How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode Network


Note: Ad-hoc mode will not work using DHCP settings. Ad-hoc mode requires static IP addresses (such as 192.168.0.1). For instructions on setting up static IP addresses on a Windows PC, refer to the PC Networking Tutorial included on the NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U Resource CD.
Follow the instructions below to configure an Ad-hoc mode network.
1. Configure the PC network settings.
a. Configure each PC with a static IP address.
Note: For instructions on configuring static IP addresses, refer to the networking tutorial on your NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus WG511U Resource CD.
b. Restart the PCs.
2. Run the WG511U Smart Wireless Wizard.
a. Make sure the WG511U software is installed and the WG511U is fully inserted in an available CardBus slot in your PC.
b. Open the configuration utility by clicking on the WG511U icon on the Windows desktop or in the system tray. The Settings tab page opens.
Figure 4-4: Settings page
c. Select Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) for the Network Type. Enter the SSID for the Ad-Hoc network.
d. Click Initiate Ad-Hoc. The Ad-Hoc Setting dialog box appears.
Figure 4-5: Ad-Hoc Setting page
- In the Start Ad-Hoc field, choose the wireless standard (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g) for your Ad-Hoc computer-to-computer network.
- In the Channel field, Automatic should work. If you notice interference problems with another nearby wireless device, select a channel that is not being used by any other wireless networks near your wireless adapter. Use the Networks tab page to identify the channels in use in your area.
Note: The channel number differs depending on the country. The connection speed automatically defaults to the highest speed.
e. Click OK. The WG511U will scan the area to determine which channel to use.
f. Click Apply.
3. Save your settings in a Profile.
a. Type a descriptive name in the "Profiles" field.
b. Click Save Profile. All the configuration settings are saved in this profile.
c. Click Apply.
d. Click Close to exit the configuration utility.
4. Verify wireless connectivity between your peer devices.
Verify connectivity by using the Ping program:
a. On the Windows taskbar click the Start button, and then click Run.
b. Assuming the target PC is configured with 192.168.0.1 as its IP address, type  ping -t 192.168.0.1 and then click OK.
c. This will cause a continuous ping to be sent to the device with the 192.168.0.1 static IP address. The ping response should change to "reply."
At this point the connection is established.
Note: If you cannot connect, see the "Troubleshooting" on page 3-14. Also, for problems with accessing network resources, the Windows Client and File and Print Sharing software might not be installed and configured properly on your computers. Please refer to "Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking" on page C-1.

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