NETGEAR WNA3100 - Wireless-N 300 USB Adapter User manual

)NSTALLATION'UIDE
Wireless-N 300 USB Adapter WNA3100
This guide explains Express installation with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
Note: For help with custom installation, see the User Manual on the Resource CD.
Estimated completion time: 10 minutes.
Package Contents
Wireless-N 300 USB Adapter
USB cable with adapter cradle
Resource CD
Start Here
First, install the WNA3100 software
1. Insert the Resource CD in your computer’s CD drive. If the CD main page does not
display, browse the files on the CD and double-click Autorun.exe.
2. Click Install the Software. The Software Update Check screen displays.
3. If you are connected to the Internet, click
Check for Updates. If not, then click Install
from CD.
4. Accept the license agreement. Then click
Next on the Setup Type screen for Express
setup.
5. Follow the wizard steps to install the
software.
Then, install your WNA3100 adapter
You are prompted to insert your adapter.
1. Locate a USB port on your PC.
2. Insert the adapter into the USB port or
connect it with the USB cable (see “Using
the USB Cable” on the other side of this
guide).
Note: For best results, put the wireless
adapter at least 4 feet (1 meter) away from
your router.
3. Click Next. The WNA3100 software detects the adapter. Follow the onscreen prompts
to install the driver.
Connect to a wireless network
After the driver is installed you are prompted to connect to a wireless network:
a. If your router supports Push 'N' Connect (also called WPS), follow the steps to
push the WPS button on your adapter and connect.
b. If no WPS networks are in your area, select your wireless network from the list and
click Next. If you select a secured network, you need to enter the passphrase or
network key.
The adapter connects to the network, which can take a minute or two. The Smart Wizard
Settings screen displays. Your settings are saved in a profile, which you can name.
You are now connected to a wireless network!
The WNA3100 icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop so you can open the
Smart Wizard to make changes or connect to a different wireless network.
a: WPS-capable networks in your area b: No WPS-capable networks in your area
Profile name

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NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice.
November 5, 2009
The Status Bar at the bottom of the Smart Wizard screen shows details about your wireless
connection.
Understanding the Status Bar
1. Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined.
2. Join a Network Click Join a Network to start the Connection Wizard. You can
select a different wireless network or reconnect to your current
network, should you become disconnected.
3. Connection
status •Connected to Internet. •Connected to Router. The adapter is connected to a router, but
the router is not connected to the Internet.
•169.254.x.x or ___.___.___.___. You are connected to a router,
but the router has a problem. See the User Manual on the
Resource CD.
4. Security • A closed lock indicates a network with wireless security.
• An open lock indicates an open network without wireless
security.
5. 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.
6. Data rate Wireless data rate measured in Megabits per second. To optimize
wireless data rate, connect to a network with a high-speed router
or access point and a high-speed Internet connection.
7. Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, your connection
works best when the signal is strongest.
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Using the USB Cable
You can use the USB cable and adapter cradle to extend the range of your adapter and obtain
better wireless reception. Insert the adapter in the plastic cradle and attach the USB cable to
the adapter and the computer.
Technical Support
After completing the Smart Wizard configuration assistant, locate the serial number on the
bottom label of your product, and use it to register your product at
http://www.NETGEAR.com/register.
Registration on the website or over the phone is required before you can use our telephone
support service. The phone numbers for worldwide regional customer support centers are on
the Warranty and Support Information card that came with your product.
Go to http://www.netgear.com/support for product updates and Web support.