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- Page 1 Reference Manual for the Model MA101 802.11b Wireless PC Card NETGEAR, Inc. 4401 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA...
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Page 2: Technical Support
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: Table Of Contents
Preface - About This Installation Guide Chapter 1 - Introduction About the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter ...1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ...1 What’s in the Box? ...2 A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ ...3 Chapter 2 - Installing the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter... - Page 4 Configuring WEP Encryption Security ...32 Appendix A - Technical Specifications Appendix B - 802.11b Wireless Networking Basics Related Publications ...35 Wireless Networking ...35 Wireless Network Configuration ...36 Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ...36 Infrastructure Mode ...36 Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ...37 Authentication and WEP Encryption ...37 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) ...38 Wireless Channel Selection ...38...
- Page 5 Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR Adapter. Note: If you are unfamiliar with networking, routing, and wireless communications, refer to Basics,” to become more familiar with the terms and procedures used in this guide. This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills.
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Page 7: Chapter 1 Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter. See Before You Begin” on page 9 “road map” for achieving your installation objectives is provided on About the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter The MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter gives you ultimate flexibility in your... -
Page 8: What's In The Box
HTML format • Warranty card • 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. -
Page 9: A Road Map For 'How To Get There From Here
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Wireless technology has removed one of the barriers to networking: running wires. It allows more people to try networking while at the same time exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking. - Page 10 1. A wireless network with authentication and WEP encryption enabled. 2. Wireless networking equipment that supports WEP encryption, such as the MA101 and all Netgear wireless networking products. How Do I? To learn about wireless networking security, please see “Authentication and WEP Encryption”...
- Page 11 Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... If I Want To... ? What Do I Do? Connect to the 1. Activate my Internet over my wireless link wireless and verify my network. network connection. 2.
- Page 12 Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... If I Want To... ? What Do I Do? Exchange files 1. Use the between my Windows wirelessly Network connected Neighborhood computer and feature to other computers browser for in a combined computers in...
- Page 13 Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... If I Want To... ? What Do I Do? Use printers in a 1. Use the combined Windows wireless and Printers and wired network. Fax features to locate available printers in the...
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Page 15: Chapter 2 - Installing The Ma101 802.11B Wireless Usb Adapter
MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter This chapter describes how to set up your MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Note: Computers can connect over 802.11b wireless networks at a range of as much as 500 feet or more indoors. With this distance, and because walls do not always block wireless signals, others outside your immediate area could access your network. -
Page 16: Verify System Requirements
Verify System Requirements Before installing the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met: • You must have a Pentium • An available USB port. • A CD-ROM drive. • 5 Mbytes of free hard disk space. •... -
Page 17: Two Basic Operating Modes
Two Basic Operating Modes The MA101 USB Adapter, like all 802.11b 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). -
Page 18: Ma101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings
MA101 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. -
Page 19: Using The Ma101 To Connect To A Wireless Network Access Point In Infrastructure Mode
Using the MA101 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter Connected to a Desktop Computer Figure 2-1: MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter in Infrastructure Mode This section provides instructions for setting up the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter. -
Page 20: Setting Up The Ma101 In Infrastructure Mode
Setting Up the MA101 in Infrastructure Mode Use the procedure below that corresponds to your version of Windows. For Windows XP Users Installing a MA101 Connect the MA101 USB Adapter to your computer. Power on your computer and let the operating system boot up completely. - Page 21 Install the MA101 driver software. After connecting the MA101, the Found New Hardware popup message appears, then the Wizard dialog displays. Insert the Model MA101 Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive. After inserting the Model MA101 Resource CD, the Found New Hardware Wizard appears.
- Page 22 Configure your wireless network connection. Click on the “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network even though this is not secure” check box. 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.
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Page 23: For Windows 98/Me Users Installing A Ma101
Install the MA101 software. Run the Setup.exe program on the Model MA101 Resource CD. Click Next and follow the prompts to complete the installation. When the installation is complete, click Finish to close the wizard. Netgear MA101 Setup Utility... - Page 24 Click Yes when asked if you want to reboot the system. You should now see the Windows system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Netgear MA101 Windows 98/Me Add Hardware Wizard MA101 Configuration Utility SysTray Icon...
- Page 25 If your wireless network settings are different from the Netgear. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the page 27. If you have problems with accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers.
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Page 26: For Windows 2000 Users Installing A Ma101
PC. Install the MA101 software. Run the Setup.exe program on the Model MA101 Resource CD. Click Next and follow the prompts to complete the installation. When the installation is complete, click Finish to close the wizard. Netgear MA101 Setup Utility... - Page 27 Next again at the search for the best driver screen. If the Digital Signature Not Found warning appears, click Yes to continue. Netgear tested the MA101 for Windows 2000 compatibility. If asked, insert the Windows 2000 CD and follow the prompts.
- Page 28 If your wireless network settings are different from the Netgear. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. Verify connectivity by accessing the Internet or network resources. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the page 27.
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Page 29: Using The Ma101 To Connect In Ad-Hoc Mode
Using the MA101 to Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode MA101 Wireless USB Adapter Connected to a Desktop Computer Figure 2-2: MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter in 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. 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. -
Page 30: Setting Up A Ma101 In Ad-Hoc Mode
Setting Up a MA101 in Ad-Hoc Mode Set up the MA101 USB Adapter for your computer. Follow the instructions above for setting up the MA101 with the version of the Windows operating system you are using. Configure your wireless adapters. Double click on the System Tray icon to run the wireless LAN configuration utility to... - Page 31 Verify wireless connectivity between the computers. Verify connectivity by accessing resources on either computer. Note: If you cannot connect, please see the “Troubleshooting Tips” on page 27. If you have problems with accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers.
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Page 32: Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors The SysTray (System Tray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop. The wireless LAN configuration utility installation for the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter adds a configuration and status reporting utility icon in the SysTray. -
Page 33: Troubleshooting Tips
Troubleshooting Tips If you have problems getting wirelessly connected to your network, try the tips below. Symptom The LED on the The wireless USB wireless USB adapter cable is not adapter is off inserted into the USB port properly or the proper MA101 USB Adapter software is not loaded. -
Page 35: Chapter 3 - Protecting Your Wireless Connection
Protecting Your Wireless Connection The absence of a physical connection between nodes makes wireless links vulnerable to information theft. This chapter describes how to use the basic security features of the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter to protect your connection. Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features There are several ways you can strengthen the security of your wireless connection. -
Page 36: Identifying The Wireless Network Name (Ssid) And Wep Security Settings
Wireless Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local area network. Wireless is the default MA101 SSID. However, you may customize it by using up to 32 alphanumeric characters. Netgear recommends that you write your customized SSID on the line below. Note The SSID in the wireless Access Point is the SSID you configure in the wireless USB adapter. -
Page 37: Setting The Wireless Network Name (Ssid)
Setting the Wireless Network Name (SSID) The MA101 USB Adapter allows you to restrict access to your wireless communications based on the SSID and WEP keywords. These settings must match the settings of the wireless Access Point. Follow the steps below to perform this procedure. -
Page 38: Configuring Wep Encryption Security
Configuring WEP Encryption Security The MA101 USB Adapter allows you to restrict access to your wireless network based on WEP keywords. Following the steps below to perform this procedure. Run the Configuration Utility and select the Security tab page. Figure 3-2: Configuring WEP Encryption Select the WEP encryption strength you will use. -
Page 39: Appendix A - Technical Specifications
This appendix provides technical specifications for the MA101 USB Adapter Antenna Radio Data Rate Frequency Maximum Range Emissions Bus interface Provided drivers Dimensions Weight Status LED Operating Environment Encryption Warranty Technical Specifications 1 Integrated antenna and 1 external non-removable antenna 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) -
Page 41: Related Publications
Appendix B 802.11b 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 various RFC documents for further information. An RFC is a Request For Comment (RFC) published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), an open organization that defines the architecture and operation of the Internet. -
Page 42: Wireless Network Configuration
Wireless Network Configuration The 802.11b standard offers two methods for configuring a wireless network — ad hoc and infrastructure. 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 point in the network — each node can generally communicate with any other node. -
Page 43: Extended Service Set Identification (Essid)
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 which includes an access point, the ESSID is used, but may still be referred to as SSID. -
Page 44: Wired Equivalent Privacy (Wep)
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption is utilized when the wireless nodes or access points 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. The 64-bit WEP data encryption method, allows for a five-character (40-bit) input. - Page 45 Table 3-1. 802.11 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.
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Page 47: Appendix C - Preparing Your Pcs For Network Access
Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access This appendix describes how to prepare your PCs to connect to the Internet through the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter. 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 48: Configuring Windows 98 And Me For Tcp/Ip Networking
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: On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then... - Page 49 You must have an Ethernet adapter or an MA101, 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.
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Page 50: 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 Client for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK. If you need to add File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks: Click the Add button. Select Client, and then click Add. Select Microsoft. - Page 51 Locate your Network Neighborhood icon. • If the Network Neighborhood icon is on the Windows desktop, position your mouse pointer over it and right-click your mouse button. • If the icon is not on the desktop, • Click Start on the task bar located at the bottom left of the window.
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Page 52: 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... -
Page 53: Verifying Tcp/Ip Properties
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 54: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows Xp Or 2000
Area Connection. Double-click that entry. Select Properties. Verify that Client for Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) are present. If not, select Install and add them. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), click Properties, and verify that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected. Click OK and close all Network and Dialup Connections windows. - Page 55 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 Status. Now you should be at the Local Area Network Connection Status window.
- Page 56 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.
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Page 57: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows 2000
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 58 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.
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Page 59: 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 61: Index
Numerics Index 2.5 GHz Cordless phones 2-10 802.11b B-37 Access Point 2-27 Ad Hoc 2-12 Ad-Hoc Mode 2-11 ad-hoc mode B-38, B-39 BSSID B-39 Channel B-40 Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode 2-23 Default Wireless Configuration Settings 2-12 ESSID B-39 features 1-1 Green 2-26 I cannot see the other computers on the Ethernet side of the network. - Page 62 IETF B-37 Infrastructure 2-12 Infrastructure Mode 2-11 infrastructure mode B-38, B-39 IP networking for Windows C-44, C-49 Large metal surfaces 2-10 LED on the PC Card is off 2-27 Location and Range Guidelines 2-10 Microwaves 2-10 Modes 2-11 Open System authentication B-39 publications, related B-37 range 2-10 Red 2-26...
- Page 63 TCP/IP properties verifying for Windows C-49 Troubleshooting Tips 2-27 walls 2-10 WEP 1-4, 3-29, B-40 Wi-Fi B-37 Windows 2000 2-20 Windows 98/ME 2-17 Windows XP Users 2-14 Windows, configuring for IP routing C-44, C-49 winipcfg utility C-49 Wired Equivalent Privacy. See WEP Wireless 2-12 Wireless Ethernet B-37 wireless network name 1-3...
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Page 65: Vcci Statement
When used near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference. Read instructions for correct handling. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice NETGEAR MA101 Wireless USB Adapter Tested to Comply with FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. - Page 66 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation.
- Page 67 NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA E-mail: support@NETGEAR.com www.NETGEAR.com...