Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1 Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR® 54
Mbps WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter.

About the WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter

The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 gives you flexibility to install the PC
in the most convenient location available. The WG311 v3 frees you from traditional Ethernet
wiring that is limited by cabling requirements.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer up to 54 Mbps for maximum throughput or
dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or operating limitations in an environment
with a lot of electromagnetic interference.
The WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b 11 Mbps
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connectivity that is protected with industry-standard
security. In addition, it offers the faster speeds of the soon-to-be ratified 802.11g standard. The
WG311 v3 works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WG311 v3 Wireless PCI Adapter provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11b standards-based wireless technology.
• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode.
• 54 Mbps high speed data transfer. Wireless nodes negotiate to operate in the optimal data
transfer rate. In a noisy environment or when the distance between the wireless nodes is far,
the wireless nodes automatically fall back to operate at lower transfer rates.
• High level of data encryption using128-bit Shared Key WEP data encryption method. Lower
level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network setup or to
improve the data transfer rate.