Netgear WG311v3 WG311v3 Reference Manual - Page 13

Chapter 1 Basic Setup The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 lets you connect a PC computer to wireless networks. It is designed for PC computers running Microsoft Windows. For information about product features and compatible NETGEAR products, see the NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com. This chapter describes how to install your WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network settings are covered in Chapter 2, "Network Connections and Wireless Security". Note: Indoors, computers can connect to wireless networks at distances of several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter provides highly effective security features, which are covered in "Wireless Security" on page 2-10. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs. What You Need Before You Begin You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and get the wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can configure your wireless PCI adapter and connect. Verify System Requirements Before installing the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met: • Pentium® III class computer with an available PCI slot • CD 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 v3 driver software 1-1 v3.0, February 2007