NETGEAR RangeMax Next WN711 User manual

202-10259-04
March 2008
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
NETGEAR RangeMax Next
Wireless-N ExpressCard
WN711 User Manual

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Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your product at
http://www.netgear.com/register, we can provide you with faster expert technical support and timely notices of product
and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support information card.
E-mail: [e-mail]
North American NETGEAR website: http://www.netgear.com
Trademarks
NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, Smart Wizard, and Auto Uplink are trademarks or registered trademarks of
NETGEAR, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.Other
brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that
may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.
Maximum Wireless Signal Rate Derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 Specifications
Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic,
building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.
Safety and Regulatory Notices
FCC Statement
The NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 has been tested and complies with the specifications
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance

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This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
For products available in the USA market, only channels 1through 11 can be operated. Selection of other channels is not
available.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements
SAR Statement
The NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption
Rate (SAR) compliance. The FCC has established detailed SAR requirements and has established that these
requirements have been met while installed in a host notebook computer.
RF Exposure Information
The radio module has been evaluated under FCC Bulletin OET 65C (01-01) and found to be compliant to the
requirements as set forth in CFR 47 Sections, 2.1093, and 15.247 (b) (4) addressing RF Exposure from radio frequency
devices. This model meets the applicable government requirements for exposure to radio frequency waves. The highest
SAR level measured for this device was 0.74 W/kg.
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210 du Canada.
“To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from
windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to
licensing.”
“Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l’objet d’une licence, il doit être utilisé à
l’intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son
antenne d’émission) est installé à l’extérieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.”
Europe – EU Declaration of Conformity
A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WN711 product
package.
Èesky
[Czech] NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými
ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Dansk
[Danish] Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR
RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 overholder de væsentlige krav og
øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Deutsch
[German] Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR RangeMax Next
Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden
Anforderungen und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG
befindet.

v1.0, March 2008
iv
Eesti
[Estonian] Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist
tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Español
[Spanish] Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR RangeMax Next
Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera
otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Ελληνική
[Greek] ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR RangeMax Next
Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ
ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Français
[French] Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR RangeMax Next
Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres
dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Italiano
[Italian] Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR RangeMax Next
Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni
pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Latviski
[Latvian] Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard
WN711 atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem
noteikumiem.
Lietuviø
[Lithuanian] Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos
nuostatas.
Nederlands
[Dutch] Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere
relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Malti
[Maltese] Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn relevanti li
hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Magyar
[Hungarian] Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC
irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi stosownymi
postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
Português
[Portuguese] NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard
WN711 está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva
1999/5/CE.

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Product and Publication Details
Slovensko
[Slovenian] NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard
WN711 v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/
ES.
Slovensky
[Slovak] NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia
Smernice 1999/5/ES.
Suomi
[Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N
ExpressCard WN711 tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä
koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Svenska
[Swedish] Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv
1999/5/EG.
Model Number: WN711
Publication Date: March 2008
Product Family: Wireless Adapter
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10259-04

v1.0, March 2008
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Contents
About This Manual
Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................................................................................... ix
How to Use This Manual ...................................................................................................x
How to Print This Manual ..................................................................................................x
Chapter 1
Basic Setup
What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................1-1
Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................1-1
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ..................................................1-1
What Is in the Box ..........................................................................................................1-2
Default Wireless Settings .........................................................................................1-2
Installation ......................................................................................................................1-3
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................1-7
WN711 Icon Colors ..................................................................................................1-8
Smart Wizard Status Bar ..........................................................................................1-8
Removing the WN711 Software ....................................................................................1-10
Upgrading the WN711 Software ...................................................................................1-10
Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Disabling the Windows XP Zero Configuration Utility .....................................................2-1
Understanding the Smart Wizard ...................................................................................2-2
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area ........................................................................2-2
Joining a Network ...........................................................................................................2-4
Using WPS to Connect to a Wireless Network ........................................................2-5
Profiles ............................................................................................................................2-9
Adding Profiles .......................................................................................................2-10
Setting Up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router ...............................2-10
Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile ............................................2-11
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection .........................2-13

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Wireless Security ..........................................................................................................2-14
Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ..........................................2-15
Setting Up WEP Encryption Security .....................................................................2-16
Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ..............................................................................2-17
Setting Up WPA-PSK Security ...............................................................................2-18
Advanced Settings ........................................................................................................2-19
Statistics Tab .................................................................................................................2-20
About Tab .....................................................................................................................2-21
Chapter 3
Wireless Network Performance
Optimizing Wireless Performance ..................................................................................3-1
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth ..............................................................................3-2
Overview of Home and Small Office Networking Technologies ......................................3-3
Assessing Your Speed Requirements ......................................................................3-4
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................4-1
Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly ..........................................................................4-2
Appendix A
Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications
Default Configuration Settings ....................................................................................... A-1
Technical Specifications ................................................................................................. A-2
Appendix B
Related Documents

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About This Manual
The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 User Manual describes how
to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard
WN711. The information in this manual is intended for readers with intermediate computer and
Internet skills.
Conventions, Formats, and Scope
The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following paragraphs:
•Typographical Conventions.This manual uses the following typographical conventions::
•Formats.This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
•Scope.This manual is written for the Wireless Express Card according to these specifications:
Italic Emphasis, books, CDs, file and server names, extensions
Bold User input, IP addresses, GUI screen text
Fixed Command prompt, CLI text
italic URL links
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.
Product Version NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711
Manual Publication Date March 2008

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For more information about network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies, see the links to the
NETGEAR website in Appendix B, “Related Documents”.”
How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes the following:
• Buttons, and , for browsing forward or backward through the manual one page
at a time.
• A button that displays the table of contents and a button that displays an index.
Double-click a link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is
described in the manual.
• A button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the product
model.
• Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
How to Print This Manual
To print this manual, you can choose one of the following options, according to your needs.
•Printing a page from HTML. Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to
a major topic. Select File > Print from the browser menu to print the page contents.
•Printing from PDF. Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in
order to view and print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
– Printing a PDF chapter. Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left corner of any
page.
• Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left corner of any page in the chapter
you want to print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a
browser window.
• Click the print icon in the upper left of your browser window.
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
http://www.netgear.com/support.

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–Printing a PDF version of the complete manual. Use the Complete PDF Manual link
at the top left corner of any page.
• Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left corner of any page in the manual.
The PDF version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.
• Click the print icon in the upper left corner of your browser window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
The NETGEAR® RangeMax™ Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711 User Manual lets you
connect a computer to wireless networks. It is designed for laptop computers running Microsoft
Windows. For information about product features and compatible NETGEAR products, see the
NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com.
This chapter describes how to install your Wireless Express Card and set up basic wireless
connectivity on your wireless local area network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network settings
are covered in Chapter 2, “Network Connections and Wireless Security” in this manual.
What You Need Before You Begin
You must verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network settings of the wireless network where you will connect before you can set up
your wireless Express Card and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the Wireless Express Card, make sure that these minimum requirements have
been met. You must have a computer with:
• A Pentium 300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an available Express Card slot.
•ACDdrive.
• 105 MB of free hard disk space.
• Microsoft Vista, Windows XP Home, or XP Professional
Some versions of Windows might ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WN711 driver software.
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range that can vary significantly based
on the location of the computer with the Wireless Express Card. For best results, avoid potential
sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces

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• Microwave ovens
• 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 decreases if such materials are
between the devices. For more detailed information, see Chapter 3, “Wireless Network
Performance”.
What Is in the Box
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR RangeMax Next Wireless-N ExpressCard WN711
• Installation Guide
•Resource CD, including:
– The Smart Wizard Installation Assistant
– This manual
• Warranty and Support information card
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.
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 need the
wireless network and wireless security settings that are already defined.

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Your Wireless Express Card factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identifier (SSID): Any
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure
• Data security WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK encryption: Disabled
Installation
The instructions in this section explain how to install the Wireless Express Card to connect to a
network with an access point or router. Wireless security, advanced settings, and Computer-to-
Computer (Ad Hoc) instructions are covered in Chapter 2, “Network Connections and Wireless
Security”.
To install the Wireless Express Card:
1. First, install the WN711 software.
Insert the Resource CD.If the CD main screen does not display, double-click Autorun.exe on
the CD.
a. Click Install the Software. The Check for Updates screen displays.
Note: In order for the Wireless Express Card to communicate with a wireless access
point or wireless adapter, all devices must be set up to use the same wireless
network name (SSID).
Figure 1-1

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b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to
install from the CD.
c. Follow the onscreen instructions for the InstallShield wizard and the NETGEAR Smart
Wizard™.
• For Windows XP computers, if a Windows logo testing message displays, click
Continue Anyway.
• If a message that Windows Vista cannot verify the publisher of this driver displays,
click Install this driver software anyway.
d. When the Installation Complete message displays, click Next.
2. Now, insert the Wireless Express Card.
Locate an available Express Card slot in your computer, and insert the wireless Express Card
into the slot.
• For Windows XP computers, the Found New Hardware Wizard opens. Follow the wizard
prompts.
• For Windows Vista computers, the Express Card is automatically added with the installed
driver.
Figure 1-2

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3. 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. See “Smart Wizard Status Bar” on
page 1-8 and “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” on page 1-7.
•Windows configuration utilities. See the Windows documentation or click the link to the
online document “Using Microsoft Vista and Windows XP to Manage Wireless Network
Connections” in Appendix B.
4. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your Wireless Express Card.
When prompted, click Next to let the wizard help you connect to a network (recommended).
Figure 1-3
Figure 1-4

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5. Depending on whether or not a wireless access point or router in the network supports a Wi-Fi
Protected Setup (WPS), there are two possibilities:
• If a wireless access point or router in the network supports WPS, a WPS screen displays.
Select Yes to connect to the access point or router through WPS, and then click Next.
Follow the wizard.
• If none of the wireless access points or routers in the network support WPS, the following
screen displays. Select the wireless network from the list, and then click Next. The wizard
records your choice. If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it. Follow
the wizard steps for security (if used) and for saving a profile.
Note: See “Using WPS to Connect to a Wireless Network” on page 2-5for a
detailed explanation of how to connect to an access point or router through
WPS.
Figure 1-5
Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the network name (SSID). These
networks are in the list, but the Network Name (SSID) field is blank.
Hidden

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The WN711 icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop. The wizard initiates your
wireless connection. It could take up to a minute to establish your wireless connection. The
Smart Wizard Settings screen displays.
6. Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity. See “Connecting to Wireless Networks
and the Internet” on page 1-7.
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet
The Wireless Express Card has indicators in three locations that show the status of your
connection to a wireless network and to the Internet:
• Icon: After you install the software, this 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. See
“Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8.
•Smart Wizard status bar. Click the WN711 icon to open the Smart Wizard. The status bar at
the bottom of the screen shows details about your wireless and Internet connection.
•Wireless Express Card LED. The LED on the Wireless Express Card shows the network
connection. Solid indicates a connection. The LED blinks when the Wireless Express Card is
transferring data.
Figure 1-6

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WN711 Icon Colors
The WN711 icon is on the desktop and in the Windows system tray. The system tray is located on
one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.
Smart Wizard Status Bar
Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard so that you can view the status bar. The Smart Wizard
Settings tab displays. The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings tab.
The following table describes how to interpret the Smart Wizard status bar.
Color Condition Description
Red The Wireless Express Card
has no connection to any
other wireless node.
The Wireless Express Card 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 Express Card
has a connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless link is weak. You might 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 Express Card
has a connection with another
wireless node.
The Wireless Express Card 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
Join a Network
Channel Throughput
Signal
strength