NETGEAR A6200 User manual

350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
November 2012
202-11093-01
v1.0
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter
(A6200)
User Manual

2
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
Support
Thank you for choosing NETGEAR.
After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product
at https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support.
NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website. For product updates and web
support, visit http://support.netgear.com.
Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.
Phone (Other Countries): Check the list of phone numbers at
http://support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx.
NETGEAR recommends that you use only the official NETGEAR support resources.
Trademarks
NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, and Connect with Innovation are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Information is subject to change
without notice. Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
holders. © NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revision History
Publication Part Number Version Publish Date Comments
202-11093-01 v1.0 November 2012 First publication

3
Contents
Chapter 1 Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
USB Adapter Placement and Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Attach the USB Adapter to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Expand Your USB Adapter Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
NETGEAR genie Desktop Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
NETGEAR genie Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Status Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Join a Wireless Network with NETGEAR genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Network Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Join a Network or Connect to a Different Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Join a Hidden Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Install a Standalone Driver without NETGEAR genie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Chapter 2 Maintenance
Other Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Sent/Receive Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Remove the genie Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Appendix A Technical Specifications and
Factory Default Settings
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Factory Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Appendix B Notification of Compliance

4
1
1. Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
This chapter describes how to set up the 802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200) and includes the
following sections:
• USB Adapter Placement and Performance
• NETGEAR genie Desktop Icon
• NETGEAR genie Home
• Join a Wireless Network with NETGEAR genie
• Install a Standalone Driver without NETGEAR genie
For help installing your USB adapter, see the installation guide that came in the package. The
installation is also available at the NETGEAR Download Center at downloadcenter.netgear.com.
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit
the support website at support.netgear.com.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made
available from time to time on downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some
products can regularly check the site and download new firmware,
or you can check for and download new firmware manually. If the
features or behavior of your product do not match what is described
in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
5
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
USB Adapter Placement and Performance
You can position the USB adapter to best suit your own environment and to ensure maximum
performance.
Attach the USB Adapter to Your Computer
To attach the USB adapter directly:
Use the USB adapter without the desktop dock, and connect it directly into a USB port on
your computer.
The USB connector on the USB adapter can swivel so the USB adapter can be positioned
flat against your computer.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
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802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
To attach the USB adapter using the desktop dock:
1. Insert the USB adapter into the desktop dock.
2. Connect the USB cable of the desktop dock to your computer USB port.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
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802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
Expand Your USB Adapter Range
For added range and performance, you can flip the top portion of the USB adapter so that it is
perpendicular to the USB adapter:
In this position, the internal antennas are extended out from the USB adapter for increased
WiFi performance.
NETGEAR genie Desktop Icon
When you install your USB adapter, the NETGEAR genie icon appears in the Windows
system tray and on the desktop. You can click this icon to open NETGEAR genie to make
changes or connect to a different wireless network. The color of the icon indicates the
strength of your wireless connection:
White. 3–5 bars (strong connection)
Yellow. 1–2 bars (weak connection)
Red. 0 (zero) bars (no connection)
If you remove your USB adapter, NETGEAR genie is not available, and the icon is not
displayed. When you insert the USB adapter again, the icon returns.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
8
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
NETGEAR genie Home
When you launch NETGEAR genie, the Home screen displays.
This screen shows you at a glance if you are connected to a network, and if you have Internet
access. The following options are available:
• Select Language. If more than one language is available, you can select a language
from this drop-down list. NETGEAR genie screens are displayed in the language that you
select.
• Home button. The currently selected Home screen. You can click the Home button to
return here from a different screen.
• Join a Network button. View a list of wireless networks and join a network.
• Other button.View more information or check for software updates.
• Help.Display the help.
Status Bar
The status bar is at the bottom of the screen:
Figure 1. Status bar
Network Connection Network Wireless Signal
security channel strength
name status Physical
rate

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
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802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
The following information is displayed:
• Network name. The network name (SSID) of the wireless network to which the USB
adapter is connected.
• Connection status. The connection status is one of the following (this status is also
shown in the diagram in the middle of this screen):
-Connected to the Internet
-Connected to the Router
-No Connection
• Network security. The lock symbol shows whether the network you are connected to
uses wireless security. An open lock indicates an open network without wireless security,
such as one that you might use in a coffee shop.
• Wireless channel. The wireless channel of the network to which the USB adapter is
connected.
• Physical rate. The physical transmission rate for wireless communication.
• Signal strength. The strength of the wireless signal. Three to five bars indicate a good
signal. One or two bars indicate a weak signal.
Join a Wireless Network with NETGEAR genie
In NETGEAR genie, click the Join a Network button to display the following screen:
The following information, link, and button are displayed:
• Network list. View the wireless networks in the area. Click a network to select it.
• Manually Connect to a network. Click this link to join a network without viewing it on the
network list, or to connect to a hidden network. A hidden network does not broadcast its
wireless network name (SSID).
• Refresh. Click this button to scan for available networks in the area.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
10
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
Network Details
From the Join a Network screen, you can view more details about a specific network.
To view network details:
1. In the network list, click a network to select it.
2. Click the Details button to display a screen similar to the following one:
The following information is displayed:
• Network name (SSID). The name assigned to a wireless network. As a security
measure, some wireless access points do not broadcast their SSIDs. In such cases, the
network is hidden. The name (SSID) field is blank even though the rest of the information
is displayed.
• Channel. The channel on which the wireless network operates. NETGEAR recommends
that you choose a network that uses a different channel from that of neighboring
networks.
• Wireless Mode. The wireless technology used for the router or access point, such as N,
A, G, B, or AC.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
11
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
• WPS support. Identifies whether the router or access point for this network supports
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).
• MAC address. The unique hardware address of the wireless device broadcasting this
information. Typically, the wireless device is a wireless router or access point.
Join a Network or Connect to a Different Network
If your wireless network supports WPS, you can use WPS to join a wireless network. Or you
can join a wireless network from this NETGEAR genie screen.
• WPS. Press and hold the WPS button on the side of the USB adapter for 3 seconds.
Then within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router or access point.
• NETGEAR genie. Click your wireless network to select it from the list, and click Connect.
If the network is secure, enter its password or network key.
After the USB adapter joins the network, it automatically saves the network connection
information to a Windows profile. Windows profiles can be used by genie and the Windows
utility. If there is no change in the network information, the next time you launch NETGEAR
genie, it automatically connects to the network you previously joined.
To use WPS to join a wireless network:
1. Press and hold the WPS button on the side of the USB adapter for 2 seconds.
2. Then within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router or access point.
The USB adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are
saved in a profile.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
12
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
To select and join a wireless network:
1. From NETGEAR genie, click Join a Network.
2. Look for the network you want to join in the list on this screen. If you do not see your
network, you might need to scroll down to view more networks.
If the network name is not displayed, that indicates a hidden network that does not
broadcast its SSID. Use the manual method to connect to a hidden network. See Join a
Hidden Network on page 13.
Select the network that you want to join.
3. Click the Connect button.
4. If the wireless network is secure, enter the network password.
The USB adapter joins the wireless network. This process could take a few minutes.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
13
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
Join a Hidden Network
A hidden network does not broadcast its SSID.
1. From NETGEAR genie, click Join a Network.
2. Select the Manually Connect to a network (for hidden networks) link.
You can use WPS to connect, or enter the wireless information yourself.
To manually connect using WPS:
1. Click the Start button.
A pop-up window displays WPS instructions telling you to press the WPS button both on
the USB adapter and the router.
2. Press the WPS button on your USB adapter.
3. Go to your wireless router or access point, and press its WPS button.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
14
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
To manually connect without WPS:
1. Select the Enter wireless information myself radio button.
There are four security types that can be displayed for the network: None, WEP,
WPA-PSK, and WPA2-PSK.
• None.There is no password.
• WEP. The password (key) is a 10 or 26 hexadecimal digit.
• WPA-PSK. The password (passphrase) is 8–63 characters in length.
• WPA2-PSK. The password (passphrase) is 8–63 characters in length.
2. In the fields provided, type the network name (SSID), select the security type, and type the
passphrase (password).
Note: NETGEAR genie does not let you select the WPA or WPA2 security
type. Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, use the Windows
WLAN Autoconfig service to enter WPA or WPA2 credentials to join
the network. For Windows XP, use the Wireless Zero Configuration
service to enter WPA or WPA2 credentials to join the network.

Set Up Your Wireless USB Adapter
15
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
Install a Standalone Driver without NETGEAR genie
For Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, you can install the Windows driver without
the NETGEAR genie and use the Windows WLAN Autoconfig service to join a network. For
Windows XP, you can install the Windows driver without the NETGEAR genie and use the
Wireless Zero Configuration service to join a network.
To install the standalone driver and join a network:
1. Insert the resource CD in your computer CD drive. If the CD main screen does not
display, browse the files on the CD and double-click autorun.exe. The Welcome screen
displays:
2. Click Install Windows Standalone Driver.
The driver installs on your computer.
3. Either insert the USB adapter into a USB port on your computer, or connect it with the USB
cable that came in the package.
4. Use the Windows WLAN Autoconfig service to join a network. (For Windows XP, use the
Wireless Zero Configuration service.)

16
2
2. Maintenance
This chapter includes the following sections:
• Other Screen
• Remove the genie Software
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Maintenance
17
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
Other Screen
In NETGEAR genie, click the Other button to display the following screen:
Sent/Receive Activity
• Sent Packets. Total number of packets sent during communication with the wireless
network.
• Received Packets. Total number of packets received during communication with the
wireless network.
Network
• IPv4 Address. The IPv4 address assigned to this USB adapter. The IPv4 address can
change if you disconnect from the network and rejoin it later.
• IPv6 Address. The IPv6 address assigned to this USB adapter. The IPv6 address can
change if you disconnect from the network and rejoin it later.
• Security Type. Wireless security used for the USB adapter to connect to the current
wireless network.
Adapter
• Adapter MAC Address. The Media Access Control (MAC) address of this USB adapter.
The MAC address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to each wireless device.
As a security measure, some wireless networks restrict access based on a list of known
MAC addresses. If you try to join such a network, you have to provide your USB adapter’s
MAC address (shown here) to the network administrator before you can connect.

Maintenance
18
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
• Region. The region setting for the USB adapter. Wireless channels in use depend on the
country or region. Your USB adapter automatically scans approved channels for your
region when it checks to see which networks are available in your area. Governments
regulate the channels used for wireless transmission. Operating the USB adapter in a
different region might violate local laws.
Support
• Get Diagnostics Info. Click the Get Info button if support has directed you to do so. The
genie displays the System Information screen and starts collecting system information, IP
information, client driver and profile information, and site survey information.
• Software Update. You can check for software updates at the NETGEAR website. Click
the Check button, and the genie displays the Live Check screen and checks for available
software upgrades. If new software is found, the USB adapter software is automatically
updated.
Note: During the software update process, the old software version is
removed and all saved profiles are deleted before the new software
version is installed. When the software update process is complete,
the USB adapter no longer connects to the network automatically.
You need to join the network as described in Join a Wireless
Network with NETGEAR genie on page 9. (If you do not use the
NETGEAR genie, see Install a Standalone Driver without NETGEAR
genie on page 15.)
Help
Click the Help button to display help.
Remove the genie Software
You can remove the USB adapter software in several different ways:
• Uninstall. In Windows, select Start > All Programs > NETGEAR A6200 genie >
Uninstall NETGEAR A6200 Software.
• Control Panel. Follow the appropriate instructions for your Windows operating system:
-Windows 8. Move the pointer to the left bottom corner of the screen to display the
Windows pop-up Start menu. Right-click your mouse button, select 'Program and
Feature' to Uninstall, and select NETGEAR A6200 genie.
-Windows 7. Select Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features, and then
select NETGEAR A6200 genie. Click Uninstall and follow the screen prompts.

Maintenance
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802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
-Windows Vista. Select Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features, and then
select NETGEAR A6200 genie. Click Uninstall/Change from the top menu and
follow the screen prompts.
-Windows XP. Select Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs, and then
select NETGEAR A6200 genie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The USB adapter LED is not lit.
The USB adapter is not inserted securely in the USB port (or USB cable if used) or the A6200
software is not installed.
• Remove and reinsert the USB adapter.
• Check the Windows device manager to see if the USB adapter is recognized and
enabled. Reinstall the A6200 software, if necessary.
• Insert the USB adapter in a different USB port on your computer if one is available.
I do not see the icon.
Check to make sure that your USB adapter is inserted in the USB port. If it is removed, then
the icon is not displayed. When you insert the USB adapter into the USB port, the icon
returns to your desktop and the Windows system tray.
I cannot connect to a wireless network.
• Make sure that your USB adapter is inserted securely into the USB port on your computer
or the USB cable if you are using it. The USB adapter LED should light or blink (see
NETGEAR genie Desktop Icon on page 7 for details).
• Click the icon to open NETGEAR genie. The following screen displays if the USB
adapter cannot connect to the network that you selected:

Maintenance
20
802.11ac USB WiFi Adapter (A6200)
• If the network uses wireless security, you need to either know the wireless security
settings or use Push 'N' Connect if the network supports WPS. Some networks also
restrict use to only computers or wireless devices with known MAC addresses. If that is
the case, on the NETGEAR genie screen, click Other to find the MAC address for your
USB adapter and provide it to the network administrator.
When I connect to the network, I cannot access the Internet.
Click to open NETGEAR genie. The following screen displays if the USB adapter can
connect to the network that you selected but you cannot access the Internet:
Make sure that you are connected to the correct network. If you are, then check to see if the
router’s Internet connection is working. If the router’s Internet connection is not working,
restart the modem, router, and computer.
When I connect to the network, I cannot access shared resources such as printers.
• Make sure that the router or access point is physically connected to the Ethernet network.
• Make sure that the IP addresses and the Windows networking settings are configured
correctly.
Do the USB ports go into a sleep mode if there is no traffic?
The USB devices do go into sleep mode if a USB feature called Selective Suspend is
enabled, which it is by default. If this feature is enabled, and the connected USB devices to
go into Selective Suspend mode, the network disconnects. To prevent this type of network
disconnection, you can disable Selective Suspend.
To disable Selective Suspend mode:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Edit Plan
Settings > Change Advanced Power Settings > USB Settings.
2. Change the setting for Selective Suspend mode to Disabled.