NETGEAR WNDA3100v3 User manual

350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
December 2014
202-11470-01
N600 WiFi USB Adapter
Model WNDA3100v3
User Manual

2
N600 WiFi USB Adapter
Support
Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products.
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.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR
trademarks are used for reference purposes only

3
Contents
Chapter 1 Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Install and Set Up NETGEAR genie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Install Windows Standalone Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Join a WiFi Network Using NETGEAR genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
View Network Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Join a Network Using WPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Join a Network Using a Standalone Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Join a Hidden Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Use WPS to Let the Adapter Join a Hidden Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Manually Set Up a WiFi Connection to a Hidden Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 2 Monitor and Maintain the Adapter
Check Your Connection Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
View More Information About the Adapter and Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Get Diagnostic Information for the Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Upgrade the Adapter Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Uninstall the Adapter Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adapter LED Is Not Lit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Cannot Join a WiFi Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Cannot Access the Internet After Joining a WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Cannot Access Shared Resources Such as Printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4
1
1. Get Started and Connect to a WiFi
Network
The NETGEAR N600 WiFi USB Adapter connects your computer over WiFi to a network for
secure and reliable Internet connections.
This chapter describes how to set up and connect the adapter. The chapter includes the
following sections:
•Package Contents
•Install and Set Up NETGEAR genie
•Install Windows Standalone Driver
•Join a WiFi Network Using NETGEAR genie
•Join a Network Using WPS
•Join a Network Using a Standalone Driver
•Join a Hidden Network
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 at 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 does not match what is
described in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
Package Contents
Your package includes the following items.
Adapter
Plastic cradle Fasteners
USB cable
Resource CD
Install and Set Up NETGEAR genie
You can set up NETGEAR genie and use it to join a WiFi network. If you do not want to use
NETGEAR genie, you can install a Windows standalone driver and use the Windows WLAN
Autoconfig service or the Wireless Zero Configuration service to join a WiFi network. For
more information, see Install Windows Standalone Driver on page 7.
To set up NETGEAR genie:
1. Insert the resource CD in your computer CD drive.
Note: If your computer does not include a CD drive, or if you cannot find your
resource CD, visit support.netgear.com. Click the Support for Home
button, type WNDA3100v3 in the search field, and locate and
download the standalone driver.
If the Resource CD screen does not display, browse the files on the CD and double-click the
Autorun.exe file.
The NETGEAR Resource CD screen displays.
2. Click the Setup button.
The Software Update Check screen displays.
3. Install the setup software using one of the following methods.
•Connected to the Internet. If you are connected to the Internet, click the Check for
Updates button. After the software checks for updates, the Update Check Complete
screen displays. Click the Continue button. The Welcome screen displays.
•Not connected to the Internet. If you are not connected to the Internet, click the
Install from CD button. The Welcome screen displays.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
4. To accept the license agreement, select the I agree radio button and click the Next button.
A message displays asking you to wait while software is installed. After a few minutes,
NETGEAR genie prompts you to insert your adapter.
5. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer with or without the USB cable and
plastic cradle.
Note: TheUSBcableandplasticcradlecanextendtherangeofyouradapter
and improve WiFi reception.
6. To use the adapter with the USB cable and plastic cradle, do the following:
a. Place a fastener on the back of the plastic cradle and place another fastener on your
computer.
Make sure that the surfaces on which you are placing the fasteners are clean and dry.
b. Insert the adapter into the plastic cradle.
c. Connect the USB cable to the adapter.
Note: NETGEAR recommends using the USB cable that is supplied in the
package. Do not use another USB cable to connect the adapter to the
USB port on your computer. Using another USB cable might affect the
performance and correct functioning of the adapter.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
d. Connect the USB cable to a USB port on your computer.
e. Join the fasteners together.
7. Return to the NETGEAR genie screen and click the Next button.
The Home screen displays a list of WiFi networks in your area.
The adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon displays in the Windows system tray and on the
desktop. The icon in the system tray is red because you did not yet establish a
connection with a WiFi network.
8. To change the language, from the Select Language menu, select another language.
All NETGEAR genie screens display in the language that you selected.
Install Windows Standalone Driver
For Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, you can install the Windows
standalone driver without NETGEAR genie and use the Windows WLAN Autoconfig service
to join a WiFi network. If you use Windows XP, you can install the Windows standalone driver
and use the Wireless Zero Configuration service to join a WiFi network.
To install the Windows standalone driver:
1. Insert the resource CD in your computer CD drive.
Note: If your computer does not include a CD drive, or if you cannot find your
resource CD, visit support.netgear.com. Click the Support for Home
button, type WNDA3100v3 in the search field, and locate and
download the standalone driver.
If the Resource CD screen does not display, browse the files on the CD and double-click
the Autorun.exe file.
The NETGEAR Resource CD screen displays.
2. Click the Install Windows Standalone Driver button.
The driver installs on your computer.
3. When prompted, insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.

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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
Join a WiFi Network Using NETGEAR genie
To join a WiFi network using NETGEAR genie:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon that displays on the Windows systems tray or
on the desktop.
The NETGEAR genie Home screen displays.
3. Click the Join a Network button.
4. Select a WiFi network.
5. Click the Connect button.
6. If the network is secure, enter its password or network key.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved in a
profile.
The adapter LED lights amber for a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection and blue for a 5 GHz WiFi
connection.
View Network Details
You can view details about a WiFi network to help you determine which network to join.
To view network details:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon on your desktop or in the Windows system
tray.
The Home screen displays.
3. Click the Join a Network button.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
4. Click a network name.
The Details button displays.
5. Click the Details button.
The Details pop-up screen shows the following information:
•Network name (SSID). The name assigned to a WiFi network. As a security
measure, some WiFi 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. For information about joining a hidden network, see Join a
Hidden Network on page 11.
•Channel. The channel on which the WiFi network operates.
•WiFi Mode. The WiFi mode that the router or access point uses, such asAC, N, G, B,
or A.
•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 WiFi device that is broadcasting
this information. Typically, the WiFi device is a WiFi router or access point.
To close the Details pop-up screen, click the OK button.
Join a Network Using WPS
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for easily adding computers and other devices to
a home network while maintaining security. Before you use the WPS method to let the
adapter join a 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.

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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
Note: For information about using WPS to let the adapter join a hidden
network, see Use WPS to Let the Adapter Join a Hidden Network on
page 11.
To use WPS to let the adapter join a WiFi network:
1. Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter for two seconds.
The adapter LED blinks.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi router or gateway.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes.
The adapter LED lights amber for a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection and blue for a 5 GHz WiFi
connection.
Your settings are saved in a profile. Both NETGEAR genie and the Windows Wireless
Network Connection utility can use this profile. If the network information does not
change, the next time that you launch genie, the adapter connects automatically to the
network that it joined previously.
Join a Network Using a Standalone Driver
For Windows 8.1, 8.0, 7, and Vista, you can install the Windows standalone driver without
genie and use the Windows WLAN Autoconfig service to join a network. If you still use
Windows XP, you can install the Windows driver without genie and use the Wireless Zero
Configuration service to join a network.
Note: You do not need to install the standalone driver to use Windows
WLAN Autoconfig service or Wireless Zero Configuration.
Note: The adapter provides the best performance with a USB 2.0 port but is
compatible with a USB 1.1 port.

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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
To install the standalone driver and let the adapter join a network:
Use a Windows utility to connect the adapter to a WiFi network:
•For Windows 8.1, 8.0, 7, or Vista, use the Windows WLANAutoconfig service.
•For Windows XP, use the Wireless Zero Configuration service.
For more information about Windows WLAN Autoconfig or the Wireless Zero
Configuration service, see your computer’s documentation.
Join a Hidden Network
A hidden network does not broadcast its SSID. If the network name is not displayed in the
network list in the Adapter genie screen, the network that you are trying to join is either not
functioning or is hidden. To let the adapter join a hidden network, you can use WPS or enter
the hidden network’s information manually.
Use WPS to Let the Adapter Join a Hidden Network
Before you use the WPS method to let the adapter 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.
To use WPS to let the adapter join a hidden WiFi network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon on your desktop or in the Windows system
tray.
The Home screen displays.
3. Click the Join a Network button.
The Join a Network screen displays.

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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
4. Expand the Manually Connect to a network (for hidden networks) section.
5. Select the Use WPS Push 'N' Connect radio button and click the Start button.
6. To learn more about how to connect to the network using WPS, click the Learn More button.
7. Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter for two seconds.
The adapter LED blinks.
8. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi router or access point.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved in a
profile.
The Join a Network screen shows that the adapter is connected to the network, and the
genie status bar at the bottom of the screen displays information about the network
connection. For more information about the status bar, see Check Your Connection
Status on page 17.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
NETGEAR genie saves the network connection information to a Windows profile. Both
NETGEAR genie and the Windows Wireless Network Connection utility can use this
profile. If the network information does not change, the next time that you launch genie,
the adapter connects automatically to the network that it joined previously.
Manually Set Up a WiFi Connection to a Hidden Network
To manually set up a WiFi connection to a hidden network, you must know the SSID, security
type, and key or passphrase of the network that you want to join.
To manually set up the connection to a hidden WiFi network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon on your desktop or in the Windows system
tray.
The Home screen displays.
3. Click the Join a Network button.
The Join a Network screen displays.
4. Expand the Manually Connect to a network (for hidden networks) section.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
5. Select the Enter wireless information myself radio button.
6. In the Network Name (SSID) field, type the network name (SSID).
7. From the Security Type menu, select the network’s security type:
•None. The network is not secure and does not require a key or passphrase.
•WEP (Open). If the encryption strength of the network is 64 bit, the network key must
consist of 10 hexadecimal digits. If the encryption strength of the network is 128 bit,
the network key must consist of 26 hexadecimal digits.
•WEP (Shared). If the encryption strength of the network is 64 bit, the network key
must consist of 10 hexadecimal digits. If the encryption strength of the network is 128
bit, the network key must consist of 26 hexadecimal digits.
•WPA-PSK (TKIP). The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or
64 hexadecimal digits.
•WPA-PSK (AES). The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or
64 hexadecimal digits.
•WPA2-PSK (TKIP). The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or
64 hexadecimal digits.
•WPA2-PSK (AES). The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or
64 hexadecimal digits.
Note: Hexadecimal digits consist of 0–9, a–f, and A–F characters only.
8. In the Passphrase field, type the network’s WiFi password (passphrase).
If you selected the WEP security type, type the WEP key in the Key field.
9. Click the Connect button.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved in a
profile.
The Join a Network screen shows that the adapter is connected to the network, and the
genie status bar at the bottom of the screen displays information about the network

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
connection. For more information about the status bar, see Check Your Connection
Status on page 17.
NETGEAR genie saves the network connection information to a Windows profile. Both
NETGEAR genie and the Windows Wireless Network Connection utility can use this
profile. If the network information does not change, the next time that you launch genie,
the adapter connects automatically to the network that it joined previously.

16
2
2. Monitor and Maintain the Adapter
This chapter includes the following sections:
•Check Your Connection Status
•View More Information About the Adapter and Network
•Get Diagnostic Information for the Adapter
•Upgrade the Adapter Software
•Uninstall the Adapter Software

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
Check Your Connection Status
When you install your adapter, the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon displays in the Windows
system tray and on the desktop. You can double-click this icon to open NETGEAR genie to
make changes or connect to a different WiFi network.
The color of the icon indicates the strength of your WiFi connection:
•White.3–5 bars (strong connection)
•Yellow 1–2 bars (weak connection)
•Red.0 (zero) bars (no connection)
If you remove the adapter, NETGEAR genie is not available, and the adapter’s NETGEAR
genie icon is not displayed in the Windows system tray. When you insert the adapter again,
the icon returns to the system tray.
To check the NETGEAR genie status bar:
If NETGEAR genie is not yet open, click the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon in the
system tray or on your desktop.
The Home screen displays a diagram of the adapter’s connection to the WiFi router and
the WiFi router’s connection to the Internet.
If you encounter connection problems, see the following troubleshooting information:
•If the adapter cannot connect to the WiFi router, see Cannot Join a WiFi Network on
page 25.
•If the WiFi router cannot connect to the Internet, see CannotAccess the Internet After
Joining a WiFi Network on page 26.
The adapter’s connection details show in the genie status bar that displays at the bottom
of each genie screen.
Network name and Network WiFi
Signal
security channel
strength
Physical
rate
or Internet
connection
IP address
BSSID
The status bar shows the following connection details:
•Network name BSSID. The WiFi network name (SSID) and basic SSID (BSSID) of
the WiFi network to which the adapter is connected. The BSSID is expressed as the
MAC address of the access point to which the adapter is connected.
•IP address or Internet connection. The IPv4 or IPv6 address that is assigned to the
adapter. If the adapter is connected to the Internet, the field does not display the IP
address but displays the message Connected to the Internet.

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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
•Network security. The lock symbol shows whether the network you are connected to
uses WiFi security. An open lock indicates an open network without WiFi security,
such as one that you might use in a coffee shop.
•WiFi channel. The WiFi channel of the network to which the adapter is connected.
•Physical rate. The physical transmission rate for WiFi communication.
•Signal strength. The strength of the WiFi signal. Three to five bars indicate a good
signal. One or two bars indicate a weak signal.
View More Information About the Adapter and Network
You can view more information such as packet statistics, IP address, type of security, and
MAC address.
To view more information about the adapter and network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Let your adapter join a network.
If your adapter was previously connected to a network, the adapter reconnects
automatically.
For more information about letting your adapter join a network, see Join a WiFi Network
Using NETGEAR genie on page 8.
3. Click the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon on your desktop or in the Windows system
tray.
The Home screen displays.
4. Click the Other button.

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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
The screen shows the following information:
•Sent/Received Activity. The total number of packets sent or received during
communication with the WiFi network.
•Network. The following information about the adapter’s network displays:
-IPv4 Address. The IPv4 address that is assigned to the adapter. The IPv4
address can change if you disconnect from the network and rejoin it later.
-IPv6 Address. The IPv6 address that is assigned to the adapter. The IPv6
address can change if you disconnect from the network and rejoin it later.
-Security Type. WiFi security used for the adapter to connect to the current WiFi
network.
•Adapter. The following information about the adapter displays:
-Adapter MAC Address. The adapter’s Media Access Control (MAC) address.
The MAC address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to each device.
As a security measure, some WiFi networks restrict access based on a list of
known MAC addresses. If you try to join such a network, you must provide your
adapter’s MAC address (shown on this screen) to the network administrator
before you can connect.
-Region. The adapter’s region setting. WiFi channels in use depend on the
country or region. The 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 WiFi transmission. Operating the
adapter in a different region might violate local laws.
Get Diagnostic Information for the Adapter
You can display and save the following diagnostic information:
•System information
•IP information
•Client driver and profile information
•Site survey information
To get diagnostic information about the adapter:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Let your adapter join a network.
If your adapter was previously connected to a network, the adapter reconnects
automatically.
For more information about letting your adapter join a network, see Join a WiFi Network
Using NETGEAR genie on page 8.
3. Click the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon on your desktop or in the Windows system
tray.

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter
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N600 WiFi USB Adapter
The Home screen displays.
4. Click the Other button.
The Other screen displays.
5. Click the Get Info button.
NETGEAR genie starts collecting system information, IP information, client driver and
profile information, and site survey information.
6. To save the system information to your computer, click the Save to File button and follow
the instructions of your browser to save the information.
7. Click the Exit button.
Upgrade the Adapter Software
You can check for software updates and upgrade the adapter’s software.
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 adapter no longer connects to the network automatically. You must
let the adapter join a network as described in Join a WiFi Network
Using NETGEAR genie on page 8. If you do not use NETGEAR
genie, see Join a Network Using a Standalone Driver on page 10.
To check or upgrade the adapter’s software:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Let your adapter join a network.
If your adapter was previously connected to a network, the adapter reconnects
automatically.