NETGEAR WG511U - Double 108Mbps Wireless A+G PC Card User manual

August 2004
Version v1.0
August 2004
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
User’s Manual for the
NETGEAR Double 108
Mbps Wireless PC Card
32-bit CardBus WG511U

2
August 2004
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at 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]
Web site: www.netgear.com
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.
© 2004 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, The Gear Guy and Everybody's Connecting are
trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation 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. All rights reserved.
August 2004
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WG511U Wireless PC Card has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions
set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test
transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the notes
in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
VCCI Statement
This equipment is in the Class B category (information equipment to be used in a residential area or an adjacent area
thereto) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing

August 2004
3
Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas. When used
near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference. Read instructions for correct handling.
FCC Information to User
This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved antennas
only. Any product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and
approvals
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure
In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, the user is advised to maintain a
distance of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the antenna of this device while it is in use.
Declaration Of Conformity
We NETGEAR, Inc., 4500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, declare under our sole responsibility that
the model WG511U CardBus Card Wireless Adapter complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Regulatory Compliance Information
This section includes user requirements for operating this product in accordance with National laws for usage of radio
spectrum and operation of radio devices. Failure of the end-user to comply with the applicable requirements may result
in unlawful operation and adverse action against the end-user by the applicable National regulatory authority.
NOTE: This product's firmware limits operation to only the channels allowed in a particular Region or Country.
Therefore, all options described in this user's guide may not be available in your version of the product.
FCC Requirements for Operation in the United States
Radio Frequency Interference Warnings & Instructions
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with 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 can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following methods:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an electrical outlet on a circuit different from that which the radio receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

August 2004
4
Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved byNETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate
the equipment.
Export Restrictions
This product or software contains encryption code which may not be exported or transferred from the US or
Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license.
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
Marking by the above symbol indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the R&TTE Directive of the
European Union (1999/5/EC). This equipment meets the following conformance standards:
EN300 328, EN301 489-17, EN60950
Countries of Operation and Conditions of Use in the European Community
The user should run the client utility program provided with this product to check the current channel of operation and
confirm that the device is operating in conformance with the spectrum usage rules for European Community countries as
described in this section.
This product is certified for Switzerland and all countries of the European Community, except France and Spain.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference
Regulations
This device complies with Canada RSS-210. This digital apparatus (NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card
32-bit CardBus WG511U) does not exceed the Class B limits for radio-noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out
in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications and complies with Canada
ICES-003.
Canada ID: 4054A-WAG511v2
This device is a 2.4 GHz low power RF device intended for
home and office use in EU and EFTA member states. In some
EU / EFTA member states some restrictions may apply.
Please contact local spectrum management authorities for
further details before putting this device into operation.
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U

Contents 1
August 2004
Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Conventions, Publication Date ......................................................................1-1
How to Navigate this Manual ..........................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................2-1
802.11a and 802.11b/g Wireless Networking ...........................................................2-2
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-2
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................................2-3
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................3-1
Verifying System Requirements ...............................................................................3-1
Observing Location and Range Guidelines ..............................................................3-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................3-2
WG511U Default Wireless Configuration Settings .........................................................3-3
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-4
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG511U ..........................................................3-4
For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WG511U .........................................3-8
WG511U Wireless Connection Indicators ....................................................................3-12
Interpreting the LED on the WG511U ....................................................................3-12
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................3-13
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................3-14
Basic Tips ...............................................................................................................3-14
Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................3-15
Chapter 4
Netgear Smart Wireless Wizard
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................4-1
Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................4-1

August 2004
2Contents
Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ............................................4-2
How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile .....................................................4-3
Connecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc Mode ....................................................................4-4
How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode Network ............................................................4-5
What’s on the Statistics Page? .................................................................................4-7
Understanding the Advanced Settings Page ...........................................................4-8
Chapter 5
Wireless Security Configuration
Understanding the Security Options ...............................................................................5-1
Using WEP Security .......................................................................................................5-2
Basic Requirements for WEP ...................................................................................5-2
WEP Security Settings Worksheet ...........................................................................5-3
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ............................................................5-4
Using WPA-PSK Advanced Security ..............................................................................5-5
Basic Requirements for WPA-PSK ..........................................................................5-5
WPA-PSK Security Settings Worksheet ...................................................................5-6
How to Configure WPA-PSK Advanced Security .....................................................5-6
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ...................................................................................... B-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. B-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ................................................................ B-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ B-2
Wireless Channels .................................................................................................. B-2
802.11b/g Wireless Channels ........................................................................... B-3
802.11a Legal Power Output and Wireless Channels ...................................... B-4
Wireless Security Overview ........................................................................................... B-6
WEP Overview .............................................................................................................. B-7
WEP Authentication ................................................................................................ B-7
WEP Keys ............................................................................................................... B-9
How to Use WEP Parameters ............................................................................... B-10
802.1x Port Based Network Access Control .................................................................B-11
WPA Wireless Security ................................................................................................ B-13

Contents 3
August 2004
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ...................................................................... B-14
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ B-15
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... B-15
WPA Data Encryption Key Management .............................................................. B-19
Is WPA Perfect? .................................................................................................... B-20
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-20
Appendix C
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ....................................................... C-1
Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking .............................................. C-1
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-1
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 98 and Me C-3
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method .......................................................... C-5
Verifying TCP/IP Properties .................................................................................... C-5
Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking ............................................. C-6
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 ......................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ..................................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 .................................................. C-9
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-11
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... D-1
Index

August 2004
4Contents

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
About This Manual 1-1
August 2004
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WG511U. The WG511U provides connection for multiple personal computers to the
Internet through an external broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL modem).
Audience, Conventions, Publication Date
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic-to-intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, firewall, and networking technology tutorial
information is provided in the Appendices.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
This guide uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
This manual is written f according to these specifications.:
Table 1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold User input
fixed font Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Table 1-1. Firmware Version and Manual Publication Date
Firmware Version
Manual Publication Date August 2004
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR web site at
www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
1-2 About This Manual
August 2004
How to Navigate this Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes a variety of navigation features as well as links to PDF
versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
Figure 1-1: HTML version of this manual
1. Left pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, and Search tabs.
To view the HTML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later Internet Explorer
or Netcsape Navigator browser with JavaScript enabled.
2. Toolbar buttons. Use the toolbar buttons across the top to navigate, print pages, and more.
The Show in Contents button locates the current topic in the Contents tab.
Previous/Next buttons display the previous or next topic.
The PDF button links to a PDF version of the full manual.
The Print button prints the current topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your
printer--you do not have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
3. Right pane. Use the right pane to view the contents of the manual. Also, at the top right of
each page of the manual is a link to a PDF file containing just the
currently selected chapter of the manual.
12
3

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
About This Manual 1-3
August 2004
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you man choose one of the following several options, according to your
needs.
•Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button on
the upper right of the toolbar to print the currently displayed topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your printer--you do not
have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
•Printing a Chapter. Use the link at the top right of any page.
– Click “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
Note: 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.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper an printer ink by selecting this feature.
•Printing the Full Manual. Use the PDF button in the toolbar at the top right of the browser
window.
– Click the PDF button on the upper right of the toolbar. The PDF version of the
chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper an printer ink by selecting this feature.

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
1-4 About This Manual
August 2004

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
Introduction 2-1
August 2004
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and a road map of typical applications for
the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U.
The WG511U gives you ultimate mobility in your office or while you are traveling. It frees you
from traditional Ethernet wiring and helps you create a wireless network for sharing your
broadband Internet access in and around your home. It is designed for notebook computers
running Microsoft®Windows®. It is 32-bit CardBus compatible and works in any available
CardBus slot.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer at up to 108 Mbps for maximum throughput
or dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or operating limitations in an
environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference.
The WG511U provides reliable, standards-based 802.11a/b/g wireless connectivity that is
protected with the strongest industry-standard WPA and WEP security. In addition, it offers the
faster 54 Mbps speeds of the 802.11a and g standards and can aggregate the 802.11a and 802.11g
communications to deliver double the 108 Mbps of either alone. It works with Windows 98, Me,
2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WG511U Wireless PC Card provides the following features:
• 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards-based wireless networking.
• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode.
• Double 108 Mbps aggregation for ultra high speed data transfer. Wireless nodes negotiate to
operate in the optimal data transfer rate. In a noisy environment or when the distance between
the wireless nodes is far, the wireless nodes automatically fall back to operate at lower transfer
rates.
• High level of data encryption using the strong WPA-PSK standard or the older 128-bit Shared
Key WEP data encryption method. A lower level of data encryption or no data encryption is
available to simplify your network setup or to improve data transfer rate.

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
2-2 Introduction
August 2004
802.11a and 802.11b/g Wireless Networking
The WG511U Wireless PC Card provides 802.11a-, b-, and g-compliant wireless communications,
providing continuous, high-speed up to 108 Mbps access to your wireless network. The WG511U
provides:
• 802.11a Standards-based wireless networking at up to 54 Mbps.
• 802.11b Standards-based wireless networking at up to 11 Mbps.
• 802.11g Standards-based wireless networking at up to 54 Mbps.
• WPA-PSK pre-shared key authentication without the overhead of RADIUS servers but with
all of the strong security of WPA.
• 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption security.
• WEP keys can be generated manually or by passphrase.
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus
WG511U
•NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U Resource CD,
including:
— Driver and Configuration Utility Software
— User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus
WG511U
— Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial
— PC Networking Tutorial
• Warranty card
• 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.

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
Introduction 2-3
August 2004
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’
The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Wireless
technology has removed one of the barriers to networking—running wires. It allows more people
to try networking while at the same time exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking.
General networking concepts, setup, and maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition,
wireless technology adds issues, such as range, interference, signal quality, and security to the
picture.
To help overcome potential barriers to successfully using wireless networks, the table below
identifies how to accomplish such things as connecting to a wireless network, assuring appropriate
security measures are taken, browsing the Internet through your wireless connection, exchanging
files with other computers and using printers in the combined wireless and wired network.
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?
Connect to a
wireless
network
1. A wireless network
2. A notebook PC within the
operating range of the
wireless network. For
guidelines about the range
of wireless networks, see
“Observing Location and
Range Guidelines” on
page 3-2.
1. Identify the
wireless network
name (SSID) and,
if used, the
wireless security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR Double
108 Mbps
Wireless PC Card
32-bit CardBus
WG511U with the
settings from step
1.
To set up the WG511U, see
Chapter 3, “Basic Setup” and
follow the instructions provided.
To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix , “Wireless Networking
Overview” for a general
introduction.

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
2-4 Introduction
August 2004
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
1. A wireless network with
authentication and
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment that supports
encryption, such as the
WG511U and all
NETGEAR wireless
networking products.
1. Assure that the
wireless network
has security
features enabled.
2. Configure my
WG511U with the
security settings of
the wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security features.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Wireless Networking Overview”
on page B-1.
To understand WEP security
features, see “WEP Overview”
on page B-7.”
To understand WPA security
features, see “WPA Wireless
Security” on page B-13.”
Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encryption security built into browsers
like Internet Explorer and Netscape. Any wireless networking security features you might implement are in
addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
Connect to the
Internet over my
wireless
network.
1. An active Internet
connection like those from
cable or DSL service
providers.
2. A wireless network
connected to an Internet
service through a router as
illustrated in “Connecting
to an Access Point in
Infrastructure Mode” on
page 4-2.
3. TCP/IP Internet networking
software installed and
configured on my notebook
PC according to the
requirements of the
Internet service provider.
4. A browser like Internet
Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
1. Activate my
wireless link and
verify my network
connection.
2. Open an Internet
browser such as
Internet Explorer
or Netscape
Navigator.
To configure your WG511U in
Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic
Installation Instructions” on
page 3-4, and locate the section
for your version of Windows.
For assistance with configuring
the TCP/IP Internet software on
a PC, see “Preparing Your
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” on page C-1 or refer
to the PC Networking Tutorial on
the NETGEAR Double 108
Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WG511U Resource CD
and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
.
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
Introduction 2-5
August 2004
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected
notebook
computer and
other
computers in a
my combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. The notebook computer I
am using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
be configured with the
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The notebook computer I
am using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
be configured with the
same Windows Workgroup
or Domain settings as the
other Windows computers
in the combined wireless
and wired network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights such
as login user name/
password that have been
assigned in the Windows
network or for sharing
particular files must be
provided when Windows
prompts for such
information.
4. If so-called Windows ‘peer’
Workgroup networking is
being used, the drive, file
system directory, or file
need to be enabled for
sharing.
1. Use the Windows
Network
Neighborhood
feature to browse
for computers in
the combined
wireless and wired
network.
2. Browse the hard
drive of the target
computer in the
network in order to
locate the
directory or files
you want to work
with.
3. Use the Windows
Explorer copy and
paste functions to
exchange files
between the
computers.
For assistance with Windows
networking software, see
Appendix , “Preparing Your
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” for configuration
scenarios or refer to the Help
system included with your
version of Windows.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps
Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WG511U Resource CD
and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
2-6 Introduction
August 2004
Use printers in
a combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. The notebook computer I
am using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
be configured with the
Windows Client and File
and Print Sharing.
2. The notebook computer I
am using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
be configured with the
same Windows Workgroup
or Domain settings as the
other Windows computers
in the combined wireless
and wired network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights such
as login user name/
password that have been
assigned in the Windows
network must be provided
when Windows prompts for
such information.
4. If so-called Windows ‘peer’
networking is being used,
the printer needs to be
enabled for sharing.
1. Use the Windows
Printers and Fax
features to locate
available printers
in the combined
wireless and wired
network.
2. Use the Windows
Add a Printer
wizard to add
access to a
network printer
from the notebook
PC you are using
to wirelessly
connect to the
network.
3. From the File
menu of an
application such
as Microsoft Word,
use the Print
Setup feature to
direct your print
output to the
printer in the
network.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps
Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WG511U Resource CD
and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
For assistance with setting up
printers in Windows, refer to the
Help and Support information
that comes with the version of
the Windows operating systems
you are using.
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What’s Needed? What Do I Do? How Do I?

Basic Setup 3-1
August 2004
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit
CardBus WG511U and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN). Advanced wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 4, “Netgear Smart
Wireless Wizard” in this manual.
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can
configure your wireless PC card and connect.
Verifying System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U,
please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met:
• You must have a notebook PC with a Pentium®300 MHz or higher compatible processor with
an available CardBus slot.
Note: The WG511U requires a CardBus slot. If you are not sure about what type of slot your
computer has, consult the documentation or manufacturer’s web site for your computer.
•ACD-ROMdrive.
• 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 appropriate steps
to secure your network from unauthorized access. The NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps
Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U provides highly effective security features
which are covered in “Wireless Security Configuration” on page 5-1 in this manual.
Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.

User’s Manual for the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U
3-2 Basic Setup
August 2004
• Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, 2000, Me, 98SE or 98
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WG511U driver software.
Observing 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 NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card
32-bit CardBus WG511U. 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.
Two Basic Operating Modes
The WG511U Wireless PC Card can operate in the following two basic modes:
•Infrastructure Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices and computers
communicate with each other by first going through an access point (AP). For example, this
mode is used when computers in a house connect to an Access Point that is attached to a router
which lets multiple computers share a single Cable or DSL broadband Internet connection.
•Ad-Hoc Mode:An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers
communicate directly with each other, without the use of an AP. For example, Ad-Hoc Mode
is used when two Windows computers are configured with file and print sharing enabled and
you want to exchange files directly between them.
Both of these configuration options are available with the WG511U Wireless PC Card.
Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered below.
Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in
Chapter 4, “Netgear Smart Wireless Wizard” of this manual.