WiFi USB Adapter
Model A7000
User Manual

December 2017202-11755-02

350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

SupportThank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help,
access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR
support resources.

Conformity
For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621.

Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Trademarks© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks areused for reference purposes only.

2

Contents
Chapter 1

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network

Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WPS LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Set Up Your Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install the Adapter Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install the Windows Adapter Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install a Windows Standalone Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Install the Mac Adapter Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Insert the Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Insert the Adapter With a Desktop Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Insert the Adapter Without a Desktop Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
View Network Details Before Joining a WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Join a WiFi Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Join a Network Using the Windows Adapter Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Join a Network Using the Mac Adapter Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Join a Network Using WPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Join a Network Using the Standalone Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Join a Hidden Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Use the WPS Feature in the Windows Adapter Software to Join a Hidden Network
14
Use the Windows Adapter Software to Manually Join a Hidden Network . . 14
Use the Mac Adapter Software to Join a Hidden Network Using WPS. . . . . 16
Use the Mac Adapter Software to Manually Join a Hidden Network . . . . . . 16

Chapter 2

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter

View the Connection Status and Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
View Connection Status From Computer’s System Tray or Menu Bar . . . . . 19
View Connection Status and Details From the Windows Adapter Software 19
View More Information About the Adapter and Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Get Diagnostic Information for the Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Update the Adapter Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Chapter 3

Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions

Adapter WPS LED Does Not Light When the Button Is Pressed . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Adapter Icon Is Not in the Windows System Tray or Mac Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . 25
Adapter Does Not Connect to a WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
When I Connect the Adapter to a Network, I Cannot Access the Internet . . . . 25
When I Connect to the Network, I Cannot Access Shared
Resources Such as Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Adapter Lost Its IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
How Can I Improve the Speed of My WiFi Connection? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4

1.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi
Network

1

This chapter describes how to set up and connect the A7000 WiFi USB Adapter to a WiFi
Network.
The chapter includes the following sections:•

Package Contents•

WPS LED•

Set Up Your Adapter•

Install the Adapter Software•

Insert the Adapter•

View Network Details Before Joining a WiFi Network•

Join a WiFi Network•

Join a Hidden Network
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the
support website at support.netgear.com.

Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are madeavailable from time to time at downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some
products can regularly check the site and download new firmware, or
you can check for and download new firmware manually. If thefeatures or behavior of your product does not match what is
described in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.

5A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Package Contents
Your package contains the following items:
Desktop dockResource CD

WiFi USB adapter

WPS LED
The WPS button on the adapter also functions as an LED.

Figure 1. WPS LED
Table 1. WPS LED color descriptions
LED Color

Description

Blinking blue

The WPS button was pressed and the adapter is trying to find a WiFi
network to connect to or is attempting to join the WiFi network.

Solid blue

The adapter joined the WiFi network.

OffThe adapter is not searching for a network to join and is not
attempting to join a network.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
6

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Set Up Your Adapter
Before you begin using your adapter, set up the adapter using the resource CD that came in
the package.
Note: The adapter provides the best performance with a USB 3.0 port but iscompatible with a USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port.



To set up your adapter:
1. Install the NETGEAR adapter software or a standalone driver for your computer.
NETGEAR offers adapter software for Windows-based and Mac computers and astandalone driver for Windows-based computers. You must install either one version of
the software or a driver, as described in the following sections:•

Install the Windows Adapter Software. The Windows adapter software allows you
to use the adapter software or a built-in Windows configuration tool to connect theadapter to a WiFi network. For more information, see Install the Windows Adapter
Software on page 7.

•

Install a Windows Standalone Driver. The Windows standalone diver allows you to
use a built-in Windows configuration tool to connect the adapter to a WiFi network.
For more information, see Install a Windows Standalone Driver on page 8.

•

Install the Mac Adapter Software. The Mac adapter software allows you to use theadapter software to connect the adapter to a WiFi network. For more information, seeInstall the Mac Adapter Software on page 9.

2. Insert your adapter into your computer’s USB port.
For more information, see Insert the Adapter on page 9.
3. Join a WiFi network using the adapter software or a built-in Windows configuration tool.
For more information, see Join a WiFi Network on page 11.

Install the Adapter Software
Install the adapter software on your Windows-based or mac computer using the resource CDthat came with your adapter. If your computer does not include a CD drive, visit
netgear.com/support to download the adapter software.

Install the Windows Adapter Software
The Windows adapter software allows you to use the adapter software or a built-in Windows
configuration tool to connect the adapter to a WiFi network.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
7A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

To install the adapter software for Windows-based computers:
1. Insert the resource CD in your computer CD drive.
Note: If your computer does not include a CD drive, visit
netgear.com/support to download the adapter software.
The NETGEAR Resource CD window opens.
Note: If the NETGEAR Resource CD window does not open, browse thefiles on the CD and double-click the autostart.exe file. If the fileextension is hidden, the file displays as autostart.
2. Click the Setup button.
The Software Update Check window opens.
3. Select one of the following options:• Check for Updates. If you are connected to the Internet, click the Check for
Updates button. The software check for updates.
•

Install from CD. If you are not connected to the Internet, click the Install from CD
button.

4. Follow the prompts to install the adapter software.
5. When prompted, insert your adapter into your computer and click the Next button.
For more information, see Insert the Adapter on page 9.

Install a Windows Standalone Driver
The Windows standalone diver allows you to use a built-in Windows configuration tool toconnect the adapter to a WiFi network.


To install the Windows standalone driver from the adapter software:
1. Insert the resource CD in your computer CD drive.
Note: If your computer does not include a CD drive, visit
netgear.com/support to download the adapter software.
The NETGEAR Resource CD window opens.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
8A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Note: If the NETGEAR Resource CD window does not open, browse thefiles on the CD and double-click the autostart.exe file.
2. Click the Install Windows Standalone Driver button.
The driver installs on your computer.
3. When prompted, insert your adapter into your computer and click the OK button.
For more information, see Insert the Adapter on page 9.

Install the Mac Adapter Software
The Mac adapter software allows you to use the adapter software to connect the adapter to a
WiFi network.
To install the adapter software for Mac computers:
1. Insert the resource CD in your computer CD drive.
Note: If your computer does not include a CD drive, visit
netgear.com/support to download the adapter software.
The NETGEAR Resource CD window opens.
Note: If the NETGEAR Resource CD window does not open, browse thefiles on the CD and double-click the file ending in .pkg or .dmg. An
example of an adapter software file name is
A7000_MAC_OS_Installation_1.0.0.7.pkg or
A7000_MAC_OS_Installation_1.0.0.7.dmg.
2. Follow the prompts to install the adapter software.
3. When prompted, restart your computer.
4. After your computer restarts, insert your adapter into your computer.
For more information, see Insert the Adapter on page 9.

Insert the Adapter
You can insert your adapter into your computer’s USB port with or without the desktop dock.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
9A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Insert the Adapter With a Desktop Dock
We recommend that you do not use another cable to connect the adapter to the USB port onyour computer. Use the desktop dock with the attached cable that is supplied in the package.
Using another USB cable might affect the performance and correct functioning of the adapter.
To use the adapter with desktop dock:
1. Place the adapter into the dock.
2. Connect the USB cable to the USB port on your computer.
3. Fold out the adapter to its maximum angle for increased WiFi performance.

Insert the Adapter Without a Desktop Dock

To use the adapter without the desktop dock:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Move the antenna to a 90-degree angle for increased WiFi performance.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
10A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

View Network Details Before Joining a WiFi Network
Before you let the adapter join a WiFi network, you can view details to help you determine
which network to join.


To view network details:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Join a Network button.
The Join a Network page displays.
4. Click a network name.
The Details button displays.
5. Click the Details button.
The Details window opens and shows the following information:••

Network name (SSID). The name assigned to a WiFi network. As a security
measure, some WiFi access points do not broadcast their SSIDs. In such cases, thenetwork is hidden. The name (SSID) field is blank even though the rest of theinformation is displayed. For information about joining a hidden network, see Join a
Hidden Network on page 13.

•

Channel. The channel on which the WiFi network operates. We recommend that you
choose a network that uses a different channel from the channel of neighboring
networks.

•

WiFi Mode. The WiFi mode that the router or access point uses, such as AC, N, G, B,
or A.

•

WPS support. Identifies whether the router or access point for this network supports
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).

•

MAC address. The unique hardware address of the WiFi device broadcasting thisinformation. Typically, the WiFi device is a WiFi router or access point.

To close the Details window, click the OK button.

Join a WiFi Network
You can connect your adapter to a WiFi network using the adapter software, Wi-Fi Protected
Setup (WPS) if your WiFi router supports it, or a built-in Windows configuration tool.
After the adapter joins the network, it saves the network connection information to a Windows
profile. Both the adapter software and the Windows configuration tool can use this profile. If

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
11A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

the network information does not change, the next time that you launch the adapter software,
the adapter connects automatically to the network that it joined previously.
You can also join hidden networks. For more information, see Join a Hidden Network on
page 13.

Join a Network Using the Windows Adapter SoftwareTo join a WiFi network using the adapter software on a Windows-based computer:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Join a Network button.
4. Select a WiFi network.
5. If your network does not display in the network list, click the Refresh button.
If the network still does not display, your network might be a hidden network that does notbroadcast its SSID. For information about joining a hidden network, see Join a Hidden
Network on page 13.
6. Click the Connect button.
7. If the network is secure, enter its password or network key in the Security Key (Password)
field and click the Next button.
8. To display the character as you type the password, clear the Hide characters as I typecheck box.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved ina profile.

Join a Network Using the Mac Adapter SoftwareTo join a WiFi network using the adapter software on a Mac computer:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon in your Mac’s menu bar.

A list of WiFi networks in your area displays.
3. Select a WiFi network.
4. If your network is secure, enter its password or network key, and click the Join button.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved ina profile.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
12A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Join a Network Using WPS
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for easily adding computers and other devices toa home network while maintaining security. Before you use the WPS method to let theadapter join a network, make sure of the following:•Your WiFi router or access point supports WPS.

•

The security on your WiFi router or access point is not set to WEP. WEP and WPS are
incompatible. You cannot use WPS if the security on your WiFi router or access point is
set to WEP.

To join a WiFi network using WPS:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter for two seconds.

3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi router or gateway.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved ina profile.

Join a Network Using the Standalone Driver
For Windows 10, 8 (or 8.1), and Windows 7, you can connect your adapter to a WiFi network
using a built-in Windows configuration tool if you installed the adapter software or if you
installed a standalone driver. For more information about how to connect using a built-in
Windows configuration tool, see your computer’s documentation.

Join a Hidden Network
A hidden network is a network that does not broadcast its SSID. If the network name is not
displayed in the network list in the adapter software, the network that you are trying to join iseither not functioning or is hidden. To let the adapter join a hidden network, you can use WPS
or enter the hidden network’s information manually.
After the adapter joins the network, it saves the network connection information to a Windows
profile. Both the adapter software and the Windows configuration tool can use this profile. If
the network information does not change, the next time that you launch the adapter software,
the adapter connects automatically to the network that it joined previously.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
13

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Use the WPS Feature in the Windows Adapter Software to Joina Hidden Network
You can use the PWPS feature in the Windows adapter software to join a hidden network.
Before you use the WPS method to let the adapter join a hidden network, make sure of thefollowing:•Your WiFi router or access point supports WPS.

•

The security on your WiFi router or access point is not set to WEP. WEP and WPS are
incompatible. You cannot use WPS if the security on your WiFi router or access point is
set to WEP.

To use WPS to let the adapter join a hidden WiFi network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Join a Network button.
The Join a Network page displays.
4. Click the arrow next to Manually Connect to a network (for hidden networks).
5. Select the Use WPS Push 'N' Connect radio button.
6. Click the Start button.
A WPS instructions window opens.
7. To learn more about how to connect to the network using WPS, click the Learn Morebutton.
8. Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter for two seconds.
The WPS LED blinks. (The WPS button also functions as the WPS LED.)
9. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi router or access point.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved ina profile.
The Join a Network page shows that the adapter is connected to the network and thegenie status bar at the bottom of the page shows information about the network
connection.

Use the Windows Adapter Software to Manually Join a Hidden
Network
To manually set up a WiFi connection to a hidden network, you must know the network SSID,
security type, and key or passphrase of the network that you want to join.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
14

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

To manually set up the connection to a hidden WiFi network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Join a Network button.
The Join a Network page displays.
4. Click the arrow next to Manually Connect to a network (for hidden networks).
5. Select the Enter wireless information myself radio button.
The page expands.
6. In the Network Name (SSID) field, enter the network name (SSID).
7. From the Security Type menu, select the network’s security type:• None. The network is not secure and does not require a key or passphrase.
•

WEP (Open). Enter the WEP key in the Key field. If the encryption strength of the
network is 64 bit, the network key must consist of 10 hexadecimal digits. If theencryption strength of the network is 128 bit, the network key must consist of
26 hexadecimal digits.

•

WEP (Shared). Enter the WEP key in the Key field. If the encryption strength of the
network is 64 bit, the network key must consist of 10 hexadecimal digits. If theencryption strength of the network is 128 bit, the network key must consist of
26 hexadecimal digits.

•

WPA-PSK (TKIP). Enter the network password or passphrase in the Passphrase
field. The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or 64 hexadecimal digits.

•

WPA-PSK (AES). Enter the network password or passphrase in the Passphrase
field. The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or 64 hexadecimal digits.

•

WPA2-PSK (TKIP). Enter the network password or passphrase in the Passphrase
field. The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or 64 hexadecimal digits.

•

WPA2-PSK (AES). Enter the network password or passphrase in the Passphrase
field. The network passphrase is 8–63 characters in length or 64 hexadecimal digits.

Note: Hexadecimal digits consist of 0–9, a–f, and A–F characters only.
8. Click the Connect button.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved ina profile.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
15

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Use the Mac Adapter Software to Join a Hidden Network Using
WPS
Before you use the WPS method to let the adapter join a hidden network, make sure of thefollowing:•Your WiFi router or access point supports WPS.

•

The security on your WiFi router or access point is not set to WEP. WEP and WPS are
incompatible. You cannot use WPS if the security on your WiFi router or access point is
set to WEP.

To use WPS to let the adapter join a hidden WiFi network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon in your Mac’s menu bar.

A list of WiFi networks in your area displays.
3. Select WPS.
The WPS window opens.
4. Open your router or access point web interface and enter your adapter’s PIN number.
5. Return to the adapter software and click the PIN button.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved ina profile.

Use the Mac Adapter Software to Manually Join a Hidden
Network
To manually set up a WiFi connection to a hidden network, you must know the network SSID,
security type, and password of the network that you want to join.
To manually set up the connection to a hidden WiFi network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon in your Mac’s menu bar.

A list of WiFi networks in your area displays.
3. Select Join Other Network.
The Join a Network page displays.
4. In the Network Name field, enter the network name (SSID).
5. From the Security menu, select the network’s security type:• None. The network is not secure and does not require a key or passphrase.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
16

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter•

Open_System WEP. Enter the network password in the Password field.

•

Shared_Key WEP. Enter the network password in the Password field.

•

WPA_PSK TKIP. Enter the network password in the Password field.

•

WPA_PSK AES. Enter the network password in the Password field.

•

WPA2_PSK TKIP. Enter the network password in the Password field.

•

WPA2_PSK AES. Enter the network password in the Password field.

•

WPA Enterprise TKIP. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu and enter the
network user name and password in the fields.

•

WPA Enterprise AES. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu and enter the
network user name and password in the fields.

•

WPA2 Enterprise TKIP. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu and enter the
network user name and password in the fields.

•

WPA2 Enterprise AES. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu and enter the
network user name and password in the fields.

•

802.1X WEP. Select an option from the 802.1x EAP menu and enter the network username and password in the fields.

6. Click the Join button.
The adapter joins the network, which can take a few minutes. Your settings are saved ina profile.

Get Started and Connect to a WiFi Network
17

2.

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter

This chapter includes the following sections:•View the Connection Status and Details•

View More Information About the Adapter and Network•

Get Diagnostic Information for the Adapter•

Update the Adapter Software

18

2

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

View the Connection Status and Details
You can use the Windows adapter software to view the strength, status, and details of theconnection between the adapter and the WiFi router and the status of the Internet
connection.
You can also view the WiFi connection status from the adapter icon in your Windows systemtray or Mac menu bar.

View Connection Status From Computer’s System Tray or
Menu BarYou can view the WiFi connection status using the adapter icon that displays in yourcWindows system tray or Mac menu bar. To view details about the WiFi connection, open theadapter software.


To view the connection status from your computer’s system tray or menu bar:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Let your adapter join a network.
If your adapter was previously connected to a network, the adapter reconnects
automatically.
After the adapter establishes a connection with a WiFi network, the color of the icon in the
Windows system tray or Mac menu bar indicates the strength of the WiFi connection:•

White.

Strong connection•

Yellow.

Weak connection

•

Red.

No connection

Note: If you remove the adapter, the adapter software is not available, andthe icon does not display system tray. When you insert the adapter
again, the icon returns to the system tray.

View Connection Status and Details From the Windows
Adapter Software
You can use the Windows adapter software to view the strength, status, and details of theconnection between the adapter and the WiFi router and the status of the Internet
connection.
To view the connection status from the adapter software:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter
19A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Home button.
The Home page displays a graphical presentation of the adapter’s connection to the WiFi
router and the WiFi router’s connection to the Internet.
If you encounter connection problems, see the following troubleshooting information:•

If the adapter cannot connect to the WiFi router, see Adapter Does Not Connect to a
WiFi Network on page 25.

•

If the WiFi router cannot connect to the Internet, see When I Connect the Adapter to a
Network, I Cannot Access the Internet on page 25.

The adapter’s connection details show in the status bar that displays at the bottom of theadapter web interface.
Network name and
BSSID

IP address
or Internet
connection

Network WiFi
security channel

Physical Signal
strengthrate

The status bar shows the following connection details:•

Network name and BSSID. The WiFi network name (SSID) and basic SSID (BSSID)of the WiFi network to which the adapter is connected. The BSSID is expressed as
the MAC address of the access point to which the adapter is connected.

•

IP address or Internet connection. The IPv4 or IPv6 address that is assigned to theadapter. If the adapter is connected to the Internet, the field does not display the IP
address but displays the message Connected to the Internet.

•

Network security. The lock symbol shows whether the network you are connected touses WiFi security. An open lock indicates an open network without WiFi security,
such as one that you might use in a coffee shop.

•

WiFi channel. The WiFi channel of the network to which the adapter is connected.

•

Physical rate. The physical transmission rate for WiFi communication.

•

Signal strength. The strength of the WiFi signal. Three to five bars indicate a goodsignal. One or two bars indicate a weak signal.

View More Information About the Adapter and Network
You can use the Windows adapter software to view more information such as packet
statistics, IP address, type of security, and MAC address.

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter
20

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

To view more information about the adapter and network:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Other button.
The Other page displays and shows the following information:•

Sent/Received Activity. The total number of packets sent or received duringcommunication with the WiFi network.

•

Network. The following information about the adapter’s network displays:•-

IPv4 Address. The IPv4 address that is assigned to the adapter. The IPv4
address can change if you disconnect from the network and rejoin it later.

-

IPv6 Address. The IPv6 address that is assigned to the adapter. The IPv6
address can change if you disconnect from the network and rejoin it later.

-

Security Type. WiFi security used for the adapter to connect to the current WiFi
network.

Adapter: The following information about the adapter displays:-

Adapter MAC Address. The adapter’s Media Access Control (MAC) address.
The MAC address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to each device.
As a security measure, some WiFi networks restrict access based on a list of
known MAC addresses. If you try to join such a network, you must provide youradapter’s MAC address (shown on this page) to the network administrator before
you can connect.

-

Region. The adapter’s region setting. WiFi channels in use depend on the
country or region. The adapter automatically scans approved channels for yourregion when it checks to see which networks are available in your area.
Governments regulate the channels used for WiFi transmission. Operating theadapter in a different region might violate local laws.

Get Diagnostic Information for the Adapter
You can use the Windows adapter software to display and save the following diagnostic
information:

•

System information•

IP information•

Client driver and profile information•

Site survey information

To get diagnostic information about the adapter:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter
21

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Other button.
The Other page displays.
4. Click the Get Info button.
The System Status window opens.
The adapter software starts collecting system information, IP information, client driverand profile information, and site survey information.
5. To save the system information to your computer, click the Save to File button and follow
the instructions of your browser to save the information.
6. Click the Exit button.

Update the Adapter Software
You can use the Windows adapter software to check for software updates and update theadapter’s software.
Note: During the software update process, the old software version isremoved and all saved profiles are deleted before the new software
version is installed. When the software update process is complete,
the adapter no longer connects to the network automatically. You
must rejoin the network.



To check and update the adapter’s software:
1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer.
2. Click theicon to launch NETGEAR A7000 genie.

The adapter software opens.
3. Click the Other button.
The Other page displays.
4. Click the Check button.
The Live Check window opens.
The adapter software checks for available software upgrades.
5. If new software is found, click the OK button.

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22

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

The adapter software is updated.

Monitor and Maintain the Adapter23

3.

Troubleshooting and Frequently
Asked Questions

3

This chapter covers the following topics:•

Adapter WPS LED Does Not Light When the Button Is Pressed•

Adapter Icon Is Not in the Windows System Tray or Mac Menu Bar•

Adapter Does Not Connect to a WiFi Network•

When I Connect the Adapter to a Network, I Cannot Access the Internet•

When I Connect to the Network, I Cannot Access Shared Resources Such as Printers•

Adapter Lost Its IP Address•

How Can I Improve the Speed of My WiFi Connection?

24

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Adapter WPS LED Does Not Light When the Button Is
PressedIf the WPS LED does not light when you press the WPS button, try these troubleshooting
tips:•

Remove and reinsert the adapter.

•

Check the Windows device manager to see if the adapter is recognized and enabled.
Reinstall the adapter software, if necessary.

•

Insert the adapter in a different USB port on your computer if one is available.

Adapter Icon Is Not in the Windows System Tray or Mac
Menu Bar
Check to make sure that your adapter is inserted in the USB port. If it is removed, the icon
does not display. When you insert the adapter into the USB port, the icon returns to yourdesktop, Windows system tray, or Mac menu bar.

Adapter Does Not Connect to a WiFi Network
If you cannot connect the adapter to a selected WiFi network as described in Join a WiFi
Network on page 11, try these troubleshooting tips:•

Make sure that your adapter is inserted securely into the USB port on your computer.

•

If the network uses WiFi security, check that you use the correct WiFi security settings or
use Push 'N' Connect if the network supports WPS.

•

Some networks restrict use to only computers or WiFi devices with known MAC
addresses. If that is the case, follow the steps in View More Information About the
Adapter and Network on page 20 to find the MAC address for your adapter and provide it
to your network administrator.

When I Connect the Adapter to a Network, I Cannot
Access the Internet
If you can connect the adapter to a WiFi network but the network is not connected to theInternet, try these troubleshooting tips:•

Make sure that you are connected to the correct WiFi network. If you are, check to see if
the router’s or access point’s Internet connection is working.

•If the Internet connection of the router or access point does not work, restart the modem(or any other device that serves as your ISP connection), router, or access point andcomputer.

Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
25

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

When I Connect to the Network, I Cannot Access Shared
Resources Such as Printers
Try these troubleshooting tips:•

Make sure that the router or access point is physically connected to the Ethernet network.

•

Make sure that the IP addresses and the Windows networking settings are configured
correctly.

Adapter Lost Its IP Address
The adapter might lose its IP address after you upgrade the adapter software but do not
reboot your computer. Either restart your computer, or connect to a different router or accesspoint.

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, thecapacity 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 adapter web
interface (for more information, see View the Connection Status and Details on page 19). The
following limits might apply:•

If the physical rate is limited to 54 Mbps, the adapter might be connected to an 802.11a,
802.11b, or 802.11g network. If you want a faster physical rate, connect to an 802.11ac or
802.11n network, if available.

•

If the physical rate is limited to 54 Mbps, the network security might be WPA (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 accesspoint.

•

If your computer does not include a USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 port, the physical rate is limited
to the 14 Mbps of the USB 1.1 legacy standard.

Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
26

A.

Factory Default Settings andTechnical Specifications
This appendix covers the following topics:•

Factory Default Settings•

Technical Specifications

27

A

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Factory Default Settings
The following table lists the default settings of your adapter.
Table 2. Factory default settings
Default Settings
WiFi communication

EnabledCountry/region

United States (varies by region)

Operating mode

802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11g, or 802.11b

Data rate

•
•
•
•
•

Up to 1300 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11ac
Up to 600 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11n
Up to 54 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11g
Up to 11 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11b
Up to 54 Mbps with a WiFi router or access point that supports 802.11a

Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
28

A7000 WiFi USB Adapter

Technical Specifications
The following table provides technical specifications for the adapter.
Table 3. Technical specifications
FeatureDescription

Antenna

Four dual-band dipole antennas

Standards

•
•
•
•
•

Radio data rate

Autosensing

Frequency••

2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz CCK and OFDM modulation
5 GHz OFDM, 802.11n MCS0-15, and 802.11ac MCS0-9 coding scheme

Encryption

•
•
•
•

WPA2-PSK [AES]
WPA-PSK [TKIP]
40-bit (also called 64-bit) WEP data encryption
128-bit WEP data encryption

Power

5V bus powered

Bus interface

USB 3.0, compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1

Provided drivers

•
•
•
•
•

Dimensions

119.9 x 46 x 22 mm (4.72 x 1.81 x.0.87 in.)

Weight66.5 g (0.147 lb)

Operating temperature

0–40C (32–104F)

Emissions

FCC, CE, IC, AS/NZS

802.11ac802.11n802.11g
802.11b802.11a

Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Microsoft Windows 8
Microsoft Windows 7
Mac OS X 10.8.3 or later

Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
29