NETGEAR A6150 User manual

User Manual
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter
USB2.0, Dual Band
Model A6150
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveJanuary 2019 San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-11951-01

Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit
https://www.netgear.com/support/ to register your product, get help, access the latest
downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use
only official NETGEAR support resources.
Compliance and Conformity
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit
https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Do not use this device outdoors. If you connect cables or devices that are outdoors to
this device, see http://kb.netgear.com/000057103 for safety and warranty information.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
2

Contents
Chapter 1 Install Your Adapter and Connect to a WiFi Network
Package contents..................................................................................5
Status LED..............................................................................................5
Use the adapter with a Windows-based computer..........................6
Set up your adapter with a Windows-based computer..............6
Join a WiFi network using the built-in Windows tool..................7
Use the adapter with a Mac.................................................................8
Set up your adapter with a Mac......................................................8
Join a WiFi network on a Mac.........................................................9
Use WPS to join a WiFi network on a Mac....................................9
Use WPS with the PBC method to join a WiFi network on a
Mac..............................................................................................10
Use WPS with the PIN method to join a WiFi network on a
Mac..............................................................................................10
View information about or change a WiFi network on a Mac...11
Join a hidden WiFi network on a Mac.........................................12
Chapter 2 Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
The adapter LED does not light........................................................15
The adapter does not connect to a WiFi network..........................15
When I connect the adapter to a WiFi network, I cannot access the
Internet.................................................................................................15
When I connect the adapter to a WiFi network, I cannot access a
shared resource..................................................................................16
How can I improve the speed of the WiFi connection?.................16
How do I view the speed of the WiFi connection on a
Windows-based computer?..............................................................17
How do I view the speed of the WiFi connection on a Mac?........17
Where can I find more information about the built-in Windows
tool?......................................................................................................18
Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory default settings......................................................................20
Technical specifications.....................................................................20
3

1
Install Your Adapter and Connect
to a WiFi Network
The NETGEAR AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150, in this manual referred to as
the adapter, is a USB2.0, dual band WiFi adapter that provides a combined throughput
of 1200 Mbps (300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and , 866 Mbps at 5 GHz). The adapter supports
multiuser MIMO (MU-MIMO) and beamforming and integrates and internal antenna in
a nano size format.
When you insert the adapter in a Windows-based computer or Mac, the adapter enables
that computer to join an 802.11 a/b/g/n or ac WiFi network.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Package contents
• Status LED
• Use the adapter with a Windows-based computer
• Use the adapter with a Mac
Note: For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the
support website at netgear.com/support/.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time
to time at netgear.com/support/download/. You can check for and download new
firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is
described in this manual, you might need to update the firmware.
4

Package contents
The package contains the adapter and the resource CD.
Figure 1. Package contents
Status LED
The adapter contains a small status LED that lights when you insert the adapter into the
USB port of your computer.
Figure 2. Status LED
Table 1. Status LED
DescriptionLED behavior
The adapter is installed and ready to connect to a WiFi network.Blinking blue slowly
The adapter is connected to a WiFi network.Solid blue
The adapter is processing WiFi traffic.Blinking blue fast
The adapter is not correctly installed or (on a Mac only) is turned off. For more information,
see Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions on page 14.
Off
User Manual5Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

Use the adapter with a Windows-based
computer
Other than driver software, the adapter does not come with NETGEAR adapter software.
That is, it does not come with an adapter-specific graphical user interface. Instead, to
establish a WiFi connection with the adapter, use the software that is already built-in
into your Windows-based computer.
The adapter supports Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
Set up your adapter with a Windows-based computer
You can install the drivers that support Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and
Windows7.
After you install the Windows drivers, you can insert the adapter in your Windows-based
computer, and use the built-in Windows configuration tool to connect the adapter to a
WiFi network.
To set up your adapter with a Windows-based computer:
1. Insert the resource CD in your computer CD drive.
Note: If your computer does not include a CD drive, visit
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/A6150 to download the adapter software.
The NETGEAR Resource CD window opens.
Note: If the NETGEAR Resource CD window does not open, browse the files on the
CD and double-click the autostart.exe file.
2. Click the Install Windows Driver button.
All Windows drivers are installed on your computer.
3. Wait for the installation windows to show that the drivers are successfully installed.
4. Insert your adapter into your computer’s USB port.
The adapter device driver software for your Windows version is installed.
5. Connect your adapter to a WiFi network using a built-in Windows configuration tool.
For more information, see Join a WiFi network using the built-in Windows tool on
page 7.
User Manual6Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

Join a WiFi network using the built-in Windows tool
After you install the adapter (see Set up your adapter with a Windows-based computer
on page 6), you can use the built-in Windows configuration tool (the Connect to a
network tool) to connect the adapter to a WiFi network.
To join a WiFi network on a Windows-based computer:
1. Depending on the Windows version, select the Network or icon in the notification
area of your screen.
The Connect to a network tool opens and a list of WiFi networks in your area displays.
Note: You can also open the Connect to a network tool from the Network and
Sharing Center at the following path:
•Windows 10. Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network
and Sharing Center, and click Connect to a network.
•Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing
Center, and click Connect to a network.
2. From the list of networks, select the WiFi network, and click the Connect button.
A pop-up window opens
3. If the WiFi network is secured, enter the security key (and, if applicable, other required
security information), and click the OK button.
The security key is also referred to as the WiFi passphrase or WiFi password.
If the security key is identical to the one that is defined for the WiFi network, the
adapter lets the computer join the network, which can take a few minutes.
User Manual7Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

Use the adapter with a Mac
The adapter comes with a macOS driver and NETGEAR adapter software (that is, an
adapter-specific graphical user interface). To establish a WiFi connection with the
adapter, use the NETGEAR adapter software.
Set up your adapter with a Mac
Note: Some builds of macOS require an approval to install client software. If your
adapter software installation is blocked during initial installation, you must override your
Mac’s security and privacy settings and allow your Mac to install the driver. For more
information, see the Apple Mac support site.
To set up your adapter with a Mac:
1. Insert the resource CD in your Mac CD drive.
Note: If your Mac does not include a CD drive, visit
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/A6150 to download the adapter software.
The NETGEAR Resource CD window opens.
Note: If the NETGEAR Resource CD window does not open, browse the files on the
CD and double-click the file ending in .dmg or .pkg. The following are examples
of adapter software file names: A6150_MAC_V1.0.0.1.dmg or
A6150_MAC_V1.0.0.1.pkg.
2. Follow the prompts to install the adapter software.
3. When prompted, restart your Mac.
If you are not prompted, restart your Mac anyway.
4. Insert your adapter into your Mac’s USB port.
The NETGEAR adapter icon displays in your Mac’s menu bar.
Note: If you remove the adapter from your Mac’s USB port, the icon displays with
an X, indicating that the adapter is not present.
5. Connect your adapter to a WiFi network using the adapter software.
For more information, see Join a WiFi network on a Mac on page 9.
User Manual8Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

Join a WiFi network on a Mac
After you install the adapter (see Set up your adapter with a Mac on page 8), you can
use the NETGEAR adapter software to connect the adapter to a WiFi network.
To join a WiFi network on a Mac:
1. Click the NETGEAR adapter icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
A menu displays. The menu includes a list of existing WiFi networks in your area.
2. Select a WiFi network.
3. If the WiFi network is secured, enter the password (and, if applicable, other required
security information) and click the Join button.
The password is also referred to as the WiFi passphrase or security key.
If the password is identical to the one that is defined for the WiFi network, the adapter
lets the Mac join the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved
in a profile.
Use WPS to join a WiFi network on a Mac
After you install the adapter (see Set up your adapter with a Mac on page 8), you can
use the NETGEAR adapter software to connect the adapter to a WiFi network using
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).
Before you use a WPS method to let the Mac join a hidden network, make sure of the
following:
•Your WiFi router or access point supports WPS.
•The security on your WiFi router or access point is not set to WEP. WEP and WPS
are incompatible. You cannot use WPS if the security on your WiFi router or access
point is set to WEP.
The adapter provides two methods to make a WPS connection. You can use the Push
Button Configuration (PBC) method or the PIN method. The PBC method is the easier
one but requires that the WiFi router or access point to which you are trying to connect
provides either a physical WPS button or a software WPS or PBC button.
User Manual9Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

Use WPS with the PBC method to join a WiFi network on a Mac You can
use the Push Button Configuration (PBC) method to make a WPS connection.
To use WPS with the PBC method to join a WiFi network on a Mac:
1. Click the NETGEAR adapter icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
A menu displays.
2. Select WPS.
The WPS pop-up window opens.
3. Click the PBC button.
For 2 minutes, the NETGEAR adapter software scans for the WiFi router or access
point.
4. Within 2 minutes, either press the physical WPS button on the WiFi router or access
point or log in to your WiFi router or access point and click the software WPS button
on the WPS configuration page of the WiFi router or access point.
Note: The WPS button for your WiFi router or access point might be named
something different.
When the NETGEAR adapter software detects the WiFi router or access point, the
adapter lets the Mac join the WiFi network. Your settings are saved in a profile.
Use WPS with the PIN method to join a WiFi network on a Mac You can
use the PIN method to make a WPS connection.
To use WPS with the PIN method to join a WiFi network on a Mac:
1. Click the NETGEAR adapter icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
A menu displays.
2. Select WPS.
The WPS pop-up window opens.
3. Write down the PIN number that displays in the window and leave the WPS pop-up
window open.
4. Log in to your WiFi router or access point, enter the PIN number on the WPS
configuration page of the WiFi router or access point, and click the button to active
WPS on the WiFi router or access point.
5. In the WPS pop-up window on the your Mac, click the PIN button.
For 2 minutes, the NETGEAR adapter software scans for the WiFi router or access
point. When it detects the WiFi router or access point, the adapter lets the Mac join
the WiFi network. Your settings are saved in a profile.
User Manual10Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

View information about or change a WiFi network on a Mac
After you install the adapter (see Set up your adapter with a Mac on page 8), you can
use the NETGEAR adapter software to view information about a WiFi network or change
the security of a WiFi network.
To view information about a WiFi network or change the security of a WiFi network
a Mac:
1. Click the NETGEAR adapter icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
A menu displays.
2. Select Open Wireless Utility.
A pop-up window opens. The window shows all broadcast (non-hidden) WiFi
networks in your area. A lock icon indicates that the network is secured. The WiFi
icon indicates the strength of the network in your area.
3. To view information about WiFi profiles, click the Profiles button.
The Preferred Network pop-up window opens. The window shows the types of
security for the WiFi networks in your area. A green circle indicates that the Mac is
connected to the WiFi network.
4. To view more information about a WiFi network, click it in the Network Name column.
The windows shows the security and password (if any) that are set up for the WiFi
network.
5. To make changes to the security, do the following:
a. From the Security menu, select another type of security or select None to change
the network to an open network without security.
Note: We do not recommend an open network without security. (For some
situations, for example when you manage a WiFi network for a WiFi hotspot in a
public place, an open network without security might be appropriate.)
b. Depending on your selection from the Security menu, enter the required
information for the type of security.
c. Click the Apply button.
If you are connected to the WiFi network that you changed, you are disconnected
and must reconnect using the new type of security and associated credentials.
User Manual11Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

Join a hidden WiFi network on a Mac
After you install the adapter (see Set up your adapter with a Mac on page 8), you can
use the NETGEAR adapter software to connect the Mac to a hidden WiFi network.
A hidden network is a network that does not broadcast its SSID (WiFi network name).
If the network name is not displayed in the menu of the NETGEAR adapter software,
the network that you are trying to join is either not functioning or is hidden. To let the
Mac join a hidden network, you can use WPS (see Use WPS to join a WiFi network on a
Mac on page 9) or enter the hidden network’s information manually.
To enter the hidden network’s information manually, you must know the SSID, type of
security, and required information for the type of security (usually a WiFi password).
After the Mac joins the network, it saves the network connection information to a profile.
Both the NETGEAR adapter software and the Mac AirPort utility can use this profile. If
the network information does not change, the next time that you launch the NETGEAR
adapter software, the Mac connects automatically to the network that it joined previously.
To join a hidden WiFi network on a Mac:
1. Click the NETGEAR adapter icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
A menu displays.
2. Select Join Other Network.
A pop-up window opens.
3. In the Network Name field, enter the WiFi network name (SSID).
4. From the Security menu, select the type of security that is associated with the WiFi
network and enter the required information for that type of security:
•None. The network is not secure and does not require a key or passphrase.
•Open_System WEP. Enter the WiFi network password in the Password field.
•Shared_Key WEP. Enter the WiFi network password in the Password field.
•WPA_PSK TKIP. Enter the WiFi network password in the Password field.
•WPA_PSK AES. Enter the WiFi network password in the Password field.
•WPA2_PSK TKIP. Enter the WiFi network password in the Password field.
•WPA2_PSK AES. Enter the WiFi network password in the Password field.
•WPA Enterprise TKIP. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu, enter the
network user name in the User Name field, and either enter the WiFi network
password in the Password field or select certificate information from the CA
Certificate and Client Certificate menus.
User Manual12Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

•WPA Enterprise AES. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu, enter the
network user name in the User Name field, and either enter the WiFi network
password in the Password field or select certificate information from the CA
Certificate and Client Certificate menus.
•WPA2 Enterprise TKIP. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu, enter the
network user name in the User Name field, and either enter the WiFi network
password in the Password field or select certificate information from the CA
Certificate and Client Certificate menus.
•WPA2 Enterprise AES. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu, enter the
network user name in the User Name field, and either enter the WiFi network
password in the Password field or select certificate information from the CA
Certificate and Client Certificate menus.
•802.1X WEP. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu, enter the network
user name in the User Name field, and either enter the WiFi network password
in the Password field or select certificate information from the CA Certificate
and Client Certificate menus.
5. Click the Join button.
The adapter lets the Mac join the WiFi network, which can take a few minutes. Your
settings are saved in a profile.
User Manual13Install Your Adapter and
Connect to a WiFi Network
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

2
Troubleshooting and Frequently
Asked Questions
This chapter describes how you can troubleshoot the adapter and network environment,
and addresses frequently asked questions (FAQ).
The chapter includes the following sections:
• The adapter LED does not light
• The adapter does not connect to a WiFi network
• When I connect the adapter to a WiFi network, I cannot access the Internet
• When I connect the adapter to a WiFi network, I cannot access a shared resource
• How can I improve the speed of the WiFi connection?
• How do I view the speed of the WiFi connection on a Windows-based computer?
• How do I view the speed of the WiFi connection on a Mac?
• Where can I find more information about the built-in Windows tool?
14

The adapter LED does not light
If the LED does not light when you insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer,
try these troubleshooting tips:
•Remove and reinsert the adapter.
•Insert the adapter in a different USB port on your computer, if one is available.
•If you use a Windows-based computer, open the Windows device manager to see
if the adapter is recognized and enabled. If necessary, reinstall the adapter software.
The adapter does not connect to a WiFi
network
If you cannot connect the adapter to a selected WiFi network as described in Join a
WiFi network using the built-in Windows tool on page 7 or Join a WiFi network on a
Mac on page 9, try these troubleshooting tips:
•Make sure that your adapter is inserted securely into the USB port on your computer.
•If the network uses WiFi security, check that you use the correct WiFi security settings,
in particular, the correct WiFi passphrase (or WiFi password).
When I connect the adapter to a WiFi
network, I cannot access the Internet
If you can connect the adapter to a WiFi network but the network is not connected to
the Internet, try these troubleshooting tips:
•Make sure that you are connected to the correct WiFi network. If you are, check to
see if the WiFi router’s or access point’s Internet connection is working.
•If the Internet connection of the WiFi router or access point does not work, restart
the Internet modem (or any other device that serves as your ISP connection), the
WiFi router or access point, and the computer in which the adapter is installed.
User Manual15Troubleshooting and Frequently
Asked Questions
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

When I connect the adapter to a WiFi
network, I cannot access a shared resource
If you cannot access a shared resource such as a printer, try these troubleshooting tips:
•Make sure that the WiFi router or access point is physically connected to the LAN
Ethernet network.
•Make sure that the resource that you are trying to access is connected to the LAN
Ethernet network.
•Make sure that the IP addresses and the networking settings in the LAN Ethernet
network are configured correctly.
How can I improve the speed of the WiFi
connection?
The connection speed can vary depending on the type of USB port on your computer,
the capacity of the WiFi router or access point for the WiFi network, and the type of
Internet connection.
For information about viewing the physical rate of the adapter’s WiFi connection see
How do I view the speed of the WiFi connection on a Windows-based computer? on
page 17 or How do I view the speed of the WiFi connection on a Mac? on page 17.
The following limits might apply to the speed of the WiFi connection:
•If the physical rate is limited to 54 Mbps, the adapter might be connected to an
802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g network. If you want a faster physical rate, connect to
an 802.11ac or 802.11n network, if available.
•If the physical rate is limited to 54 Mbps, the network security might be WPA (TKIP).
When WPA (TKIP) security mode is configured on the WiFi router or access point,
WiFi regulations allow the adapter to connect at up to 54 Mbps only. For a faster
connection, configure the security for the WiFi router or access point as WPA2 or
WPA + WPA2 mixed WiFi security. The connection speed still depends on the WiFi
capacity of the WiFi router or access point.
•If your computer does not include a USB 2.0 port, the physical rate is limited to the
14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 legacy standard.
User Manual16Troubleshooting and Frequently
Asked Questions
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

How do I view the speed of the WiFi
connection on a Windows-based computer?
While your computer is connected to a WiFi network using the adapter, you can view
the speed of the WiFi connection.
To view the speed of the WiFi connection on a Windows-based computer:
1. Depending on the Windows version, select the Network or icon in the notification
area of your screen.
The Connect to a network tool opens and a list of networks display.
2. Right-click the active WiFi connection and, from the menu, select Status.
A pop-up window opens and shows information about the connection, including
the speed.
Note: You can also view the speed of the WiFi connection from the Network and
Sharing Center at the following path:
•Windows 10. Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network
and Sharing Center, and click the active WiFi connection.
•Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing
Center, and click the active WiFi connection.
How do I view the speed of the WiFi
connection on a Mac?
While your Mac is connected to a WiFi network using the adapter, you can view the
speed of the WiFi connection.
To view the speed of the WiFi connection on a Mac:
Hold down the Option key and click the AirPort icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
Detailed information about the WiFi connection displays. The Tx Rate field shows
the speed of the WiFi connection.
User Manual17Troubleshooting and Frequently
Asked Questions
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

Where can I find more information about the
built-in Windows tool?
Other than driver software, the adapter does not come with NETGEAR adapter software
for Windows. That is, it does not come with an adapter-specific graphical user interface
for Windows. Instead, the adapter uses software that is already built into your
Windows-based computer. You can find more information about the built-in software
in your Windows-based computer at the Microsoft Windows support site.
Note: For Macs, the adapter comes with a macOS driver and NETGEAR adapter
software, that is, an adapter-specific graphical user interface for macOS.
User Manual18Troubleshooting and Frequently
Asked Questions
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual

A
Factory Default Settings and
Technical Specifications
This appendix includes the following sections:
• Factory default settings
• Technical specifications
Note: For more information, see the data sheet that you can download by visiting
netgear.com/support/download/.
19

Factory default settings
The following table lists the default settings of your adapter.
Table 2. Factory default settings
Default SettingFeature
Enabled (non-configurable)WiFi
communication
United States, but varies by country or region of purchaseCountry or region
802.11ac, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11g, or 802.11bOperating mode
Enabled (non-configurable)MU-MIMO
Enabled (non-configurable)Beamforming
Up to 866 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11ac
Up to 300 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11n in the 2.4 GHz band
Up to 54 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11g
Up to 54 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11a
Up to 11 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11b
Data rate
Technical specifications
The following table lists the technical specifications of your adapter.
Table 3. Technical specifications
DescriptionFeature
Internal dual-band monopole antennasAntenna
802.11ac
802.11n
802.11g
802.11b
802.11a
IEEE standards
AutosensingRadio data rate
2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz CCK and OFDM modulation
5 GHz OFDM, 802.11n MCS0-15, and 802.11ac MCS0-9 coding scheme
Frequency
User Manual20Factory Default Settings and
Technical Specifications
AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter Model A6150 User Manual