NETGEAR MA101 MA101 MA101 User Manual

NETGEAR, Inc.
4401 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Reference Manual for
the Model MA101
802.11b Wireless PC
Card

NETGEAR MA101 MA101 MA101 Specifications

General

Brand	NETGEAR
Model	MA101 MA101 MA101
Category	Computer Hardware
Language	English

Summary

Preface - Installation Guide Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction

About the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

Introduces the MA101 adapter, its flexibility, and wireless network creation capabilities.

Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products

Lists the MA101's core features like 802.11b, roaming, speed, and security.

What's in the Box?

Details the expected items included in the product package for the MA101 adapter.

A Road Map for 'How to Get There From Here'

Provides a guide to accomplishing tasks like connecting to wireless networks and protecting connections.

Chapter 2: Installing the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

What You Will Need Before You Begin

Outlines the prerequisites for installing the MA101, including system requirements and network settings.

Verify System Requirements

Lists the minimum system requirements needed to install the MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter.

Observe Location and Range Guidelines

Provides recommendations for optimal placement and awareness of environmental factors affecting wireless range.

Two Basic Operating Modes

Explains the two primary modes of operation: Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc for wireless networking.

MA101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings

Details the factory default settings for the MA101, including SSID, mode, and WEP encryption.

Using the MA101 for Infrastructure Mode Connection

Illustrates and introduces the setup for connecting the MA101 via an access point in Infrastructure mode.

Setting Up MA101 in Infrastructure Mode

Provides general steps for configuring the MA101 in Infrastructure mode.

Installing MA101 for Windows XP

Step-by-step guide for installing the MA101 adapter on Windows XP systems.

Installing MA101 for Windows 98/Me

Step-by-step guide for installing the MA101 adapter on Windows 98/Me systems.

Installing MA101 for Windows 2000

Step-by-step guide for installing the MA101 adapter on Windows 2000 systems.

Using the MA101 for Ad-Hoc Mode Connection

Illustrates and introduces the setup for connecting the MA101 directly between computers in Ad-Hoc mode.

Setting Up MA101 in Ad-Hoc Mode

Details the configuration steps for the MA101 to operate in Ad-Hoc wireless networking mode.

Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors

Explains the meaning of different colors displayed by the MA101 utility icon in the system tray.

Troubleshooting Tips

Offers solutions for common problems encountered when trying to connect wirelessly with the MA101 adapter.

Chapter 3: Protecting Your Wireless Connection

Enabling Basic Wireless Security Features

Describes methods to strengthen wireless connection security, including WEP and SSID changes.

Identifying Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP Settings

Guides users on how to identify and record their wireless network name (SSID) and WEP security parameters.

Setting the Wireless Network Name (SSID)

Provides steps to change the default SSID to restrict access to the wireless network.

Configuring WEP Encryption Security

Details how to configure WEP encryption strength and keys for secure wireless communications.

Appendix A: Technical Specifications

Appendix B: 802.11b Wireless Networking Basics

Related Publications

Lists RFC documents and other resources for further information on networking protocols.

Wireless Networking

Explains the 802.11b standard for wireless LANs, including data rates and technology used.

Wireless Network Configuration

Describes the two main methods for configuring wireless networks: Ad Hoc and Infrastructure.

Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID)

Defines ESSID and its role in identifying wireless local area networks.

Authentication and WEP Encryption

Explains authentication methods like Open System and Shared Key, and WEP encryption.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

Details the WEP data encryption methods (64-bit and 128-bit) for securing wireless communications.

Wireless Channel Selection

Discusses the use of radio frequency channels in 802.11b networks and interference considerations.

Appendix C: Preparing Your PCs for Network Access

Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking

Explains the necessity of TCP/IP for internet access and its configuration requirements.

Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking

Provides steps to install and configure TCP/IP networking components for Windows 98 and Me.

Install or Verify Windows Networking Components (Win 98/Me)

Guides users on checking and installing network components like TCP/IP and client software for Win 98/Me.

Enabling DHCP for TCP/IP Settings in Windows 98/Me

Details how to enable DHCP for automatic TCP/IP configuration on Windows 98/Me.

Selecting Windows' Internet Access Method

Explains how to configure the internet access method in Windows, likely for LAN connection.

Verifying TCP/IP Properties

Shows how to check TCP/IP configuration settings using the winipcfg.exe utility.

Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking

Outlines the process for preparing Windows 2000 and XP for TCP/IP network configuration.

Install or Verify Windows Networking Components (Win 2000/XP)

Guides users on checking and installing network components for Windows 2000/XP.

DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000

Explains the DHCP configuration process for TCP/IP settings on Windows XP and 2000.

DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP

Provides specific steps for configuring DHCP for TCP/IP on Windows XP operating systems.

DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000

Details the DHCP configuration steps for TCP/IP settings on Windows 2000 operating systems.

Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000

Describes how to verify TCP/IP configuration settings for Windows XP and 2000.