NETGEAR MA401 Reference Manual
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NETGEAR MA401 Reference Manual

802.11b wireless pc card
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Download this manual See also: Installation Manual
Reference Guide for the
Model MA401 802.11b

Wireless PC Card

NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Phone 1-888-NETGEAR
M1-MA401NA-2
November 2002

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  • Page 1: Wireless Pc Card

    Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Phone 1-888-NETGEAR M1-MA401NA-2 November 2002...
  • Page 2 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 EN 55 022 Statement This is to certify that the Model MA301 Wireless PCI Adapter is shielded against the generation of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22).
  • Page 4 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Observe Location and Range Guidelines ...2 Two Basic Operating Modes ...3 MA401 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ...3 Using the MA401 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ...4 For Experienced Computer Users Installing a MA401 to Operate In Infrastructure Mode ...5...
  • Page 6 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Installing a MA401 to Operate in Ad-Hoc Mode ...23 MA401 Wireless Connection Indicators ...27 Interpreting the LED on the MA401 ...27 Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors ...28 Troubleshooting Tips ...29...
  • Page 7 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method ...5 Verifying TCP/IP Properties ...6 Configuring Windows NT, 2000 or XP for IP Networking ...6 Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ...6 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4 ...7 DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ...7...
  • Page 8 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card viii...
  • Page 9 About This Reference Guide Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR The MA401 PC Card provides high-speed 11 Mbps access between your computer and other 802.11b compliant wireless devices. Note: If you are unfamiliar with networking, routing, and wireless communications, refer to Basics,”...
  • Page 10 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Preface-2About This Reference Guide...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    NETGEAR MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. About the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card The MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 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 12: What's In The Box

    Installation Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card • AModel MA401 Resource CD, including: — Driver and Configuration Utility Software — Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card in Adobe Acrobat PDF file format Introduction...

  • Page 13: A Road Map For 'How To Get There From Here

    — Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card in 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 14 Wireless PC Card with the settings from step 1. What’s Needed? How Do I? To set up the MA401, 1. A wireless network 2. A notebook PC within the “Installing the MA401 operating range of the 802.11b Wireless PC wireless network. For Card”...
  • Page 15 “Authentication and 2. Wireless networking WEP Encryption“ on equipment that supports page WEP encryption, such as the MA401 and all To use WEP security Netgear wireless features, please see networking products. “Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features“ on page your MA401 accordingly.
  • Page 16 DSL Internet service Infrastructure Mode through a cable/DSL Setup Instructions router as illustrated in for Various Version “Using the MA401 to of Windows“ on page Connect to a Wireless 2-7, and locate the Network Access Point in section for your Infrastructure Mode“...
  • Page 17 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 Network wirelessly Neighborhood connected feature to notebook browser for computer and computers in other...
  • Page 18 Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ... If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? Use printers in 1. Use the a combined Windows Printers and wireless and Fax features to wired locate network.

  • Page 19: Installing The Ma401 802.11B Wireless Pc Card

    MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card This chapter describes how to set up your MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card for wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Computers can connect over 802.11b wireless networks at a Note: range of several hundred feet indoors.

  • Page 20: Verify System Requirements

    500 feet. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as: •...

  • Page 21: Two Basic Operating Modes

    Two Basic Operating Modes The MA401 PC Card, 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 22: Using The Ma401 To Connect To A Wireless Network Access Point In Infrastructure Mode

    Using the MA401 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in Infrastructure Mode Figure 2-1: NETGEAR MA401 Wireless PC Card in Infrastructure Mode This section provides instructions for setting up the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. The procedures below include the following: •...

  • Page 23: For Experienced Computer Users Installing A Ma401 To Operate In Infrastructure Mode

    If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot.
  • Page 24 Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc): Infrastructure • • WEP encryption not enabled. If your WLAN settings are different from the Netgear default settings, run the wireless LAN configuration utility you just installed and make whatever configuration changes are needed. Verify wireless connectivity to your network.

  • Page 25: Detailed Infrastructure Mode Setup Instructions For Various Version Of Windows

    If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot.
  • Page 26 Wizard Windows XP Wireless Network Connection Alert Note: The Netgear and Windows XP utilities let you set up your MA401. The Netgear installation utility defaults to turning off the Windows XP utilities. You cannot use both at the same time. The Netgear screens are presented in step 3 below.
  • Page 27 Configure your MA401 accordingly. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in.

  • Page 28: For Windows 98/Me Users Installing A Ma401

    If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot.
  • Page 29 You should now see the Windows system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Windows 98/ME Add Hardware Wizard MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon 2-11...
  • Page 30 Configure your MA401 accordingly. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in.

  • Page 31: For Windows 2000 Users Installing A Ma401

    If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot.
  • Page 32 Click Yes to reboot the system. You should now see the Windows system tray icon in the Windows task bar. 2-14 Windows 2000 Found New Hardware Wizard MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card...
  • Page 33 Configure your MA401 accordingly. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in.

  • Page 34: For Windows 95B Users Installing A Ma401

    If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot.
  • Page 35 You should now see the Windows system tray icon on the right in the lower right portion of the Windows task bar. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Windows 95B Add Hardware Wizard MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon 2-17...
  • Page 36 Configure your MA401 accordingly. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in.

  • Page 37: For Windows Nt4 Users Installing A Ma401

    If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card...
  • Page 38 Select NETGEAR MA401 Wireless PC Card and click OK. 2-20 Windows NT4 Add Network Adapter Tab Page x:\winnt Windows NT4 Select OEM Page Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card...
  • Page 39 If there is a system resource conflict, please check Windows NT Diagnostics and find a free I/O address and IRQ. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card click Yes MA401 LAN Configuration Utility System Tray Icon 2-21...
  • Page 40 Configure your MA401 accordingly. Verify wireless connectivity to your network. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in.

  • Page 41: Using The Ma401 To Connect In Ad-Hoc Mode

    MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card in Ad-Hoc mode. Installing a MA401 to Operate in Ad-Hoc Mode If an earlier version of the Netgear MA401 Wireless PC...
  • Page 42 If your notebook computer has two PCMCIA or CardBus slots, the MA401 wireless PC Card can be inserted into either slot. Hold the PC Card with the Netgear logo facing up and insert it into the PC card slot.
  • Page 43 If you want to connect to a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network and both computer-to-computer and access point (infrastructure) networks are within range of your computer, then select Computer-to-computer (ad hoc) networks only. Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card MA401 Configuration Utility 2-25...
  • Page 44 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Verify wireless connectivity between the computers. The MA401 has an LED labeled LINK that indicates the wireless link condition of the station. Solid green indicates a good connection. Blinking indicates attempting to connect. Off indicates the card is turned off or not fully plugged in.

  • Page 45: Ma401 Wireless Connection Indicators

    • If the LED is on, the card is plugged in to the notebook PC. • If the LED is on and is a steady green, the MA401 has a connection with an access point or another 802.11b device. •...

  • Page 46: 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 MA401 Wireless PC Card adds a configuration and status reporting utility icon in the SysTray. Color...

  • Page 47: Troubleshooting Tips

    PC Card is properly recognized in the Windows operating system. Reload the driver if necessary. • Try to install the MA401 in a different PCMCIA slot on your system if one is available. • The access point may not be powered on.
  • Page 48 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 2-30 Installing the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card...

  • Page 49: Protecting Your Wireless Connection

    Netgear strongly recommends that, at a minimum, you configure your wireless network to use an SSID other than the default setting.The procedures below identify how to change the SSID and WEP encryption settings of your MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card.

  • Page 50: Identifying The Wireless Network Name (Ssid) And Wep Security Settings

    The WEP Hexadecimal Numbers are needed if a Passphrase is not used in the wireless network Access Point but rather if the key is manually entered. Use the procedures below to configure basic security settings in the MA401. Protecting Your Wireless Connection...

  • Page 51: Setting The Wireless Network Name (Ssid)

    Setting the Wireless Network Name (SSID) The MA401 PC Card 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 52: Configuring Wep Encryption Security

    Configuring WEP Encryption Security The MA401 PC Card allows you to restrict access to your wireless network based on WEP keywords. Following the steps below to perform this procedure. Run the Config Utility and select the Encryption tab page. Figure 3-2: Configuring WEP Encryption Select the WEP encryption strength you will use.
  • Page 53 Check the Create with Passphrase radio button and enter the passphrase from the configuration worksheet your filled out in the procedure above. When you click the Apply button, the configuration manager utility will automatically generate the WEP keys. Note: The characters are case sensitive. Be sure to use the same passphrase when configuring the other wireless devices that will communicate with this wireless pc card.
  • Page 54 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Protecting Your Wireless Connection...

  • Page 55: Technical Specifications

    This appendix provides technical specifications for the MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Antennae Radio Data Rate Frequency Maximum Range Power Consumption RF Output Power Receive Sensitivity Emissions Bus interface Provided drivers Dimensions Weight Status LED Operating Environment Safety Encryption Warranty...
  • Page 56 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Technical Specifications...

  • Page 57: 802.11B Wireless Networking Basics

    World Wide Web at www.ietf.org and are mirrored and indexed at many other sites worldwide. Wireless Networking The MA401 Wireless PC Card conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b standard for wireless LANs (WLANs). On an 802.11b wireless link, data is encoded using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and is transmitted in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5GHz.

  • Page 58: Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-To-Peer Workgroup)

    Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 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.

  • Page 59: Authentication And Wep Encryption

    An SSID is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key identifying the wireless local area network. Some vendors refer to the SSID as network name. For the wireless devices in a network to communicate with each other, all devices must be configured with the same SSID. Authentication and WEP Encryption The absence of a physical connection between nodes makes the wireless links vulnerable to eavesdropping and information theft.

  • Page 60: Wireless Channel Selection

    Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card The 128-bit WEP data encryption method consists of 104 user-configurable bits. Similar to the forty-bit WEP data encryption method, the remaining 24 bits are factory set and not user configurable. Some vendors allow passphrases to be entered instead of the cryptic hexadecimal characters to ease encryption key entry.
  • Page 61 The radio frequency channels used are listed in Table 3-1. 802.11 Radio Frequency Channels Channel Center Frequency 2412Mhz 2417Mhz 2422Mhz 2427Mhz 2432Mhz 2437Mhz 2442Mhz 2447Mhz 2452Mhz 2457Mhz 2462Mhz 2467Mhz 2472Mhz Note: The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different.
  • Page 62 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card 802.11b Wireless Networking Basics...

  • 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 MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card. Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking Computers access the Internet using a protocol called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).

  • Page 64: Install Or Verify Windows Networking Components

    Double-click the Network icon. The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components: You must have an Ethernet adapter or an MA401, 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 95B, 98, And Me

    Select Microsoft. Select TCP/IP, and then click OK. If you need to add the Client for Microsoft Networks: 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.
  • Page 66 Locate the Network Neighborhood icon and click on it. This will open the Network panel as shown below. 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...

  • Page 68: 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 69: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows Xp, 2000, Or Nt4

    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. Then, restart your PC.
  • Page 70 • 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. •...
  • Page 71 • The TCP/IP details are presented on the Support tab page. • Select Internet Protocol, and click Properties to view the configuration information. Preparing Your PCs for Network Access...

  • Page 72: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows 2000

    • Verify that Obtain an IP address automatically radio button is selected. • Verify that Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button is selected. • Click the OK button. This completes the DHCP configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network.
  • Page 73 • Click on the My Network Places icon on the Windows desktop. This will bring up a window called Network and Dial-up Connections. • Right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties. • The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box appears. •...
  • Page 74 • 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.

  • Page 75: Dhcp Configuration Of Tcp/Ip In Windows Nt4

    • Click OK again to complete the configuration process for Windows 2000. Restart the PC. Repeat these steps for each PC with this version of Windows on your network. DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4 Once you have installed the network card, you need to configure the TCP/IP environment for Windows NT 4.0.
  • Page 76 • Open the Control Panel window. • To do this, you need to choose Settings from the Start Menu, and then select Control Panel. • This will display Control Panel window. • Double-click the Network icon in the Control Panel window. •...
  • Page 77 • Highlight the TCP/IP Protocol in the Network Protocols box, and click on the Properties button. Preparing Your PCs for Network Access C-15...

  • Page 78: Verifying Tcp/Ip Properties For Windows Xp, 2000, And Nt4

    • The TCP/IP Properties dialog box now displays. • Click the IP Address tab. • Select the radio button marked Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. • Click OK. This completes the configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT. Restart the PC.
  • Page 79 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 80 Installation Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card C-18 Preparing Your PCs for Network Access...

  • Page 81: Index

    Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Numerics Index 2.5 GHz Cordless phones 2-2 802.11b B-1 Access Point 2-29 Ad Hoc 2-3 Ad-Hoc Mode 2-3 ad-hoc mode B-2 BSSID B-2 Channel B-4 Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode 2-23...
  • Page 82 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Infrastructure Mode 2-3 infrastructure mode B-2 IP networking for Windows C-1, C-6 Large metal surfaces 2-2 LED is blinking 2-27 LED is on 2-27 LED is on and is a steady green 2-27...
  • Page 83 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card TCP/IP properties verifying for Windows C-6, C-16 The LED is blinking 2-29 Troubleshooting Tips 2-29 walls 2-2 WEP 1-5, 3-1, B-3 Wi-Fi B-1 Windows 2000 2-13 Windows 95B 2-16 Windows 98/ME 2-10...
  • Page 84 Reference Guide for the Model MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card Index...

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