Netgear WPN311 WPN311 Installation Guide - Page 1

)NSTALLATION'UIDE NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 These basic setup instructions assume that you will connect to an access point using the default security options. See the online help and the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 User Manual on the NETGEAR CD for instructions on configuring wireless security, Ad-hoc mode, or advanced options. Estimated Completion Time: 15-25 minutes. 1. First, install the WPN311 software. Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the CD main page does not appear, double click Autorun.exe on the CD. a. Click Install the Software. The Check for Updates window opens. b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to install from the CD. c. Follow the Wizard steps and click Next to continue. When the software has been installed the Connection Wizard prompts you to shut down the computer. 2. Now, install the wireless PCI adapter card. a. Shut down your computer and unplug the power cord. b. Open the case and insert your WPN311 Wireless PCI Adapter into a PCI slot. c. Connect the antenna to the adapter and position the antenna to the up position. d. Close the case, plug the power cord back in, and restart your computer. The WPN311 software automatically runs. e. Select the country domain where you are located from the drop-down list and click Agree. 3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless PCI adapter. a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless adapter either with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration utilities. • NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems. • Windows configuration utilities: See the Windows documentation or "Using Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities" at: http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm b. Click Next to accept the NETGEAR Smart Wizard. You will be prompted to let the Connection Wizard guide you (recommended). c. Click Finish to accept. 4. Connect to a wireless network. a. Select the wireless network from the dropdown list, and the wizard records your choice. Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the Network Name (SSID). These networks are in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) is blank. If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it. b. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile. c. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish. The Connection Wizard initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for your wireless connection to be established. Using the Status Bar The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page. Security Channel Throughput Wireless network Signal strength Find a Network Connection status Understanding the Status Bar Wireless network Identifies which wireless network you have joined. Security • Locked: security enabled. • Unlocked: security not enabled. Channel The wireless channel used by the network. If many wireless networks in your area use the same channel they can interfere with one another. Throughput Wireless throughput measured in Mega bits per second. Signal strength More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you will experience higher throughput when the signal is strongest. Find a Network Click Find a Network to open the Connection Wizard. Connection status Identifies the status of your network connection. • Connected to Internet: Wireless Internet connection is OK. • Connected to Router: Wireless connection to the router is OK but the router is not connected to the Internet. • 169.254.x.x or The wireless connection to the router is OK but there is a problem with the router. See the online help or the Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 on the NETGEAR CD for troubleshooting tips. Note: To optimize throughput, connect to a network with a high-speed router or access point, and a high-speed Internet connection. For more information about optimizing wireless performance, and network bandwidth, see the Installation Guide for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PCI Adapter WPN311 on the NETGEAR CD.