802.11b Wireless PC Card 2.4 GHz MA521

User's Guide

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of NETGEAR MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card. With this PC Card you will get ultimate mobility at home, in your office, or while you are traveling, and it frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring. This users guide shows you how to connect the PC Card and configure it with your access point. Setup is easy follow the instruction in this guide and your system will be up and running quickly.

Package Contents

Wireless PC Card

32-bit CardBus MA521

802.11b 2.4GHz
Resource CD, User's Guide, Warranty card and Support information card
MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
The product package should contain: MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card MA521 Resource CD Users guide Warranty card Support information card

System Requirements

Before installing the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card, please make sure that your computer system has the following: A computer with a 32-bit CardBus slot. Please note that not all laptop or portable computer PC Card slots are CardBus, please check your computers reference guide for more details.
Windows 98/Me/2000/XP (be sure to have the Windows Installation CD-ROM ready for use during installation). At least 5 Mbytes disk space for installing the driver and utility programs.

LED Indicators

There are two LEDs on the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card: Pwr and Lnk. The green Pwr LED indicates the power of the card. The green Lnk LED indicates the wireless link condition of the station with another wireless node or the associated Access Point.

LED Activity

Meaning of LED Activity
The Pwr indicator lights green when the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card is receiving power, otherwise, it is off. The Lnk indicator steady green when the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card is connected to a network successfully. Otherwise the Lnk indicator is off.
Installing the MA521 Wireless PC Card
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must first install the software before you plug the card into your computer! Follow these steps to install the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card.
Install the MA521 Driver and Utility Software
Turn on your computer. Insert the MA521 Resource CD into the CD-ROM drive.
The Autostart Wizard screen will appear, as shown here:
Click the Install Driver & Utility option. If the Autorun wizard does not automatically start, go to your Windows Start menu and choose Run, and type D:/Setup.exe (D represents your CD-ROM drive letter), and click OK.
The InstallShield Wizard screen will appear. Click Next to continue. The Choose Destination Location screen will display the default Destination Folder. If you want to change the default folder, click Browse and choose a different destination folder. Then, click Next to continue to the next screen.
Modify the Program Folders field, if desired. Click Next to continue. Install Shield will start copying files onto your system.
Click Finish to complete installing the Configuration Utility.
Install the MA521 Wireless PC Card
1. Insert the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card into an available CardBus slot on your computer as shown here.

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MA521 Wireless PC Card in a Notebook Computer
Windows will automatically detect the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card and the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box will appear.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver for the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card. For Windows 98/Me users, once the [Please insert the disk labeled Windows 98/Me CD-ROM, and then click OK] window appears, enter the path corresponding to the appropriate drives and click OK. Usually these files can be found at C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System. For Windows 2000 users, a Digital Signature Not Found message may appear. Click Yes to proceed. For Windows XP users, a Windows Logo Testing Not Found dialog box may appear. Click Continue Anyway to proceed.

Click Finish to complete the installation.
Verify the Driver Installation
It is a good idea to confirm that the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card has been properly installed. Follow the instructions that apply to your computer system: 1. 2. 3. From the Windows desktop, right-click My Computer. Click Properties. Open Device Manager: 4. Windows 98/Me users Select the Device Manager folder tab. Windows 2000/XP users Select the Hardware folder tab, and click on the Device Manager button.
Double-click Network Adapters. There should be no yellow exclamation mark or red cross icon on the NETGEAR MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card selection, as shown here.
Double-click NETGEAR MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card. On the General folder tab, the Device Status window should indicate that the device is working properly, as shown here:
The installation of the MA521 Wireless PC Card driver is complete.
Configuring the MA521 Wireless PC Card
NETGEARs wireless Configuration Utility program will help you learn more about your wireless network, so that you can customize it to better suit your networking needs. The Configuration Utility program will provide information about signal quality and link conditions and let you modify various configurable wireless parameters. Now that the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card has been installed, you can use the NETGEAR MA521 Wireless Configuration Utility to view and customize configuration settings and features. To display the NETGEAR MA521 Wireless Configuration Utility: Open the NETGEAR MA521 Adapter programs group or double-click the MA521 icon that appears in the Windows System Tray, as shown here:
MA521 Wireless Adapter SysTray icon
About the MA521 SysTray Application
The SysTray (System Tray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows Desktop. It displays interface icons for memory-resident applications that execute continuously in the background, such as the clock, speaker volume, and virus detection. Once you have completed the utility installation, the Windows SysTray will show the icon in different colors, as described here:

Color Ad-Hoc Mode

Infrastructure Mode
Red The Wireless Adapter has Either the Wireless Adapter is not able to link to any not initiated communication Access Point, or the link between the Wireless with any other wireless node. Adapter and the Access Point is lost. N/A The Wireless Adapter has communicated successfully with another wireless node. The link condition between the Wireless Adapter and the associated Access Point is weak. The Wireless Adapter has established good communication with an Access Point and the signal is strong.

Yellow Green

Double-click the Wireless Adapter SysTray icon to activate the wireless Configuration Utility for the MA521 Wireless PC Card. You can click any of the folder tabs in the NETGEAR MA521 Wireless Configuration Utility dialog box to view the current status or modify operational parameters. For detailed information on wireless networking, refer to Wireless Network Fundamentals, on page 16. The MA521 Configuration Utility contains six sections: Status Configuration Profile Site Survey Statistics About
Note: The above sections are always available by clicking on the tab at the top of the Configuration Utility window.
Configuration Note for Windows XP Users
By default, Windows XP uses its own utility to configure your wireless network settings, however, in order to take advantage of the MA521 features and functions, we recommend that you use the NETGEAR MA521 Wireless Configuration Utility program. After installing the MA521 Wireless PC Card on the Windows XP, it will display a Disable Windows XP Configuration Manager message, similar to the one shown here:
Click Yes to disable the Windows XP configuration utility and use the NETGEAR MA521 Wireless Configuration Utility, or click No to use the Windows XP configuration utility to control the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card.

Status Section

The Status section of the NETGEAR MA521 Wireless Configuration Utility dialog box shows the current wireless LAN connection status, statistics of data transmitted and received, signal strength, etc., as shown here.

This table describes the information shown in the Status section of the dialog box:

Status

Connected to

Description

Indicates the SSID and MAC address of the associated Access Point when the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card is configured in Infrastructure mode. Indicates the network mode of the MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card (Infrastructure or 802.11 Ad-Hoc). Indicates the wireless channel currently in use. Indicates the data transfer rate between the wireless node and the device to which it is communicating. Indicates whether the encryption of this device is disabled (off ), 64-bit WEP or 128-bit WEP. Indicates the number of successfully Transmitted and Received packets. Indicates the signal strength of the radio frequency signal received by this wireless node. Indicates how well that the wireless node is communication with the associated access point or another wireless node.
Network mode Channel Transmit Rate Encryption Data Transmitted/ Received Signal Strength Link Quality

Configuration Section

The Configuration section shows you the configuration parameters of the wireless LAN and allows you to modify them.
This table describes the options available from the Configuration section:
Configuration Description
Network mode Configurable between 802.11 Ad-hoc and Infrastructure modes. In 802.11 Ad-hoc mode, the wireless nodes form their own local network where the end nodes communicate peer-to-peer without an Access Point. In Infrastructure mode, the wireless searches all available wireless channels to associate with an Access Point.
Enter a 32-character (maximum) Service Set ID in this field; the characters are case sensitive. When the wireless node is operating in Ad-Hoc mode, this field operates as the Basic Service Set ID (BSSID). Network Name (SSID) All wireless nodes in the same network should use the same BSSID. When in Infrastructure mode, this field defines the Extended Service Set ID (ESSID). The ESSID assigned to the wireless node is required to match the Access Point ESSID in order for them to communicate. Channel Specifies a channel only when using an Ad-hoc network mode.

Security

To prevent unauthorized wireless stations from accessing data transmitted over the network, the Security section of the Configuration Utility offers secure data encryption, known as WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), to better protect your data transmissions.
To activate the WEP Encryption, make sure the Enable Encryption box displays a checkmark (as shown on previous page). WEP Encryption options will be displayed, as shown on the previous page. You may make changes, as detailed here: 1. Select one of the two options: Create with Passphrase or Manual Entry. A Passphrase makes you easier to enable WEP because it automatically generates the WEP hexadecimal numbers for the key. If the wireless network Access Point uses a Passphrase, you can also use that here. Otherwise, you will have to manually enter the hexadecimal numbers. Create with Passphrase option: pull down the Key Length options and select the 64-bit or 128-bit, then type in your Passphrase. Manual Entry option: Pull down the Key Length options and select the 64-bit or 128-bit, encryption method. In the Encryption Keys fields, specify the WEP keys: For 64-bit encryption: Hexadecimal: 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of A-F, a-f and 0-9 (e.g. 11AA22BB33) For 128-bit encryption: Hexadecimal: 26 hexadecimal digits in the range of A-F, a-f and 0-9 (e.g. 00112233445566778899AABBCC). 4. When you are done, click the Apply button and click OK for the changes to take effect. Important Note: The WEP keys must be set up exactly the same on all wireless devices in order to communicate with each other.
This table describes the options available from the Security section:

Enable Encryption

Enables the data encryption for the wireless node. If you disable the data encryption (by unchecking the box) then no encryption method will be used; this is also called Open System data encryption. To enable encryption is to use the Shared Key data encryption method. A Passphrase is use to automatically generate the WEP hexadecimal numbers for the key. If your wireless network Access Point uses a Passphrase, you can use that here. Once you type in the Passphrase, the generated key will be shown before you click OK or Apply button. The WEP hexadecimal numbers are needed if a Passphrase is not used in the wireless Access Point but rather if the key is manually entered. The key length must be the same between all wireless nodes and Access Points in the same network. The possible values for the data encryption level are 64-bit and 128-bit. The 64-bit data encryption is also called 40-bit data encryption by some vendors. The MA521 device uses a selected WEP key to encrypt and decrypt information. When set to 64-bit (also called 40-bit), or 128-bit data encryption mode, you may specify up to four different keys to encrypt wireless data. Select one of the keys as a default key.

Create with Passphrase

Manual Entry

Key Length

Key1 Key2 Key3 Key4

Advanced Settings

The advanced settings give you flexibility to control your MA521 card to adjust with an access point or other client devices in certain environment.

Transmit Rate

The Transmit Rate field allows to define the data transfer rate. The default value if Fully Automatic. In this case, the best transfer rate is negotiated between this wireless node and access point or another wireless note that it is communicating with. Other option values for this field are 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps. Power saving options are Off, Normal, and Maximum. Power saving is disable when Ad-Hoc mode is selected in the Network Mode field. When the Power Saving setting is Off, the adapter receives full power from the PC. When the setting is Normal, the driver turns off power to the MA521 Wireless PC Card for brief periods over briefly-spaced time intervals. When the setting is Maximum, the driver turns off power to the MA521 Wireless PC Card for longer periods over more widelyspaced time intervals. This option controls the Radio Frequency (RF) output power. Selects 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, or Minimum. A long transmit preamble allows the receiver (MA521 Wireless PC Card) to lock into the received bit patterns more easily. A short transmit preamble provides better performance. Default: Auto (long & short). This is the packet length used for fragmentation. Packets larger than the size programmed in this field will be fragmented. The Fragmentation Threshold value must be larger than RTS Threshold value. The default value for Fragmentation Threshold is 2432. The packet size that wireless node uses to determine if it should use the CDMA/CD mechanism or the CSMA/CA mechanism for packet transmission. With the CSMA/CD transmission mechanism, the transmitting station sends out the actual packet as soon as it has waited for the silence period. With the CSMA/CA transmission mechanism, the transmitting station sends out a RTS packet to the receiving station, waits for the receiving station to send back a CTS packet before sending the actual packet data. The default value for RTS Threshold is 2432.

Power Saving

Transmit Power

Preamble Type

Fragmentation Threshold

RTS/CTS Threshold

Profile Section
The Profile area allows you to set values for all parameters by selecting a previously defined profile.
To create a profile, in the Profile Name field, type a Profile Name; for example: Home, Office. When you are done, click the Save button in the Profile area, and click Apply. If one of the profiles is no longer used, display the name in the Profile Name field, then choose Delete. You can add and modify multiple profiles at any time.

Stations Section

The Stations section displays all of the Access Points and the Ad-Hoc Stations that are available.
To display Access Points around the working environment, select the Re-Scan button. In addition to showing the MAC Address of each Access Point, you can also view the Channel, Signal, Security, and Network Modes. Click OK to continue, or select another tab.

Statistics Section

The Statistics section of the Configuration Utility dialog box indicates the real-time Transmit and Receive packets performance in graph form and also displays the performance statistics in figures.
Click OK to continue or select another tab. This table describes the options available from the Statistics section:

Statistics

Transmit/Receive Displays the maximum and current Tx/Rx (Kbits/sec) performance statistics. Performance Transmit/Receive Monitors the Tx/Rx of the Kbits or packet statistics. Statistics

About Section

The About section of the Configuration Utility dialog box shows the regulatory domain: FCC for US, ETSI for Europe, MKK for Japan; the MAC address and the release information of both the device driver for the Wireless Adapter and the Wireless Configuration Utility software.
Click OK to continue, or select another tab.
Wireless Network Fundamentals
Wireless Network Configuration Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup)
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard for wireless LANs (WLANs), 802.11 offers two methods for configuring a wireless network Ad-Hoc and infrastructure. In an Ad-Hoc network, computers are brought together as needed; thus, there is no structure or fixed points to the network each node can generally communicate with any other node. There is no Access Point involved in this configuration. It enables you to quickly set up a small wireless workgroup and allows workgroup members to exchange data or share printers as supported by Microsoft Networking in the various Windows operating systems. Some vendors also refer to ad-hoc networking as peer-to-peer workgroup networking.

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In this configuration, network packets are directly sent and received by the intended transmitting and receiving stations. As long as the stations are within range of one another, this is the easiest and least expensive way to set up a wireless network. To set up an Ad-Hoc workgroup operating with standard protocols, do the following: Set all stations to connect in Ad-Hoc mode (or Peer-to-Peer workgroup mode). Set all stations to use the same network name (or SSID). Set all stations to use the same wireless channel for communication. Set all stations to disable the WEP encryption key, or set all stations to use an identical WEP encryption key.

With a wireless Access Point, you can put the wireless LAN into Infrastructure mode. It provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed range or area of coverage, interacting with a wireless node via an antenna. In the Infrastructure mode, the wireless Access Point converts airwave data into wired Ethernet data, acting as a bridge between the wired LAN and wireless clients. Connecting multiple Access Points via a wired Ethernet backbone can further extend the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing device moves out of the range of one Access Point, it moves into the range of another. As a result, wireless clients can freely roam from one Access Point domain to another and still maintain seamless network connection.
Notebook PC with MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
Desktop PC with MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

R G E A N E T

Macintosh with Ethernet connection
Internet Cable/DSL Modem Desktop PC with MA321 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter Notebook PC with MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
MR814 802.11b Cable/DSL Wireless 4-port Router
Desktop PC with FA311 Ethernet Card
Notebook PC with MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
To set up an Infrastructure network operating with standard protocols, do the following: Set all wireless stations to connect in Infrastructure mode. Set all stations to use the same network name (or SSID). Set all wireless Access Points to use the same network name (or ESSID). Set all stations to disable the WEP encryption key, or set all stations to use an identical WEP encryption key as used by the Access Point. Set up wireless channels used by individual Access Points. (It is not necessary to set channels on the stations as the stations will automatically scan through all channels for the nearest Access Point.)
Service Set Identification (SSID)
The Service Set Identification (SSID) is a thirty-two alphanumeric character (maximum) string identifying the wireless local area network. Some vendors refer to the SSID as network name. For stations to communicate with each other, all stations must be configured with the same SSID. A wireless LAN consisting of nodes operating in Ad-Hoc configuration without an Access Point is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). All nodes in a BSS must use the same Basic Service Set ID (BSSID). In an infrastructure configuration with Access Points, multiple BSS can be configured to form an Extended Service Set (ESS). In this configuration, the Access Points are configured with the same Extended Service Set ID (ESSID). Wireless clients configured with the same ESSID can freely roam from one Access Point domain to another and still maintain seamless connection to the network.

Authentication and WEP Encryption
The absence of a physical connection between nodes makes the wireless links vulnerable to information theft. To provide a certain level of security, IEEE 802.11 standard has defined two types of authentication methods, Open System and Shared Key. Open System authentication is a null algorithm. Shared Key authentication is an algorithm where both the transmitting node and the receiving node share an authentication key to perform a checksum on the original message. By default, IEEE 802.11 wireless devices operate in an open system network. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption is utilized when the wireless nodes or access points are configured to operate in Shared Key authentication mode. There are three shared key methods implemented in NETGEAR 802.11b solutions: the standard based 64-bit WEP data encryption and 128-bit WEP data encryption. The 64-bit WEP data encryption method allows for a five-character (40 bits) input. Additionally, 24 factory-set bits are added to the 40-bit input to generate a 64-bit encryption key. (The 24 factory-set bits are not user configurable.) This encryption key will be used to encrypt/decrypt all data transmitted via the wireless interface. Some vendors may refer to the 64-bit WEP data encryption as 40-bit WEP data encryption since the user configurable key used in the encryption process is only 40 bits wide. The 128-bit WEP data encryption method consists of 104 configurable bits. Similar to the 64-bit WEP data encryption method, the remaining 24 bits are factory set and not user configurable.
Encryption # of Hexadecimal Example of Hexadecimal Key Size Digits Key Content
64-bits (24+40) 128-bit (24+104) 4C72F08AE1 4C72F08AE19D57A3FF6B260037
Wireless Channel Selection 802.11b
IEEE 802.11b wireless nodes communicate with each other using radio frequency signals in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. Neighboring channels are 5 MHz apart. However, due to spread spectrum effect of the signals, a node sending signals using a particular channel will utilize frequency spectrum 12.5 MHz above and below the center channel frequency. As a result, two separate wireless networks using neighboring channels (for example, channel 1 and channel 2) in the same general vicinity will interfere with each other. Applying two channels that allow the maximum channel separation will decrease the amount of channel cross talk, and provide a noticeable performance increase over networks with minimal channel separation.

Channel Center Frequency

MHz 2417 MHz 2422 MHz 2427 MHz 2432 MHz 2437 MHz 2442 MHz 2447 MHz 2452 MHz 2457 MHz 2462 MHz 2467 MHz 2472 MHz

Frequency Spread

2399.5 MHz 2424.5 MHz 2404.5 MHz 2429.5 MHz 2409.5 MHz 2434.5 MHz 2414.5 MHz 2439.5 MHz 2419.5 MHz 2444.5 MHz 2424.5 MHz 2449.5 MHz 2429.5 MHz 2454.5 MHz 2434.5 MHz 2459.5 MHz 2439.5 MHz 2464.5 MHz 2444.5 MHz 2469.5 MHz 2449.5 MHz 2474.5 MHz 2454.5 MHz 2479.5 MHz 2459.5 MHz 2484.5 MHz
Note: The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different. For example, Channels 1 to 11 are supported in the U.S. and Canada, and Channels 1 to 13 are supported in Europe and Australia.

Troubleshooting

Problem Cause Solution
Remove and reinsert the MA521 Wireless No lights are lit The MA521 Wireless PC PC Card. on the Wireless Card is not inserted PC Card properly into the CardBus Check the device manager in Windows to see slot on your PC. Or the if the adapter card is properly recognized in proper MA521 Wireless PC the Windows operating system. Reload the Card driver is not loaded. driver if necessary. Try to install the MA521 Wireless PC Card in different CardBus slot if its available. The Lnk LED is off The Access Point may not be powered on. The MA521 Wireless PC Card is not associated to The Access Point and the MA521 Wireless any Access Point properly. PC Card are not configured with the same You may not have wireless parameters. Check the SSID, and configured the wireless WEP encryption settings. parameters of the wireless nodes to be the same as the The Access Point may be out of range. Try moving the system closer to the Access Point Access Point. or readjusting the antenna on the Access Point. You may also move the Access Point to a higher location for better signal reception by the MA521 Wireless PC Card.
Check to make sure that the Access Point I am associated This could be a physical is physically connected to the Ethernet and connected layer problem or a network network. to an Access configuration problem. Point, but I Make sure that the IP addresses and the cannot see the Windows networking parameters are all other computers configured correctly. on the Ethernet side of the network.

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 MA521 Wireless PC Card 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.
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: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NETGEAR MA521 Wireless PC Card

Warning!

To comply with the FCC's rf exposure requirements you must maintain a distance of at least 1 cm from the with FCC Standards antenna of this device while it is in use. This device should not be colocated with other transmitters.
Tested to Comply with FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

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.

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) - 24x7 phone support See Support Information card for other countries. E-mail: support@NETGEAR.com (24x7 online support) www.NETGEAR.com
2003 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the Netgear logo, The Gear Guy, Auto Uplink 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. April 2003

Wireless PC Card

32-bit CardBus
C o n n e c t F r o m Yo u r N o t e b o o k P C W h e r e v e r Yo u A r e
Go wherever you like and stay connected with NETGEARs Wireless PC card. Once youve
Help is there when you need it! NETGEAR provides 24x7 telephone and e-mail technical support* in English, with selected local language support during office hours.
got one in your notebook computer, you can easily access the Internet from anywhere in your home or office, and from campuses, parks, airports, or public hotspots in bookstores and cafes. Whether you are in a conference room, waiting for a flight, or out on the quad on a warm day, you can be fully productive without being at your desk. Use this well-designed card to quickly network your employees without the time or expense of installing Ethernet cabling. It lets you experience data speeds of up to 11 Mbps, greater range with automatic speed adjustment, and greater safety with secure encryption all for a moderate price. With NETGEAR, Everybodys connecting, and with the MA521, they can connect everywhere.

Unfettered

If you have an 802.11b wireless router at home, you can access the Internet easily from your notebook PC, at up to 11 Mbps. Share your broadband connection at home, or gain total mobility in the office. Achieve superior range with distances of up to 300 feet with automatic rate fallback. Auto-adjustment transmit power provides longer battery life and reduces interference. Small-sized antenna prevents card from getting bent. Thorough testing ensures powerful throughput and dependable operability. The MA521 is configured to interoperate with other NETGEAR wireless products, and is compatible with any notebook PC having a processor speed greater than 400 MHz, with drivers available for Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and XP. Secure 40/64 and 128-bit Wired Equivalency Protection (WEP) encryption provides secure data communication and increased shielding from wireless eavesdroppers.

Designed

Protected

Everybodys Connecting.

Notebook PC with MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
Desktop PC with MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

R G E A N E T

Macintosh with Ethernet connection
Internet Cable/DSL Modem Desktop PC with MA321 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter Notebook PC with MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
MR814 802.11b Cable/DSL Wireless 4-port Router
Desktop PC with FA311 Ethernet Card
Notebook PC with MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card
Product Specifications Network Speeds: - 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps (auto rate capable) Modulation Type: - DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK Frequency Band: - 2400 - 2497 MHz ISM band (channels 1 - 14) Channels: - North America: 11 channels - Europe: 13 channels - Japan: 13 channels Operating Range**: - Indoor: 35 - 100 meters (114 - 328 ft.) - Outdoor: 100 - 300 meters (328 - 984 ft.)
**Actual results will vary depending upon operating environment.
Physical Specifications: - Dimensions: 100 x 54 x 5 mm (3.93 x 2.13 x 0.2 in.) with antenna - Weight: 37 g (1.3 oz) Standards Capability: - IEEE 802.11b Certifications: - CE - FCC Part 15, Class B - ETS - C-Tick Warranty: - NETGEAR 3-year limited warranty System Requirements - Pentium class PC faster than 400 MHz - Available CardBus PCMCIA Type II slot - Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP - 2 MB free hard drive space Package Contents - Wireless PC Card MA521 - Resource CD - Installation guide - Support information card - Warranty card NETGEAR Related Products - MR814 802.11b Cable/DSL Wireless 4-port Router - ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge - MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter - MA321 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter - MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card
Encryption: - 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption Interface: - CardBus Type II specification 32-bit data bus LEDs: - Power & Link Antenna: - Integrated Microstrip dual diversity antennas Supported O/S: - Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP Environmental Specifications: - Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 C (32 to 131 F) - Storage Temperature: -20 to 75 C (-4 to 167 F) - Operating Humidity: 10-90% room humidity (RH), noncondensing
4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR E-mail: info@NETGEAR.com www.NETGEAR.com 2003 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the Netgear logo, The Gear Guy, Everybodys connecting and Auto Uplink are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. 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. *Free basic installation support provided for 90 days from date of purchase; optional premium support available. D-MA521-1