NETGEAR WAG311 - Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter User manual

M-10148-01
Version v1.0
July 2003
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Installation Guide for the
NETGEAR Dual Band
Wireless PCI Adapter
WAG311

ii
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
This manual is written for the WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter according to these specifications.:
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.
©2003 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. Full Manual.
Manual Specifications
Product Version NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
Manual Part Number M-10148-01
Manual Publication Date July 2003
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. web site at http://
www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Documentation updates are available on the
NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at http://www.netgear.com/docs.

iii
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter 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.
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.
FCC Electronic Emission Notices
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement
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 when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, 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.
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FCC ID: PY3WAG311
NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311

iv
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
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
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
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
This device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the European R&TTE Directive
1999/5/EC. Compliance to essential test suites is met per standards:
R&TTE Harmonized Standard Description
LVD specification
EN 60950
EN 60950,ed. (1992), incl A1(1993), A2(1993), A3(1995) and
A4(1997)
Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical
business equipment.
Meets R&TTE directive art. 3.1.a of essential requirements on
protection of the health and safety of the user.
ETSI EMC specification
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.2.1
(2000-08)
ETSI EN 301 489-17 V1.1.1
(2000-09)
Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters
(ERM); ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio
equipment and services;
Part 1: Common technical requirements
Part 17: Specific conditions for Wideband data and HIPERLAN
equipment
Meets R&TTE directive art. 3.1.b of essential requirements on
protection with respect to Electro Magnetic Compatibility.

v
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference
Regulations
This digital apparatus (Model WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter) 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.
Canada ID: 4054A-WAG311
ETSI RF specification
ETSI EN 300 328
Part 1 V1.2.2 (2000-07)
ETSI EN 300 328
Part 2 V1.1.1 (2000-07)
Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters
(ERM); Wideband Transmission systems; data transmission
equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using spread
spectrum modulation techniques;
Part 1: Technical characteristics and test conditions
Part 2: Harmonized EN covering essential requirements
under article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive
Meets R&TTE directive art. 3.2.a on effective use of spectrum so
as to avoid harmful interference.
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.

vi

Contents vii
Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 .................................1-1
802.11a and 802.11b/g Wireless Networking ...........................................................1-1
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................1-2
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................1-3
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
What You Will Need Before You Begin ...........................................................................2-1
Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................2-1
Observe Location and Range Guidelines ................................................................2-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................2-2
WAG311 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ..........................................................2-3
For Windows XP Users Installing a WAG311 .................................................................2-4
For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WAG311 ...............................................2-8
WAG311 Wireless Connection Indicators .....................................................................2-13
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................2-13
Basic Troubleshooting Tips ...........................................................................................2-14
About Page ...................................................................................................................2-15
Chapter 3
Configuration
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................3-1
Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................3-1
Networks Page .........................................................................................................3-2
Connect to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode .................................................3-3
How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile .....................................................3-3
Connecting to Another PC in Ad-Hoc Mode ...................................................................3-5
How to Configure an Ad-Hoc Mode Profile ..............................................................3-5
How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network .......................................3-7
Enabling Wireless Security Features ..............................................................................3-8

viii Contents
Before You Change the SSID and WEP Settings ....................................................3-9
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ..........................................................3-10
Statistics Page ........................................................................................................3-12
Advanced Settings Page ........................................................................................3-13
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
Authentication and WEP Data Encryption ..................................................................... B-2
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. B-3
Open System Authentication ................................................................................... B-3
Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... B-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ B-5
Key Size .................................................................................................................. B-6
WEP Configuration Options .................................................................................... B-7
Wireless Channels ......................................................................................................... B-7
802.11b/g Wireless Channels ................................................................................. B-7
802.11a Legal Power Output and Wireless Channels ............................................. B-8
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 ................................. C-3
Selecting the 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

Contents ix
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-11
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... D-1
Index

xContents

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR Dual
Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311.
About the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter
WAG311
The NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 gives you flexibility to install the PC
in the most convenient location available. The WAG311 frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring
that is limited by cabling requirements.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer up to 54 Mbps (up to 108 Mbps in 802.11a
Turbo Mode) 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 WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11a/b/g Wireless Local
Area Network (WLAN) connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. The
WAG311 works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
802.11a and 802.11b/g Wireless Networking
The WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter provides continuous, high-speed up to 108 Mbps (in certain
countries) access between your wireless devices.
• 802.11a Standards-based wireless networking at up to 108 Mbps (in certain countries).
Note: As of the date of publication of this manual, the WPA implementation among
various companies products is still evolving. Check the Netgear Web site at
www.netgear.com/docs for the latest information on WPA support in your WAG311.
Also, product updates are available on the NETGEAR web site at
www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
1-2 Introduction
• 802.11g Standards-based wireless networking at up to 108 Mbps (in certain countries).
• 802.11b Standards-based wireless networking at up to 11 Mbps.
• 64-bit, 128-bit, and 152-bit WEP encryption security.
• WEP keys can be generated manually or by passphrase (64-bit and 128-bit only).
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11b standards-based wireless technology.
• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode.
• 54 Mbps high speed data transfer (108 Mbps in certain countries). 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 up to 152-bit Shared Key WEP data encryption method.
Lower level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network
setup or to improve the data transfer rate.
The following NETGEAR products can be con figured to communicate with the WAG311
Wireless PCI Adapter:
• WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point
• WGR614 54 Mbps Cable/DSL Wireless Router
• WG511 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card
• MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
• ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
• MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter
• MR814 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Router
• MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
• WG311 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
• FWAG114 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless VPN Firewall Router

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
Introduction 1-3
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
• Antenna base
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
•NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource CD (SW-10015-01),
including:
— Configuration Utility Software
— Reference Manual
• 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.
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, set up, 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.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
1-4 Introduction
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Connect to a
wireless
network
1. Identify the
wireless
network name
(SSID) and, if
used, the
wireless
security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR
Dual Band
Wireless PCI
Adapter
WAG311 with
the settings
from step 1.
1. A wireless network
2. A desktop PC within the
operating range of the wireless
network. For guidelines about
the range of 802.11b/g
wireless networks, please see
“Observe Location and Range
Guidelines” on page 2-2.
To set up the WAG311, see
Chapter 2, “Basic Setup” and
follow the instructions provided.
To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix B, “Wireless
Networking Basics” for a general
introduction.
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
1. Assure that the
wireless
network has
security
features
enabled.
2. Configure my
WAG311 with
the security
settings of the
wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security
features.
1. A wireless network with
authentication and WEP
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment that supports WEP
encryption, such as the
WAG311 and all NETGEAR
wireless networking products.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Authentication and WEP Data
Encryption” on page B-2.
To use WEP security features,
please see “Enabling Wireless
Security Features” on page 3-8
and configure your WAG311
accordingly.
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.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
Introduction 1-5
Connect to the
Internet over my
wireless
network.
1. Activate my
wireless link
and verify my
network
connection.
2. Open an
Internet
browser such
as Internet
Explorer or
Netscape
Navigator.
1. An active Internet connection
like those from cable or DSL
service providers.
2. A wireless network connected
to the cable or DSL Internet
service through a cable/DSL
router as illustrated in
“Connect to an Access Point in
Infrastructure Mode” on
page 3-3.
3. TCP/IP Internet networking
software installed and
configured on my PC
according to the requirements
of the Internet service provider
4. A browser like Internet
Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
To configure your WAG311 in
Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic
Setup” on page 2-1, 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 Dual Band
Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
Resource CD (SW-10015-01)
and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
.
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
1-6 Introduction
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected
notebook
computer and
other
computers in a
my combined
wireless and
wired
network.
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.
1. The desktop 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 desktop 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.
For assistance with Windows
networking software, see
Appendix C, “Preparing Your
PCs for Network Access” 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 Dual Band Wireless
PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource
CD (SW-10015-01) and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
Introduction 1-7
Use printers in
a combined
wireless and
wired
network.
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 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.
1. The desktop 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 desktop 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.
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 Dual Band Wireless
PCI Adapter WAG311 Resource
CD (SW-10015-01) 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 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
1-8 Introduction

Basic Setup 2-1
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
This section describes how to install your NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced
wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 3, “Configuration” in this manual.
What You Will Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that 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 PCI adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311, please make sure
that these minimum requirements have been met:
• Pentium®III class computer with an available PCI slot
•CD-ROMdrive
• 20 Mbytes of free hard disk space
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WAG311 driver software
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 from
outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take
appropriate steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The NETGEAR
Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311 provides highly effective security features
which are covered in “Enabling Wireless Security Features” on page 3-8. Deploy the
security features appropriate to your needs.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR Dual Band Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311
2-2 Basic Setup
Observe Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks indoors at a range which varies
significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR Dual Band
Wireless PCI Adapter WAG311. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz Cordless phones
In general, 802.11g wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are
constructed with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the 802.11g effective range will decrease
if such materials are between the devices.
Note: The 802.11a standard operates at a higher frequency and should be less susceptible to
interference with cordless phones. This higher 802.11a frequency may not offer as much range of
coverage as the lower frequency 802.11b/g in a indoor environment with lots of obstructions.
Two Basic Operating Modes
The WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter, like all 802.11a/b/g adapters, 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 AP 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 access point. 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 WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter.
Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered below.
Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in
Chapter 3, “Configuration” of this manual.