Basic Setup 2-1
Chapter 2 Basic Setup
This section describes how to install your NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3
and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced
wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 4, “Configuration” in this manual.

What You Will Need Before You Begin

You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can
configure your wireless pc adapter and connect.

Verify System Requirements

Before installing the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3, please make sure that
these minimum requirements have been met:
• Pentium® III class computer with an available PCI slot
•CD drive
• 20 Mbytes of free hard disk space
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WG311 v3 driver software
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 from
outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take
appropriate steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The NETGEAR 54
Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 provides highly effective security features
which are covered in “Enabling Wireless Security Features” on page 4-8. Deploy the
security features appropriate to your needs.