NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T User Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10209-02
February 2007
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
•
Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by Netgear could void the user’s
authority to operate the device.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements
SAR Statement
The Netgear WN121T has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance.
The FCC has established detailed SAR requirements and has established that these requirements
have been met while installed in host notebook computer.
RF Exposure Information
The radio module has been evaluated under FCC Bulletin OET 65C (01-01) and found to be compliant to the
requirements as set forth in CFR 47 Sections, 2.1093, and 15.247 (b) (4) addressing RF Exposure from radio frequency
devices. This model meets the applicable government requirements for exposure to radio frequency waves. The highest
SAR level measured for this device was 0.442w/kg.
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210 du Canada.
“To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from
windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to
licensing.”
“Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l’objet d’une licence, il doit être utilisé à
l’intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son
antenne d’émission) est installé à l’extérieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.”
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
A printed copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is provided in the WN121T product
package.
Èesky
[Czech]
NETGEAR, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WN121T je ve shodì se základními požadavky a dalšími pøíslušnými
ustanoveními smìrnice 1999/5/ES.
Dansk
[Danish]
Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr NETGEAR Next 300
Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige
relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
Deutsch
[German]
Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich das Gerät NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen
und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
Eesti
[Estonian]
Käesolevaga kinnitab NETGEAR, Inc. seadme NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter WN121T vastavust direktiivi 1999/5/EÜ põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist
tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
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English
Hereby, NETGEAR, Inc., declares that this NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WN121T is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Español
[Spanish]
Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera
otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Ελληνική
[Greek]
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ NETGEAR, Inc. ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ
ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Français
[French]
Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux
autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Italiano
[Italian]
Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre
disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Latviski
[Latvian]
Ar šo NETGEAR, Inc. deklarç, ka NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T atbilst Direktîvas 1999/5/EK bûtiskajâm prasîbâm un citiem ar to saistîtajiem
noteikumiem.
Lietuviø
Šiuo NETGEAR, Inc. deklaruoja, kad šis NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
[Lithuanian]
Adapter WN121T atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 1999/5/EB Direktyvos nuostatas.
Nederlands
[Dutch]
Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere
relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Malti
[Maltese]
Hawnhekk, NETGEAR, Inc., jiddikjara li dan NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter WN121T jikkonforma mal-tiijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti orajn relevanti li
hemm fid-Dirrettiva 1999/5/EC.
Magyar
[Hungarian]
Alulírott, NETGEAR, Inc. nyilatkozom, hogy a NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter WN121T megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 1999/5/EC
irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
Polski [Polish] Niniejszym NETGEAR, Inc. oœwiadcza, ¿e NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB
2.0 Adapter WN121T jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozosta³ymi
stosownymi postanowieniami Dyrektywy 1999/5/EC.
Português
NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
[Portuguese] WN121T está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva
1999/5/CE.
Slovensko
[Slovenian]
NETGEAR, Inc. izjavlja, da je ta NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi doloèili direktive 1999/5/
ES.
Slovensky
[Slovak]
NETGEAR, Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WN121T spåòa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice
1999/5/ES.
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Suomi
[Finnish]
NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter WN121T tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä
koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Svenska
[Swedish]
Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna [utrustningstyp] står I överensstämmelse med
de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv
1999/5/EG.
Product and Publication Details
Model Number:
WN121T
Publication Date:
Product Family:
February 2007
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
Product Name:
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T
Home or Business Product:
Language:
Home
English
Publication Part Number:
202-10209-02
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Contents
Conventions, Formats, and Scope ................................................................................... ix
How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................... x
Chapter 1
Basic Setup
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines ..................................................1-2
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet ........................................................1-6
Removing the Software ..................................................................................................1-9
Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
Understanding the Smart Wizard ...................................................................................2-2
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Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings ................................................2-11
Setting up WEP Encryption Security ............................................................................2-12
Chapter 3
Wireless Network Performance
Optimizing Wireless Performance ..................................................................................3-1
Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth ..............................................................................3-3
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................4-1
Appendix A
Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications ................................................................................................. A-2
Appendix B
Related Documents
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About This Manual
®
The NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual describes how
to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
WN121T. The information in this manual is intended for readers with intermediate computer and
Internet skills.
Conventions, Formats, and Scope
The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following paragraphs:
•
Typographical Conventions. This manual uses the following typographical conventions:
Italics
Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
User input
Bold
•
Formats. This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.
•
Scope. This manual is written for the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
according to these specifications:
Product Version
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T
February 2007
Manual Publication Date
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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual
For more information about network technologies, see the links to the NETGEAR website in
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes the following:
•
Buttons,
at a time
and
, for browsing forwards or backwards through the manual one page
•
A
button that displays the table of contents and an
button. Double-click on a
link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the
manual.
•
•
A
model.
button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the product
Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
•
•
Printing a Page in the HTML View.
Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Use the Print
button on the browser toolbar to print the page contents.
Printing a Chapter.
Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.
–
Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
–
Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view and
print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe website at
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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual
–
Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
•
Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page.
–
Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page in the manual. The PDF
version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.
–
Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
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Chapter 1
Basic Setup
The NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T lets you connect a PC
computer to wireless networks. It is designed for PC computers running Microsoft Windows. For
information about product features and compatible NETGEAR products, see the NETGEAR
This chapter describes how to install your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter and set up basic wireless
connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced wireless network set up is
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 wireless network where you will connect before you can set up
your VPN firewall and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter, make sure that these minimum requirements have
been met. You must have a computer with:
•
A Pentium 300 MHz or higher compatible processor with an available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.
Note: If you do not have a USB 2.0 port on your computer, the throughput of the
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is limited to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 standard.
•
•
•
A CD drive.
5 MB of free hard disk space.
Windows Vista, Windows XP SP1 with KB822603 hot fix, Windows XP SP2, or Windows
2000 SP4.
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Note: Windows XP users must have SP2 installed or the KB822603 Hot fix for SP1,
which fixes the USB 2.0 Host controller driver. Go to the following link to install
the Hot fix: http://www.microsoft.com
Observe Wireless Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over wireless networks indoors at a range which vary significantly based
on the location of the computer with the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. For best results, avoid
potential sources of interference, such as:
•
•
•
Large metal surfaces
Microwave ovens
2.4 GHz Cordless phones
In general, wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed
with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the effective range will decrease if such materials are
between the devices.
What Is in the Box
The product package should contain the following items:
•
•
•
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T
Installation Guide
NETGEAR CD, including:
–
–
Driver and Configuration Utility Software
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual (this
document)
•
Warranty and Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product.
Default Wireless Settings
If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network
and verify wireless connectivity. If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you need the
wireless network and wireless security settings that are already defined.
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Your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter factory default basic settings are:
•
Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any (First available network)
Note: In order for the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to communicate with a wireless
access point or wireless adapter, all devices must be set up to use the same
wireless network name (SSID).
•
•
Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc): Infrastructure
Data security WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK encryption: Disabled
Installation
The instructions in this chapter are for an Access Point (Infrastructure) installation. Wireless
security, advanced settings, and Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) instructions are covered in
To install the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter:
1. First, install the WN121T software.
Insert the NETGEAR CD. If the CD main page does not appear, double click Autorun.exe on
the CD.
a. Click Install the Software. The Check for Updates window opens.
Figure 1-1
b. If you are connected to the Internet, click Check for Updates. If not, you can choose to
install from the CD.
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c. When the Installation Complete message appears, click Next.
2. Now, connect the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
Figure 1-2
a. Locate an available USB port on your computer.
b. Insert the end of the cable on the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter into the USB port.
c. The Found New Hardware Wizard opens. Follow the wizard prompts.
3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your VPN firewall.
a. Windows 2000 users go to Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can set up the wireless
adapter with the NETGEAR Smart Wizard (recommended) or the Windows configuration
utilities.
Figure 1-3
•
NETGEAR Smart Wizard: Reveals more information about each network and
makes it easier to troubleshoot network connection problems.
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•
Windows configuration utilities: See the Windows documentation or “Using
Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities” at:
b. Click Next to accept the Smart Wizard.
You will be prompted to let the wizard help you connect to a network (recommended).
Figure 1-4
c. Click Next to accept.
4. Connect to a wireless network.
a. Select the wireless network from the drop-down list, and the wizard records your choice.
Hidden
Figure 1-5
Note: Hidden networks do not broadcast the Network Name (SSID). These
networks are in the drop-down list, but the Network Name (SSID) is blank.
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If the network uses security, then the Smart Wizard detects it.
b. Follow the Wizard steps for Security (if used) and for saving a Profile.
c. After you have reviewed the settings, click Finish.
The
icon appears in the system tray and on the desktop; and the Settings page opens .
Figure 1-6
The wizard initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for your
wireless connection to be established.
5. Use the status bar to verify your wireless connectivity. For more information about
Connecting to Wireless Networks and the Internet
Note: The maximum speed of a USB 2.0 port is 480 Mbps. If your computer has a
USB 1.1 port, the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is limited to that port’s maximum
speed, which is 14 Mbps.
The Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter has indicators that show the status of your connection to a wireless
network and to the Internet:
•
Icon: After you install the software, this icon appears on the desktop and in the lower
right of the Windows task bar. It is color coded to show the status of the connection. See
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•
Smart Wizard Status Bar: Clicking on the system tray icon opens the Smart Wizard. The
status bar at the bottom of the page shows details about your wireless and Internet connection.
Icon Colors
The icon is on the desktop and in the Windows System Tray. The System Tray is located on one
end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.
Color
Condition
Description
Red
The VPN firewall has no
connection to any other
wireless node.
The Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter can not link to any other
wireless node or the link is lost. Check your configuration or
try moving to a location where the wireless signal quality is
better.
Yellow
Green
The VPN firewall has a
connection with another
wireless node.
The wireless link is weak. You may need to move to a better
spot, such as closer to the wireless access point. Also, look
for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz cordless phone or
large metal surface.
The VPN firewall has a
connection with another
wireless node.
The VPN firewall has established good communication with
an access point and the signal quality is strong.
Smart Wizard Status Bar
The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page.
Channel
Security
Throughput
Signal
strength
Wireless
network
Find a Network
Figure 1-7
Connection status
Understanding the Status Bar
Wireless network
Security
Identifies which wireless network you have joined.
• Locked: security enabled.
• Unlocked: security not enabled.
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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual
Understanding the Status Bar (continued)
Channel
The wireless channel used by the network. If many wireless networks in your
area use the same channel they can interfere with one another.
Throughput
Wireless throughput measured in Mega bits per second. To optimize throughput,
connect to a network with a high-speed router or access point, and a high-speed
Signal strength
Find a Network
More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you will experience higher
throughput when the signal is strongest.
Click Find a Network to open the Connection Wizard.
Connection
status
Identifies the status of your network connection.
• Connected to Internet: Wireless Internet connection is OK.
• Connected to Router: Wireless connection to the router is OK but the router
is not connected to the Internet.
• 169.254.x.x or ___.___.___.___ : The wireless connection to the router is OK
If you right-click in the System Tray icon, you can disable the Internet notification feature by
clearing check mark on this line. If you do so, then only the IP address is shown.
Figure 1-8
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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual
Removing the Software
You can remove the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter software in these two ways:
•
Navigate the Windows Start menu to the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
program group, select the uninstall option, and follow the screen prompts.
•
Navigate the Windows Start menu to the Control Panel Add or Remove Program item, select
the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter option, and follow the screen
prompts.
Upgrading the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Software
Upgrades may be available at the NETGEAR website. To install an upgrade, follow these steps.
2. Click the latest version of upgrade.
3. Examine the Release Note. Make sure to read any warnings and Known Problems.
4. Download the upgrade using the link in the Release Note.
5. Follow the Release Note installation instructions.
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Chapter 2
Network Connections and Wireless Security
This chapter explains how to use your wireless USB adapter to connect to your Wireless Local
Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the wireless USB adapter so that it
matches the wireless security settings for your network.
If you chose the Windows XP or Windows Vista Zero Configuration utility during installation, and
now you want to use the Smart Wizard, then you need to disable the Windows utility. If you are
working with the Vista configuration utility, see the online document:
Disabling the Windows Zero Configuration Utility
To disable the Windows Zero Configuration utility:
1. Attach the wireless adapter to a USB port for your computer.
2. Go to Windows Start menu and select Network Connections.
3. On the Network connections page, select the Wireless Network Connection and right-click to
choose the Properties option.
Figure 2-1
4. Click the Wireless Networks tab. Then clear the “Use Windows to configure my wireless
settings” check box.
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Understanding the Smart Wizard
These instructions explain how to use the NETGEAR WN121T Smart Wizard to change your
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter wireless settings.
When you have installed the software from the NETGEAR CD, the
icon appears on your
desktop and in the Windows System Tray. The Windows System Tray is located on the Windows
taskbar. You can either double-click this icon on the desktop, or click it in the System Tray at any
time, to use the Smart Wizard. This software automatically restarts when you reboot your
computer.
The Smart Wizard provides a complete and easy to use set of tools to:
•
•
•
•
•
View details about wireless networks in your area.
Choose the network that you want to use.
Configure wireless settings for your wireless USB adapter
Save your wireless network settings in profiles.
Remove or reinstall the wireless adapter software.
The following sections in this chapter explain how to use the Smart Wizard.
Viewing Wireless Networks in Your Area
You can use the Networks tab to view all available wireless networks in your area. You can also
scan to search for wireless networks and refresh the page.
To view information about wireless networks:
1. Use the
icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens.
2. Click the Networks tab to view the following page:
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You can click a column
heading to sort.
If many networks use
the same channel they
can interfere with each
other.
The Status bar shows
your network connection
and Internet connection.
Figure 2-2
The screen shows the following information for each network scanned:
•
Network Name (SSID): The name assigned to a wireless network. This is the same as the
SSID or ESSID configuration parameter. Note that as a security measure, some wireless
access points do not broadcast their SSID. In such cases, the SSID field will be blank even
though the rest of the information will still be displayed.
•
•
Channel: The channel determines which operating frequency will be used.
Security: Identifies whether the wireless network uses security settings such as WEP,
WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK.
•
•
Signal: Identifies the signal strength of the communications.
MAC Address: Identifies the hardware address (MAC Address) of the wireless device
broadcasting this information.
•
Mode: Identifies the type of wireless network — Access Point (Infrastructure) or Computer-
to-Computer (Ad Hoc)
The buttons located at the bottom of the Networks tab are:
•
Help: Display online help.
•
•
•
•
Connect: Connect to the network that you selected.
Scan: Check for wireless networks. Clicking Scan refreshes the page.
Close: Close the window of the Wizard.
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Finding a Network
During the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter software installation, the Smart Wizard lists the available
networks. After installation you can use the Find a Network button on the Network tab at any time
to view the available networks and select the one that you want to use.
Note: Make sure that you know the security settings for the network that you want to use.
For example, if WEP is used then you need to know the WEP key. If you use
secure networks frequently, set up profiles for each network with the wireless
network and security settings.
Follow the steps below to Find a Network:
1. Use the
icon to open the Smart Wizard.
The Settings tab page opens.
2. Click Find a Network.
Hidden Network
Figure 2-3
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3. Select a network from the drop-down list. If you select a hidden network then you must enter
the SSID. Click Next.
4. Follow the steps of the wizard to specify the wireless security if used, and to create a profile.
5. Review you settings, and click Finish.
The Smart Wizard initiates your wireless connection. You can use the Status Bar to verify your
Profiles
The WN121T Smart Wizard uses profiles to store all the settings for a particular wireless network.
There are two special profile names: Default and Profile.
Default: The Profile named Default automatically scans for any available network. You cannot
change this profile name.
Profile: If you do not enter a name in the Profile Name box, then the name Profile is used to save
your settings. If you do this more than once then you will be asked if you want to replace the
previous settings stored in Profile.
Adding Profiles
You can store multiple profiles and recall the one which matches the network you want to join.
If you use your computer to connect to different wireless networks, you can create a profile for
each wireless network. Then, you can easily load the profile that has all the settings that you need
to join the network you are using at the time.
There are two types of wireless network profiles that you can set up:
•
Access Point (Infrastructure) — connect to an access point or router with the 802.11
infrastructure mode. For example, this mode is used when computers in a house connect to an
access point that is attached to a router, which lets multiple computers share a single cable or
DSL broadband Internet connection.
•
Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) — connect directly to another computer with the 802.11
ad hoc mode. For example, Ad Hoc mode is used when two Windows computers are
configured with file and print sharing enabled and you want to exchange files directly between
them.
For more information on 802.11 wireless network modes, see the wireless reference document at:
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Setting up a Profile to Connect to an Access Point or Router
Follow these instructions to set up the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to
connect to a wireless access point or router.
1. Use the
icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens.
Figure 2-4
2. Enter the network settings.
a. In the Network Type section, be sure that Access Point (Infrastructure) is selected.
b. In the Profile box, type the name of the profile.
c. In the Network Name (SSID) field select a network or enter the SSID.
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly the SSID used by the access point.
3. Save your settings in a Profile.
a. Click Save Profile.
All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
b. Click Apply.
c. Click Close to exit the wizard, or Cancel to return to the previous settings.
4. Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
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Use a browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer to connect to the Internet, or check for
file and printer access on your network. You can check the status bar in the Smart Wizard for
the current connection status.
accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing
software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. See the
Setting up a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Profile
The Computer-to-Computer setting uses Ad Hoc mode. Ad Hoc mode is an 802.11 networking
framework in which devices or computers communicate directly with each other, without the use
of an access point. For example, this mode is used when two Windows computers are configured
with file and print sharing enabled and you want to exchange files directly between them.
Note: Ad Hoc mode will not work using DHCP settings. Ad Hoc mode requires either
static IP addresses (such as 192.168.0.1) or the IPX protocol. For instructions on
setting up static IP addresses on a Windows PC, refer to the PC Networking
Tutorial included on the NETGEAR CD.
Follow the instructions below to create an Ad Hoc mode profile.
1. Use the
icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings page opens:
Figure 2-5
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2. Save your settings in a Profile.
a. Click Save Profile.
All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
b. Click Apply.
c. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard, or Cancel to return to the previous settings.
3. Configure the PC network settings.
a. Configure each PC with either a static IP address or with the IPX protocol.
b. Restart the PCs.
4. Verify wireless connectivity between your peer devices.
You can use the ping utility to verify your wireless connection:
a. On the Windows taskbar click Start, and then click Run.
Figure 2-6
b. Assuming the target PC is configured with 192.168.0.1 as its IP address, type
ping -t 192.168.0.1 and then click OK.
c. This sends a continuous ping to the device with the 192.168.0.1 static IP address. The ping
response should change to “reply.”
Figure 2-7
At this point the connection is established. For more information about using ping, see
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with accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing
software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. See the
Starting a Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Connection
1. On the Settings tab page of the Smart Wizard, select or type the Network Name (SSID).
2. Select the Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) network type.
3. Click Initiate Ad Hoc. The Ad Hoc Setting dialog box opens:
Figure 2-8
4. In the Start Ad Hoc field, choose the wireless standard (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g) for your
Ad Hoc computer-to-computer network.
5. In the Channel field, Automatic should work.
Note: If there is interference from another nearby wireless device, use the Networks
tab page to see which channels are in use in your area. Then use a different
channel. For example, if your neighbors use channel 6 and the signal strength
is strong, then channels 4-8 would probably be poor choices for you.
6. Click OK.
The Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter automatically selects the highest connection speed.
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Wireless Security
Many networks use wireless security to encrypt wireless data communications. If you try to
connect to a network with wireless security the Smart Wizard detects it. Before you can use that
network you must set up the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter with the same SSID, wireless security, and
security settings as that network. If you do not know what these are, contact the person who set up
the network.
The Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter supports the following types of wireless security:
•
•
•
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 Pre-Shared Key (WPA2-PSK)
Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK)
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
For more information about wireless security, see the Web link to “Wireless Communications” in
Appendix B, or the wireless reference document at:
In addition to the wireless security features, networks should use LAN network security features
such as requiring a user name and password to access the shared resources in the network.
Know Your Wireless Network Settings
You will need to know the settings for your wireless network. The form on the next page is set up
so that you can record this information. You can use either of these two methods to keep track of
these settings:
•
•
Print the form on the next page and fill it out. If you are uncomfortable writing out secure
information, put a “hint” to yourself instead of the actual information. Put the form someplace
where it will be very easy for you to remember, or save two copies and put them in different
places.
Save the information in a document on your computer. Later you can search for words such as
SSID to locate the information.
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Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Security Settings
Print this form, fill in the configuration parameters and put it in a safe place for possible future
reference. For an existing wireless network, the person who set up the network will have this
information.
•
Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the wireless local
area network. Any (First available network) is the default WN121T wireless network name
(SSID). You may customize it using up to 32 alphanumeric characters. Write your customized
wireless network name (SSID) on the line below.
Note: The SSID in the wireless access point is the SSID you configure in the wireless
USB adapter. For the access point and wireless nodes to communicate with
each other, all must be configured with the same SSID.
Wireless network name (SSID): ______________________________
•
If WEP Authentication is Used.
–
WEP Encryption key size. Identify one: 64-bit or 128-bit. The encryption key size must
the wireless network settings.
–
Data Encryption (WEP) Keys. There are two methods for creating WEP data encryption
keys. Whichever method you use, record the key values in the spaces below.
•
Passphrase method. ______________________________ These characters are case
sensitive. Enter a word or group of printable characters and click the Generate Keys
button. Not all wireless devices support the passphrase method.
•
Manual method. These values are not case sensitive. For 64-bit WEP, enter 10 hex
digits (any combination of 0-9 or a-f). For 128-bit WEP, enter 26 hex digits.
Key 1: _____________________________ Key 2: _____________________________
Key 3: _____________________________ Key 4: _____________________________
•
If WPA2-PSK or WPA-PSK Authentication is Used.
–
Passphrase: ______________________________ These characters are case sensitive.
Enter a word or group of printable characters. When you use WPA-PSK, the other devices
in the network will not connect unless they are set to WPA-PSK as well and are configured
with the correct Passphrase.
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Setting up WEP Encryption Security
Follow the steps below to configure WEP Encryption Security.
1. Run the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Smart Wizard.
a. Make sure the software is installed and the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is connected to the
USB port in your computer.
b. Use the
icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens.
Figure 2-9
2. Configure the Security settings.
a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name.
b. In the Network Name (SSID) field select the network, or enter the SSID.
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
c. In the Security section, select WEP.
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3. Select the WEP encryption strength you will use.
•
•
64-bit WEP data encryption
128-bit WEP data encryption
Note: The 128-bit encryption keys require more processing, and slow performance
slightly.
4. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the passphrase. The configuration utility will
automatically generate the WEP keys.
Note: The characters are case sensitive. Be sure to use the same passphrase for all the
wireless devices in the network.
If the passphrase method is not available in the other devices, you must manually enter the
keys to match exactly what is in the access point and other 802.11b wireless devices.
5. Save your settings in a Profile.
a. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
b. Click Apply.
c. Click Close to exit the configuration utility.
Setting up WPA2-PSK Security
Follow the steps below to configure WPA2-PSK Security.
1. Run the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Smart Wizard.
a. Make sure the software is installed and the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is fully inserted in a
USB port in your computer.
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b. Use the
icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens.
Figure 2-10
2. Configure the Security settings.
a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name.
b. In the Network Name (SSID) field select the network, or enter the SSID.
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
c. In the Security section, select WPA2-PSK [AES].
1. Save your settings in a Profile.
a. Click the Save Profile button. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
b. Click Apply.
c. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard.
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Setting up WPA-PSK Security
Follow the steps below to configure WPA-PSK Security.
1. Run the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter Smart Wizard.
a. Make sure the software is installed and the Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is fully inserted in a
USB port in your computer.
b. Use the
icon to open the Smart Wizard. The Settings tab page opens.
Figure 2-11
2. Configure the Security settings.
a. In the Profile box, select the profile or type in a profile name.
b. In the Network Name (SSID) field select the network, or enter the SSID.
Note: You will not get a wireless network connection unless the network SSID
matches exactly what is configured in the access point.
c. In the Security section, select WPA-PSK [TKIP].
3. Save your settings in a Profile.
a. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
b. Click Apply.
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c. Click Close to exit the Smart Wizard.
Advanced Settings
Most people do not need to change the Advanced Settings. If you cannot connect without making
changes, or if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator recommend changes,
then some of these will be important to you.
On the Settings tab click Advanced Settings to display the dialog box shown below:
Figure 2-12
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Statistics Page
The Statistics page provides real-time and historical trend information on the data traffic and
performance of your wireless adapter.
Figure 2-13
•
•
•
•
Transmit/Receive Performance (%): A real time graph identifying the total, receive, and
transmit utilization as a percentage the total possible.
Transmit, Receive, and Total (TxRx): Radio buttons let you select whether to display the
transmit performance, the receive performance, or both in the same graph.
Transmit Statistics: Identifies transmit megabits per second (Mbps), transmit packets per
second (Tx Packets/s), total transmitted packets, and transmit errors.
Receive Statistics: Identifies receive megabits per second (Mbps), receive packets per second
(Rx Packets/s), total received packets, and reception errors.
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About Page
The About page displays the current software version information.
Figure 2-14
The following information is displayed in the About page:
•
Regional Domain: This is the region setting for the wireless adapter. The approved channels
for the region are automatically scanned. Governments regulate the channels used for wireless
transmission. Operating the wireless adapter in a different region may violate local laws.
•
•
•
Driver Version: The wireless adapter driver version.
Driver Date: The wireless adapter driver date.
MAC Address: The MAC address of the adapter. The Media Access Control address is a
unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface card. Some wireless
networks will restrict access based on a list of known MAC addresses. If you are
communicating with such a network, you would have to provide the address shown here to the
network administrator before you would be allowed to connect. Restricting access by MAC
address adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network. However, if the only
wireless security that your network uses is MAC addressing, your data is easy for hackers to
read.
•
•
IP Address: The IP address assigned to this adapter.
Smart Wireless Utility: The version and date of the Smart Wizard.
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Chapter 3
Wireless Network Performance
This chapter explains how to use your Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter to
connect to your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and how to set up wireless security for the
Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter so that it matches the wireless security
settings for your network.
Optimizing Wireless Performance
The speed and operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based
on the location of the wireless router. You should choose a location for your router that will
maximize the network speed.
The following list describes how to optimize wireless router performance.
•
Identify critical wireless links.
If your network has several wireless devices, decide which wireless devices need the highest
data rate, and locate the router near them. Many wireless products have automatic data-rate
fallback, which allows increased distances without losing connectivity. This also means that
devices that are further away may be slower. Therefore, the most critical links in your network
are those where the traffic is high and the distances are great. Optimize those first.
•
•
Choose placement carefully.
For best results, place your router:
–
–
Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate.
In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers
have line-of-sight access (even if through walls).
Avoid obstacles to wireless signals.
–
Keep wireless devices at least two feet from large metal fixtures such as file cabinets,
refrigerators, pipes, metal ceilings, reinforced concrete, and metal partitions.
–
Keep away from large amounts of water such as fish tanks and water coolers.
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•
Reduce interference.
Avoid windows unless communicating between buildings.
Place wireless devices away from various electromagnetic noise sources, especially those in
the 2400–2500 MHz frequency band. Common noise-creating sources are:
–
–
–
Computers and fax machines (no closer than one foot)
Copying machines, elevators, and cell phones (no closer than 6 feet)
Microwave ovens (no closer than 10 feet)
•
Choose your settings.
–
Use a scanning utility to determine what other wireless networks are operating nearby, and
choose an unused channel.
–
Turn off SSID Broadcast, and change the default SSID. Other nearby devices may
automatically try to connect to your network several times a second, which can cause
significant performance reduction.
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Optimizing Your Network Bandwidth
The speed of network connections depends on the type of equipment that you use. Try to use high-
speed technologies for network connections with the heaviest traffic to avoid lower-speed
bottlenecks in the path. The following figure shows a home network that includes many different
connection speeds.
Figure 3-1
a gigabit connection through the router to the storage server. With a high-speed router this
connection allows for extremely fast backups or quick access to large files on the server. The PC
connected through a pair of Powerline HD adapters is limited to the 200 Mbps speed of the
Powerline HD connection. Although any of the links in this example would be sufficient for high-
traffic applications such as streaming HD video, the use of older devices such as 10 Mbps Ethernet
or 802.11b wireless would create a significant bottleneck.
In planning your network, think about which tasks will have the heaviest traffic flow between
them. Examples are:
•
•
A media center in one room streaming high-definition video from a server in another room
A storage device that is used for backing up your computers
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Overview of Home and Small Office Networking
Technologies
Common connection types and their speed and security considerations are:
•
Broadband Internet
Your Internet connection speed is determined by your modem type, such as ADSL or cable
modem, as well as the connection speed of the sites to which you connect, and general Internet
traffic. ADSL and cable modem connections are asymmetrical, meaning they have a lower
data rate to the Internet (upstream) than from the Internet (downstream). Keep in mind that
when you connect to someone else who also has an asymmetrical connection, the data rate
between your sites is limited by each side’s upstream data rate. A typical residential ADSL or
cablemodem connection provides a downstream throughput of about one to three megabits per
second (Mbps). Newer technologies such as ADSL2+ and Fiber to the Home (FTTH) will
increase the connection speed to tens of Mbps.
•
Wireless
A high-speed wireless router can provide a wireless data throughput of up to 300 Mbps using
technology called Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), in which multiple antennas
transmit multiple streams of data. The use of multiple antennas also provides excellent range
and coverage. With the introduction of the newer WPA and WPA2 encryption and
authentication protocols, wireless security is extremely strong.
To get the best performance, use newer adapters such as RangeMax adapters for your
computers. A high-speed router may be compatible with older 802.11b and 802.11g adapters,
but the use of these older wireless technologies in your network can result in lower throughput
overall (typically less than 10 Mbps for 802.11b and less than 40 Mbps for 802.11g). In
addition, many older wireless products do not support the latest security protocols, WPA and
WPA2.
•
Powerline
For connecting rooms or floors that are blocked by obstructions or are distant vertically,
consider networking over your building’s AC wiring. NETGEAR’s Powerline HD family of
products delivers up to 200 Mbps to any outlet, while the older generation XE family of
products delivers 14 Mbps or 85 Mbps. Data transmissions are encrypted for security, and you
can configure an individual network password to prevent neighbors from connecting.
The Powerline HD family of products can coexist on the same network with older generation
XE family products or HomePlug 1.0 products, but they are not interoperable with these
older products.
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•
Wired Ethernet
As Gigabit Ethernet ports become common on newer computers, wired Ethernet remains a
good choice for speed, economy, and security. Gigabit Ethernet can extend up to 100 meters
with twisted-pair wiring of CAT-5e or better. A wired connection is not susceptible to
interference, and eavesdropping would require a physical connection to your network.
Note: Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors,
including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and
network overhead, can lower actual data throughput rate.
Assessing Your Speed Requirements
Because your Internet connection is likely to operate at a much lower speed than your local
network, faster local networking technologies may not improve your Internet experience.
However, many emerging home applications require high data rates. For example:
•
Streaming HD video requires 10 to 30 Mbps per stream. Because latency and packet loss can
disrupt your video, plan to provide at least twice the capacity you need.
•
Streaming MP3 audio requires less than 1 Mbps per stream and does not strain most modern
networks. Like video, however, streaming audio is also sensitive to latency and packet loss, so
a congested network or a noisy link can cause problems.
•
Backing up computers over the network has become popular due to the availability of
using various networking technologies.
Table 3-1. Theoretical Transfer Time for 1 Gigabyte
Network Connection
Theoretical Raw Transfer Time
Gigabit Wired Ethernet
RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N
Powerline HD
8 seconds
26 seconds
40 seconds
100 Mbps Wired Ethernet
802.11g wireless
80 seconds
150 seconds
700 seconds
800 seconds
2700 seconds
144,000 seconds (40 hours)
802.11b wireless
10 Mbps Wired Ethernet
Cable Modem (3 Mbps)
Analog Modem (56 kbps)
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Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
This chapter provides information about troubleshooting your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. After
each problem description, instructions are given to help you diagnose and solve the problem. For
information about connecting to wireless networks and the Internet, see “Connecting to Wireless
Troubleshooting Tips
Use the information below to solve common problems you may encounter. Also, refer to the
Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips
Problem
Action
I cannot connect to an access point.
The access point is available and there is
good signal strength.
• If the access point is WPA-PSK protected, you need the
correct WPA-PSK passphrase. Otherwise, the WN121T will
still be connected to the previous access point and you will
not be able to change to the WPA-PSK access point.
• If the access point is WEP protected (either 64 or 128 bit
encryption), you will be prompted to enter the WEP
encryption security information.
How to maximize throughput.
• Make sure the VPN firewall is connected to a USB port v2.0.
If connected to a v1.1 USB port it is limited to
• For best performance connect to high-speed network
equipment. See Chapter 3, “Wireless Network Performance”
for help in understanding how to get the best performance
from your VPN firewall.
The Smart Wizard keeps asking me to save If you change the settings the Smart Wizard offers you the
settings.
chance to save the changes. To avoid this prompt, simply click
Apply before you close the Smart Wizard.
Two WN121T icons are in the system tray. You have an older software version installed on your system
and it needs to be removed. See “Removing the Software” in
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Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Tips (continued)
Problem
Action
I can connect to the access point, but not
the other computers on the network or to
the Internet.
This could be a physical layer problem or a network
configuration problem.
1. Check to make sure that the access point is physically
connected to the Ethernet network.
2. Make sure that the IP addresses and the Windows
networking parameters are all configured correctly. See
the link to “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing” in
3. Restart the cable or DSL modem, router, access point, and
computer.
Viewing the IP address.
To view the Next 300 Mbps WN121T Wireless USB 2.0
Adapter IP address, click the WN121T icon to open the Smart
Wizard. Then check the IP address in the About page.
No IP address is assigned to the VPN
firewall.
This may occur if you upgraded your Next 300 Mbps WN121T
Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter software and did not reboot your
system.
• Either restart your computer, or connect to a different access
point.
• It does not usually help to shut down the Smart Wizard or
disable/enable the card.
Ad Hoc Mode Is Not Working Correctly
You need to click the Initiate Ad Hoc button before you click Apply. Here is how you start an Ad
Hoc network:
1. Fill in the Network Name (SSID).
2. Select the Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Network Type.
3. Click Initiate Ad Hoc.
4. Accept the default settings or make your changes and click OK.
5. Click Apply.
Note: Be sure all computers in your Ad Hoc network are configured with static IP
addresses in the same subnet.
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Appendix A
Default Configuration Settings and Technical
Specifications
Default Configuration Settings
The following table lists the default settings of your Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
Feature
Description
Smart Wizard
Wireless
Enabled
Wireless Communication
Enabled
Wireless Network Name (SSID)
Security
Any (will connect to first wireless network that responds)
Disabled
Network Type
Infrastructure
Transmission Speed
Country/Region
Operating Mode
Data Rate
Autoa
United States (varies by region)
g and b
Up to 300 Mbps
a. Maximum wireless signal rate (IEEE Standard 802.11). Actual throughput will vary. Network conditions
and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and
network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.
A-1
v2.0, February 2007
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual
Technical Specifications
This table below describes technical specifications for the NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless
USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T.
Antennas
2 separate PCB internal antennas
802.11n Draft, 802.11g, 802.11b
Standards
Radio Data Rate
• 802.11n Draft: 6, 6.5, 13, 13.5, 19.5, 26, 27, 39, 40.5, 53, 54, 58.5, 65, 78,
81, 104, 108, 117, 121.5, 130, 135, 162, 216, 243, 270, 300 Mbps
• 802.11b/g: 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 40, 48, 54, 72, 80, 84, 96,
108, 120, 144, 160, 168, 192, 216, and 240 Mbps
Frequency
Power
2.4GHz to 2.5GHz CCK and OFDM Modulation
5V bus powered
Emissions
FCC Part 15 Class B, CE
USB 5V
Bus interface
Provided drivers
Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2 and
Windows 2000 SP4
Operating Environment
Encryption
Operating temperature: 0 to 45 degree C
40-bit (also called 64-bit) and 128-bit WEP data encryption, WPA2-PSK,
and WPA-PSK
Warranty
Limited 1-year warranty
A-2
v2.0, February 2007
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Appendix B
Related Documents
This appendix provides links to reference documents you can use to gain a more complete
understanding of the technologies used in your NETGEAR product.
Document
Link
Windows XP and Vista
Wireless Configuration
Utilities
Internet Networking and
TCP/IP Addressing
Wireless Communications
Preparing a Computer for
Network Access
Virtual Private Networking
(VPN)
Glossary:
B-1
v2.0, February 2007
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual
B-2
v2.0, February 2007
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
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