NETGEAR WPN511 - RangeMax Wireless PC Card User manual

202-10077-03
January 2007
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
NETGEAR RangeMax
Wireless PC Card WPN511
User Manual

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v3.0, January 2007
Technical Support
See 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]
website: http://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.
© 2007 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.
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 WPN511 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

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iii
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by NETGEAR could void the user’s
authority to operate the device.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements
SAR Statement
The NETGEAR WPN511 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 WPN511 product
package.
Èesky
[Czech] NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card
WPN511 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 Wireless PC Card WPN511 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 Wireless PC
Card WPN511 in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den
übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.

v3.0, January 2007
iv
Eesti
[Estonian]
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card
WPN511 vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist tulenevatele
teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card
WPN511 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 Wireless
PC Card WPN511 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 Wireless
PC Card WPN511 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 Wireless
PC Card WPN511 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 Wireless PC
Card WPN511 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 Wireless PC Card WPN511
atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem noteikumiem.
Lietuviø
[Lithuanian]
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card
WPN511 atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
Nederlands
[Dutch]
Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card
WPN511 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 Wireless PC Card
WPN511 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 Wireless PC Card
WPN511 megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC irányelv
egyéb elõírásainak.
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card
WPN511 jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi stosownymi
postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
Português
[Portuguese] NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Slovensko
[Slovenian] NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/ES.
Slovensky
[Slovak] NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/ES.

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Product and Publication Details
Suomi
[Finnish] NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511
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: WPN511
Publication Date: January 2007
Product Family: Wireless PC Card
Product Name: NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10077-03

v3.0, January 2007
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v3.0, January 2007
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
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ..................................................1-2
Default Wireless Settings .........................................................................................1-2
Installation ......................................................................................................................1-3
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................1-7
WPN511 Icon Colors ................................................................................................1-7
Smart Wizard Status Bar ..........................................................................................1-8
WPN511 LEDs .........................................................................................................1-9
Removing the WPN511 Software .................................................................................1-10
Upgrading the WPN511 Software .................................................................................1-10
Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility ...........................................................2-1
Understanding the Smart Wizard ...................................................................................2-2
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area ........................................................................2-2
Finding a Network ...........................................................................................................2-4
Profiles ............................................................................................................................2-5
Adding Profiles .........................................................................................................2-5
Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router ........................................2-6
Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile ....................................................2-7
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection .........................2-10
Wireless Security .......................................................................................................... 2-11
Using Wireless Security Features ................................................................................ 2-11

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Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................2-12
Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................2-13
Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ....................................................................................2-14
Setting up WPA-PSK Security ......................................................................................2-16
Advanced Settings ........................................................................................................2-17
Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................2-18
About Page ...................................................................................................................2-19
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 ..........................................................................4-3
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems .............................................................4-3
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Related Documents

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About This Manual
The NETGEAR®RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511 User Manual describes how to install,
configure, and troubleshoot the NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511. 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 WPN511 Wireless PC Card according to these
specifications:
Italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
Bold User input
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 Wireless PC Card WPN511
Manual Publication Date January 2007

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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 forwards or backwards through the manual one page
at a time
• A button that displays the table of contents and an button. Double-click on 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 several options, according to your needs.
•Printing a Page in the HTML View.
Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Use the Print
button on the browser toolbar to print the page contents.
•Printing a Chapter.
Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.
– Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
– 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.
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WPN511.asp.

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v3.0, January 2007
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
•Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page.
– Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left 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 of the 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.
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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1-1
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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 lets you connect a PC computer to
wireless networks. It is designed for PC 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 WPN511 Wireless PC 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 PC card and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the WPN511 Wireless PC 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 Cardbus slot.
•ACDdrive.
• 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space.
• Windows XP Home, XP Professional, Vista, or Windows 2000
Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WPN511 driver software.

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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 WPN511 Wireless PC Card. For best results, avoid
potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
• 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 will decrease 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 Wireless PC Card WPN511
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511
•NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511 Resource CD, including:
– Driver and Utility Software
–NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 User Manual (this document)
– 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.
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 WPN511 Wireless PC Card factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): ANY
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc): Infrastructure
• Data security WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK encryption: Disabled
Installation
The instructions in this chapter explain how to install the WPN511 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 WPN511 Wireless PC Card:
1. First, install the WPN511 software.
Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the CD main page does not appear, double click Autorun.exe on
the CD.
a. Click Install the Software.The Check for Updates window opens.
b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to
install from the CD.
Note: In order for the WPN511 Wireless PC 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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c. When the Installation Complete message appears, click Next.
d. On the Smart Wizard screen, click Next to proceed with the Smart Wizard setup.
2. Now, insert the wireless PC card.
a. When prompted, insert your wireless PC card.
You will be prompted to select the country where you are located.
b. Select the country and click Agree.
3. Windows 2000 users go to Step 4.
Figure 1-2
Figure 1-3

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Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless adapter with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard
(recommended) or the Windows configuration utilities
•NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and makes it
easier to troubleshoot network connection problems. 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
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm.
4. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your WPN511 Wireless PC Card.
a. When prompted, click Next to let the wizard help you connect to a network
(recommended).
b. Select the wireless network from the drop-down list, and the wizard records your choice.
Figure 1-4
Figure 1-5
Hidden

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If the network uses security, the Smart Wizard detects it.
c. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile.
d. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
The WPN511 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 page opens.
5. Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity.
For more details about connecting, see “Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet” on
page 1-7.
Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the Network Name (SSID). These
networks are in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) is blank.
Figure 1-6

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Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet
The WPN511 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: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard. The
status bar at the bottom of the page shows details about your wireless and Internet connection.
•WPN511 Wireless PC Card LED: The LED on the wireless PC card shows the network
connection. Solid indicates a connection. The LED blinks when the wireless PC card is
looking for a network association.
WPN511 Icon Colors
The WPN511 icon is on the desktop and in the Windows System Tray (SysTray). The System Tray
is located on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.
Color Condition Description
Red The wireless PC card has no
connection to any other
wireless node.
The wireless PC card is not able to 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 PC card has a
connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless link is weak. You may need to move to a better
spot, such as closer to the wireless access point. Also, look
for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz cordless phone or
large metal surface.
Green The wireless PC card has a
connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless PC card has established good communication
with an access point and the signal quality is strong.

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Smart Wizard Status Bar
Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard so you can view the status bar. The Smart Wizard
Settings page opens. The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page.
The following table describes how to interpret the Smart Wizard status bar.
Figure 1-7
Understanding the Status Bar
Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined.
Security • Locked: security enabled.
• Unlocked: security not enabled.
Channel The wireless channel used by the network. If many wireless networks in your
area use the same channel they can interfere with one another.
Throughput Wireless throughput measured in Mega bits per second.
Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you will experience higher
throughput when the signal is strongest.
Find a Network Click Find a Network to open the Connection Wizard.
Connection
status
Identifies the status of your network connection.
•Connected to Internet: Wireless Internet connection is OK.
•Connected to Router: Wireless connection to the router is OK but the router
is not connected to the Internet.
•169.254.x.x or ___.___.___.___ : The wireless connection to the router is OK
but there is a problem with the router. See Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting”.
Wireless
network
Connection status
Security
Find a Network
Channel Throughput
Signal
strength