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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 and set up basic wireless connectivity on your wireless local area network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network set up is covered in “Network Connections and Wireless Security” in Chapter 2.
Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of
several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others
outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The wireless USB adapter provides highly effective security features, which are covered in “Using Wireless Security Features” in Chapter 2. Use the security features appropriate to your needs.
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the wireless network settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can set up your wireless USB adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met:
•You must have a PC with a Pentium 300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
Note: The maximum speed of a USB v2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a
USB v1.1 port, the WNDA3100 is limited to that port’s maximum speed,
which is 14 Mbps.
•A CD drive.
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NETGEAR, Inc
Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100
Technical Support
RF Exposure Information
SAR Statement
Band Wireless-N USB Adapter WNDA3100 Συμμορφωνεται Προσ ΤΙΣ
Product and Publication Details
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Contents
Appendix B Related Documents
Conventions, Formats, and Scope
About This Manual
How to Print This Manual
How to Use This Manual
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Xii
What You Need Before You Begin
Chapter Basic Setup
Verify System Requirements
Settings on
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines
WNDA3100 Default Wireless Settings
What Is in the Box
Installing the WNDA3100 Software
Installation
Connecting the Wireless-N USB Adapter
Using the Smart Wizard to Set Up Your Wireless-N USB Adapter
Hidden network
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet
Smart Wizard Status Bar
WNDA3100 Icon Colors
Color Condition Description
Understanding the Status Bar
Wireless Network Performance
Placing the USB Adapter Cradle
Wireless-N USB Adapter LED
Meaning
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Upgrading the WNDA3100 Software
Removing the WNDA3100 Software
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Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Understanding the Smart Wizard
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area
Click the Networks tab to display the following screen
Finding a Network
Adding Profiles
Profiles
Click Save Profile
Setting up a Computer-to-Computer Ad Hoc Profile
Select Computer-to-Computer Ad Hoc for the network type
Select the Computer-to-Computer Ad Hoc network type
Starting a Computer-to-Computer Ad Hoc Network Connection
Using Wireless Security Features
Wireless Security
If WPA2-PSK or WPA-PSK authentication is used
Wireless Network Name Ssid and Security Settings
Setting Up WPA-PSK Security
Setting Up WEP Encryption Security
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Statistics Tab
About Tab
Advanced Settings
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Optimizing Wireless Performance
Wireless Network Performance
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth
Broadband Internet
Overview of Home and Small Office Networking Technologies
Assessing Your Speed Requirements
Powerline
Network Connection Theoretical Raw Transfer Time
Theoretical Transfer Time for 1 Gigabyte
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Troubleshooting Tips
Troubleshooting
Problem Action
802.11g network. See , Wireless Network
Windows XP Occasional Connection Problems
Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly
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FCC, CE
Technical Specifications
Feature Description Smart Wizard
Factory Default Settings
Wireless
Document Link
Appendix B Related Documents
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