Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA 202-10070-01 Version v3.0 December 2004 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: support@netgear.com 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. ©2004 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. December 2004 Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer It is hereby certified that the Model WG311T 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 ii notes in the operating instructions. Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations. FCC Information to User This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved antennas only. Any product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and approvals FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, the user is advised to maintain a distance of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the antenna of this device while it is in use. FCC Electronic Emission Notices This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. 2. This device may not cause harmful interference This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Tested to Comply with FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE FCC ID: PY3WG311TV3 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. iii 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. Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations This digital apparatus (Model WG311T 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-WG311TV3 iv Contents Chapter 1 Introduction About the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T ...................................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' .............................................................1-3 Chapter 2 Basic Setup What You Will Need Before You Begin ...........................................................................2-1 Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................2-1 Observe Location and Range Guidelines ................................................................2-2 Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................2-2 WG311T Default Wireless Configuration Settings ..........................................................2-3 Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................2-4 For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311T ...........................................................2-4 For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WG311T .....................................2-8 WG311T 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 Connecting 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 Enabling Wireless Security Features ..............................................................................3-8 Identifying the Wireless Security Settings ................................................................3-9 Contents v How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ..........................................................3-10 How to Configure WPA-PSK Encryption Security .................................................. 3-11 Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................3-12 Advanced Settings Page ..............................................................................................3-13 Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................4-1 General Questions ...................................................................................................4-1 Why do I see no more than 54 Mbps on the Configuration Utility status line? ..4-1 The WG311T Smart Configuration Utility keeps asking me to save my settings 4-1 Ad Hoc mode is not working correctly ...............................................................4-2 How to know if the WG311T card has received a valid IP address from the Wireless Router/AP ..........................................................................................................4-2 How to use XP's own Wireless configuration utility that comes with Windows XP 4-2 How to remove the WG311T utility and software ...............................................4-2 I cannot connect to the AP that I want from the Networks browser list .............4-3 The WG311T is not getting an IP address .........................................................4-3 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Questions ...............................................................4-3 Why is my WG311T not connecting to my WPA router? ....................................4-3 Why is the icon in the System Tray flashing Green to Red alternately? ............4-3 How do I know that my WG311T WPA is working? ...........................................4-4 Why is the WAN port not working after configuring WPA? ................................4-4 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 vi Contents WEP Configuration Options .................................................................................... B-6 Wireless Channels ......................................................................................................... B-7 WPA Wireless Security .................................................................................................. B-8 How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ B-9 How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ B-10 What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... B-10 WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS .................................................. B-12 WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................ B-14 Is WPA Perfect? .................................................................................................... B-16 Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-16 Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients is Discouraged ...... B-16 Changes to Wireless Access Points ............................................................... B-17 Changes to Wireless Network Adapters ......................................................... B-17 Changes to Wireless Client Programs ............................................................ B-18 Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ....................................................... C-1 Configuring Windows 98SE 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 98SE 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 Glossary List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... D-1 Index Contents vii viii Contents Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. About the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T The NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T gives you flexibility to install the PC in the most convenient location available. The WG311T frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring that is limited by cabling requirements. Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer up to 108 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 WG311T 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 802.11g standard. The WG311T works with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems. Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products The WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter provides the following features: · · · Reliable IEEE 802.11b/g standards-based wireless technology. Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode. 108 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. Introduction 1-1 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T · 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. The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter: · · · · · · · · · · WGT634U 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WGR614 54 Mbps Cable/DSL Wireless Router WGR511 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter MR814 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Routers MA521 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card What's in the Box? The product package should contain the following items: · · · NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD, including: -- Driver Software -- Wireless Assistant -- Installation Guide 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. 1-2 Introduction Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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. Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here What's Needed? 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. How Do I? To set up the WG311T, 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. 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 NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T with the settings from step 1. Introduction 1-3 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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, see "Authentication and WEP" on page B-2. To use wireless security features, please see "Enabling Wireless Security Features" on page 3-8 and configure your WG311T 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 WEP information enabled. encryption, such as the theft. 2. Configure my WG311T and all NETGEAR WG311T with wireless networking products. the security settings of the wireless network. 3. Use Windows security features. 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 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. 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 "Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode" on page 3-3. To configure your WG311T 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 3. TCP/IP Internet networking to the PC Networking Tutorial on software installed and the NETGEAR 108 Mbps configured on my PC Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T according to the requirements Resource CD and the Help of the Internet service provider information provided in the Windows system you are using. 4. A browser like Internet . Explorer or Netscape Navigator. 1-4 Introduction Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here What's Needed? How Do I? 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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using. If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Exchange files 1. Use the 1. The desktop computer I am Windows using to connect to the between a Network wireless network needs to be wirelessly Neighborhood configured with the Windows connected feature to Client and File and Print notebook browse for Sharing. computer and computers in 2. The desktop computer I am other the combined using to connect to the wireless and computers in a wireless network needs to be wired network. configured with the same my combined 2. Browse the Windows Workgroup or wireless and hard drive of Domain settings as the other wired the target Windows computers in the network. computer in combined wireless and wired the network in network. order to locate 3. Any Windows networking the directory or security access rights such as files you want login user name/ password to work with. that have been assigned in the 3. Use the Windows network or for Windows sharing particular files must be Explorer copy provided when Windows and paste prompts for such information. functions to 4. If so-called Windows `peer' exchange files Workgroup networking is being between the used, the drive, file system computers. directory, or file need to be enabled for sharing. Introduction 1-5 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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. For assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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. If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Use printers in 1. Use the 1. The desktop computer I am Windows using to connect to the a combined Printers and wireless network needs to be wireless and Fax features to configured with the Windows wired locate Client and File and Print network. available Sharing. printers in the 2. The desktop computer I am combined using to connect to the wireless and wireless network needs to be wired network. configured with the same 2. Use the Windows Workgroup or Windows Add Domain settings as the other a Printer Windows computers in the wizard to add combined wireless and wired access to a network. network printer 3. Any Windows networking from the PC security access rights such as you are using login user name/ password to wirelessly that have been assigned in the connect to the Windows network must be network. provided when Windows 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. prompts for such information. 4. If so-called Windows `peer' networking is being used, the printer needs to be enabled for sharing. 1-6 Introduction Chapter 2 Basic Setup This section describes how to install your NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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. 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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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. 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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met: · Pentium® III class computer with an available PCI slot · CD-ROM drive · 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 WG311T driver software Basic Setup 2-1 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. 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 WG311T 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 WG311T 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. 2-2 Basic Setup Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T WG311T 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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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 WG311T 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 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T 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. Basic Setup 2-3 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Basic Installation Instructions Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using. For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311T Install the WG311T software. a. Power on your computer, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed. Insert the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main page shown at the right will load. b. WG311T Resource CD c. d. Click the "Install Driver & Utility" link. Note: If this page does not automatically appear, Follow the Smart Wizard - Install Assistant steps, and click Finish when done to restart your computer. browse the root of the CD and double-click on autorun.exe to display this page. Smart Wizard - Install Assistant Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning appears, click Continue Anyway to proceed. 2-4 Basic Setup Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Install the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. a. Shut down the PC and remove the power cord. Insert the WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter into an available PCI slot. Connect the antenna to the adapter and position the antenna to the up position. Reconnect the power cord and reboot the computer. Add New Hardware Wizard b. The Found New Hardware Wizard displays. Click Next and follow the prompts to proceed. Click Continue Anyway if you are prompted with a Windows XP Logo testing message. c. You will be prompted to choose the country where you are located. Select your location from the list. You also will be prompted to enable the NETGEAR Smart Wireless Settings Utility configuration utility. Click Yes to accept this option. If you choose No, you must read the Windows XP documentation to learn how to use the Windows XP wireless network configuration utility. WG311T System Tray Icon d. e. After the installation completes, click Finish to close the wizard. Windows XP Network Connection Alert You should see the WG311T system tray icon on the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Windows XP will display a Wireless Network Connection message. Basic Setup 2-5 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Configure your WG311T and save the Profile. a. Open the WG311T Smart Wireless Configuration Utility by clicking on the Click the system tray icon to open the Smart Wireless icon in the Windows system tray. The Configuration utility. utility opens to the Settings page. Change the Network Name SSID to match your network. Tip: As an alternative to typing in the SSID, you can use the Network tab to view the available wireless networks. Double-click on the desired network. b. c. d. Click Apply to activate the connection. Enter a name for your profile and click Save Profile to store the current settings. WG311T Configuration Utility Tip: If you use your notebook PC to connect to a wireless network at work Note: The NETGEAR default settings are and at home, create profiles called work Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless and home. network name SSID, and WEP disabled. Note: This procedure assumes your wireless network is not using security. If your wireless network uses WEP or WPA-PSK, set up your WG311T accordingly. To view the wireless security settings help, click the Help button. 2-6 Basic Setup