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NETGEAR WNDA3100v2 - RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter User Manual

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NETGEAR RangeMax Dual
Band Wireless-N USB
Adapter WNDA3100v2 User
Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134 USA
202-10426-02
June 2009

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR WNDA3100v2 - RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter

  • Page 1 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual NETGEAR, Inc. 350 E. Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA 202-10426-02 June 2009...

  • 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 • Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by Netgear could void the user’s authority to operate the device. FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements SAR Statement The NETGEAR WNDA3100v2 has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance.
  • Page 4 è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE. Latviski Ar šo deklarç, ka NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB [Latvian] atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to Adapter WNDA3100v2 saistîtajiem noteikumiem. Lietuviø Šiuo deklaruoja, kad šis...
  • Page 5 övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG. Product and Publication Details WNDA3100v2 Model Number: June 2009 Publication Date: Wireless-N USB Adapter Product Family: NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter Product Name: WNDA3100v2 Home Home or Business Product: English Language: 202-10426-02 Publication Part Number: Publication Version Number: v1.0, June 2009...
  • Page 6 v1.0, June 2009...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents About This Manual Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................... ix How to Use This Manual ....................x How to Print This Manual ....................x Revision History ........................ xi Chapter 1 Basic Setup What Is in the Box ......................1 What You Need Before You Begin ..................2 Verify System Requirements ..................
  • Page 8 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Creating a Profile ....................... 8 Access Point Profiles ....................9 Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile ..........10 Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection ......12 About Wireless Security ....................13 Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ..........

  • Page 9: About This Manual

    About This Manual The NETGEAR ® RangeMax™ Dual Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual describes how to install the NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 with custom setup, configuration, and troubleshooting. For express installation, please see the Installation Guide. The information in this manual is intended for readers with intermediate computer and Internet skills.

  • Page 10: How To Use This Manual

    • button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the product model. • Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.

  • Page 11: Revision History

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual – Printing a PDF chapter. Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page. • Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left corner of any page in the chapter you want to print.
  • Page 12 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual v1.0, June 2009...

  • Page 13: Basic Setup

    – Warranty and Support information 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. v1.0, June 2009...

  • Page 14: What You Need Before You Begin

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual What You Need Before You Begin Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the wireless network settings of the wireless local area network (WLAN) where you will connect before you install and connect your wireless-N USB adapter.

  • Page 15: Installation With Custom Setup

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual potential sources of interference, such as the following: • Large metal surfaces • Microwave ovens • 2.4 GHz cordless phones Note: If there is 2.4 GHz interference at your location, such as from a cordless phone, you can change the setting to 5 GHz for better wireless throughput if your wireless router or access point supports it.

  • Page 16: Installing The Wnda3100V2 Software

    3. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, click Install from CD. 4. The NETGEAR Smart Wizard Welcome screen displays. Click next, select I Agree to accept the license agreement, and then click Next.

  • Page 17: Inserting The Wireless-N Usb Adapter

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual • Smart Wizard. Allows you to manage your wireless networks with the NETGEAR WNDA3100v2 software and to connect securely using Push 'N' Connect. – Configure network manually. Specify the settings for your wireless-N USB adapter in the Settings screen.

  • Page 18: Connecting To A Wireless Network

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Connecting to a Wireless Network If you installed the Smart Wizard, you can use the WNDA3100v2 software to connect to a wireless network. Smart Wizard, by Install Assistant If you selected the by Install Assistant radio button during installation, you are prompted to...
  • Page 19 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual 2. Create a wireless settings Profile. The Smart Wizard asks if you want to save a profile: Figure 1-4 Creating a profile makes it easy to quickly connect to wireless networks in different locations.

  • Page 20: Using The Usb Adapter Cradle

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual e. Your settings are saved to the profile you selected 3. The WNDA3100v2 icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop. The Smart Wizard Settings tab also displays (see “Smart Wizard Status Bar”...
  • Page 21 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual 2. Attach the smooth side of the fastener to the back of your monitor, near the top for better reception. Figure 1-7 3. Insert the adapter in the plastic cradle and attach the USB cable to the adapter and the computer.

  • Page 22: Monitoring Your Wireless Network And The Internet Connections

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Monitoring Your Wireless Network and the Internet Connections The wireless-N USB adapter has indicators in three locations that show the status of your connection to a wireless network and to the Internet: •...

  • Page 23: Smart Wizard Status Bar

    In Vista, there is one more option: Enable NETGEAR Smart Wizard. Figure 1-10 If you clear the check mark for Enable NETGEAR Smart Wizard, the NETGEAR Smart Wizard is disabled, and you must set up the wireless adapter with Vista auto-configuration.

  • Page 24: Wireless-N Usb Adapter Led

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Understanding the Status Bar (continued) 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.

  • Page 25: Removing The Wnda3100V2 Software

    NETGEAR WNDA3100v2 Adapter option, and follow the screen prompts. Upgrading the WNDA3100v2 Software Upgrades might be available at the NETGEAR website. To install an upgrade, follow these steps. 1. Write down the settings for any profiles that you want to save. They will not be retained.
  • Page 26 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual 1-14 v1.0, June 2009...

  • Page 27: Network Connections And Wireless Security

    Chapter 2 Network Connections and Wireless Security This chapter explains how to use your wireless-N USB adapter to connect to your wireless local area network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the wireless-N USB adapter so that it matches the wireless security settings for your network.

  • Page 28: Joining A Network

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Network Tab Description Field or Button Network Name (SSID) The name assigned to a wireless network. This is the same as the SSID or ESSID configuration parameter. Note that as a security measure, some wireless access points do not broadcast their SSID.

  • Page 29: Using Push 'N' Connect (Wps) To Connect To A Wireless Network

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual To join a network: 1. Use the icon to open the Smart Wizard. On the status bar, click Join a Network. 2. If the Smart Wizard detects an access point or router with WPS, it displays the WPS screen (Figure 2-3 on page 2-5).
  • Page 30 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual • The computer with the wireless-N USB adapter must be running Windows XP, or Vista (32/64 bits). Notes: If you connect using WPS and later lose the settings, they can be restored by reconnecting using the WPS procedures described in this section.

  • Page 31: Using A Wps Button To Connect To A Wireless Network

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Using a WPS Button to Connect to a Wireless Network To join a network using a push button: 1. Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard. On the status bar, click Join a Network. The...

  • Page 32: Using A Pin To Connect To A Wireless Network

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual 7. Within 2 minutes, return to the wireless-N USB adapter. Either press the WPS button on your wireless-N USB adapter, or click the WPS button on the WNDA3100v2 Smart Wizard screen.
  • Page 33 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual 2. On the status bar, click Join a Network (or click the Networks tab and select the network). The wireless-N USB adapter detects a network with WPS. Figure 2-5 3. To use a PIN, select No to avoid using a push button. Click Next, and then do either of the following: •...

  • Page 34: Creating A Profile

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual – Write down the generated PIN. Figure 2-7 – On the access point or router that you have selected, log in to the router or access point, then follow the prompts to enter the adapter’s PIN.

  • Page 35: Access Point Profiles

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual • New Profile. If you chose not to save a profile and have connected to a new wireless network, the Profiles field on the Settings screen shows New Profile. •...

  • Page 36: Setting Up A Computer-To-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual 2. Enter the network settings. a. In the Network Type section, make sure that Access Point (Infrastructure) is selected. b. In the Profiles field, type a name for the profile.
  • Page 37 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual To create an Ad Hoc mode profile: 1. Click the icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab displays: Figure 2-9 2. Enter the network settings. a. Select Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) for the network type.

  • Page 38: Starting A Computer-To-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual a. On the Windows taskbar, select Start > Run. Figure 2-10 b. Assuming the target PC is configured with 192.168.0.1 as its IP address, type: ping -t 192.168.0.1 and then click OK.

  • Page 39: About Wireless Security

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual 3. Click Initiate Ad Hoc. The Ad Hoc Setting screen displays: Figure 2-12 4. In the Start Ad Hoc drop-down list, select either 2.4GHz (802.11 b/g), or 5 GHz (802.11a) for your Ad Hoc computer-to-computer network.

  • Page 40: Wireless Network Name (Ssid) And Security Settings

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings Print this form, fill in the configuration parameters, and put it in a safe place for future reference. For an existing wireless network, the person who set up the network can provide this information.

  • Page 41: Setting Up Wpa-Psk [Tkip] Or Wpa2-Psk [Aes] Security

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Setting Up WPA-PSK [TKIP] or WPA2-PSK [AES] Security To configure WPA-PSK security: 1. Run the WNDA3100v2 Smart Wizard. a. Make sure that the WNDA3100v2 software is installed and the wireless-N USB adapter is fully inserted in a USB port in your computer.

  • Page 42: Setting Up Wep Encryption Security

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual b. Click Apply, and then click Close to exit the Smart Wizard. Setting Up WEP Encryption Security Follow the steps below to configure WEP encryption security: 1. Run the WNDA3100v2 Smart Wizard.

  • Page 43: Monitoring Statistics

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Note: Larger encryption keys require more processing and may slow the communications response times. 4. Select Create with Passphrase, and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility automatically generates the WEP keys.

  • Page 44: About Your Smart Wizard

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Table 1. Statistics Descriptions Label Description A real-time graph identifies the total, receive, and transmit 1. Transmit/Receive Performance (%) utilization as a percentage of the total possible. Radio buttons let you select whether to display the transmit 2.

  • Page 45: Advanced Settings

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual About Tab Field Description Device Regional This is the region setting for the wireless adapter. The approved Domain channels for the region are automatically scanned. Governments regulate the channels used for wireless transmission. Operating the...
  • Page 46 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Figure 2-17 • 2.4GHz Preamble. An Auto setting might give slightly better performance. A Long setting might provide a more reliable connection or slightly longer range. • Transmit Power. Lowering the output power level lets you reduce the chance of interference with other nearby access points but reduces the range of your adapter.

  • Page 47: Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance

    Chapter 3 Wireless Network Performance This chapter explains how to use your wireless-N USB adapter to connect to your wireless local area network (WLAN) and how to maximize the performance of your wireless-N USB adapter within your network. Included are scenarios for setting up your network in a mixed use environment and the trade-off of using different types of technology—wireless, wired, or Powerline.

  • Page 48: Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Avoid windows unless communicating between buildings. Place wireless devices away from various electromagnetic noise sources, especially those in the 2400–2500 MHz frequency band. Common noise-creating sources are: – Computers and fax machines (no closer than 1 foot) –...

  • Page 49: Soho Networking Technologies

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Figure 3-1 In planning your network, think about which tasks will have the heaviest traffic flow between them. Examples are: • A media center in one room streaming high-definition video from a server in another room •...

  • Page 50: Assessing Your Network Speed Requirements

    For connecting rooms or floors that are blocked by obstructions or are distant vertically, consider networking over your building’s AC wiring. NETGEAR’s Powerline HD family of products delivers up to 200 Mbps to any outlet, while the older-generation XE family of products delivers 14 Mbps or 85 Mbps.
  • Page 51 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual • Streaming HD video requires 10 to 30 Mbps per stream. Because latency and packet loss can disrupt your video, plan to provide at least twice the capacity you need.
  • Page 52 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual v1.0, June 2009...

  • Page 53: Chapter 4 Troubleshooting

    “Basic Setup” in Chapter Troubleshooting Tips Use the following information to solve common problems you may encounter. Also, refer to the knowledge base on the NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com/support. Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips Problem Action The LED is not lit.
  • Page 54 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued) Problem Action I cannot connect to a router or access point. • If the router is WPA-PSK protected, you need the correct The router is available, and there is good WPA-PSK passphrase.

  • Page 55: Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued) Problem Action How can I view the IP address for the To view the wireless-N USB adapter IP address, click the wireless-N USB adapter? WNDA3100v2 icon to open the Smart Wizard. Then check the IP address in the About page.
  • Page 56 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual To delete Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. 2. Select Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485, and then click Remove. • You might receive an error message that states that some program on the computer may not work correctly if the update is removed.

  • Page 57: Appendix A Technical Specifications And Factory Default Settings

    Appendix A Technical Specifications and Factory Default Settings Technical Specifications The following table provides technical specifications for the wireless-N USB adapter. Antenna 2 integrated internal wireless antennas Standards 802.11a, 802.11n draft 2.0, 802.11g, or 802.11b Radio Data Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, 108, 140, 246, and 300 Mbps (Auto Rate Sensing) Frequency 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz (CCK and OFDM Modulation);...

  • Page 58: Factory Default Settings

    NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual Factory Default Settings The following table lists the default settings of your wireless-N USB adapter. Feature Description Enabled Smart Wizard Wireless Wireless Communication Enabled Wireless Network Name (SSID) Any (will connect to first wireless network that responds)

  • Page 59: Appendix B Related Documents

    Appendix B Related Documents This appendix provides links to reference documents you can use to gain a more complete understanding of the technologies used in your NETGEAR product. Document Link Windows XP and Vista http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/ Wireless Configuration index.htm Utilities Application Note Internet Networking and http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/tcpip/index.htm...
  • Page 60 NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100v2 User Manual v1.0, June 2009...

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