NETGEAR RANGEMAX WPN111 Manual

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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter and set
up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless
network set up is covered in Chapter 2, “Network Connections and Wireless Security”.
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can set up your
wireless USB adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111, please make
sure that these minimum requirements have been met:
• You must have a PC with a Pentium®300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an
available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
•ACDdrive.
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of
several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others
outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take
steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The RangeMax WPN111
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter provides highly effective security features, which are
covered in “Using Wireless Security Features” in Chapter 2. Deploy the security
features appropriate to your needs.
Note: The maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a
USB v1.1 port, the WPN111 is limited to that port’s maximum speed, which is
14 Mbps.

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• Vista, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, or Windows 2000. Some versions of
Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation files to complete the
installation of the WPN111 driver software.
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based
on the physical location of the computer with the RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz Cordless phones
In general, wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed
with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the effective range will decrease if such materials are
between the devices.
What Is In the Box
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111
•NETGEAR CD, including:
– Driver and Configuration Utility Software
–NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 User Manual (this document)
– Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial
– PC Networking Tutorial
• Warranty and Support information card
Note: Windows XP users must install SP2 or install the KB822603 Hot fix, which fixes
the USB 2.0 Host controller driver. Go to the following link to install the Hot fix:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=733dd867-56a0-4956-b7fe-
e85b688b7f86

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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.
WPN111 Default Wireless Settings
If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network
and verify wireless connectivity. If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you will
need to identify the wireless network and wireless security settings that are already defined.
Your RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc): Infrastructure
• Data security WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK encryption: Disabled
Installation
To install the RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter:
1. First, install the WPN111 software:
Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the Welcome page does not open, double click Autorun.exe on
the CD.
Note: In order for the RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to
communicate with a wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must
be set up to use the same wireless network name (SSID).

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a. Click Install the Software.The Check for Updates window will open.
b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to
install from the CD.
c. When the Installation Complete message appears, click Next.
d. On the Smart Wizard screen, click Next to proceed with the Smart Wizard setup.
2. Now, connect the wireless USB adapter.
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2

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a. Locate an available USB port on your PC. Connect the USB cable to the WPN111 and
insert the other end of the cable into the USB slot on your PC. See “Placing the USB
Adapter Cradle” on page 1-10.
b. Restart your computer.
You will be prompted to select the country where you are located.
c. Select the country and click Agree.
3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless USB adapter.
a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless
adapter with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration
utilities.
•NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and
makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems.
•Windows configuration utilities: See the Windows documentation or “Using
Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities” at:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm
b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
Note: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your PC, the throughput of the
WPN111 will be limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.
Figure 1-3

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You will be prompted to let the wizard help you connect to a network (recommended).
c. Click Next to accept.
4. Connect to a wireless network.
a. Select the wireless network from the drop-down list, and the wizard records your choice.
b. If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it
c. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile.
d. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
Figure 1-4
Figure 1-5
Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the Network Name (SSID). These
networks are in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) is blank.
Hidden

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The icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop; and the Settings page opens .
The wizard initiates your wireless connection, which could take up to a minute.
5. Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity. For more information about
connecting, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” on page 1-7.
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet
The WPN111 has indicators in three locations that show the status of your connection to a wireless
network and to the Internet:
•WPN111 Icon: After you install the WPN111 software, the icon appears on the desktop
and in the lower right of the Windows task bar. It is color coded to show the status of the
connection.
•Smart Wizard Status Bar: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard. The
status bar at the bottom of the page shows details about your wireless and Internet
connection.See “Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8
•LED: The LED on the wireless USB adapter shows the network connection. Solid indicates a
connection. The LED blinks when the wireless USB adapter is looking for a network
association.
Figure 1-6
Note: The maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a USB
v1.1 port, the WPN111 is limited to that port’s maximum speed, which is 14
Mbps.

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WPN111 Icon Colors
The WPN111 icon is on the desktop and in the Windows System Tray (SysTray). The System Tray
resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.
Smart Wizard Status Bar
Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard so you can view the status bar. The Smart Wizard
Settings page opens. The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page.
The following table describes how to interpret the Smart Wizard status bar
Color Condition Description
Red The wireless USB adapter
has no connection to any
other wireless node.
The wireless USB adapter cannot link to any other wireless
node or the link is lost. Check your configuration or try moving
to a location where the wireless signal quality is better.
Yellow The wireless USB adapter
has a connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless link is weak. You may need to move to a better
spot, such as closer to the wireless access point. Also, look
for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz cordless phone or
large metal surface.
Green The wireless USB adapter
has a connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless USB adapter has established good
communication with an access point and the signal quality is
strong.
Figure 1-7
Understanding the Status Bar
Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined.
Security • Locked: security enabled.
• Unlocked: security not enabled.
Wireless
network
Connection status
Security
Find a Network
Channel Throughput
Signal
strength

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If you right-click the system tray icon, you can disable the Internet notification feature by clearing
check mark on this line. If you do so, then only the IP address is shown.
WPN111 LED
The LED on the WPN111 indicates the condition of wireless link
Channel The wireless channel used by the network. If many wireless networks in your
area use the same channel they can interfere with one another.
Throughput • Wireless throughput measured in Mega bits per second. To optimize
throughput, connect to a network with a high-speed router or access point, and
a high-speed Internet connection. See Chapter 3, “Wireless Network
Performance”.
• If your computer has a USB v1.1 port, the WPN111 is limited to that port’s
maximum speed, which is 14 Mbps.
Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you will experience higher
throughput when the signal is strongest.
Find a Network Click Find a Network to open the Connection Wizard.
Connection
status Identifies the status of your network connection. •Connected to Internet: Wireless Internet connection is OK.
•Connected to Router: Wireless connection to the router is OK but the router
is not connected to the Internet.
•169.254.x.x or ___.___.___.___ : The wireless connection to the router is OK
but there is a problem with the router. See Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting”.
Figure 1-8
LED Meaning
Off • The WPN111 in not plugged in to the PC.
• Power save mode (default from power up
or reset).
Blink Looking for network association.
On Associated or joined with network.
Understanding the Status Bar (continued)
Status LED

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Placing the USB Adapter Cradle
You can attach the RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter directly to a USB port on your
computer, or use the USB cable to extend the range and obtain better wireless reception.
Follow these instructions to use the USB cable, plastic cradle, and loop and hook fastener provided
in the package for better USB Adapter placement on a notebook computer:
1. The RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter comes with three black fasteners. Locate
the one with a prickly side and attach it to the plastic cradle on the middle of the outside rear.
2. Insert the RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter in the plastic cradle.
3. Place one of the other pieces of loop and hook fastener on the back of your monitor near the
top for better reception.
Figure 1-9
Figure 1-10
Note: The last piece of the fastener can be placed on the side of your PC monitor
nearest your wireless access point, if you are using the USB Adapter with a
desktop PC.