Wg311v3 Manual 12feb07
Wg311v3 Manual 12feb07
Wg311v3 Manual 12feb07
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10091-03
February 2007
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at http://www.netgear.com/register, we can provide you with faster expert technical
support and timely notices of product and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support
information card.
E-mail: [email protected]
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.
FCC Statement
The WG311 v3 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
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• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by Netgear could void the user’s
authority to operate the device.
SAR Statement
The NETGEAR WG311 v3 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 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.
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.”
Èesky NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
[Czech] WG311 v3 je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými ustanoveními
smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Dansk Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR 54 Mbps
[Danish] Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante krav i
direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Deutsch Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI
[German] Adapter WG311 v3 in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den
übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
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Eesti Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI
[Estonian] Adapter WG311 v3 vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist
tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
English Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
WG311 v3 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions
of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Español Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless
[Spanish] PCI Adapter WG311 v3 cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras
disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Ελληνική ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless
[Greek] PCI Adapter WG311 v3 ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ
ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Français Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI
[French] Adapter WG311 v3 est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions
pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Italiano Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI
[Italian] Adapter WG311 v3 è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni pertinenti
stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Latviski Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3
[Latvian] atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem noteikumiem.
Lietuviø Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
[Lithuanian] WG311 v3 atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
Nederlands Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI
[Dutch] Adapter WG311 v3 in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante
bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Malti Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
[Maltese] WG311 v3 jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn relevanti li hemm fid-
Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Magyar Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
[Hungarian] WG311 v3 megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC irányelv
egyéb elõírásainak.
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
WG311 v3 jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi stosownymi
postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
Português NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3
[Portuguese] está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Slovensko NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 v
[Slovenian] skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/ES.
Slovensky NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
[Slovak] v3 spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 1999/5/ES.
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Suomi NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
[Finnish] v3 tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien
direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Svenska Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med
[Swedish] de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv
1999/5/EG.
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Contents
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Wireless Security ..........................................................................................................2-10
Using Wireless Security Features ................................................................................2-10
Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................ 2-11
Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................2-12
Setting up WPA2-PSK Security ....................................................................................2-14
Setting up WPA-PSK Security ......................................................................................2-15
Advanced Settings ........................................................................................................2-16
Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................2-16
About Page ...................................................................................................................2-17
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................3-1
Ad Hoc Mode is Not Working Correctly ..........................................................................3-3
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems .............................................................3-3
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Related Documents
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About This Manual
The NETGEAR® NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 User Manual describes
how to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
v3. The information in this manual is intended for readers with intermediate computer and Internet
skills.
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:
Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.
• Scope. This manual is written for the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter according to these
specifications:
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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”.
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 website at
http://www.adobe.com.
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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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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 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 WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter 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”.
You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and get the
wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can
configure your wireless PCI adapter and connect.
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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 network and wireless security settings that are already defined.
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Your WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter to communicate with a
wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be set up to use the
same wireless network name (SSID).
Installation
The instructions in this chapter explain how to install the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter 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 WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter:
1. First, install the NETGEAR 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.
Figure 1-1
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b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to
install from the CD.
c. Follow the Wizard steps and click Next to continue, and to install the software.
d. When the software has been installed the Connection Wizard prompts you to shut down
the computer.
Figure 1-2
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Figure 1-3
• NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and
makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems.
• Windows configuration utilities: See the Windows documentation or “Using
Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities” at:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm
b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard.
You will be prompted to let the wizard help you connect to a network (recommended).
Figure 1-4
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Hidden
Figure 1-5
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.
If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it.
b. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile.
c. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
The WG311 v3 icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop. The wizard
initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for your wireless
connection to be established.
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Figure 1-6
The WG311 v3 has indicators in three locations that show the status of your connection to a
wireless network and to the Internet:
• WG311 v3 Icon: After you install the WG311 v3 software, the 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.
• 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.
See “The Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8.
• WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter LED: The LED on the wireless PCI adapter shows the
network connection. Solid indicates a connection. The LED blinks when the wireless PCI
adapter is looking for a network association.
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Red The wireless PCI adapter has The wireless PCI adapter is not able to link to any other
no connection to any other wireless node or the link is lost. Check your configuration or
wireless node. try moving to a location where the wireless signal quality is
better.
Yellow The wireless PCI adapter has The wireless link is weak. You may need to move to a better
a connection with another spot, such as closer to the wireless access point. Also, look
wireless node. for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz cordless phone or
large metal surface.
Green The wireless PCI adapter has The wireless PCI adapter has established good
a connection with another communication with an access point and the signal quality is
wireless node. strong.
Channel
Security Throughput
Wireless Signal
network strength
Figure 1-7
The following table describes how to interpret the Smart Wizard status bar.
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The connection status is useful in isolating a problem. For example, if you are connected to a
router, but not to the Internet, then check the router’s Internet connection.
If you right-click in the system tray icon, you can disable the Internet notification feature by
clearing check mark on this line. If you do so, then only the IP address is shown.
Figure 1-8
WG311 v3 LED
The LED on the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter indicates whether there is a network connection.
• Solid green indicates that the WG311 v3 has established a connection.
• The LED blinks when the WG311 v3 is trying to establish a connection but is unable to do so.
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You can remove the wireless adapter software in these two ways:
• Navigate the Windows Start menu to the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter program group,
select the uninstall option, and follow the screen prompts.
• Navigate the Windows Start menu to the Control Panel Add or Remove Program item, select
the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter option, and follow the screen prompts.
Upgrades may be available at the NETGEAR website. To install an upgrade, follow these steps.
1. Write down the settings for any profiles that you want to save. They will not be retained.
2. Download the upgrade from the NETGEAR website Support page.
3. Remove the WG311 v3 software from your computer.
4. Remove the WG311 v3 adapter from your computer, and restart your computer.
5. Run the installer that you downloaded (the file ends in .exe).
6. Follow the installer instructions, and if prompted, then restart your computer.
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Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
TThis chapter explains how to use your Wireless PCI Adapter to connect to your Wireless Local
Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the Wireless PCI Adapter so that it
matches the wireless security settings for your network.
If you chose the Windows XP or Windows Vista Zero Configuration utility during installation, and
now you want to use the Smart Wizard, then you need to disable the Windows utility. If you are
working with the Vista configuration utility, see the online document:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm
Figure 2-1
4. Click the Wireless Networks tab. Then clear the “Use Windows to configure my wireless
settings” check box.
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These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WG311 v3 Smart Wizard to change the
WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter wireless settings.
When you have installed the software from the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
v3 Resource CD, the icon appears on your desktop and in the Windows System Tray. The
Windows System Tray is located on the Windows taskbar. You can either double-click this icon on
the desktop, or click it in the System Tray at any time, to use the Smart Wizard. This software
automatically restarts when you reboot your computer.
The Smart Wizard provides a complete and easy to use set of tools to:
• View details about wireless networks in your area.
• Choose the network that you want to use.
• Configure wireless settings for your wireless PCI adapter
• Save your wireless network settings in profiles.
• Remove or reinstall the wireless adapter software.
The following sections in this chapter explain how to use the Smart Wizard.
You can use the Networks tab to view all available wireless networks in your area. You can also
scan to search for wireless networks and refresh the page.
To view information about wireless networks:
1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens.
2. Click the Networks tab to view the following page:
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Figure 2-2
The screen shows the following information for each network scanned:
• Network Name (SSID): The name assigned to a wireless network. This is the same as the
SSID or ESSID configuration parameter. Note that as a security measure, some wireless
access points do not broadcast their SSID. In such cases, the SSID field will be blank even
though the rest of the information will still be displayed.
• Channel: The channel determines which operating frequency will be used.
• Security: Identifies whether the wireless network uses security settings such as WEP,
WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK.
• Signal: Identifies the signal strength of the communications.
• MAC Address: Identifies the hardware address (MAC Address) of the wireless device
broadcasting this information.
• Mode: Identifies the type of wireless network — Access Point (Infrastructure) or Computer-
to-Computer (Ad Hoc)
The buttons located at the bottom of the Networks tab are:
• Help: Display online help.
• Find a Network: Find and connect to a network. See “Finding a Network” on page 2-4.
• Connect: Connect to the network that you selected.
• Scan: Check for wireless networks. Clicking Scan refreshes the page.
• Close: Close the window of the Wizard.
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Finding a Network
During the WG311 v3 software installation, the Smart Wizard lists the available networks. After
installation you can use the Find a Network button on the Network tab at any time to view the
available networks and select the one that you want to use.
Note: Make sure that you know the security settings for the network that you want to use.
For example, if WEP is used then you need to know the WEP key. If you use
secure networks frequently, set up profiles for each network with the wireless
network and security settings.
To find a network:
1. Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard to the Settings tab.
2. On the Networks tab page, click Find a Network.
Hidden Network
Figure 2-3
3. Select a network from the drop-down list. If you select a hidden network then you must enter
the SSID. Click Next.
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4. Follow the steps of the wizard to specify the wireless security if used, and to create a profile.
5. Review you settings, and click Finish.
The Smart Wizard initiates your wireless connection. You can use the Status Bar to verify your
network connection. For more information, see “The Smart Wizard Status Bar” on page 1-8.
Profiles
The WG311 v3 Smart Wizard uses profiles to store all the settings for a particular wireless
network. There are two special profile names: Default and Profile.
• Default: The Profile named Default automatically scans for any available network. You
cannot change this profile name.
• Profile: If you do not enter a name in the Profile Name box, then the name Profile is used to
save your settings. If you do this more than once then you will be asked if you want to replace
the previous settings stored in Profile.
Adding Profiles
You can store multiple profiles and recall the one which matches the network you want to join.
If you use your computer to connect to different wireless networks, you can create a profile for
each wireless network. Then, you can easily load the profile that has all the settings that you need
to join the network you are using at the time.
There are two types of wireless network profiles that you can set up:
• Access Point (Infrastructure) – Connect to an access point or router with the 802.11
infrastructure mode.
• Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) – Connect directly to another computer with the 802.11
ad hoc mode.
For more information on 802.11 wireless network modes, see the wireless reference document at:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/wireless/index.htm.
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Follow these instructions to set up the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter to connect to a wireless
access point or router.
1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens.
Figure 2-4
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly the SSID used by the access point.
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Use a browser to connect to the Internet, or check for file and printer access on your network.
You can check the status bar in the Smart Wizard for the current connection status.
Note: If you cannot connect, see Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting. For problems with
accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing
software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. See the
link to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing:” in Appendix B.
The Computer-to-Computer setting uses Ad Hoc mode. Ad Hoc mode is an 802.11 networking
framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other, without the use
of an access point. For example, this mode is used when two Windows computers are configured
with file and print sharing enabled and you want to exchange files directly between them.
Note: Ad Hoc mode will not work using DHCP settings. Ad Hoc mode requires either
static IP addresses (such as 192.168.0.1) or the IPX protocol. For instructions on
setting up static IP addresses on a Windows PC, refer to the PC Networking
Tutorial included on the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3
Resource CD.
Figure 2-5
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Figure 2-6
b. Assuming the target PC is configured with 192.168.0.1 as its IP address, type ping -t
192.168.0.1 and then click OK.
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c. This will cause a continuous ping to be sent to the device with the 192.168.0.1 static IP
address. The ping response should change to “reply.”
Figure 2-7
Note: If you cannot connect, see “Removing the WG311 v3 Software” in Chapter 1.
Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows Client and
File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and configured properly
on your computers. Please see the link to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP
Addressing:” in Appendix B.
Figure 2-8
4. In the Start Ad Hoc field, choose the wireless standard (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g) for your
Ad Hoc computer-to-computer network.
5. In the Channel field, Automatic should work. If you notice interference problems with another
nearby wireless device, select a channel that is not being used by any other wireless networks
near your wireless adapter. Use the Networks tab to view the channels in use in your area.
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6. Click OK.
Note: The channel number differs depending on the country. The connection speed
automatically defaults to the highest speed.
Wireless Security
Many networks use wireless security to encrypt wireless data communications. If you try to
connect to a network with wireless security the Smart Wizard detects it. Before you can use that
network you must set up the WG311 v3 with exactly the same kind of wireless security settings.
The main types of wireless security used for home networks are:
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 Pre-Shared Key (WPA2-PSK)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
For more information about wireless security, see the wireless reference document at:
http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/wireless/index.htm
In addition to the wireless security features, networks should use LAN network security features
such as requiring a user name and password to access the shared resources in the network.
You can strengthen the security of your wireless connection by enabling Wired Equivalent Privacy
(WEP) encryption of the wireless data communications. Or, you can use WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi
Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) encryption. For more information about wireless security, see
the Web link to “Wireless Communications:” in Appendix B.
In addition to the WG311 v3 wireless security features, you should also configure appropriate
LAN network security features such as requiring a user name and password to access the shared
resources in your network.
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Print this form, fill in the configuration parameters and put it in a safe place for possible future
reference. For an existing wireless network, the person who set up the network will be able to
provide this information.
• Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local
area network. Any (First available network) is the default WG311 v3 wireless network name
(SSID). You may customize it using up to 32 alphanumeric characters. Write your customized
wireless network name (SSID) on the line below.
Note: The SSID in the wireless access point is the SSID you configure in the wireless
PCI adapter. For the access point and wireless nodes to communicate with each
other, all must be configured with the same SSID.
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Figure 2-9
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
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Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the
communications response times.
4. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will
automatically generate the WEP keys.
Note: The characters are case sensitive. Be sure to use the same passphrase for all the
wireless devices in the network.
If the passphrase method is not available in the other devices, you must manually enter the
keys to match exactly what is in the access point and other 802.11b wireless devices.
5. Save your settings in a Profile.
a. Click the Save Profile button. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
b. Click Apply.
c. Click Close to exit the configuration utility.
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Figure 2-10
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
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Figure 2-11
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
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Advanced Settings
The Advanced Settings should normally work in their default settings. On the Settings tab click the
Advanced Settings button to display the dialog box shown below:
Figure 2-12
Statistics Page
The Statistics page provides real time and historical trend information on the data traffic and
performance of your wireless adapter.
Figure 2-13
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• Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the total, receive, and
transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible.
• Transmit, Receive, and Total (TxRx): Radio buttons let you select whether to display the
transmit performance, the receive performance, or both in the same graph.
• Transmit Statistics: Identifies transmit megabits per second (Mbps), transmit packets per
second (Tx Packets/s), total transmitted packets, and transmit errors.
• Receive Statistics: Identifies receive megabits per second (Mbps), receive packets per second
(Rx Packets/s), total received packets, and reception errors.
About Page
Figure 2-14
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• MAC Address: The MAC address of the adapter. The Media Access Control address is a
unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface card. Some wireless
networks will restrict access based on a list of known MAC addresses. If you are
communicating with such a network, you would have to provide the address shown here to the
network administrator before you would be allowed to connect. Restricting access by MAC
address adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network. However, unless you use
data encryption security, the data broadcast over the wireless link is fully exposed.
• IP Address: The IP address assigned to this adapter.
• Smart Wireless Utility: The version and release date of the Smart Wizard.
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Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter.
For information about connecting to wireless networks and the Internet, see “Connecting to
Wireless Networks and the Internet” on page 1-7.
Troubleshooting Tips
Use the information below to solve common problems you may encounter. Also, refer to the
knowledge base on the NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.
Problem Action
The WG311 v3 LEDs are not lit. he WG311 v3 is not installed in the PCI slot properly or the
WG311 v3 software is not loaded.
• Remove and reinstall the WG311 v3.
• Check the Windows device manager to see if the WG311 v3
is recognized and enabled. Reload the WG311 v3 software,
if necessary.
• Try to install the WG311 v3 in a different PCI slot in your
computer if one is available.
The WG311 v3 wireless LED blinks but the The WG311 v3 is trying to connect to an access point, but
WG311 v3 is not connected to an access cannot.
point. • The access point may not be powered on.
• Or, the access point and the WG311 v3 are not configured
with the same wireless parameters. Check the SSID and
wireless security settings.
I cannot connect to an access point. • If the access point is WPA-PSK protected, you need the
The access point is available and there is correct WPA-PSK passphrase. Otherwise, the WG311 v3
good signal strength. will still be connected to the previous access point and you
will not be able to change to the WPA-PSK access point.
• If the access point is WEP protected (either 64 or 128 bit
encryption), you will be prompted to enter the WEP
encryption security information.
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Problem Action
The Smart Wizard keeps asking me to save If you change the settings the Smart Wizard offers you the
settings. chance to save the changes. To avoid this prompt, simply click
Apply before you close the Smart Wizard.
Two WG311 v3 icons are in the system tray. You have an older software version installed on your system
and it needs to be removed. See “Removing the WG311 v3
Software” in Chapter 1 or “Upgrading the WG311 v3 Software”
in Chapter 1.
I can connect to the access point, but not This could be a physical layer problem or a network
the other computers on the network or to configuration problem.
the Internet. 1. Check to make sure that the access point is physically
connected to the Ethernet network.
2. Make sure that the IP addresses and the Windows
networking parameters are all configured correctly. See
the link to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing:” in
Appendix B.
3. Restart the cable or DSL modem, router, access point, and
computer.
Viewing the IP address. To view the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter IP address, click
the WG311 v3 icon to open the Smart Wizard. Then check the
IP address in the About page.
No IP address is assigned to the WG311 v3 This may occur if you upgraded your WG311 v3 Wireless PCI
Wireless PCI Adapter. Adapter software and did not reboot your system.
• Either restart your computer, or connect to a different access
point.
• It does not usually help to shut down the Smart Wizard or
disable/enable the card.
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You need to click the Initiate Ad Hoc button before you click Apply. Here is how you start an Ad
Hoc network:
1. Fill in the Network Name (SSID).
2. Select the Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Type.
3. Click Initiate Ad Hoc.
4. Accept the default settings or make your changes and click OK
5. Click Apply.
Note: Be sure all computers in your Ad Hoc network are configured with static IP
addresses in the same subnet.
Windows XP users who apply Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485 from the Windows XP Update
Service may not be able to connect to the Internet, may have dropped wireless connections, or both
when using the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter. You can delete this Hotfix from the Add or
Remove Program utility in the Control Panel.
To delete Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485:
1. Click Start, point to Control Panel, and then double click Add/Remove Programs.
2. Click Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485, and then click Remove.
• You may receive an error message that states that some program on the computer may not
work correctly if the update is removed.
• You can ignore this error message, and then click Yes to remove the update.
3. Restart your computer and rerun the Smart Display Setup Wizard.
This should solve your connection issue. You can restore this hotfix by following the link below:
http://microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=009D8425-CE2B-47A4-ABEC-
274845DC9E91&displaylang=en
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Appendix A
Technical Specifications
This appendix provides technical specifications for the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter.
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Appendix B
Related Documents
This appendix provides links to reference documents you can use to gain a more complete
understanding of the technologies used in your NETGEAR product.
Document Link
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