NETGEAR WPN511 user manual Open System Authentication

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User Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless PC Card WPN511

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 WPN511:

1.Turn on the wireless station.

2.The station listens for messages from any access points that are in range.

3.The station finds a message from an access point that has a matching SSID.

4.The station sends an authentication request to the access point.

5.The access point authenticates the station.

6.The station sends an association request to the access point.

7.The access point associates with the station.

8.The station can now communicate with the Ethernet network through the access point.

An access point must authenticate a station before the station can associate with the access point or communicate with the network. The IEEE 802.11 standard defines two types of authentication: Open System and Shared Key.

Open System Authentication allows any device to join the network, assuming that the device SSID matches the access point SSID. Alternatively, the device can use the “ANY” SSID option to associate with any available Access Point within range, regardless of its SSID.

Shared Key Authentication requires that the station and the access point have the same WEP Key to authenticate. These two authentication procedures are described below.

Open System Authentication

The following steps occur when two devices use Open System Authentication:

1.The station sends an authentication request to the access point.

2.The access point authenticates the station.

3.The station associates with the access point and joins the network. This process is illustrated in below.

W ire le ss N e tworkin g B a sics

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February 2005

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Contents B ru a ry 2 NETGEAR, I n cTechnical Support FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure N 5 1 Wire le ss a cce ss p oin tOm e GlishContents Appendix C  Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Glossary Viii Audience, Scope, Conventions Chapter About This ManualHow to Print this Manual Key Features and Related Netgear Products About the Netgear RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511Chapter Introduction What’s in the Box? Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ Wire le ss lin k Wire le ss TworkRote ct m y Twork h a s En cryp tion en a b le d Sn oop in gSe th e Wire le ss a n dCon n e cte d With th e W in d owsTo wirele ssly D ows n e twork m u st b e Wire d n etworkLoca te Va ila b leWhat You Need Before You Begin Chapter Basic SetupVerifying System Requirements Two Basic Operating Modes WPN511 Default Wireless Configuration SettingsObserving Location and Range Guidelines Basic Installation Instructions A rt W iza rd I n sta ll a ssista n t For Windows XP Users Installing a WPN511Install the Netgear RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 February Lte rn a te Ookin g for n e twork a ssocia tion Lin k Low b lin kTwork L E D goe s O N With n etwork n o a ctivityA rt W iza rd W ire le ss a ssista n t For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WPN511Install the Netgear RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511 February Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources Interpreting the LEDs on the WPN511 WPN511 Wireless Connection IndicatorsInterpreting System Tray Icon Colors TroubleshootingBasic Tips Troubleshooting Frequently Asked QuestionsSic S e tu p February Understanding the Configuration Options Chapter ConfigurationUsing Configuration Profiles How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure ModeRun the WPN511 Smart Wizard Wireless Assistant Save your settings in a Profile Configure the wireless Network settingsVerify wireless connectivity to your network Connecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc ModeRun the WPN511 Smart Wizard Wireless Utility How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode ProfileConfigure the PC network settings How to Start a Computer-to-Computer Ad-Hoc Network Enabling Wireless Security FeaturesFebruary Configure the Security settings How to Configure WEP Encryption SecuritySave your settings in a Profile Statistics tab StatisticsAdvanced Settings Advanced SettingsAppendix a Technical Specifications Ch n ica l S p e cifica tion s Wireless Networking Overview Appendix B Wireless Networking BasicsInfrastructure Mode Ad Hoc Mode Peer-to-Peer Workgroup Authentication and WEPNetwork Name Extended Service Set Identification Essid Open System Authentication AuthenticationAuthentication Open System Steps Key Size Use WEP for Authentication and Encryption a transmittingDo Not Use WEP Use WEP for Encryption a transmittingWEP Configuration Options 802.11b and g Radio Frequency Channels Wireless ChannelsFebruary Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network AccessInstalling or Verifying Windows Networking Components Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP NetworkingInstalling TCP/IP Open the Network Panel Verify the Configuration SettingsVerify the Properties IP Address Setting Selecting the Windows’ Internet Access MethodVerifying TCP/IP Properties Install or Verify Windows Networking Components Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP NetworkingTh rou gh A d d re ss 2 6 8 5 B n e t m a sk 5 5 5 5 5 E fa u lt a d d re ssDhcp Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP Configuring Dhcp of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4Open the Network Connection Window Go to the Network Connection Status windowSet Dhcp for TCP/IP Go to PropertiesCheck the Local Area Connection Properties Settings Dhcp Configuration of TCP/IP in WindowsCheck the Internet Protocol Properties Complete the configurationGo to TCP/IP Properties Dhcp Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4Set the TCP/IP Properties Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4Re p a rin g Y ou r P C s for N e twork a cce ss February List of Glossary Terms GlossaryDSL Internet service provider Ssid WEP February Numerics Index
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WPN511 specifications

The NETGEAR WPN511 is a popular wireless network card specifically designed for laptops and other portable devices, allowing users to connect to wireless networks with ease. With its IEEE 802.11g wireless standard, the WPN511 provides a high-speed connection of up to 54 Mbps, making it suitable for tasks like streaming, file sharing, and online gaming.

One of the key features of the WPN511 is its compatibility with both 802.11g and the older 802.11b standards. This backward compatibility ensures that users can connect to nearly any wireless network, providing flexibility and convenience. The device also employs advanced wireless security features, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption, which help protect users from unauthorized access and ensure data privacy.

The WPN511 is designed with a compact form factor, making it easy to install and use in various laptop models. It uses a PC Card interface, which allows for simple plug-and-play functionality. Upon inserting the card, users can quickly access an intuitive setup wizard that guides them through the configuration process.

In terms of performance, the NETGEAR WPN511 is equipped with MIMO (Multiple In, Multiple Out) technology, which enhances signal range and reduces dead spots in wireless connectivity. This feature is particularly beneficial in larger environments where a reliable wireless connection is essential. The card is engineered to minimize interference and maintain a stable connection, which is crucial for users engaged in activities requiring consistent bandwidth.

Moreover, the WPN511 supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, which prioritize network traffic to ensure that critical applications like video conferencing and online gaming receive the bandwidth they need without lag or interruption.

Overall, the NETGEAR WPN511 is a robust wireless network card that combines compatibility, security, and performance. Whether professionals need to stay connected during travel or home users want a seamless internet experience, the WPN511 offers a solid solution to meet modern wireless networking demands. Its user-friendly installation process and reliable performance have established it as a go-to choice for many laptop users seeking efficient wireless connectivity.