NETGEAR WNDA4100 N900 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter

Introduction

This document is the user manual for the NETGEAR WNDA4100 N900 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter.

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

Document Version: v1.0, March 2012

Product Image: A sleek, dark grey NETGEAR wireless USB adapter with a blue USB connector.

Technical Support

For technical support services, registration is required via the website or phone. Contact information for customer support centers worldwide is provided on the enclosed warranty and support information card.

Visit the website for product updates and web support: http://www.netgear.jp/supportInfo/

Trademarks

NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, ReadyNAS, NeoTV, X-RAID, X-RAID2, FrontView, RAIDar, RAIDiator, Network Storage Processor, and NSP are trademarks and registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Disclaimer

NETGEAR reserves the right to make changes to the product design, operation, or features without prior notice to improve the product. NETGEAR is not liable for any damages arising from the use or application of this product or its circuit design.

This device is a Class B digital device intended for home environments. It may cause radio or television reception interference when used near such equipment. Please follow the instructions in this manual for correct operation.

Compliance: VCCI-B

Chapter 1: Wireless Adapter Setup

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, allowing you to make changes or connect to different wireless networks. The color of the system tray icon indicates wireless signal strength, ranging from 0 (zero) to 5.

• Green: 3~5
• Yellow: 1~2
• Red: 0 (zero), no connection

Removing the adapter disables NETGEAR Genie and hides the icon. Reinserting the adapter will display the icon again.

Adapter Image: A NETGEAR wireless USB adapter.

NETGEAR Genie Home

Launching NETGEAR Genie displays the home screen. This screen allows you to quickly check if you are connected to a network and have internet access.

Available Options:

• Language Selection: If multiple languages are available, select your preferred language from the dropdown list. The NETGEAR Genie interface will display in the chosen language.
• [Home] Button: Returns you to the NETGEAR Genie home screen.
• [Connect to Network] Button: Displays a list of wireless networks and allows you to connect to them.
• [Other] Button: Displays additional information and software updates.
• Help: Access the help section.

Status Bar: Located at the bottom of the screen, it displays:

• Network Name: The name (SSID) of the wireless network the adapter is currently connected to.
• Connection Status: Indicates the connection status (e.g., Connected to Internet, Connected to Router, Not Connected).
• Network Security: A key icon ? indicates the network uses wireless security. An open key icon signifies no wireless security (e.g., public Wi-Fi).
• Wireless Channel: The channel the adapter is currently using.
• Transfer Rate (Physical Value): The speed of the wireless connection.
• Signal Strength: Indicates wireless signal strength. 3-5 indicates a strong signal; 1-2 indicates a weak signal.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie software interface showing a computer, router, and internet connection status. It displays network name, IP address, and connection status.

Connecting to Wireless Networks

Clicking the [Connect to Network] button in NETGEAR Genie displays the following screen. The Network List shows nearby wireless networks. Click a network to select it. Use the Manual Connect button to connect to networks not listed or to hidden networks (SSIDs that do not broadcast their name). The Refresh button scans for available networks.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie "Connect to Network" screen showing a list of available wireless networks with their security status (e.g., WPA2-PSK, WEP, WPA-PSK) and signal strength bars.

Network Details

From the [Connect to Network] screen, you can view details for a specific network. Select a network and click the [Details] button.

The details displayed include:

• Network Name (SSID): The name assigned to the wireless network. For access points that do not display the SSID for security reasons, the network will be hidden, and the SSID field will be blank.
• Channel: The channel the wireless network operates on. NETGEAR recommends using a different channel than nearby networks.
• Wireless Mode: Indicates the wireless standard used by the router (e.g., 11a, n, g, b).
• WPS Support: Indicates if the router or access point supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).
• MAC Address: The unique hardware address of the wireless router, gateway, or access point.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie "Details" screen for a selected network, showing Network Name (SSID), Channel, Wireless Mode, WPS Support, and MAC Address.

Connecting to Networks

You can connect to a wireless network using WPS or through the NETGEAR Genie screen.

Using WPS:

1. Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter for 3 seconds.
2. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless router or gateway. The connection will be established, and settings will be saved to a profile.

Image: A close-up of the NETGEAR wireless USB adapter, with an arrow pointing to the WPS button on the side.

Using NETGEAR Genie:

1. Select the desired wireless network from the list and click [Connect].
2. If the network is secured, enter the password.

Once connected, the network connection information is automatically saved to a Windows profile. The adapter will automatically connect to the previously connected network upon launching NETGEAR Genie, provided no changes have been made.

Connecting to Hidden Networks

Hidden networks do not broadcast their SSID. To connect:

1. From NETGEAR Genie, click [Connect to Network].
2. Click [Connect to Network Manually (Hidden Network)].

You can connect using the push-button method (WPS) or by manually entering wireless information.

Connecting via WPS (Push-Button Method):

1. Select the [Use Push-Button Method] radio button and click [Start].
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to press the WPS button on the adapter and then on your wireless router/gateway/access point.

Connecting Manually:

1. Select the [Enter Wireless Information Manually] radio button.
2. Enter the Network Name (SSID), select the Security Type (None, WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK), and enter the Key or Passphrase.
• None: No password required.
• WEP: Password (Key) is 10 or 26 hexadecimal digits.
• WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK: Password (Passphrase) is 8 to 63 characters long.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie "Connect to Network" screen, showing the option to connect to hidden networks manually.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie screen for manually entering network information (SSID, Security Type, Passphrase).

Chapter 2: Maintenance

Other Screens

Clicking the [Other] button in NETGEAR Genie displays additional information:

• Send/Receive Activity: Displays the total number of packets sent and received during wireless network communication.
• Network:
  • IP Address: The IP address assigned to the adapter. This may change if the connection is disconnected and re-established.
  • Security Type: The wireless security protocol used by the adapter to connect to the network.
• Adapter:
  • Adapter MAC Address: The unique 48-bit hardware address (Media Access Control) of the adapter. Some networks restrict access based on MAC address. If connecting to such a network, provide this MAC address to the network administrator.
  • Country/Region: The region setting for the wireless adapter. This determines the available wireless channels. The adapter automatically scans for channels permitted in the region.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie "Other" screen showing Send/Receive Activity, Network details (IP Address), and Adapter details (MAC Address, Country/Region).

Uninstalling Software

The wireless adapter software can be uninstalled through several methods:

• Via Start Menu: Go to [Start] > [All Programs] > [NETGEAR WNDA4100 Genie] > [Uninstall NETGEAR WNDA4100 Software].
• Via Control Panel:
  • Windows 7: [Start] > [Control Panel] > [Programs and Features]. Select [NETGEAR WNDA4100 Genie] and click [Uninstall].
  • Windows Vista: [Start] > [Control Panel] > [Programs and Features]. Select [NETGEAR WNDA4100 Genie], click [Uninstall or change], and follow the prompts.
  • Windows XP: [Start] > [Control Panel] > [Add or Remove Programs]. Select [NETGEAR WNDA4100 Genie] and click [Remove].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wireless USB Adapter LED is not lit.

Ensure the adapter is securely inserted into the USB port or USB extension cable. Verify the WNDA4100 software is installed. Try removing and reinserting the adapter. Check Windows Device Manager to ensure the adapter is recognized and enabled. Reinstall the software if necessary. Try a different USB port on your computer.

Cannot see the icon.

Confirm the wireless USB adapter is inserted into the USB port. If it's removed, the icon will not appear. Inserting the adapter into the USB port will display the icon in the Windows system tray.

Cannot connect to wireless network.

Ensure the adapter is securely inserted into the computer's USB port or cable. The adapter's LED should be lit or blinking. Open NETGEAR Genie by clicking the icon. If the adapter cannot connect to the selected network, the home screen will indicate this.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie screen indicating a network is scanning or not connected, showing "Network: Scanning..." and a weak signal indicator.

If the network uses wireless security, you need to know the security settings. If the network supports WPS, use the Push 'N' Connect (push-button) method. Some networks only communicate with pre-registered MAC addresses. In such cases, find the adapter's MAC address in NETGEAR Genie ([Other] button) and provide it to the network administrator.

Cannot access the internet even after connecting to the network.

Open NETGEAR Genie. If connected to the network but not the internet, the home screen will reflect this.

Image: The NETGEAR Genie screen showing a connection to a router but no internet access.

Verify you are connected to the correct network. If so, check if the router's internet connection is functioning. If not, restart the modem, router, and computer.

Cannot access shared resources like printers.

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

Does the USB port go into sleep mode if there is no traffic?

If the Selective Suspend feature is enabled (default), USB devices may enter sleep mode when inactive. If this setting is active and a connected USB device enters selective suspend mode, the network connection may be lost. To prevent this, disable Selective Suspend mode in the power options.

Improving Wireless Connection Speed

Use the included USB extension cable to position the wireless USB adapter in a location with better wireless reception.

Connection speed depends on the USB port type, router/access point performance, and internet connection type. Check the transfer speed in the NETGEAR Genie status bar.

A transfer rate of 54 Mbps may indicate connection to an 802.11g network or a wireless-N network using WPA (TKIP) security. Wi-Fi standards limit connections to 54 Mbps with WPA (TKIP). To achieve higher speeds, set the router's security to WPA2 or WPA + WPA2 mixed mode for 802.11n connections.

If your computer lacks a USB 2.0 port, transfer speeds will be limited to 14Mbps (the limit for USB 1.1).

Checking Wireless USB Adapter IP Address

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

Wireless USB Adapter has no IP Address Assigned

After upgrading the wireless USB adapter software, ensure the computer has been restarted. If not, restart the computer or try connecting to a different access point.

Appendix A: Additional Information

Technical Specifications

Factory Default Settings

Appendix B: Declarations of Conformity

IEEE Standard 802.11 Maximum Wireless Signal Speed

Actual data throughput may vary based on network conditions, operating environment (network traffic, building materials, structure, network overhead, etc.).

Safety and Regulations

FCC Statement

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Operation in the 5.15~5.25 GHz band is restricted to indoor use only. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

FCC RF Exposure and SAR Statement

This WNDA4100 has been tested for compliance with human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (SAR) and meets applicable limits for RF exposure. The FCC has established detailed SAR requirements and has ensured that this device complies with these requirements when installed in a notebook computer.

Products sold in the United States and Canada are restricted to channels 1 through 11. Other channels cannot be selected. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Operation is limited to the 5.15 ~ 5.25 GHz frequency range and is restricted to indoor use. Users of high-power radars are designated as the primary users (i.e., priority) of the 5252~5350 MHz and 5650~5850 MHz bands, and these radars could cause interference and/or damage to LAN-EL devices.

RF Exposure Information: The wireless module has been evaluated based on FCC Bulletin OET 65C (01-01) and CFR 47 Section 2.1093 and 15.247(b)(4) to meet requirements for RF exposure from radio frequency devices. This model meets applicable government regulations for RF exposure.

Canada Statement (Industry Canada)

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 licensed services and to maximize shielding, this device is designed to be operated indoors and away from windows. Devices installed outdoors (or their transmitting antennas) require a license.

Industry Canada Compliance Statement: This device complies with IC Rules RSS-210. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Exposure Statement: This product complies with FCC portable RF exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment and meets the operational requirements described herein. To minimize RF exposure, keep the device as far as possible from the user's body or reduce the device's output power if such a function is available.

EU Declaration of Conformity

The printed version of the EU Declaration of Conformity certificate for this product is included in the WNDA4100 product packaging.

The document also lists compliance statements in various languages including Czech, Danish, German, Estonian, English, Spanish, Greek, French, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Dutch, Maltese, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Finnish, and Swedish.