User manual NETGEAR MA401 - REFERENCE GUIDE

Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Phone 1-888-NETGEAR M1-MA401NA-2 November 2002 © 2002 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks NETGEAR is a registered trademark of NETGEAR, INC. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. 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. Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer It is hereby certified that the Model MA301 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 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. ii Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: · · This device may not cause harmful interference. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: (1) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, (2) Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver, (3) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected, (4) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation. EN 55 022 Statement This is to certify that the Model MA301 Wireless PCI Adapter is shielded against the generation of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22). Compliance is dependent upon the use of shielded data cables. Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations This digital apparatus (Model MA301 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. iii Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card iv Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Contents Preface About This Reference Guide Chapter 1 Introduction About the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card ..........................................1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ......................................1 What's in the Box? ...................................................................................2 A Road Map for `How to Get There From Here' .......................................3 Chapter 2 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card What You Will Need Before You Begin ....................................................1 Verify System Requirements .............................................................2 Observe Location and Range Guidelines ..........................................2 Two Basic Operating Modes ....................................................................3 MA401 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ......................................3 Using the MA401 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ..................................................................................4 For Experienced Computer Users Installing a MA401 to Operate In Infrastructure Mode ...........................................................................5 Detailed Infrastructure Mode Setup Instructions for Various Version of Windows ..................................................................................................7 For Windows XP Users Installing a MA401 .......................................7 For Windows 98/ME Users Installing a MA401 ...............................10 For Windows 2000 Users Installing a MA401 ..................................13 For Windows 95B Users Installing a MA401 ...................................16 For Windows NT4 Users Installing a MA401 ...................................19 Using the MA401 to Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode ......................................23 v Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Installing a MA401 to Operate in Ad-Hoc Mode ..............................23 MA401 Wireless Connection Indicators .................................................27 Interpreting the LED on the MA401 .................................................27 Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors ..............................................28 Troubleshooting Tips ..............................................................................29 Chapter 3 Protecting Your Wireless Connection Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features .............................................1 Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings ..............................................................................................2 Setting the Wireless Network Name (SSID) ......................................3 Configuring WEP Encryption Security ...............................................4 Appendix A Technical Specifications Appendix B 802.11b Wireless Networking Basics Related Publications ................................................................................1 Wireless Networking ................................................................................1 Wireless Network Configuration ........................................................1 Ad-hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ....................................2 Infrastructure Mode .....................................................................2 Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) .....................................2 Authentication and WEP Encryption ..................................................3 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) .................................................3 Wireless Channel Selection ...............................................................4 Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ..................................1 Configuring Windows 95, 98, and ME for TCP/IP Networking .................1 Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ...........................2 Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 95B, 98, and ME ................................................................................3 vi Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Selecting Windows' Internet Access Method .....................................5 Verifying TCP/IP Properties ...............................................................6 Configuring Windows NT, 2000 or XP for IP Networking .........................6 Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ...........................6 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4 ..........7 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ...............................7 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 ..........................10 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4 ............................13 Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4 .........16 Index vii Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card viii Preface About This Reference Guide Thank you for purchasing the NETGEARTM MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. The MA401 PC Card provides high-speed 11 Mbps access between your computer and other 802.11b compliant wireless devices. Note: If you are unfamiliar with networking, routing, and wireless communications, refer to Appendix B, "802.11b Wireless Networking Basics," to become more familiar with the terms and procedures used in this manual. This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, and wireless technologies tutorial information is provided in the Appendices. This guide uses the following typographical conventions: italics courier font Book titles, commands, and directory names. Screen text, user-typed command-line entries. Menu titles and window and button names. Named keys in text are shown enclosed in square brackets. The notation [Enter] is used for the Enter key and the Return key. Two or more keys that must be pressed simultaneously are shown in text linked with a plus (+) sign. DOS file and directory names. Initial Caps [Enter] [Ctrl]+C ALL CAPS About This Reference GuidePreface-1 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Preface-2About This Reference Guide Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. About the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card The MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card gives you ultimate mobility in your office or while you are traveling. It frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring and helps you create a wireless network for sharing your broadband cable or DSL Internet access among multiple PCs in and around your home. It is designed for notebook computers running Microsoft Windows. It is both 16-bit PCMCIA and 32-bit CardBus compatible and works in any available PCMCIA or CardBus slot. Its auto-sensing capability allows packet transfer at 11Mbps for maximum throughput, or dynamic range shifting to the lower speeds due to distance or operating limitations in an environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference. It provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b LAN connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. It works with Windows® 95B, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, and XP operating systems. Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products The MA401 PC Card provides the following features: · · · Reliable IEEE 802.11b standard-based wireless technology. Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode. 11Mbps high rate speed. 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 the lower transfer rate of two or one Megabit per second. Introduction1-1 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card · Highest 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 data transfer rate. The following Netgear products can be configured to communicate with the MA401 PC Card. · · · · · · · WAB102 Dual Band Access Point WAB501 Dual Band PC Card MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter ME102 802.11b Wireless Access Point MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter MR314 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Router MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card What's in the Box? The product package should contain the following items: Figure 1-1: MA401 Package Contents · · · MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Installation Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card AModel MA401 Resource CD, including: -- Driver and Configuration Utility Software -- Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card in Adobe Acrobat PDF file format 1-2 Introduction Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card · · -- Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card in HTML format 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. The Model MA401 Wireless PC Card has two interfaces. The 16-bit PCMCIA Type II connector connects to any notebook PC with an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot. The wireless interface of the MA401 Wireless PC Card remains outside of the notebook PC chassis when the wireless PC card is inserted into a notebook. The green LED indicates the wireless link condition of the MA401 Wireless PC Card with another wireless node or the associated access point. 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. Introduction1-3 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What's Needed? 1. A wireless network 2. A notebook PC within the operating range of the wireless network. For guidelines about the range of 802.11b wireless networks, please see "Observe Location and Range Guidelines" on page 2-2. How Do I? To set up the MA401, see Chapter 2, "Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card" and follow the instructions provided. To learn about wireless networking technology, please see Appendix B, "802.11b Wireless Networking Basics" for a general introduction. If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Connect to a wireless network 1. Identify the wireless network name (SSID) and, if used the wireless security settings. 2. Set up the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card with the settings from step 1. 1-4 Introduction Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What's Needed? How Do I? To learn about wireless networking security, please see "Authentication and WEP Encryption" on page B-3. To use WEP security features, please see "Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features" on page 3-1 and configure your MA401 accordingly. If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Protect my 1. Assure that the 1. A wireless network with wireless wireless authentication and WEP connection from network has encryption enabled. snooping, security 2. Wireless networking hacking, or features equipment that supports information enabled. WEP encryption, such as theft. 2. Configure my the MA401 and all MA401 with Netgear wireless Note: Secure the security networking products. Internet sites settings of the such as banks wireless and online network. merchants use 3. Use Windows encryption security security built features. 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. Introduction1-5 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What's Needed? 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 "Using the MA401 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode" on page 2-4. 3. TCP/IP Internet networking software installed and configured on my notebook PC according to the requirements of the Internet service provider 4. A browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. How Do I? If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Connect to the 1. Activate my Internet over my wireless link wireless and verify my network. network connection. 2. Open an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. To configure your MA401 in Infrastructure Mode, please see "Detailed Infrastructure Mode Setup Instructions for Various Version of Windows" on page 2-7, and locate the section for your version of Windows. To get assistance with configuring the TCP/IP Internet software on a PC, please see Appendix C, "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" 1-6 Introduction Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What's Needed? How Do I? If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Exchange files 1. Use the 1. The notebook computer I To get assistance Windows networking Windows am using to connect to between my software, please see Network the wireless network wirelessly Appendix C, Neighborhood needs to be configured connected feature to with the Windows Client "Preparing Your PCs notebook for Network Access" browser for and File and Print for typical computer and computers in Sharing. other the combined 2. The notebook computer I configuration scenarios or refer to wireless and am using to connect to computers in a the Help system wired network. the wireless network combined included with your 2. Browse the needs to be configured wireless and hard drive of with the same Windows version of Windows. wired the target Workgroup or Domain Windows Domain network. computer in settings as the other the network in Windows computers in order to locate the combined wireless the directory or and wired network. files you want 3. Any Windows networking to work with. security access rights 3. Use the such as login user name/ Windows password that have been Explorer copy assigned in the Windows and paste network or for sharing functions to particular files must be exchange files provided when Windows between the prompts for such computers. 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. 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. To get assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the Help and Support information that comes with the version of the Windows operating systems you are using. Introduction1-7 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... What's Needed? How Do I? 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. To get assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the Help and Support information that comes with the version of the Windows operating systems you are using. To get 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. If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Use printers in 1. Use the 1. The notebook computer I Windows am using to connect to a combined Printers and the wireless network wireless and Fax features to needs to be configured wired locate with the Windows Client network. available and File and Print printers in the Sharing. combined wireless and 2. The notebook computer I wired network. am using to connect to 2. Use the the wireless network Windows Add needs to be configured a Printer with the same Windows wizard to add Workgroup or Domain access a settings as the other network printer Windows computers in from the the combined wireless notebook PC and wired network. you are using 3. Any Windows networking to wirelessly security access rights connect to the such as login user name/ network. password that have been 3. From the File assigned in the Windows menu of an network must be application provided when Windows such as prompts for such Microsoft information. Word, use the 4. If so-called Windows Print Setup `peer' networking is feature to being used, the printer direct your needs to be enabled for print output to sharing. the printer in the network. 1-8 Introduction Chapter 2 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card This chapter describes how to set up your MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Note: Computers can connect over 802.11b wireless networks at a range of several hundred feet indoors. With this distance, and because walls do not always block wireless signals, others outside your immediate area could access your network. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card provides highly effective security features which are covered in "Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features" on page 3-1. Netgear strongly recommends you deploy the security features appropriate to your needs. What You Will Need Before You Begin You need to verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can configure your wireless pc card and connect. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-1 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Verify System Requirements Before installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met: · · · · You must have a Pentium Class notebook computer with an available PCMCIA or Cardbus slot. A CD-ROM drive. 5 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 MA401 driver software. Observe Location and Range Guidelines Computers can connect over 802.11b wireless networks indoors at a maximum range of approximately 500 feet. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: · · · Large metal surfaces Microwaves 2.5 GHz Cordless phones In general, 802.11b wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the 802.11b wireless network effective range will decrease if such materials are between the devices. 2-2 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Two Basic Operating Modes The MA401 PC Card, like all 802.11b 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 Access Point that is attached to a router which lets multiple computers share a single Cable or DSL broadband Internet connection. · Ad-Hoc Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other, without the use of an access point (AP). For example, Ad-Hoc Mode is used when two Windows computers are configured with file and print sharing enabled and you want to exchange files directly between them. Both of these configuration options are available with the MA401 PC Card. MA401 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. Note: All NETGEAR, Inc. 802.11b wireless access products use the same factory settings as the MA401 and will work without any configuration changes. Your MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card factory default basic settings are: · SSID: Wireless Note: In order for the MA401 PC Card to communicate with a wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same SSID. Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure · Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-3 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Using the MA401 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode Figure 2-1: NETGEAR MA401 Wireless PC Card in Infrastructure Mode This section provides instructions for setting up the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. The procedures below include the following: · A Simplified Quick Installation Procedure Use this method if you are a experienced computer user who does not need detailed instructions for every step in the process. Thorough Step-by-step Installation Instructions for Each Version of Windows If you have limited to moderate computer experience, use the procedure that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using. · 2-4 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card For Experienced Computer Users Installing a MA401 to Operate In Infrastructure Mode Note: If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC Card was previously installed on your notebook, you must remove the old driver and utilities before you can install the new PC Card and software. 1. Insert the MA401 PC Card into your computer. a. b. Power on your notebook and let the operating system boot up completely. Locate an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot on the side of your notebook. If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. c. 2. Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software. a. b. Insert the Model MA401 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. Follow the Windows prompts to complete the installation of the MA401 software. For Windows 2000, click Yes to continue at the Digital Signature Not Found warning. Netgear has tested the MA401 to assure that it is compatible with Windows 2000. When the installation is complete, you will see the icon below in the Windows System Tray. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-5 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 3. Configure your wireless adapter. a. Click on the SysTray icon and select Advanced Configuration to launch the configuration utility . b. The MA401 default settings are as follows: · · · SSID: Wireless Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure WEP encryption not enabled. c. If your WLAN settings are different from the Netgear default settings, run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed and make whatever configuration changes are needed. 4. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. Verify connectivity by using a browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer to connect to the Internet, or check for file and printer access on your network. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 2-29. 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 refer to "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" on page C-1. 2-6 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Detailed Infrastructure Mode Setup Instructions for Various Version of Windows If you have limited to moderate computer experience, use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using. For Windows XP Users Installing a MA401 Note: If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC Card was previously installed on your notebook, you must remove the old driver and utilities before you can install the new PC Card and software. Insert the MA401 PC Card into your computer. a. Power on your notebook and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Insert the Model MA401 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. notebook. If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. c. Locate an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot on the side of your d. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-7 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software. a. After inserting the MA401, the Found New Hardware Wizard is displayed. Select Install the software automatically (Recommended) click Next. b. Windows XP looks into the Windows XP Found New Hardware Wizard CD-ROM for the necessary software to be installed. The wizard will automatically install both the driver and the configuration utility onto the hard drive. c. After the installation Windows XP Wireless Network Connection Alert Note: The Netgear and Windows XP utilities let you set up your MA401. The Netgear installation utility d. After installing the MA401, defaults to turning off the Windows Windows XP will display a XP utilities. You cannot use both at "Wireless Network the same time. The Netgear screens Connection #" message. are presented in step 3 below. e. Click on the X to close this message. completes, click Finish to close the wizard. f. You should see the MA401 system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon 2-8 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Configure your wireless adapter. a. The MA401 default settings are as follows: · · SSID: Wireless Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure WEP encryption not enabled. · b. Click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility to verify or change your settings as needed Note: If your WLAN settings are different from the Netgear default settings, you will not get a connection. Configure your MA401 accordingly. MA401 Configuration Utility Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in. Verify connectivity by accessing the Internet or network resources. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 2-29. 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 refer to "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" on page C-1. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-9 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card For Windows 98/ME Users Installing a MA401 Note: If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC Card was previously installed on your notebook, you must remove the old driver and utilities before you can install the new PC Card and software. Insert the MA401 PC Card into your computer. a. Power on your notebook and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Have the Windows 98 or ME operating system installation files handy. Windows 98/ME needs these files to complete the creating and installation of new network adapter hardware drivers. c. Insert the Model MA401 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. d. Locate an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot on the side of your notebook. If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. e. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. 2-10 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software. a. After inserting the MA401 PC card, the Windows 98/ME Add New Hardware Wizard dialog box is displayed. Click Next, select Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended) and click Next again. for the location of the driver software. Click the CD-ROM drive box and click Next to proceed. The wizard will install both the driver and the configuration utility. If Windows requests the Windows operating system files, insert the Windows 98/ME CD and follow the prompts to proceed. Windows 98/ME Add Hardware Wizard b. Windows 98/ME prompts c. After the installation completes, click Finish to close the wizard. d. Click Yes when asked if you want to reboot the system. e. You should now see the MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon Windows system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-11 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Configure your wireless adapter. a. The MA401 default settings are as follows: · · SSID: Wireless Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure WEP encryption not enabled. · b. Click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings and make whatever configuration changes may be needed Note: If your WLAN settings are different from the Netgear default settings, you will not get a connection. Configure your MA401 accordingly. MA401 Configuration Utility Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in. Verify connectivity by accessing the Internet or network resources. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 2-29. 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 refer to "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" on page C-1. 2-12 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card For Windows 2000 Users Installing a MA401 Note: If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC Card was previously installed on your notebook, you must remove the old driver and utilities before you can install the new PC Card and software. Insert the MA401 PC Card into your computer. a. Power on your notebook and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Have the Windows 2000 operating system installation files handy. Windows 2000 needs these files to complete the creating and installation of new network adapter hardware drivers. c. Insert the Model MA401 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. Note: You may need to be logged on to Windows 2000 with administrator rights to complete the installation of new hardware to your PC. d. Locate an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot on the side of your notebook. If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. e. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-13 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software. a. After inserting the MA401, the Windows Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box is displayed. Click Next, select Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended) and the click Next again. prompts for the location of the driver software, select the CD-ROM drive. Clicking Next to proceed. b. When Windows 2000 Windows 2000 Found New Hardware Wizard c. If Windows 2000 warns about a Digital Signature Not Found, click Yes to continue. Netgear has tested the MA401 to assure that it is compatible with Windows 2000. If Windows requests the Windows operating system files, insert the Windows 2000 CD and follow the prompts to proceed. d. Click Finish to close the wizard. Click Yes to reboot the system. e. You should now see the Windows system tray icon in the Windows task bar. MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon 2-14 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Configure your wireless adapter. a. The MA401 default settings are as follows: · · SSID: Wireless Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure WEP encryption not enabled. · b. Click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings and make whatever configuration changes may be needed Note: If your WLAN settings are different from the Netgear default settings, you will not get a connection. Configure your MA401 accordingly. MA401 Configuration Utility Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in. Verify connectivity by accessing the Internet or network resources. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 2-29. 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 refer to "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" on page C-1. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-15 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card For Windows 95B Users Installing a MA401 Note: If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC Card was previously installed on your notebook, you must remove the old driver and utilities before you can install the new PC Card and software. Insert the MA401 PC Card into your computer. a. Power on your notebook and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Have the Windows 95 version B operating system installation files handy. Windows 95 needs these files to complete the creating and installation of new network adapter hardware drivers. Note: The MA401 driver supports Windows 95/B and above. Windows 95 and Windows 95A are not supported. c. Insert the Model MA401 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. notebook. If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. d. Locate an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot on the side of your e. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. 2-16 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software. a. After inserting the MA401 PC card, the Windows 95 Add New Hardware Wizard is displayed. Click Next, select Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended) and click Next again. the location of the driver software. Click the CD-ROM drive box and follow the prompts, clicking Next to proceed. The wizard will automatically install both the driver and the configuration utility. If Windows requests the Windows operating system files, insert the Windows 95B CD and follow the prompts to proceed. Windows 95B Add Hardware Wizard b. Windows 95B prompts for c. After the installation completes, click Finish to close the wizard. d. Click Yes when asked if you want to reboot the system. e. You should now see the Windows system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-17 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Configure your wireless adapter. a. The MA401 default settings are as follows: · · SSID: Wireless Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure WEP encryption not enabled. · b. Click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings and make whatever configuration changes may be needed Note: If your WLAN settings are different from the Netgear default settings, you will not get a connection. Configure your MA401 accordingly. MA401 Configuration Utility Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in. Verify connectivity by accessing the Internet or network resources. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 2-29. 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 refer to "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" on page C-1. 2-18 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card For Windows NT4 Users Installing a MA401 Note: If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC Card was previously installed on your notebook, you must remove the old driver and utilities before you can install the new PC Card and software. Insert the MA401 PC Card into your computer. Note: Windows NT4 is not a plug-and-play operating system and does not automatically detect and prompt you for installation of the PC Card driver. The driver installation has to be initiated manually. a. b. Power on your notebook and let the operating system boot up completely. Have the Windows NT4 operating system installation files handy. Windows NT needs these files to complete installation of new network adapter hardware drivers. Note: You may need to be logged on to NT4 with administrator rights to complete the installation of new hardware to your PC. c. d. Insert the Model MA401 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. Locate an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot on the side of your notebook. If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. e. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-19 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software. a. From the Windows NT desktop, click Start => Settings => Control Panel. Network icon to display the screen at the right. Windows NT4 Add Network Adapter Tab Page b. Double-click on the c. Click on the Adapter tab and click Add. You will see the screen at the right. d. Click Have Disk, and when prompted, type in x:\winnt as the path to the Model MA401 Resource CD where x is the drive letter of the CD-ROM drive in your PC. Click OK to proceed. e. The Select OEM Option window seen at the right opens listing the drivers from which to choose. Select NETGEAR MA401 Wireless PC Card and click OK. Windows NT4 Select OEM Page 2-20 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software, continued. f. The Resources and Properties window opens. Refer to the Wireless parameter configuration chapter and modify any entry if necessary. Click on OK. g. The system returns back to the Network window. Click on Close. h. If TCP/IP is enabled, the system will prompt you for an IP address or use DHCP. Answer accordingly. i. When prompted, click Yes to reboot the system. You should now see the Windows system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Note: The I/O Address and IRQ settings should be unique and not conflict with any other device settings in you system. If there is a system resource conflict, please check Windows NT Diagnostics and find a free I/O address and IRQ. MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-21 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Configure your wireless adapter. a. The MA401 default settings are as follows: · · SSID: Wireless Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure WEP encryption not enabled. · b. Click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings and make whatever configuration changes may be needed Note: If your WLAN settings are different from the Netgear default settings, you will not get a connection. Configure your MA401 accordingly. MA401 Configuration Utility Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in. Verify connectivity by accessing the Internet or network resources. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 2-29. 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 refer to "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" on page C-1. 2-22 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Using the MA401 to Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode Figure 2-2: NETGEAR MA401 Wireless PC Card in 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 (AP). For example, Ad-Hoc Mode is used when two Windows computers are configured with file and print sharing enabled and you want to exchange files directly between them. This section provides instructions for setting up the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card in Ad-Hoc mode. Installing a MA401 to Operate in Ad-Hoc Mode Note: If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC Card was previously installed on your notebook, you must remove the old driver and utilities before you can install the new PC Card and software. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-23 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Insert the MA401 PC Card into your computer. a. Power on your notebook and let the operating system boot up completely. b. Insert the Model MA401 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. notebook. If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. c. Locate an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot on the side of your d. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. Install the MA401 driver and configuration utility software. a. Follow the installation instructions for your version of windows found on the previous pages to MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon b. If prompted, click Yes reboot the system. c. You should now see the Windows system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. 2-24 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Configure your wireless adapter. a. Click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings and make whatever configuration changes may be needed. · · · SSID: Wireless Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Ad-Hoc WEP encryption: assure that both computers are configured with the same WEP parameters, if enabled. MA401 Configuration Utility b. Set the MA401 as follows: c. If you want to connect to a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network and both computer-to-computer and access point (infrastructure) networks are within range of your computer, then select Computer-to-computer (ad hoc) networks only. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-25 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Verify wireless connectivity between the computers. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in. Verify connectivity by accessing resources on either computer. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the "Troubleshooting Tips" on page 2-29. Also, the Windows File and Print Sharing Client might not be installed and configured properly on both computer. Please refer to "Preparing Your PCs for Network Access" on page C-1.