NETGEAR WG121 User Manual
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NETGEAR WG121 User Manual

NETGEAR WG121 User Manual

54 mbps wireless usb 2.0 adapter
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Download this manual See also: Installation Manual
User Manual for the
NETGEAR 54 Mbps
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WG121
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Version v1.0
September 2003

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  • Page 1 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Version v1.0 September 2003...

  • Page 2: Technical Support

    In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.

  • Page 3: Regulatory Compliance Information

    Declaration Of Conformity We NETGEAR, Inc., 4500 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, declare under our sole responsibility that the model WG121 Cardbus Card Wireless Adapter complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: •...

  • Page 4: Export Restrictions

    • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Tested to Comply with FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved byNETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate the equipment.
  • Page 5 Marking by the above symbol indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the R&TTE Directive of the European Union (1999/5/EC). This equipment meets the following conformance standards: EN300 328, EN301 489-17, EN60950 Requirements For Operation in the European Community Countries of Operation and Conditions of Use in the European Community The user should run the client utility program provided with this product to check the current channel of operation and confirm that the device is operating in conformance with the spectrum usage rules for European Community countries as described in this section.
  • Page 7 Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations This digital apparatus (NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121) 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.
  • Page 8 viii...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    How to Print this Manual ...1-3 Chapter 2 Introduction About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 ...2-1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ...2-1 What’s in the Box? ...2-2 A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ ...2-3...
  • Page 10 Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ...4-2 How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile ...4-2 Connecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc Mode ...4-3 How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode Profile ...4-3 How to Start a Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network ...4-6 Enabling Wireless Security Features ...4-6 Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security Settings ...4-6 How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ...4-7...
  • Page 11 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 Index Contents...
  • Page 12 Contents...

  • Page 13: About This Manual

    This manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills. However, tutorial information is provided in the Appendices, on the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD, and on the NETGEAR Web site.

  • Page 14: How To Use This Manual

    How to Use this Manual The HTML version of this manual includes these features. Figure 1-1: HTML version of this manual 1. Left pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, and Search tabs. To view the HTML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later browser with JavaScript enabled.

  • Page 15: How To Print This Manual

    How to Print this Manual To print this manual you man choose one of the following several options, according to your needs. • Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button on the upper right of the toolbar to print the currently displayed topic.
  • Page 16 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 About This Manual...

  • Page 17: Introduction

    About the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 gives you ultimate mobility in your office or while you are traveling. It frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring and helps you create a wireless network for sharing your broadband cable or DSL Internet access among multiple PCs in and around your home.

  • Page 18: What's In The Box

    — PC Networking Tutorial • Warranty and Support information card If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair. Introduction...

  • Page 19: A Road Map For 'How To Get There From Here

    The LEDs indicate if the WG121 is connected to a powered on PC, and the wireless link condition and signal quality of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 with another wireless node or the associated access point.
  • Page 20 WEP encryption, such as the WG121 and all NETGEAR wireless networking products. How Do I? To set up the WG121, see Chapter 3, “Basic Setup” follow the instructions provided. To learn about wireless networking technology, see Appendix B, “Wireless Networking Basics”...
  • Page 21 Internet service provider. 4. A browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. How Do I? To configure your WG121 in Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic Installation Instructions” on page 3-4, and locate the section for your version of Windows.
  • Page 22 For assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using. Introduction...
  • Page 23 For assistance with setting up Windows networking, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial on the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD and the Help information provided in the Windows system you are using. For assistance with setting up...
  • Page 24 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Introduction...

  • Page 25: Basic Setup

    You must have a PC with a Pentium available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port. Note: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your PC, the throughput of the WG121 will be limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.

  • Page 26: Observing Location And Range Guidelines

    Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: •...

  • Page 27: Wg121 Default Wireless Configuration Settings

    • Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network) Note: In order for the WG121 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to communicate with a wireless access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same wireless network name (SSID).

  • Page 28: Basic Installation Instructions

    Basic Installation Instructions Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using. For Windows XP Users Installing a WG121 Install the WG121 driver and configuration utility software. Power on your PC, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed.
  • Page 29 USB v1.1 port maximum speed is 14 Mbps whereas the maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. So, when the WG121 is connected to a USB v1.1 port, the communications speed will be limited to the maximum of the USB v1.1 port.
  • Page 30 SSID, and WEP disabled. If your WLAN settings are different from the NETGEAR default settings, you will not connect. Set up your WG121 accordingly. Note: This procedure assumes you are connecting to a wireless network which is not using WEP security.
  • Page 31 Looking for network association. Associated or joined with network. • The WG121 is not plugged in to the PC • The PC is not turned on. The WG121 is plugged in and the PC is turned on. “Troubleshooting” on page 3-14.

  • Page 32: For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing A Wg121

    For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WG121 Install the WG121 driver and configuration utility software. Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be logged on with administrator rights. Power on your PC, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed.
  • Page 33 Found New Hardware Wizard Note: If your computer does not have a USB v2.0 port but rather a USB v1.1 type port, the WG121 will be limited to the maximum speed of the USB v1.1 port. USB v1.1 port maximum speed is 14 Mbps whereas the maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is...
  • Page 34 SSID, and WEP disabled. If your WLAN settings are different from the NETGEAR default settings, you will not connect. Set up your WG121 accordingly. Note: This procedure assumes you are connecting to a wireless network which is not using WEP security.
  • Page 35 Looking for network association. Associated or joined with network. • The WG121 is not plugged in to the PC • The PC is not turned on. The WG121 is plugged in and the PC is turned on. “Troubleshooting” on page 3-14. 3-11...

  • Page 36: Wg121 Wireless Connection Indicators

    The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 provides the following three indicators which give you feedback on the status of your wireless connection: • The two LEDs on the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 indicate the condition of wireless link. •...

  • Page 37: Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors

    Basic Setup Description The WG121 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.

  • Page 38: Troubleshooting

    Check the Windows device manager to see if the PC Card is recognized and enabled. Reload the WG121 software, if necessary. Try to install the WG121 in a different slot on your system if one is available. The access point may not be powered on. Or, the access point and the PC card are not configured with the same wireless parameters.

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions

    Question: The product literature says the WG121 can operate at 54 Mbps. Why do I see no more than 11 Mbps speed on my WG121 Smart Configuration Utility status line? Answer: If you are connecting to an 802.11b network, the maximum 802.11b speed is 11 Mbps.
  • Page 40 14 Mbps speed on my WG121? If your computer does not have a USB v2.0 port but rather a USB v1.1 type port, the WG121 will be limited to the maximum speed of the USB v1.1 port. USB v1.1 port maximum speed is 14 Mbps whereas the maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps.
  • Page 41 Answer: Yes, the WG121 complies with the IEEE 802.11g standards. Question: It is nice to have a browser-based type of Manual on the Resource CD, but how do I get a PDF copy of it, like the Installation Guide? Answer: In the Manual HTML page, there is a PDF button image at the top right hand corner of the web page.
  • Page 42 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 3-18 Basic Setup...

  • Page 43: Configuration

    This chapter describes how to configure your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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 WG121 configuration utility.

  • Page 44: Connecting To An Access Point In Infrastructure Mode

    1. Run the WG121 Configuration Utility. Make sure the WG121 software is installed and the WG121 is connected to your PC. Open the configuration utility by clicking on the WG121 icon in the Windows system tray. Click on the Settings tab to display the view shown above.

  • Page 45: Connecting To Another Pc In Ad-Hoc Mode

    Computers for TCP/IP Networking” on page Connecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc Mode The peer-to-peer setting of the WG121 uses Ad-Hoc mode. Ad-Hoc mode is an 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other, without the use of an access point.
  • Page 46 Configure each PC with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol. Note: For instructions on configuring static IP addresses, refer to the networking tutorial on your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Resource CD. Restart the PCs.
  • Page 47 Figure 4-2: Ping test results 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 the accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers.

  • Page 48: How To Start A Computer-To-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Network

    “Authentication and WEP” on page In addition to the WG121 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.

  • Page 49: How To Configure Wep Encryption Security

    Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security. 1. Run the WG121 Configuration Utility. Make sure the WG121 software is installed and the WG121 is connected to your PC. Open the configuration utility by clicking on the WG121 icon in the Windows system tray.
  • Page 50 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.

  • Page 51: Statistics Page

    802.11 wireless protocols. Note that if the wireless network you are communicating with uses the 108 Mbps 802.11g mode, you must include that in your selection (for example, if you are using the WG121 with the NETGEAR WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router).
  • Page 52 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 4-10 Configuration...

  • Page 53: Technical Specifications

    This appendix provides technical specifications for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Antennae Standards Radio Data Rate Frequency Power Emissions Bus interface Provided drivers Dimensions Weight Operating Environment Encryption Warranty Technical Specifications Technical Specifications 2 Integrated internal diversity antennas 802.11g, 802.11b...
  • Page 54 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Technical Specifications...

  • Page 55: Wireless Networking Basics

    Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b standard for wireless LANs (WLANs) and a product update will bring the WG121 into conformance to the 802.11g standard when it is ratified. On an 802.11b or g wireless link, data is encoded using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and is transmitted in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5GHz.

  • Page 56: Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-To-Peer Workgroup

    User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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.

  • Page 57: 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 WG121: Turn on the wireless station.

  • Page 58: Shared Key Authentication

    802.11 Authentication Open System Steps 1) Authentication request sent to AP 3) Client connects to network Client attempting to connect Figure 4-3: 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.

  • Page 59: Overview Of Wep Parameters

    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, 5) Client connects to network Figure 4-4: 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...

  • Page 60: Key Size

    User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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.

  • Page 61: Wireless Channels

    User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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.
  • Page 62 The radio frequency channels used are listed in Table 4-1. 802.11b and g Radio Frequency Channels Channel 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 Note: The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different.

  • Page 63: Preparing Your Pcs For Network Access

    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 USB 2.0 Adapter WG121. 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.
  • Page 64 Double-click the Network icon. The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components: You must have an Ethernet adapter or an WG121, 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.

  • Page 65: Enabling Dhcp To Automatically Configure Tcp/Ip Settings In Windows 98 And Me

    Click the Add button. Select Client, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. Select File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect. Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 98 and Me After the TCP/IP protocol components are installed, each PC must be assigned specific information about itself and resources that are available on its network.
  • Page 66 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Verify the following settings as shown: • Client for Microsoft Network exists • Ethernet adapter is present • TCP/IP is present • Primary Network Logon is set to Windows logon Click on the Properties button.

  • Page 67: Selecting Windows' Internet Access Method

    By default, the IP Address tab is open on this window. • Verify the following: Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. If not selected, click in the radio button to the left of it to select it. This setting is required to enable the DHCP server to automatically assign an IP address.

  • Page 68: Configuring Windows 2000 Or Xp For Tcp/Ip Networking

    From the drop-down box, select your Ethernet adapter. The window is updated to show your settings, which should match the values below if you are using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a router or gateway: •...

  • Page 69: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows Xp Or 2000

    DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 You will find there are many similarities in the procedures for different Windows systems when using DHCP to configure TCP/IP. The following steps will walk you through the configuration process for each of these versions of Windows.
  • Page 70 Now you should be at the Local Area Network Connection Status window. This box displays the connection status, duration, speed, and activity statistics. Administrator logon access rights are needed to use this window. • Click the Properties button to view details about the connection.

  • Page 71: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows 2000

    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.
  • Page 72 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:”...

  • Page 73: Verifying Tcp/Ip Properties For Windows Xp Or 2000

    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 •...
  • Page 74 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 C-12 Preparing Your PCs for Network Access...

  • Page 75: Glossary

    Glossary 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 2.5GHz.
  • Page 76 .com, .edu, .uk, etc. For example, in the address mail.NETGEAR.com, mail is a server name and NETGEAR.com is the domain. Short for digital subscriber line, but is commonly used in reference to the asymmetric version of this technology (ADSL) that allows data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at data rates of from 1.5...
  • Page 77 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 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.
  • Page 78 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 router A device that forwards data between networks. An IP router forwards data based on IP source and destination addresses. Routing Information Protocol RIP. A protocol in which routers periodically exchange information with one another so that they can determine minimum distance paths between sources and destinations.
  • Page 79 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 wide area network WAN. A long distance link used to extend or connect remotely located local area networks. The Internet is a large WAN. Wi-Fi 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...
  • Page 80 User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG121 Glossary...
  • Page 81 Numerics 802.11b 1 ad-hoc mode 2 BSSID 2 ESSID 2 features 1 infrastructure mode 2 IP networking for Windows 1 LEDs description 7 Open System authentication 2 Shared Key authentication 2 SSID 4 TCP/IP properties verifying for Windows 5 Index Index WEP 4 Wi-Fi 1...

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