The instructions in this section refer to the NETGEAR WG311T configuration utility.
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.
The highlighted SSID is the one currently connected. Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode This section provides instructions for configuring the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
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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.
IPX protocol support. For instructions on setting up static IP addresses or IPX protocol settings on a Windows PC, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial included on the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD. Follow the instructions below to configure an Ad-Hoc mode profile.
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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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD.
4. Verify wireless connectivity between your peer devices. Verify connectivity by using the Ping program: On the Windows taskbar click the Start button, and then click Run. Assuming the target PC is configured with 192.168.0.1 as its IP address, type and then click OK.
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP 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 be able to provide this information.
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Open the configuration utility by clicking on the WG311T icon system tray. Figure 3-5: Settings tab page Click on the Settings tab to display the view shown above. 2. Configure the Security settings. Select the Use WEP Encryption check box. Enter the SSID.
Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. The choices are: • 64-bit WEP data encryption • 128-bit WEP data encryption Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the communications response times. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will automatically generate the WEP keys.
The Passphrase can be between 8 and 63 characters For more information on WPA security, see Statistics Page The Statistics page provides real time and historical trend information on the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter. Figure 3-7: Statistics tab page •...
Advanced Settings Page Generally, the Advanced settings should not require adjustment. Except for the power saving setting, changing any of the settings incorrectly on this page could cause your wireless connection to fail.To display the Advanced Settings Page, click the Advanced Settings button on the Settings Page.
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• RTS/CTS Threshold: RTS is request to send and CTS is clear to send; their purpose is to avoid collisions. RTS/CTS will be enabled if the data frame size is larger than the threshold value set here. The maximum frame size is 2346 octets, so if the threshold is 2346, RTS/CTS will be disabled.
The product literature says the WG311T can operate at 108 Mbps. You are probably connecting to a standard 802.11g network. If you use the NETGEAR WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router or WG634U 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router, you will see network speeds up to 108 Mbps.
How to use XP’s own Wireless configuration utility that comes with Windows XP The NETGEAR WG311T software is designed so that the user will be asked to choose one of the utility programs during initial software installation. Be sure the WG311T is connected to the PC and follow these instructions to change your selection.
I cannot connect to the AP that I want from the Networks browser list The access point is available and there is good signal strength. There are a few possibilities: • If the access point (AP) is WPA-PSK protected, you will need to have the correct WPA-PSK passphrase.
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T How do I know that my WG311T WPA is working? Try browsing an Internet site to see if your WPA router has an Internet connection. Or try pinging the Radius server through the WPA router.
Appendix B Wireless Networking Basics This chapter provides an overview of Wireless networking. Wireless Networking Overview The WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b and 802.11 g standards for wireless LANs (WLANs)WG311T. 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 2.4GHz.
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
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 WG311T: Turn on the wireless station.
802.11b Authentication Open System Steps 1) Authentication request sent to AP Client attempting to connect 3) Client connects to network Figure 4-1: 802.11 open system authentication Shared Key Authentication The following steps occur when two devices use Shared Key Authentication: The station sends an authentication request to the access point.
802.11 Authentication Shared Key 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, 5) Client connects to network Figure 4-2: 802.11 shared key authentication Overview of WEP Parameters Before enabling WEP on an 802.11 network, you must first consider what type of encryption you...
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Key Size The IEEE 802.11 standard supports two types of WEP encryption: 40-bit and 128-bit. The 64-bit WEP data encryption method, allows for a five-character (40-bit) input. Additionally, 24 factory-set bits are added to the forty-bit input to generate a 64-bit encryption key. (The 24 factory-set bits are not user-configurable).
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
The radio frequency channels used are listed in Table 4-1. 802.11b and 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 Note: The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different.
Access products. Starting August of 2003, all new Wi-Fi certified products will have to support WPA. NETGEAR will implement WPA on client and access point products and make this available in the second half of 2003. Existing Wi-Fi certified products will have one year to add WPA support or they will lose their Wi-Fi certification.
For 802.11, WEP encryption is optional. For WPA, encryption using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) is required. TKIP replaces WEP with a new encryption algorithm that is stronger than the WEP algorithm, but that uses the calculation facilities present on existing wireless devices to perform encryption operations.
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The strength of WPA comes from an integrated sequence of operations that encompass 802.1X/ EAP authentication and sophisticated key management and encryption techniques. Its major operations include: • Network security capability determination. This occurs at the 802.11 level and is communicated through WPA information elements in Beacon, Probe Response, and (Re) Association Requests.
WPA supports Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). For environments without a RADIUS infrastructure, WPA supports the use of a pre-shared key. Together, these technologies provide a framework for strong user authentication. Windows XP implements 802.1x natively, and several NETGEAR switch and wireless access point products support 802.1x. B-12 Wired Network with Optional 802.1x Port Based Network...
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Client with a WPA- enabled wireless adapter and supplicant (Win XP, Funk, Meetinghouse) Figure B-2: 802.1x Authentication Sequence The AP sends Beacon Frames with WPA information element to the stations in the service set. Information elements include the required authentication method (802.1x or Pre-shared key) and the preferred cipher suite (WEP, TKIP, or AES).
The client sends an EAP-response packet containing the identity to the authentication server. The access point responds by enabling a port for passing only EAP packets from the client to an authentication server located on the wired side of the access point. The access point blocks all other traffic, such as HTTP, DHCP, and POP3 packets, until the access point can verify the client's identity using an authentication server (for example, RADIUS).
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Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) WPA uses TKIP to provide important data encryption enhancements including a per-packet key mixing function, a message integrity check (MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with sequencing rules, and a re-keying mechanism. TKIP also provides for the following: •...
Product Support for WPA Starting in August, 2003, NETGEAR, Inc. wireless Wi-Fi certified products will support the WPA standard. NETGEAR, Inc. wireless products that had their Wi-Fi certification approved before August, 2003 will have one year to add WPA so as to maintain their Wi-Fi certification.
Changes to Wireless Access Points Wireless access points must have their firmware updated to support the following: • The new WPA information element To advertise their support of WPA, wireless APs send the beacon frame with a new 802.11 WPA information element that contains the wireless AP's security configuration (encryption algorithms and wireless security configuration information).
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Microsoft has worked with many wireless vendors to embed the WPA firmware update in the wireless adapter driver. So, to update your Microsoft Windows wireless client, all you have to do is obtain the new WPA-compatible driver and install the driver.
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access This appendix describes how to prepare your PCs to connect to the Internet through the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. 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.
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On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the Network icon. The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components: You must have an Ethernet adapter or an WG311T, the TCP/IP protocol, and the Client for Microsoft Networks.
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.
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
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.
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: •...
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.
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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.
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.
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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:”...
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 •...
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T C-12 Preparing Your PCs for Network Access...
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. 802.11b IEEE specification for wireless networking at 11 Mbps using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.4GHz.
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.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...
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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.
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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 802.11 wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards group promoting interoperability among...
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Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Glossary...