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)NSTALLATION'UIDE

NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3

These setup instructions assume that you will connect to an access point or wireless router.

Estimated completion time: 15-25 minutes.

Installation

1. First, install the WG311 v3 

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. 

b.

If you are connected to the Internet, click 

Check for Updates

. If not, you can 

choose to install from the CD.

c.

Follow the Wizard steps and click 

Next 

to continue.

When the software has been installed the Connection Wizard prompts you to shut 
down the computer.

2. Now, install the wireless PCI 

adapter. 

a.

When prompted, shut down the 
computer.

b.

Unplug the computer, open the case, and 
install the WG311 v3 into a PCI slot.

c.

Connect the antenna to the adapter and 
position the antenna to the up position.

d.

Close the case, plug the power cord back 
in, and restart your computer.

e.

When prompted, select the country where you are located and click 

Agree

3. Use the Smart Wizard to set up your wireless PCI adapter.

a.

Windows 2000, 98SE/ME users go to 
Step b. Windows XP or Vista users can 
set up the wireless adapter either with the 
NETGEAR Smart Wizard 
(recommended) or the Windows 
configuration utilities. 

NETGEAR Smart Wizard:

 

Reveals more information about 
each network and makes it easier to 
troubleshoot network connection 
problems.

Windows configuration utilities:

 See the Windows documentation or 

“Using Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities” at: 

http://documentation.netgear.com/reference/enu/winzerocfg/index.htm

b.

Click 

Next 

to accept the NETGEAR 

Smart Wizard.

You will be prompted to let the 
wizard help you connect to a network 
(recommended).

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.

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.

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 WG311 v3 icon 

appears in the system tray and on the desktop; and the Settings 

page opens. The wizard initiates your wireless connection. It could take up to a minute for 
your wireless connection to be established. Check the status bar.

Using the Status Bar

The status bar is located at the bottom of the Settings page.

Understanding the Status Bar

Wireless network

Identifies which wireless network you have joined.

Security

• Locked: security enabled.
• Unlocked: security not enabled.

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. 

Signal strength

More dots indicates a stronger signal. Usually, you will experience 
higher throughput when the signal is strongest.

Find a Network

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 the online 
help or the 

NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 v3 

User Manual

 on the NETGEAR CD for troubleshooting tips.

Wireless

network

Connection status

Security

Find a Network

Channel

Throughput

Signal
strength

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