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 Sunday, 22 November 2009
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Configuring a Netgear WG511 version 2 wireless adapter

This document describes how to install the Netgear WG511 version 2 wireless adapter on a PC running Windows XP, 2000 or Vista. We recommend that you print this guide to use as a reference.

The WG511 v2 PCMCIA wireless adapter is a PC card used to connect a laptop, or desktop equipped with a suitable slot, to your wireless network.


Set up your modem router

It is recommended that you setup your AOL supported modem router using the AOL Easy Installer or manufacturers CD before you setup your wireless adapter. When you set up your modem router, we recommend that you enable the security features to keep your wireless network protected.

If your modem router supports WPA, we recommend that you use this method as it is more secure than the older WEP standard. You will be asked for a Wireless Network Name (SSID) and a Network or Encryption Key (Passphrase). Please take note of these as you will need them later when you add your computer to your wireless network.

If your modem router does not support WPA, please use WEP 128-bit encryption and note the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Wireless Network Password (WEP128 Passphrase).


Install and connect your wireless adapter

The wireless adapter should be installed on the computer that is going to use the adapter before connecting it to the computer. You must follow the installation process and ONLY insert the adapter into the appropriate port on the computer when prompted.

To download and install the wireless adapter:

Note: If you have the installation CD that came with your wireless adapter, please insert the CD and skip to step 4.

1. Download the modem driver for your Netgear WG511v2 wireless adapter.
2. When prompted to save the file to a location, select a place that is easy to remember (eg desktop).
3. Once the driver is downloaded, double click the file: wg511v2_3_1.exe.
4. Click Install Software, then click Next.
5. Read the License agreement, and click Accept.
6. The installation directory will default to a folder within your program files (eg C:Program FilesNETGEARWG511v2). If you would prefer to use a different folder, select a new location by clicking Browse. Click Next to continue.
7. Click Next again.
8. Insert the wireless adapter card into an available PCMCIA slot on your laptop. Click Next when this is done.
9. Select Europe as the country, then click Agree.
10. Select Netgear Smart Wizard, then click Next.
11. Select No, I want to configure it myself and click Next.

The configuration will be completed using the Netgear Smart wizard software, this will start automatically can be accessed from the desktop icon.


Connect to your wireless network


Now that you have installed your adapter, you will need to configure it so you can add your computer to your wireless network.

1. Double-click the Netgear icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen (near the clock).
2. Click the Networks tab. The utility will scan for available wireless networks within range. If the scan does not occur, click the Scan button.
3. When you set up your wireless modem router you were asked for a Wireless Network Name (See step 1). Highlight this name in the list, then click Connect.
4. Click the Settings tab and select your network from the Network Name (SSID) drop-down list.
5. If your modem router uses WPA encryption, the adapter will detect this and show an Advanced Security box. If this does not happen, set Security (on the right) to WPA-PSK [TKIP] and enter the passphrase you created when you set up your modem router. This needs to be entered exactly as it was entered on your modem router.

Note: If your modem router does not support WPA encryption, set Security (on the right) to WEP. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the Wireless Network Password that your chose when you set up your wireless router.

6. Click Apply and Close.

The Netgear icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen will be green when it is connected to your wireless network, yellow in areas of poor wireless signal strength and red if your wireless network is out of range.


Connect to AOL


To set up AOL to work on your home network, you need to change the settings to connect via your modem router.

1. Start AOL but do not sign on. Instead, click Sign On Options or Connect Options on the sign-on screen.
2. Click Expert Setup.
3. Click Add Location.
4. Type a name for the location in the Location Name box (eg Router), then click Next.
5. Choose Broadband (High-Speed, cable, DSL, or other ISP), then click Next.
6. Tick Automatically reconnect me and ignore interruptions... then click Next.
7. Select Automatic Connection, then click Next.
8. Click Sign on to AOL now, then sign on to AOL as usual using any of your screen names.

The next time you start the AOL software, you'll notice 'Router' (or whatever name you gave the location) is available as one of the options in the Location box. This allows you to easily switch between using a modem router connection and a different connection (for example, a dial-up modem) if you wish.