NETGEAR MA101 manual

NETGEAR , Inc. 4401 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Reference Manual for the Model MA101 802.1 1b W ireless PC Card[...]

T echnical Support Please refer to the support information card that sh ipped with your product. By registering your product at www .NETGEAR.com/register , we can provide you with faster ex pert technical support and timely no tices of product and software upgrades. NETGEAR, INC. Support Information Phone: 1-888-NET GEAR (For US & Canada only) [...]

i Content s Preface - About This Inst allation Guide Chapter 1 - Introduction About the MA101 802.1 1b W ireless US B Adapter .............. ................ .....1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ................. ................ .....1 What’s in the Box? ................ ................. ................ ................... ........[...]

ii Configuring WEP Encryption Security ................... .................... ......32 Appendix A - T echnical Specifications Appendix B - 802 .1 1b Wirele ss Networking Basics Related Publications ................. ................ ................ ................ ............. 35 Wireless Networking . ................ ................ ........[...]

iii Preface About This Inst allation Guide Thank you for pu rchasing the NETGEAR ® MA10 1 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter. This reference manual assumes that the re ader has basic to in termedia te computer and Internet skills. However , basic computer network, Internet, and wireless technologies tutorial information is provided in the Appendices. [...]

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1 Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter introduces the features, package contents, an d appearance of the NETGEAR MA101 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter. See “What Y o u W ill Need Before Y ou Begi n” on page 9 for the minimum system requirements. Also, a “road map” for achieving your inst allation objectives is provided on page 3 . About the M[...]

2 • Highest level security w ith 128-bit S hared Key WE P data encryption. Lower level data encryption or no data encr y ption options simplify net work setup and improve data transfer rates. The following Netgear products can be configured to comm unicate with the MA101 USB Adapter. • W A B102 Dual Band Access Point • MA401 802.1 1b W ireles[...]

3 A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ The introduction and adoption of a ny new technology ca n be a difficult process. W ireless technology has removed one of the b arriers to networking: running wires. It allows more people to try ne twor king while at the same time exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking. General networ[...]

4 Protect my wireless connection from snooping, hacking, or information theft. Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants where the address begins with https: .. . are using the SSL encryption security built into browsers like Internet Explorer and Netscape ® . Any security features you might implem ent in a wireless network [...]

5 Connect to the Internet over my wireless network. 1. Activate my wireless link and verify my 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[...]

6 Exchange files between my wirelessly connected computer and other computers in a combined wireless and wired network. 1. Use the Windows Network Neighborhood feature to browser for computers in the combined wireless and wired network. 2. Browse the hard drive of the target computer in the network in order to locate the directory or files you want[...]

7 Use printers in a combined wireless and wired network. 1. Use the Windows Printers and Fax features to locate available printers in the combined wireless and wired network. 2. Use the Windows Add a Printer wizard to add access a network printer from the PC you are using to wireles sly connect to the network. 3. From the File menu of an applicatio[...]

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9 Chapter 2 Inst alling the MA101 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter This chapter describes how to set up yo ur MA101 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter for wireless connectivity on your W i reless Local Area Network (WLAN). What Y ou W ill Need Before Y ou Begin Y ou n eed to verify your compu ter meet s the minimum system requirements and identify the wi[...]

10 V erify System Requirement s Before installing the MA1 01 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter, please make sure that these minimum requir ements have been met: • Y ou must have a Pentium ® Class computer . • An available USB port. •A C D - R O M d r i v e . • 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space. • Some versions of W indows may ask for the ori[...]

11 T wo Basic Operating Modes The MA101 USB Ad apter, like all 802.1 1b adapters , can operat e in the following two basic modes: • Infrastructure Mode: An 802.1 1 networking framew ork in which devic es and computers communicate with each ot her by first going through an access point (AP). For example, this mode is used when computers in a house[...]

12 MA101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings If this is a new wireless network installatio n, use the factory default settings to set up the network and verify wireless conn ectivity . If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you will need to identify the wireless configuration and security parameters a lready defined. On W indow[...]

13 Using the MA101 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode Figure 2-1: MA101 802.1 1b Wireless USB Adapter in Infrastr ucture Mode This section provides instructions fo r setting up the MA101 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter. MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter Connected to a Desktop Computer Cable/DSL Router Cable or DSL [...]

14 Setting Up the MA101 in Infrastructure Mode Use the procedure below th at corresponds to your v ersion of W indows. For Windows XP Users Inst alling a MA101 Connect the MA101 USB Adapter to your computer . a. Power on your computer and let the operating system boot up completely . b. Locate an av ailable USB po rt on the back o f your compute r [...]

15 Install the MA101 driver software. a. After connecting the MA101, the Found New Hardware popup message appears, then the W izard dialog displays. b. Insert the Model MA101 Resour ce CD into your CD-ROM drive. c. After inserting the Model MA101 Resour ce CD , the Found New Hardware W izard appears. Click the Next button to proceed with the W izar[...]

16 Configur e your wireless network connection. a. Click on the “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network eve n though this is not secure” check box. b. Click Connect. The connection status popup message appears. Note: This procedure assumes you are connecting to a wireless network which is not using WEP security . If your network i[...]

17 For Windows 98/Me Users Inst alling a MA101 Insert the Model MA101 Resource CD into your comput er . Note : Do not connect the USB cable to your computer until after you complete the installation of the soft ware as described in step 2 below a. Power on your computer and let the operating system boot up completely . b. Have the W ind ows 98 or M[...]

18 Connect the MA101 to your computer using the included USB cable. a. Lift the antenna on the MA101. b. Locate an availab le USB port on the back of your computer . c. Connect the USB cable from your computer to the MA101. W indows 98/Me prompts for the locatio n of the driver software. d. Click the CD-ROM drive box and click Next to proceed. e. A[...]

19 Configur e your wireless adapter . a. The MA101 default settings are as follows: •S S I D : Wire le s s • Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure • WEP encryption not enabled. b. Double click on the System T ray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings. Note: Y ou will not get a [...]

20 For Windows 2000 User s Inst alling a MA101 Insert the Model MA101 Resource CD into your comput er . Note : Do not connect the USB cable to your computer until after you complete the installation of the soft ware as described in step 2 below a. Power on your computer and let the operating system boot up completely . b. Have the W i ndows 2000 op[...]

21 Connect the MA101 to your computer using the included USB cable. a. Lift the antenna on the MA101. b. Locate an availab le USB port on the back of your computer . c. Connect the USB cable from your computer to the MA101. d. The W indows Found New Hardware W izard dialog box displa ys. Click Next , and Next again at the search for the best driver[...]

22 Configur e your wireless adapter . a. The MA101 default settings are as follows: •S S I D : Wire le s s • Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure • WEP encryption not enabled. b. Double click on the System T ray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed to verify your settings. Note: Y ou will not get a [...]

23 Using the MA101 to Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode Figure 2-2: MA101 802.1 1b Wireless USB Adapter in Ad-Hoc Mode Ad-Hoc Mode is an 802.1 1 networking framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other , wi thout the use of an access point. For example, Ad-Hoc Mode is used when two W indows computers are configured with file and[...]

24 Setting Up a MA101 in Ad-Hoc Mode Set up the MA101 USB Adapter for your computer . Follow the instructions above for se tting up the MA101 with the version of the W indows operating system y ou are using. Configur e your wireless adapters. a. Double click on the System T ray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility to make whatever con[...]

25 V erify wire less connectivity between the computers. V erify connec tivity by accessing resources on either computer . Note: If you cannot connect, please see the “T roub leshooting T ips” on page 27 . If you have problems with accessing network resources, the W indows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and co[...]

26 Interpreting System T ray Icon Colors The SysT ray (System T ray) resi des on one en d of the task bar in the Micro soft W indows desktop. The wireless LAN conf iguration utility installation for the MA101 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter adds a configuration and status reporting utility icon in the SysT ray . Color Condition Description Red The w[...]

27 T roubleshooting Tip s If you have problems getting wirelessly co nnected to your network, try the tips below . Symptom Cause Solution The LED on the wireless USB adapter is of f The wireless USB adapter cable is not inserted into the USB port proper ly or the proper MA101 USB Adapter software is not loaded. • Remove and reinsert the wireless [...]

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29 Chapter 3 Protecting Y our Wireless Connection The absence of a physical connecti on between nodes makes wireless links vulnerable to information theft. This chapte r descri bes how to use the basic security features of the MA101 802.1 1b W ireless USB Adapter to protect your connection. Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features There are severa[...]

30 Identifying the Wireless Ne twork Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings Print this form, fill in the configuration parameters, and put it in a safe place for future reference. For an existing wireless network, fill in the configuration parameters. The person who set up or is respon sible for the network w ill be able to provide this information.[...]

31 Setting the Wireless Network Name (SSID) The MA101 USB Adapter allows you to restrict access to your wireless communications b ased on the SSID and WEP keyw ords. These settings must match the se ttings of the wireless Access Point. Follow the st eps below to perform this procedure. 1. Run the Configuration Utility and select the Configurati on [...]

32 Configuring WEP Encryption Security The MA101 USB Adapter allows you to restrict access to your wireless network based on WEP keywords. Fo llowing the steps below to p erform this procedure. 1. Run the Configuration Utili ty and select the Security tab page. Figure 3-2: Configuring WEP Enc ryption 2. Select the WEP encryption strength yo u will [...]

33 Appendix A T echnical Specifications This appendix provides technical specifications for the MA101 USB Adapter . Antenna 1 Integrated antenna an d 1 external non-removable antenna Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 1 1 Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) Frequency 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz Direct Sequence S pread Spectrum (DSSS) Maximum Range Outdoor Environment Indoor E[...]

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35 Appendix B 802.1 1b Wireless Networking Basics This chapter provides an overview of IP networks, routing, and wireless networking. Related Publications As you read this document, you may be directed to variou s RFC documents for further information. An RFC is a Requ est For Comment (RFC) published by the Internet Engineering T ask Force (IETF), [...]

36 Wireless Network Configuration The 802.1 1b standard offers two method s for configuring a wireless network — ad hoc and infrastructure. Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer W o rkgroup) In an ad hoc network, computers are brough t together as needed ; thus, there is no structure or fixed point in the network — each node can generally communicate with [...]

37 Extended Service Set Id entification (ESSID) The Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) is one of two types of Service Set Identification (SSID). In an ad-hoc wireless netw ork with no access points, the Basic Service Set Identification (BSSID) is used. In an infrastructure wireless network which includes an access point, the ESSID is used,[...]

38 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) W ired Equivalent Priva cy (WEP) data en cryption is utilized when the wireless nodes or access points are configured to operate in Shared Key authentication mode. There are two shared key method s implemented in most commercially available products, 64-bit and 128-bit WEP data encryption. The 64-bit WEP data encry[...]

39 The radio frequency channels used are listed in Ta b l e 3 - 1 : Note: The available channels supported by the wireless prod ucts in various countries are different. The preferred channel separation betw een the channels in neighboring wireless networks is 25 MHz (5 chan nels). This means that you can app ly up to three different channels within[...]

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41 Appendix C Prep aring Y our PCs for Network Access This appendix describes how to prepar e your PCs to connect to the Internet through the MA101 802. 1 1b W ireless USB Adapter. For adding file and print sharin g to your network, please consult the W indows help information included with the versio n of W indows installed on each computer on you[...]

42 Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking As part of the PC preparation p rocess, you may need to in stall 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. Inst all or V erify Windows Networking Component s T o install or verify the necessa ry co[...]

43 Y ou must have an Ethernet adapter or an MA101, the TCP/IP protocol, an d the Client for Microsoft Networks. If you need to add TCP/IP: a. Click the Add button. b. Select Protocol, and then click Add. c. Select Microsoft. d. Select TCP/IP , and then click OK. Note: It is not necessary to remove any other network components shown in the Network w[...]

44 If you need to add the Client for Micro soft Networks: a. Click the Add button. b. Select Client, and then click Ad d. c. Select Microsoft. d. Select Client for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. If you need to add File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks: a. Click the Add button. b. Select Client, and then click Ad d. c. Select Microso[...]

45 Locate your Network Neighborhood icon. • If the Network Neighborhood icon is on the W ind ows desktop, position your mouse pointer over it and right-click your mouse button. • If the icon is not on the desktop, •C l i c k St a r t on the task bar located at the bottom left of the window . • Choose Se ttings , and then Control Panel . •[...]

46 Selecting Windows’ In ternet Access Method 1. On the W indows taskbar , click the Star t button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Internet Options icon. 3. Select “I want to set up my Internet connection manually” or “I want to connect through a L ocal Area Network” and click Next. 4. Select “I wan[...]

47 V erifying TCP/IP Properties After your PC is configured and h as rebooted, you can check the TCP/IP configuration using the utility winipcfg.exe : 1. On the W indows taskbar , click the Start button, and then click Run. 2. Ty p e winipcfg , and then click OK. The IP Configuration window opens, wh ich lists (among other things), your IP address,[...]

48 3. If an Ethernet adapter is present in yo ur PC, you should see an entry for Local Area Connection. Doub le-click that entry . 4. Select Properties. 5. V erify that Client for Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) are present. If not, select Install and add them. 6. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), click Properties, and veri fy th[...]

49 Now the Network Connection window displays. The Connections List that shows all the network connections set up on the PC, located to the right of the window . • Right-click on the Connection with the wireless icon and choose St a t u s . Now you should be at the Local Area Network Connection Status window . This box displays the connection sta[...]

50 The TCP/IP details are presented on the Support tab page. • Select Internet Protocol, and click Properties to view the configuration information . V erify 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 DH[...]

51 DHCP Configuration of TC P/IP in Windows 2000 After you install a network card, TCP/IP fo r W indows 2000 is configured and set to DHCP without your having to configur e it. However , if there are problems, following the steps below to co nfigure TCP/IP with DHCP for W indow s 2000. Click on the My Networ k Places icon on the W indows desktop. T[...]

52 W ith Internet Protocol (TCP/ IP) selected, click on Properties to open the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialogue box. V erify that • Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. • Obtain DNS server address automat ically is selected. Click OK to return to Local Area Connection Properties. Click OK again to complete the configura[...]

53 V erifying TCP/IP Properti es for Windows XP or 2000 T o check your PC’ s TCP/IP configuration: 1. On the W indows taskbar , click the Start button, and then click Run. The Run window opens. 2. Ty p e cmd and then click OK. A command window opens 3. Ty p e ipconfig /all Y our IP Configuration information will be listed, and should match the va[...]

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1 Numerics 2.5 GHz Cordless phones 2-10 802.1 1b B-37 A Access Point 2-27 Ad Hoc 2-12 Ad-Hoc Mode 2-1 1 ad-hoc mode B-38, B-39 B BSSID B-39 C Channel B-40 Connect in Ad -Hoc M ode 2-23 D Default W i reless Confi guration Settings 2-12 E ESSID B-39 F features 1-1 G Green 2-26 I I cannot see the other computers on the Et hernet side of the network. 2[...]

2 IETF B-37 Infrastructure 2-12 Infrastructure Mode 2-1 1 infrastructure mode B-38, B-39 IP networking for W indows C-44, C-49 L Large metal surfaces 2-10 LED on the PC Card is off 2-27 Location and Range Guidelines 2-10 M Microwaves 2-10 Modes 2-1 1 O Open System authentication B-39 P publications, related B-37 R range 2-10 Red 2-26 S Shared Key a[...]

3 T TCP/IP pro perties verifying for W indows C-49 T roubleshooting Tips 2-27 W walls 2-10 WEP 1-4, 3-29, B-40 Wi - F i B - 3 7 W indows 2000 2-20 W indows 98/ME 2-17 W indows XP Users 2-14 W indows, configuring for IP routing C-44, C-49 winipcfg utility C-49 W ired Equivalent Privacy . See WEP Wi r e l e s s 2 - 1 2 W ireless Ethernet B-37 wireles[...]

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Certificate of the Manufactu rer/Importer It is hereby certified that the Model MA401 W irele ss PC Card has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions set out in the BMP T - Am tsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test transmitters) in accordance wit h the regulations may , however , be subject to [...]

Federal Communicati ons Commission (FCC) Ra diation Exposure S tatement This equipment complie s with FCC radiation exposure limits set fort h for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibilit y of exceeding the FCC radio frequen cy exposure limits, human pr oximity to the antenn a shall not be le ss than 20 cm (8 inches) during nor[...]

NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA E-mail: support@NETGEAR.com www .NETGEAR.com R[...]