If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Export Restrictions

This product or software contains encryption code which may not be exported or transferred from the US or Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license.
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the European R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC. Compliance to essential test suites is met per standards: R&TTE Harmonized Standard Description
LVD specification EN 60950
EN 60950,ed. (1992), incl A1(1993), A2(1993), A3(1995) and A4(1997) Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment. Meets R&TTE directive art. 3.1.a of essential requirements on protection of the health and safety of the user. Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements

ETSI EMC specification

ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.2.1 (2000-08) ETSI EN 301 489-17 V1.1.1 (2000-09)
Part 17: Specific conditions for Wideband data and HIPERLAN equipment Meets R&TTE directive art. 3.1.b of essential requirements on protection with respect to Electro Magnetic Compatibility.
ETSI RF specification ETSI EN Part 1 V1.2.2 (2000-07)
Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wideband Transmission systems; data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using spread spectrum modulation techniques; Part 1: Technical characteristics and test conditions Part 2: Harmonized EN covering essential requirements under article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive Meets R&TTE directive art. 3.2.a on effective use of spectrum so as to avoid harmful interference.

This device is a 2.4 GHz low power RF device intended for home and office use in EU and EFTA member states. In some EU / EFTA member states some restrictions may apply. Please contact local spectrum management authorities for further details before putting this device into operation.
ETSI EN Part 2 V1.1.1 (2000-07)
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations
This digital apparatus (Model WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter) does not exceed the Class B limits for radio-noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. Canada ID: 4054A-WG311

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311..1-1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products..1-1 Whats in the Box?....1-2 A Road Map for How to Get There From Here...1-2 Chapter 2 Basic Setup What You Will Need Before You Begin...2-1 Verify System Requirements...2-1 Observe Location and Range Guidelines...2-2 Two Basic Operating Modes...2-2 WG311 Default Wireless Configuration Settings..2-3 Basic Installation Instructions....2-4 For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311...2-4 For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WG311..2-8 WG311 Wireless Connection Indicators...2-12 Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors...2-12 Basic Troubleshooting Tips...2-13 About Page....2-14 Chapter 3 Configuration Understanding the Configuration Options...3-1 Using Configuration Profiles...3-1 Networks Page....3-2 Connect to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode..3-3 How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile...3-3 Connecting to Another PC in Ad-Hoc Mode..3-5 How to Configure an Ad-Hoc Mode Profile..3-5 How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network..3-7 Enabling Wireless Security Features...3-8 Contents vii
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings.3-9 How to Configure WEP Encryption Security...3-10 Statistics Page....3-12 Advanced Settings Page...3-13 Appendix A Technical Specifications Appendix B Wireless Networking Basics Wireless Networking Overview... B-1 Infrastructure Mode.... B-1 Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup)... B-2 Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID).. B-2 Authentication and WEP... B-2 802.11 Authentication.... B-3 Open System Authentication... B-3 Shared Key Authentication... B-4 Overview of WEP Parameters... B-5 Key Size.... B-6 WEP Configuration Options... B-6 Wireless Channels.... B-7 Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking.. C-1 Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking... C-1 Install or Verify Windows Networking Components.. C-1 Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 98 and Me C-3 Selecting the Internet Access Method... C-5 Verifying TCP/IP Properties... C-5 Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking.. C-6 Install or Verify Windows Networking Components.. C-6 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000... C-7 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP... C-7 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000.. C-9 Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000.. C-11

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

Chapter 1 Introduction

This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter.
About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311
The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 gives you flexibility to install the PC in the most convenient location available. The WG311 frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring that is limited by cabling requirements. Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer up to 54 Mbps for maximum throughput or dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or operating limitations in an environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference. The WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b 11 Mbps Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. In addition, it offers the faster speeds of the soon-to-be ratified 802.11g standard. The WG311 works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter provides the following features: Reliable IEEE 802.11b standards-based wireless technology. Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode. 54 Mbps high speed data transfer. Wireless nodes negotiate to operate in the optimal data transfer rate. In a noisy environment or when the distance between the wireless nodes is far, the wireless nodes automatically fall back to operate at lower transfer rates. High level of data encryption using128-bit Shared Key WEP data encryption method. Lower level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network setup or to improve the data transfer rate.

Introduction

The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter: WGMbps Wireless Access Point WGRMbps Cable/DSL Wireless Router WGMbps 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 PC Card MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card

Whats in the Box?

The product package should contain the following items: NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Resource CD, including: Configuration Utility Software Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Warranty card Support information card

Chapter 2 Basic Setup

This section describes how to install your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 3, Configuration in this manual. Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others from outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take appropriate steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 provides highly effective security features which are covered in Enabling Wireless Security Features on page 3-8. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
What You Will Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can configure your wireless pc adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met: Pentium III class computer with an available PCI slot CD-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 WG311 driver software

Basic Setup

Observe Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks indoors at a range which varies significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: Large metal surfaces Microwaves 2.4 GHz Cordless phones
In general, 802.11g wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the 802.11g effective range will decrease if such materials are between the devices.

Two Basic Operating Modes
The WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter, like all 802.11b/g adapters, can operate in the following two basic modes:
Infrastructure Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices and computers
communicate with each other by first going through an access point (AP). For example, this mode is used when computers in a house connect to an AP that is attached to a router which lets multiple computers share a single Cable or DSL broadband Internet connection.
Ad-Hoc Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other, without the use of an access point. For example, Ad-Hoc Mode is used when two Windows computers are configured with file and print sharing enabled and you want to exchange files directly between them.
Both of these configuration options are available with the WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter. Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered below. Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in Chapter 3, Configuration of this manual.
WG311 Default Wireless Configuration Settings
If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network and verify wireless connectivity. If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you will need to identify the wireless configuration and security parameters already defined. Your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 factory default basic settings are: Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): ANY a special name which indicates the
first available network will be used Note: In order for the WG311 Wireless PCI Adapter to communicate with a wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same wireless network name (SSID).
Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure Data security WEP encryption: Disabled
The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 for basic wireless connectivity to an access point. The procedures provide step-by-step installation instructions for Windows PCs. Use the procedure that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311

Verify that your connection information matches your wireless network.
Note: You can use the Networks tab to verify the availability of wireless networks and their SSIDs. For more information, see Understanding the Configuration Options on page 3-1.
Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
WG311 Wireless Connection Indicators
The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 SysTray icon, which is on the System Tray portion of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop, is an indicator that gives you feedback on the status of your wireless connection. The color of the SysTray icon indicates the status of the connection.
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors
The System Tray (SysTray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. Color
Condition The wireless PCI Adapter has no connection to any other wireless node.
Description The wireless PCI Adapter is not able to link to any other wireless node or the link is lost. Check your configuration or try moving to a location where the wireless signal quality is better. The wireless link is weak. You may deed to move to a better spot, such as closer to the wireless access point. Also, look for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz cordless phone or large metal surface.

Yellow

The wireless PCI Adapter has a connection with another wireless node.
The wireless PCI Adapter has established good communication with an access point and the signal quality is strong.
Basic Troubleshooting Tips
If you have problems connecting to your wireless network, try the tips below.

Symptom Cause Solution

I can connect to an access point, but I cannot connect to other computers on the network or the Internet.
This could be a physical layer problem or a network configuration problem.
Check to make sure that the access point is physically connected to the Ethernet network. Make sure that the IP addresses and the Windows networking parameters are all configured correctly. Restart the cable or DSL modem, router, access point, and notebook PC.

Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. Please refer to Appendix C, Preparing Your PCs for Network Access of the Reference Manual on the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Resource CD.

About Page

The About page displays important information about the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311.

Figure 2-1: About page

The About page shows the following information: Regional Domain: This is the region setting for the wireless adapter. The approved channels for this region are automatically scanned. Governments regulate the channels used for wireless transmission. Operating the wireless adapter in a different region may violate local laws. Driver Version: The wireless adapter driver version. Driver Date: The wireless adapter driver release date.
MAC Address: The MAC address of this adapter. The Media Access Control address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface card. Some wireless networks will restrict access based on a list of known MAC addresses. If you are communicating with such a network, you would have to provide the address shown here to the network administrator before you would be allowed to connect. Restricting access by MAC address adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network. However, unless you use data encryption security, the data broadcast over the wireless link is fully exposed. IP Address: The IP address assigned to this adapter. Configuration Utility Software: The version and release date of this utility.

Chapter 3 Configuration

This section describes how to configure your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and use the data security encryption features. Note: The instructions in this section refer to the NETGEAR WG311 configuration utility. Windows XP users must first disable the Windows XP configuration utility. Open the network connections from the system tray icon, click the Properties button, click the Wireless Networks tab and then clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box.
Understanding the Configuration Options
The WG311 configuration utility provides a complete and easy to use set of tools to: Configure wireless settings. Monitor wireless network connections. Save your settings in configuration profiles.

Figure 3-3: Settings tab page

b. c. d. e. 2.

Click the Settings tab to display the view shown above. Select Ad-Hoc in the Network Type section. Enter the SSID for the Ad-Hoc network. Click Apply.
Save your settings in a Profile.
Type a descriptive name for the Profile Name. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. Click Apply. Click Close to exit the configuration utility.
3. Configure the PC network settings.
Configure each PC with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol.
Note: For instructions on configuring static IP addresses or the IPX protocol, refer to the networking tutorial on your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Resource CD.

Restart the PCs.

4. Verify wireless connectivity between your peer devices. Verify connectivity by using the Ping program:
On the Windows taskbar click the Start button, and then click Run.
Assuming the target PC is configured with 192.168.0.1 as its IP address, type ping -t 192.168.0.1 and then click OK. This will cause a continuous ping to be sent to the device with the 192.168.0.1 static IP address. The ping response should change to reply.
At this point the connection is established. You may need to reboot in certain Windows operating systems such as Windows 98. Note: If you cannot connect, see Basic Troubleshooting Tips on page 2-13. Also, if you have problems 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 Computers for TCP/IP Networking on page C-1.
How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network

1. 2. 3.

Fill in the Network Name (SSID). Select the Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) network type. Click Initiate Ad-Hoc. The Ad-Hoc Setting dialog box will appear, as shown below.
Figure 3-4: Ad-Hoc Setting page
In the Start Ad-Hoc field, choose the wireless standard (802.11b or 802.11g) for your Ad-Hoc computer-to-computer network. In the Channel field, Automatic should work. If you notice interference problems with another nearby wireless device, select a channel that is not being used by any other wireless networks near your wireless adapter. Use the Networks tab page to identify the channels in use in your area. Click OK.

Note: The channel number differs depending on the country. The connection speed automatically defaults to the highest speed.
Enabling Wireless Security Features
You can strengthen the security of your wireless connection by enabling Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption of the wireless data communications. For more information on 802.11 wireless security, see Authentication and WEP on page B-2. In addition to the WG311 wireless security features, you should also configure appropriate LAN network security features such as requiring a user name and password to access the shared resources in your network. The procedures below identify how to configure the WEP encryption settings of your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311.

3-8 Configuration

Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings
Print this form, fill in the configuration parameters and put it in a safe place for possible future reference. For an existing wireless network, the person who set up the network will be able to provide this information. Wireless Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local area network. ANY is the default WG311 wireless network name (SSID). You can customize it using up to 32 alphanumeric characters. Write your customized wireless network name (SSID) on the line below. Note: The SSID in the wireless access point is the SSID you configure in the wireless pc adapter. For the access point and wireless nodes to communicate with each other, all must be configured with the same SSID. Wireless network name (SSID): ______________________________ WEP Security Encryption key: The default WEP encryption key number is 1, and the default key size is 64 bits. Note: The key number as well as the key value used by all wireless nodes must be the same. If they are different, you will not be able to connect. WEP Encryption Key Size, circle one: 64 or 128 bits WEP Encryption Passphrase, if used: ____________________________ A Passphrase is used to automatically generate 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. WEP Hexadecimal Numbers: ______________________________ The WEP Hexadecimal Numbers are needed if a Passphrase is not used in the wireless network access point but rather if the key is manually entered. Use the procedures below to configure basic security settings in the WG311.
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security
Following the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the WG311 Configuration Utility.
Figure 3-5: Settings tab page
Click on the Settings tab to display the view shown above. Select the Use WEP Encryption check box. Enter the SSID. This is also called the Wireless Network Name. Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID matches exactly what is configured in the access point.

2. Configure the Security settings.
Tip: You can click the Networks tab to view a list of the available wireless networks and their SSIDs at your location. 3. Save your settings in a Profile.

a. b. c. d. 4.

Type a descriptive name for the Profile name. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. Click Apply. Click Close to exit the configuration utility.
Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. The choices are: 64-bit WEP data encryption 128-bit WEP data encryption Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the communications response times.
Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will automatically generate the WEP keys. Note: The characters are case sensitive. Be sure to use the same passphrase for all the wireless devices in the network. If the passphrase method is not available in the other devices, you must manually enter the keys to match exactly what is in the access point and other 802.11b/g wireless devices.
The Default Key setting must match what is set in the access point and the other 802.11 wireless devices. Click Apply for the changes to take effect.

Statistics Page

The Statistics page provides real time and historical trend information on the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter.
Figure 3-6: Statistics tab page
Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the Total, Receive, and Transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible. Total/Receive/Transmit Graph: Identifies the trend of transmit/receive data communications over time. Transmit Statistics: Identifies Transmit megabits per second (Mbps), transmit packets per second (Tx Packets/s), total transmitted packets, and transmit errors. Receive Statistics: Identifies Receive megabits per second (Mbps), receive packets per second (Rx Packets/s), total received packets, and received errors.

Advanced Settings Page

Generally, the Advanced settings should not require adjustment. Except for the power saving setting, changing any of the settings incorrectly on this page could cause your wireless connection to fail.

The TCP/IP details are presented on the Support tab page. Select Internet Protocol, and click Properties to view the configuration information.
Verify that Obtain an IP address
automatically radio button is selected and that the Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button is selected. Click the OK button. This completes the DHCP configuration in Windows XP. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000
After you install a network card, TCP/IP for Windows 2000 is configured and set to DHCP without your having to configure it. However, if there are problems, following the steps below to configure TCP/IP with DHCP for Windows 2000.
Click on the My Network Places icon on the Windows desktop. This will bring up a window called Network and Dial-up Connections. Right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box appears. Verify that you have the correct Ethernet card selected in the Connect using: box and that the following two items are displayed and selected in the box of Components checked are used by this connection: Client for Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Click OK.

With Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) selected, click on Properties to open the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialogue box. Verify that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected.
Click OK to return to Local Area Connection Properties. Click OK again to complete the configuration process. Restart the PC. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
C-10 Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000
To check your PCs TCP/IP configuration:
On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, and then click Run. The Run window opens. Type cmd and then click OK. A command window opens Type ipconfig /all Your IP Configuration information will be listed, and should match the values below if you are using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a router or gateway: The IP address is between 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.254 The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 The default gateway is 192.168.0.1

Type exit

Glossary

List of Glossary Terms

Use the list below to find definitions for technical terms used in this manual.

10BASE-T

IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring.

100BASE-Tx

IEEE 802.3 specification for 100 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring.

802.11b

IEEE specification for wireless networking at 11 Mbps using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.4GHz.

802.11g

A soon to be ratified IEEE specification for wireless networking at 54 Mbps using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.4GHz. 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b.
Short for asymmetric digital subscriber line, a technology that allows data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at data rates of from 1.5 to 9 Mbps when receiving data (known as the downstream rate) and from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending data (known as the upstream rate). ADSL requires a special ADSL modem. ADSL is growing in popularity as more areas around the world gain access.
An Ethernet protocol specifying how a centralized DHCP server can assign network configuration information to multiple DHCP clients. The assigned information includes IP addresses, DNS addresses, and gateway (router) addresses.
Short for Domain Name System (or Service), an Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they're easier to remember. The Internet however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name www.example.com might translate to
198.105.232.4. The DNS system is, in fact, its own network. If one DNS server doesn't know how to translate a particular domain name, it asks another one, and so on, until the correct IP address is returned.

Domain Name

A descriptive name for an address or group of addresses on the Internet. Domain names are of the form of a registered entity name plus one of a number of predefined top level suffixes such as.com,.edu,.uk, etc. For example, in the address mail.NETGEAR.com, mail is a server name and NETGEAR.com is the domain.

Wired Equivalent Privacy is a data encryption protocol for 802.11b wireless networks. All wireless nodes and access points on the network are configured with a 64-bit or 128-bit Shared Key for data encryption.

wide area network

WAN. A long distance link used to extend or connect remotely located local area networks. The Internet is a large WAN.
A trade name for the 802.11b wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards group promoting interoperability among 802.11b devices.
Windows Internet Naming Service
WINS. Windows Internet Naming Service is a server process for resolving Windows-based computer names to IP addresses. If a remote network contains a WINS server, your Windows PCs can gather information from that WINS server about its local hosts. This allows your PCs to browse that remote network using the Windows Network Neighborhood feature.
WINS. Windows Internet Naming Service is a server process for resolving Windows-based computer names to IP addresses.
Wireless Network Name (SSID)
Wireless Network Name (SSID) is the name assigned to a wireless network. This is the same as the SSID or ESSID configuration parameter.

Numerics

802.11b 1 Wired Equivalent Privacy. See WEP Wireless Ethernet 1 wireless network name 3

ad-hoc mode 2

BSSID 2

ESSID 2

features 1
infrastructure mode 2 IP networking for Windows 1, 6
Open System authentication 2
Shared Key authentication 2 SSID 3, 2
TCP/IP properties verifying for Windows 5
WEP 3, 8, 2 Wi-Fi 1 Windows, configuring for IP routing 1, 6 winipcfg utility 5

1-2 Introduction

technology has removed one of the barriers to networkingrunning 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.

If I Want To? Connect to a wireless network
What Do I Do? 1. Identify the wireless network name (SSID) and, if used, the wireless security settings. 2. Set up the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2 with the settings from step 1. Whats 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 WG311 v2, 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.
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2 Table 1-1.

If I Want To?

What Do I Do? Whats Needed? How Do I? To learn about wireless networking security, see Authentication and WEP on page B-2. To use WEP security features, please see Enabling Wireless Security Features on page 3-8 and configure your WG311 v2 accordingly.
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 WG311 v2 and all NETGEAR WG311 v2 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 Connect to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode on page 3-3. To configure your WG311 v2 in Infrastructure Mode, see Basic Installation Instructions on page 2-4, and locate the section for your version of Windows.

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.

Chapter 2 Basic Setup

This section describes how to install your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2 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 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2, 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 WG311 v2 driver software

Basic Setup

Observe Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks indoors at a range which varies significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: Large metal surfaces Microwaves 2.4 GHz Cordless phones

Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure Data security WEP encryption: Disabled
The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2 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 Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311 v2
Install the WG311 v2 software.
Power on your computer, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed. Insert the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main page shown at the right will load.

WG311 v2 Resource CD

Click the Install Driver & Utility link. Note: If this page does not automatically appear, Follow the InstallShield Wizard 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.
InstallShield Wizard Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning appears, click Continue Anyway to proceed.
Install the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2.
Shut down the PC and remove the power cord. Hold the PCI Adapter with the NETGEAR logo facing up and insert it 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

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.
WG311 v2 System Tray Icon
After the installation completes, click Finish to close the wizard.
Windows XP Network Connection Alert
You should see the WG311 v2 system tray icon on the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Windows XP will display a Wireless Network Connection message.

Configure your WG311 v2.

Right-click on the network icon in the Windows XP system tray to open the network options menu. Click on the View Available Wireless Networks menu item. If there is more than one wireless network in your vicinity, select the one to which you will connect. Click on the Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network even though this is not secure check box. Click Connect.
Right-click here to display this menu.
Windows XP Network Connection Alert Note: This procedure assumes your wireless network is not using WEP security. If your wireless network uses WEP, set up your WG311 v2 accordingly. To view WEP settings help, click the Advanced button and click the Learn about. link on the Windows XP Local Area Connection Wireless Networks Properties tab page.

WG311 v2 Configuration Utility
Enter a name for your profile and click Note: The NETGEAR default settings are Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless the Save Profile button to store the network name SSID, and WEP disabled. current settings. Tip: If you use your notebook PC to connect to a wireless network at work and at home, create profiles called work and home.
Note: This procedure assumes you are connecting to a wireless network which is not using WEP security. If your network includes WEP settings, enter the security information in the Security section. For help with these steps, see Enabling Wireless Security Features on page 3-8.
Verify that your connection information matches your wireless network.
Note: You can use the Networks tab to verify the availability of wireless networks and their SSIDs. For more information, see Understanding the Configuration Options on page 3-1.
Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
WG311 v2 Wireless Connection Indicators
The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2 SysTray icon, which is on the System Tray portion of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop, is an indicator that gives you feedback on the status of your wireless connection. The color of the SysTray icon indicates the status of the connection.
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors
The System Tray (SysTray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. Color
Condition The wireless PCI Adapter has no connection to any other wireless node.
Description The wireless PCI Adapter is not able to link to any other wireless node or the link is lost. Check your configuration or try moving to a location where the wireless signal quality is better. The wireless link is weak. You may deed to move to a better spot, such as closer to the wireless access point. Also, look for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz cordless phone or large metal surface.

Yellow

The wireless PCI Adapter has a connection with another wireless node.
The wireless PCI Adapter has established good communication with an access point and the signal quality is strong.
Basic Troubleshooting Tips
If you have problems connecting to your wireless network, try the tips below.

Symptom Cause Solution

I can connect to an access point, but I cannot connect to other computers on the network or the Internet.
This could be a physical layer problem or a network configuration problem.
Check to make sure that the access point is physically connected to the Ethernet network. Make sure that the IP addresses and the Windows networking parameters are all configured correctly. Restart the cable or DSL modem, router, access point, and notebook PC.

How to Configure WEP Encryption Security
Following the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security.
1. Run the WG311 v2 Configuration Utility.
Figure 3-5: Settings tab page
Click on the Settings tab to display the view shown above.
2. Configure the Security settings.
Select the Use WEP Encryption check box. Enter the SSID. This is also called the Wireless Network Name. Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
Tip: You can click the Networks tab to view a list of the available wireless networks and their SSIDs at your location. 3. Save your settings in a Profile.

a. b. c. d. 4.

Type a descriptive name for the Profile name. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile. Click Apply. Click Close to exit the configuration utility.
Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. The choices are: 64-bit WEP data encryption 128-bit WEP data encryption Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the communications response times.
Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will automatically generate the WEP keys. Note: The characters are case sensitive. Be sure to use the same passphrase for all the wireless devices in the network. If the passphrase method is not available in the other devices, you must manually enter the keys to match exactly what is in the access point and other 802.11b/g wireless devices.
The Default Key setting must match what is set in the access point and the other 802.11 wireless devices. Click Apply for the changes to take effect.

Statistics Page

The Statistics page provides real time and historical trend information on the data traffic and performance of your wireless adapter.
Figure 3-6: Statistics tab page
Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the Total, Receive, and Transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible. Total/Receive/Transmit Graph: Identifies the trend of transmit/receive data communications over time. Transmit Statistics: Identifies Transmit megabits per second (Mbps), transmit packets per second (Tx Packets/s), total transmitted packets, and transmit errors. Receive Statistics: Identifies Receive megabits per second (Mbps), receive packets per second (Rx Packets/s), total received packets, and received errors.

Advanced Settings Page

Generally, the Advanced settings should not require adjustment. Except for the power saving setting, changing any of the settings incorrectly on this page could cause your wireless connection to fail.

Infrastructure Mode

With a wireless Access Point, you can operate the wireless LAN in the infrastructure mode. This mode provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed range or area of coverage, interacting with wireless nodes 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.
Wireless Networking Basics
Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup)
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. This mode 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 group networking. 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.
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID)
The Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) is one of two types of Service Set Identification (SSID). In an ad-hoc wireless network with no access points, the Basic Service Set Identification (BSSID) is used. In an infrastructure wireless network that includes an access point, the ESSID is used, but may still be referred to as SSID. An SSID is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key identifying the name of the wireless local area network. Some vendors refer to the SSID as network name. For the wireless devices in a network to communicate with each other, all devices must be configured with the same SSID.

Authentication and WEP

The absence of a physical connection between nodes makes the wireless links vulnerable to eavesdropping and information theft. To provide a certain level of security, the IEEE 802.11 standard has defined two types of authentication methods, Open System and Shared Key. With Open System authentication, a wireless PC can join any network and receive any messages that are not encrypted. With Shared Key authentication, only those PCs that possess the correct authentication key can join the network. By default, IEEE 802.11 wireless devices operate in an Open System network. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption is used when the wireless devices are configured to operate in Shared Key authentication mode. There are two shared key methods implemented in most commercially available products, 64-bit and 128-bit WEP data encryption.

802.11 Authentication

The 802.11 standard defines several services that govern how two 802.11 devices communicate. The following events must occur before an 802.11 Station can communicate with an Ethernet network through an access point such as the one built in to the WG311 v2:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Turn on the wireless station. The station listens for messages from any access points that are in range. The station finds a message from an access point that has a matching SSID. The station sends an authentication request to the access point. The access point authenticates the station. The station sends an association request to the access point. The access point associates with the station. The station can now communicate with the Ethernet network through the access point.
An access point must authenticate a station before the station can associate with the access point or communicate with the network. The IEEE 802.11 standard defines two types of authentication: Open System and Shared Key. Open System Authentication allows any device to join the network, assuming that the device SSID matches the access point SSID. Alternatively, the device can use the ANY SSID option to associate with any available Access Point within range, regardless of its SSID. Shared Key Authentication requires that the station and the access point have the same WEP Key to authenticate. These two authentication procedures are described below.
Open System Authentication
The following steps occur when two devices use Open System Authentication:
The station sends an authentication request to the access point. The access point authenticates the station. The station associates with the access point and joins the network.
This process is illustrated in below.
802.11b Authentication Open System Steps
1) Authentication request sent to AP Access Point

IN TER N ET

W LA N

LO CA L

FVM318
2) AP authenticates Client attempting to connect

Cable/DSL

ProSafeWirelessVPN Security Firewall

PWR TEST

LNK ACT Enable 7 8

LNK/ACT

CSU/DSU or DLS modem
3) Client connects to network
Figure 3-8: 802.11 open system authentication
Shared Key Authentication
The following steps occur when two devices use Shared Key Authentication:

The station sends an authentication request to the access point. The access point sends challenge text to the station. The station uses its configured 64-bit or 128-bit default key to encrypt the challenge text, and sends the encrypted text to the access point. The access point decrypts the encrypted text using its configured WEP Key that corresponds to the stations default key. The access point compares the decrypted text with the original challenge text. If the decrypted text matches the original challenge text, then the access point and the station share the same WEP Key and the access point authenticates the station. The station connects to the network.
If the decrypted text does not match the original challenge text (i.e., the access point and station do not share the same WEP Key), then the access point will refuse to authenticate the station and the station will be unable to communicate with either the 802.11 network or Ethernet network. This process is illustrated in below.
802.11 Authentication Shared Key Steps
1) Authentication request sent to AP 2) AP sends challenge text Client 3) Client encrypts attempting challenge text and to connect sends it back to AP 4) AP decrypts, and if correct, authenticates client 5) Client connects to network

Access Point (AP)

Cable or DLS modem
Figure 3-9: 802.11 shared key authentication
Overview of WEP Parameters
Before enabling WEP on an 802.11 network, you must first consider what type of encryption you require and the key size you want to use. Typically, there are three WEP Encryption options available for 802.11 products: 1. Do Not Use WEP: The 802.11 network does not encrypt data. For authentication purposes, the network uses Open System Authentication. 2. Use WEP for Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data portion of every packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving 802.11b device decrypts the data using the same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the 802.11b network uses Open System Authentication. 3. Use WEP for Authentication and Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data portion of every packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving 802.11 device decrypts the data using the same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the 802.11 network uses Shared Key Authentication. Note: Some 802.11 access points also support Use WEP for Authentication Only (Shared Key Authentication without data encryption).

Key Size

The IEEE 802.11 standard supports two types of WEP encryption: 40-bit and 128-bit. The 64-bit WEP data encryption method, allows for a five-character (40-bit) input. Additionally, 24 factory-set bits are added to the forty-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 refer to the 64-bit WEP data encryption as 40-bit WEP data encryption since the user-configurable portion of the encryption key is 40 bits wide. The 128-bit WEP data encryption method consists of 104 user-configurable bits. Similar to the forty-bit WEP data encryption method, the remaining 24 bits are factory set and not user configurable. Some vendors allow passphrases to be entered instead of the cryptic hexadecimal characters to ease encryption key entry. 128-bit encryption is stronger than 40-bit encryption, but 128-bit encryption may not be available outside of the United States due to U.S. export regulations. When configured for 40-bit encryption, 802.11 products typically support up to four WEP Keys. Each 40-bit WEP Key is expressed as 5 sets of two hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). For example, 90 is a 40-bit WEP Key. When configured for 128-bit encryption, 802.11b products typically support four WEP Keys but some manufacturers support only one 128-bit key. The 128-bit WEP Key is expressed as 13 sets of two hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). For example, 90 AB CD EF 90 is a 128-bit WEP Key. Note: Typically, 802.11 access points can store up to four 128-bit WEP Keys but some 802.11 client adapters can only store one. Therefore, make sure that your 802.11 access and client adapters configurations match.

WEP Configuration Options
The WEP settings must match on all 802.11 devices that are within the same wireless network as identified by the SSID. In general, if your mobile clients will roam between access points, then all of the 802.11 access points and all of the 802.11 client adapters on the network must have the same WEP settings.
Note: Whatever keys you enter for an AP, you must also enter the same keys for the client adapter in the same order. In other words, WEP key 1 on the AP must match WEP key 1 on the client adapter, WEP key 2 on the AP must match WEP key 2 on the client adapter, etc. Note: The AP and the client adapters can have different default WEP Keys as long as the keys are in the same order. In other words, the AP can use WEP key 2 as its default key to transmit while a client adapter can use WEP key 3 as its default key to transmit. The two devices will communicate as long as the APs WEP key 2 is the same as the clients WEP key 2 and the APs WEP key 3 is the same as the clients WEP key 3.

Wireless Channels

IEEE 802.11b and g 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.
The radio frequency channels used are listed in Table 3-1:

Table 3-1.

Channel 13
802.11b and g Radio Frequency Channels
Center Frequency 2412 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.
The preferred channel separation between the channels in neighboring wireless networks is 25 MHz (5 channels). This means that you can apply up to three different channels within your wireless network. There are only 11 usable wireless channels in the United States. It is recommended that you start using channel 1 and grow to use channel 6, and 11 when necessary, as these three channels do not overlap.

Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
This appendix describes how to prepare your PCs to connect to the Internet through the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v2. For adding file and print sharing to your network, please consult the Windows help information included with the version of Windows installed on each computer on your network.
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking
Computers access the Internet using a protocol called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol). Each computer on your network must have TCP/IP installed and selected as its networking protocol. If a Network Interface Card (NIC) is already installed in your PC, then TCP/ IP is probably already installed as well. Most operating systems include the software components you need for networking with TCP/IP. Windows 95 or later includes the software components for establishing a TCP/IP network. In your TCP/IP network, each PC and the wireless access point must be assigned a unique IP addresses. Each PC must also have certain other TCP/IP configuration information such as a subnet mask (netmask), a domain name server (DNS) address, and a default gateway address. In most cases, you should install TCP/IP so that the PC obtains its specific network configuration information automatically from a DHCP server during startup.
Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking
As part of the PC preparation process, you may need to install and configure TCP/IP on your PC. Before starting, locate your Windows CD; you may need to insert it during the TCP/IP installation process.
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components
To install or verify the necessary components for IP networking:
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access C-1
On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the Network icon. The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components:
You must have an Ethernet adapter or an WG311 v2, the TCP/IP protocol, and the Client for Microsoft Networks.
Note: It is not necessary to remove any other network components shown in the Network window in order to install the adapter, TCP/IP, or Client for Microsoft Networks.
If you need to add TCP/IP:
Click the Add button. Select Protocol, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. Select TCP/IP, and then click OK.

The TCP/IP details are presented on the Support tab page. Select Internet Protocol, and click Properties to view the configuration information.
Verify that Obtain an IP address
automatically radio button is selected and that the Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button is selected. Click the OK button. This completes the DHCP configuration in Windows XP. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000
After you install a network card, TCP/IP for Windows 2000 is configured and set to DHCP without your having to configure it. However, if there are problems, following the steps below to configure TCP/IP with DHCP for Windows 2000.
Click on the My Network Places icon on the Windows desktop. This will bring up a window called Network and Dial-up Connections. Right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.
The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box appears. Verify that you have the correct Ethernet card selected in the Connect using: box and that the following two items are displayed and selected in the box of Components checked are used by this connection: Client for Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Click OK.

With Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) selected, click on Properties to open the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialogue box. Verify that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected.
Click OK to return to Local Area Connection Properties. Click OK again to complete the configuration process. Restart the PC. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
C-10 Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000
To check your PCs TCP/IP configuration:
On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, and then click Run. The Run window opens.
Type cmd and then click OK. A command window opens
Type ipconfig /all Your IP Configuration information will be listed, and should match the values below if you are using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a router or gateway: The IP address is between 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.254 The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 The default gateway is 192.168.0.1

Type exit

Glossary

List of Glossary Terms

Use the list below to find definitions for technical terms used in this manual.

10BASE-T

IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring.

100BASE-Tx

IEEE 802.3 specification for 100 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring.

802.11b

IEEE specification for wireless networking at 11 Mbps using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.4GHz.

802.11g

Internet Engineering Task Force. Working groups of the IETF propose standard protocols and procedures for the Internet, which are published as RFCs (Request for Comment) at www.ietf.org. An open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet.
Internet Protocol is the main internetworking protocol used in the Internet. Used in conjunction with the Transfer Control Protocol (TCP) to form TCP/IP.

IP Address

A four-byte number uniquely defining each host on the Internet, usually written in dotted-decimal notation with periods separating the bytes (for example, 134.177.244.57). Ranges of addresses are assigned by Internic, an organization formed for this purpose.
Short for Internetwork Packet Exchange, a networking protocol used by the Novell NetWare operating systems. Like UDP/IP, IPX is a datagram protocol used for connectionless communications. Higher-level protocols, such as SPX and NCP, are used for additional error recovery services.
Internet service provider.

Internet Protocol

The main internetworking protocol used in the Internet. Used in conjunction with the Transfer Control Protocol (TCP) to form TCP/IP.
A communications network serving users within a limited area, such as one floor of a building.

local area network

LAN. A communications network serving users within a limited area, such as one floor of a building. A LAN typically connects multiple personal computers and shared network devices such as storage and printers. Although many technologies exist to implement a LAN, Ethernet is the most common for connecting personal computers.

MAC address

The Media Access Control address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface card. Usually written in the form 01:23:45:67:89:ab.

Megabits per second.

NetBIOS
The Network Basic Input Output System is an application programming interface (API) for sharing services and information on local-area networks (LANs). Provides for communication between stations of a network where each station is given a name. These names are alphanumeric names, up to 16 characters in length.