NETGEAR N150 Wireless USB Adapter WNA1100

Address: 350 East Plumeria Drive, San Jose, CA 95134 USA

Date: August 2011

Document ID: 202-10947-01

Version: v1.0

© 2011 NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.

This publication may not be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language without the written permission of NETGEAR, Inc.

Technical Support

To register your product, get the latest product updates, get support online, or for more information, visit the Support website at http://support.netgear.com.

Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR

Phone (Other Countries): Check the list of phone numbers at http://support.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/984.

Trademarks

NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, and Connect with Innovation are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Information is subject to change without notice. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Statement of Conditions

NETGEAR reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice to improve internal design, operational function, and/or reliability. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use, or application of, the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.

Chapter 1: Set up Your Wireless Adapter

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Package Contents
• Status LED
• NETGEAR Genie Desktop Icon
• NETGEAR Genie Home
• Join a Wireless Network

For help installing your wireless-N USB adapter, refer to the installation guide included in the package. For more information, visit http://support.netgear.com.

Package Contents

Your adapter package may include a Resource CD, a USB cable, or an adapter cradle with a USB cable, depending on your purchase location.

Possible package contents:

• NETGEAR N150 Wireless Adapter
• USB cable
• Resource CD

Alternatively, the package might contain:

• NETGEAR N150 Wireless Adapter
• Resource CD
• Cradle with built-in USB cable

Figure 1. Package contents vary by region.

Status LED

The LED on the wireless-N USB adapter indicates the status of the wireless link:

NETGEAR Genie Desktop Icon

After installing the adapter, the NETGEAR Genie icon appears in the Windows system tray and on the desktop. Clicking this icon opens NETGEAR Genie to manage settings or connect to wireless networks. The icon's color indicates wireless connection strength:

• Green: 3 to 5 bars (strong connection)
• Yellow: 1 or 2 bars (weak connection)
• Red: 0 bars (no connection)

If the adapter is removed, the icon disappears. It reappears when the adapter is reinserted.

NETGEAR Genie Home

Launching NETGEAR Genie displays the home screen, providing an overview of your network connection and Internet access. Available options include:

• Select Language: Choose from available languages to change the Genie interface language.
• Home button: Returns to the main Home screen.
• Join a Network button: Lists available wireless networks for connection.
• Other button: Accesses more information or software update checks.
• Help: Displays help documentation.

Status Bar

The status bar at the bottom of the screen displays:

• Network name: The SSID of the connected wireless network.
• Connection status: Indicates if connected to the Internet or Router, or if there is No Connection.
• Network security: Shows if the network uses security (indicated by a lock symbol ?) or is open (unlocked symbol ?).
• Wireless channel: The channel the network is operating on.
• Throughput: The data transfer rate for wireless communication.
• Signal strength: Visual representation of the wireless signal strength (bars).

Figure 2. Status bar elements.

Join a Wireless Network

In NETGEAR Genie, click the Join a Network button to view available wireless networks. The screen displays a list of networks. You can select a network to join, or use Manual Connect for hidden networks. The Refresh button scans for available networks.

Network Details

To view details about a specific network:

1. From the Join a Network screen, click the desired network.
2. Click the Details button.

The details screen shows information such as:

• Network Name (SSID): The name of the wireless network. Hidden networks may not display an SSID.
• Channel: The operating channel. It is recommended to use a channel different from neighboring networks.
• Wireless Mode: The wireless technology used (e.g., n, g, b).
• WPS Support: Indicates if Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is supported.
• MAC Address: The unique hardware address of the wireless device.

Join a Network or Connect to a Different Network

You can join a wireless network using WPS (if supported by your network) or through the NETGEAR Genie interface.

• WPS: Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter for 2 seconds, then within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router or gateway.
• NETGEAR Genie: Select your wireless network from the list and click Connect. Enter the password if the network is secure.

Once connected, the network information is saved to a Windows profile for automatic reconnection.

To use WPS to join a wireless network:

1. Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter for 2 seconds.
2. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router or gateway.

The adapter will join the network; this may take a few minutes. Your settings are saved.

To select and join a wireless network (via Genie):

1. From NETGEAR Genie, click Join a Network.
2. Locate your network in the list. Scroll down if necessary. If the network name is not displayed, it is a hidden network; use the manual method (see page 12).
3. Click the network you want to join.
4. Click the Connect button.
5. If the network is secure, enter the network password.

The adapter will join the wireless network, which may take a few minutes.

Join a Hidden Network

A hidden network does not broadcast its SSID.

1. From NETGEAR Genie, click Join a Network.
2. Click the Manually Connect to a network (for hidden networks) link.

You can connect using WPS or by manually entering the wireless information.

To manually connect using WPS:

1. Click the Start button. A dialog will prompt you to press the WPS button on both the adapter and the router.
2. Press the WPS button on your adapter, then go to your wireless router, gateway, or access point and press its WPS button.

To manually connect without WPS:

1. Select the Enter wireless information myself radio button.

There are four security types:

• None: No password required.
• WEP: Password is 10 or 26 hexadecimal digits.
• WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK: Password (passphrase) is 8 to 23 characters long.

2. Enter the network name (SSID), select the security type, and enter the passphrase (password).

Chapter 2: Maintenance

This chapter covers:

• Other Screen
• Remove the Software
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Other Screen

In NETGEAR Genie, click the Other button to access additional information:

• Sent/Receive Activity: Displays total Sent Packets and Received Packets.
• Network: Shows the assigned IP Address and Security Type for the current network connection.
• Adapter: Displays the Adapter MAC Address and the selected Region. The region setting affects available wireless channels.

Support

• Get Diagnostics Info: Click Get Info to collect system, IP, client driver, profile, and site survey information.
• Software Update: Click Check to look for and install software updates from the NETGEAR website.
• Help: Access the help documentation.

Remove the Software

To remove the wireless adapter software:

• Uninstall (Windows): Go to Start > All Programs > NETGEAR WNA1100 Adapter > Uninstall NETGEAR WNA1000 Software.
• Control Panel:
  • Windows 7: Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Select N150 Wireless USB Adapter WNA1100 > Click Uninstall.
  • Windows Vista: Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Select N150 Wireless USB Adapter WNA1100 > Click Uninstall/Change.
  • Windows XP: Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Select N150 Wireless USB Adapter WNA1100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The wireless-N USB adapter LED is not lit.

Ensure the adapter is securely inserted in the USB port (or USB cable) and the WNA1100 software is installed. Try removing and reinserting the adapter, checking Windows Device Manager, or using a different USB port. Reinstall the software if necessary.

I do not see the [Genie icon].

Verify the wireless-N USB adapter is inserted into the USB port. The icon is displayed when the adapter is connected.

I cannot connect to a wireless network.

Make sure the adapter is securely inserted and the LED is lit or blinking. Open NETGEAR Genie and check the connection status. If the network uses security, ensure you have the correct wireless security settings or use WPS. Some networks restrict access by MAC address; if so, provide your adapter's MAC address (found in NETGEAR Genie > Other) to the network administrator.

When I connect to the network I cannot access the Internet.

Confirm you are connected to the correct network. Check if the router's Internet connection is working. Restart the modem, router, and computer if necessary.

When I connect to the network I cannot access shared resources such as printers.

• Ensure the router or access point is physically connected to the Ethernet network.
• Verify that IP addresses and Windows networking settings are configured correctly.

How can I improve the speed of my wireless connection?

Use the included USB cable to position the adapter for optimal wireless communication. Connection speed depends on the USB port type, router capacity, and Internet connection. Wi-Fi regulations may limit speeds to 54 Mbps with WPA (TKIP) security. For faster connections, use WPA2 or WPA + WPA2 mixed security on the router to enable 802.11n mode. If using USB 1.1, throughput is limited to 14 Mbps.

How can I view the IP address for the wireless-N USB adapter?

Open NETGEAR Genie and click the Other button to view the IP address.

No IP address is assigned to the wireless-N USB adapter.

This can occur after upgrading software without rebooting the computer. Restart your computer or connect to a different access point.

Appendix A: Supplemental Information

Technical Specifications

Factory Default Settings

Appendix B: Notification of Compliance

Regulatory Compliance Information

This section outlines user requirements for operating this product according to national laws for radio spectrum usage. Failure to comply may result in unlawful operation and adverse action by regulatory authorities. Note: Product firmware may limit operation to specific channels allowed in a particular region or country.

FCC Requirements for Operation in the United States

FCC Information to User: This product contains no user-serviceable components and must be used with approved antennas. Modifications will invalidate certifications.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure and SAR Statements: The NETGEAR N150 Wireless USB Adapter WNA1100 has been tested for body-worn Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance. It meets FCC requirements when installed in a host notebook computer. The radio module complies with FCC Bulletin OET 65C and CFR 47 Sections 2.1093 and 15.247(b)(4). The highest SAR level measured was 1.380 W/kg.

FCC Declaration of Conformity: NETGEAR, Inc., 350 East Plumeria Drive, San Jose, CA 95134, declares that the NETGEAR N150 Wireless USB Adapter WNA1100 complies with Part 15 Subpart B of FCC CFR47 Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) the device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received.

FCC Radio Frequency Interference Warnings & Instructions: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits per Part 15 of FCC Rules, providing reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. It may radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed per instructions, may cause interference. No guarantee against interference in a particular installation is provided. Users experiencing interference should try reorienting antennas, increasing separation, using a different circuit, or consulting a dealer/technician.

Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations

This digital apparatus does not exceed Class B limits for radio-noise emissions as set out in Canadian regulations.

Industry Canada

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada Rules. Operation is subject to: (1) no harmful interference, and (2) acceptance of any received interference.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. Install and operate with at least 20cm distance between the radiator and your body.

Caution: (French translation of the above statement is also provided in the original document).

Europe – EU Declaration of Conformity

The CE marking indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC). This equipment meets standards like EN300 328 (2.4Ghz), EN301 489-17, EN301 893 (5Ghz), EN60950-1. It is a 2.4 GHz wideband transmission system intended for use in all EU member states and EFTA countries, with specific restrictions in France and Italy. End-users in Italy may need a license for outdoor links or public access services. Outdoor links in France and certain frequency ranges may have power limitations.

GPL License Agreement

The GPL may be included with this product. To view the GPL license agreement, go to ftp://downloads.netgear.com/files/GPLnotice.pdf. For GNU General Public License (GPL) related information, visit http://support.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2649.

Interference Reduction Table

The following table shows the Recommended Minimum Distance between NETGEAR equipment and household appliances to reduce interference: