NETGEAR Network Card WN121T User Manual

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  
Chapter 1  
Basic Setup  
Chapter 2  
Network Connections and Wireless Security  
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Chapter 3  
Wireless Network Performance  
Chapter 4  
Troubleshooting  
Appendix A  
Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications  
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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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  
website at http://www.netgear.com.  
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  
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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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual  
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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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual  
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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NETGEAR Next 300 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WN121T User Manual  
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  
but there is a problem with the router. See Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting”.  
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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