i
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
What You Will Need Before You Begin ....................................................9
Verify System Requirements ........................................................... 10
Observe Location and Range Guidelines ........................................10
Two Basic Operating Modes .................................................................. 11
MA101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings ....................................12
Using the MA101 to Connect to a Wireless Network Access Point in
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................ 13
Setting Up the MA101 in Infrastructure Mode ........................................14
For Windows XP Users Installing a MA101 .....................................14
For Windows 98/Me Users Installing a MA101 ................................17
For Windows 2000 Users Installing a MA101 ..................................20
Using the MA101 to Connect in Ad-Hoc Mode ...................... ................23
Setting Up a MA101 in Ad-Hoc Mode ..............................................24
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................26
Troubleshooting Tips ..............................................................................27
Chapter 3 - Protecting Your Wireless Connection
Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features .... .......................................29
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Security
Settings ............................................................................................30
Setting the Wireless Network Name (SSID) ....................................31