NETGEAR WG311 User manual

SM-WG311NA-0
Version v1.0
May 2003
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Installation Guide for the
NETGEAR 54 Mbps
Wireless PCI Adapter
WG311

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
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.
May 2003
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WG311 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.
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

iii
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.
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.
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.
NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FCC ID: PY3WG311

iv
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 WG311 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-WG311
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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 .......................................1-1
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................1-1
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................1-2
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................................1-2
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
WG311 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ............................................................2-3
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................2-4
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311 .............................................................2-4
For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WG311 ...........................................2-8
WG311 Wireless Connection Indicators .......................................................................2-12
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................2-12
Basic Troubleshooting Tips ...........................................................................................2-13
About Page ...................................................................................................................2-14
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
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security 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 ................................................................................................ 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-6
Wireless Channels ......................................................................................................... B-7
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 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
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-11

Contents ix
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... D-1
Index

xContents

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR®54
Mbps WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter.
About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 gives you flexibility to install the PC in
the most convenient location available. The WG311 frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring that
is limited by cabling requirements.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer up to 54 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 WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b 11 Mbps Wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN) connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. In
addition, it offers the faster speeds of the soon-to-be ratified 802.11g standard. The WG311 works
with Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WG311 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. 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 using128-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.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
1-2 Introduction
The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WG311 Wireless
PCI Adapter:
• WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point
• WGR614 54 Mbps Cable/DSL Wireless Router
•WG511 54MbpsWireless PCCard
• 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 Routers
• MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
• MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
•NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Resource CD, including:
— Configuration Utility Software
— Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
• 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,

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
Introduction 1-3
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 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 54
Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter
WG311 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 WG311, 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
WG311 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
WG311 and all NETGEAR
wireless networking products.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Authentication and WEP” on
page B-2.
To use WEP security features,
please see “Enabling Wireless
Security Features” on page 3-8
and configure your WG311
accordingly.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
1-4 Introduction
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. 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 WG311 in
Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic
Installation Instructions” on
page 2-4, 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 54 Mbps
Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
Resource CD 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
Introduction 1-5
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 54 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311 Resource
CD 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
1-6 Introduction
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 54 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311 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 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?

Basic Setup 2-1
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
This section describes how to install your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 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 pc adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311, 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 WG311 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 54
Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
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 54 Mbps
Wireless PCI Adapter WG311. 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.
Two Basic Operating Modes
The WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter, like all 802.11b/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 WG311 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.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
Basic Setup 2-3
WG311 Default Wireless Configuration 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 will
need to identify the wireless configuration and security parameters already defined.
Your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): ANY — a special name which indicates the
first available network will be used
Note:In order for the WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter to communicate with a wireless access
point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same wireless network name
(SSID).
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure
• Data security WEP encryption: Disabled
The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI
Adapter WG311 for basic wireless connectivity to an access point. The procedures provide
step-by-step installation instructions for Windows PCs. Use the procedure that corresponds to the
version of Windows you are using.

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
2-4 Basic Setup
Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311
Install the WG311 software.
a. Power on your computer, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311 Resource CD into
your CD-ROM drive. The CD main page
shown at the right will load.
c. Click the “Install Driver & Utility” link.
d. Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps,
and click Finish when done to restart
your computer.
WG311 Resource CD
Note: If this page does not automatically appear,
browse the root of the CD and double-click on
autorun.exe to display this page.
InstallShield Wizard
Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning appears,
click Continue Anyway to proceed.