Operation Manual

Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
24
N600 WiFi USB Adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see the adapter’s NETGEAR genie icon in the Windows system tray?
Check to make sure that your adapter is inserted in the USB port. If you remove it, the
adapter
’s NETGEAR genie icon does not display. When you insert the adapter into the USB
port, the icon returns to your desktop and the Windows system tray.
Do USB ports go into sleep mode if no traffic is going to or from the port?
USB devices go into sleep mode if a Windows USB feature called Selective Suspend is
enabled, which it is by default. If your adapter or another USB device goes into Selective
Suspend mode, the network disconnects. To prevent this type of network disconnection,
disable Selective Suspend.
 To disable Selective Suspend mode:
1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Select Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Edit Plan Settings >
Change Advanced
Power Settings > USB Settings.
3. Change the setting for Selective Suspend mode to Disabled.
How can I improve the speed of my WiFi connection?
The connection speed can vary depending on the type of USB port on your computer, the
capacity of the router or access point for the WiFi network, and the type of Internet
connection.
You can view the physical rate in the status bar at the bottom of the NETGEAR
genie screen (for more information, see Check Your Connection Status on page 17). The
following limits might apply:
• If the physical rate is limited to 54 Mbps, the adapter might be connected to an 802.1
1b or
802.11g network. If you want a faster physical rate, connect to an 802.11n network, if one
is available.
• If the physical rate is limited to 54 Mbps, the network security might be WP
A (TKIP).
When WPA (TKIP) security mode is configured on the router or access point, WiFi
regulations allow the adapter to connect at up to 54 Mbps only. For a faster connection,
configure the security for the router or access point as WPA2 or WPA + WPA2 mixed WiFi
security
. The connection speed still depends on the WiFi capacity of the router or access
point.
• If your computer does not include a USB 2.0 port, the physical rate is limited to the
14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 legacy standard.
How can I view the IP address of the adapter?
 To view the IP address of the adapter:
1. Click the adapter
’s NETGEAR genie icon on your desktop or in the Windows system
tray.
The Home screen displays.