NETGEAR WGM124NA, GS608NA Setup Manual
December 2004
Version 1.0
December 2004
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
NETGEAR Wireless
Router Setup Manual
ii
December 2004
© 2004 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved. December 2004.
Trademarks
NETGEAR is a trademark of Netgear, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the inst ructi ons, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this e quipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
EN 55 022 Declaration of Conformance
This is to certify that the Pre-N Wireless Router WGM124 is shielded against the generation of radio interference in
accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is declared by the application
of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22).
December 2004
iii
Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das Pre-N Wireless Router WGM124 gemäß der im BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 und Vfg
46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B. Testsender) kann
jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die Anmerkungen in der Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Pre-N Wireless Router WGM124 has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions set
out in the BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test
transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the notes
in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market
and has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
Customer Support
Refer to the Support Information Card that shipped with your Pre-N Wireless Router WGM124.
World Wide Web
NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web home page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL)
http://www.netgear.com. A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Internet Explorer
or Netscape are required.
December 2004
iv
Product and Publication Details
Model Number: WGM124
Publication Date: December 2004
Product Family: router
Product Name: Pre-N Wireless Router WGM124
Home or Business Product: Home
Language: English
Contents v
December 2004
Contents
Chapter 1
About This Guide
Audience, Conventions, and Formats ............................................................................1-1
How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router
Package Contents ..........................................................................................................2-1
The Front Panel .......................................................................................................2-2
The Rear Panel ........................................................................................................2-2
Chapter 3
Connecting the Router to the Internet
Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router ..........................................................................3-1
Connect the Wireless Router to Your Network ...............................................................3-1
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................3-2
How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection ............... ..................................... 3-3
NETGEAR Product Registration, Support, and Documentation ............................. ........3-5
Chapter 4
Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security
Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines .................... ........................ 4-1
Implement Appropriate Wireless Security ......................................................................4-2
Understanding Wireless Settings ...................................................................................4-3
Information to Gather Before Changing Basic Wireless Settings .............................4-5
Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................4-6
Chapter 5
Doing Basic Router Housekeeping
Changing the Administrator Password ...........................................................................5-1
Configuration File Management ......... ... ... .... ..................................................................5-2
Restoring and Backing Up the Configuration ...........................................................5-2
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vi Contents
Erasing the Configuration .........................................................................................5-3
Upgrading the Wireless Router Software .......................................................................5-3
Chapter 6
T roubleshooting Common Problems
Basic Functioning ...........................................................................................................6-1
Power Light Not On ..................................................................................................6-1
Lights Never Turn Off ...............................................................................................6-2
LAN or Internet (WAN) Port Lights Not On ...............................................................6-2
Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface ..........................................................6-2
Troubleshooting the ISP Connection ..............................................................................6-3
Troubleshooting a TCP/IP Network Using a Ping Utility .................................................6-5
Testing the LAN Path to Your Router .......................................................................6-5
Testing the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device .....................................6-6
Restoring the Default Configuration and Password ......... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..6-7
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Network, Routing, and Firewall Basics
Related Publications ...................................................................................................... B-1
Basic Router Concepts .................................................................................................. B-1
What is a Router? ................................................................................................... B-1
Routing Information Protocol ................................................................................... B-2
IP Addresses and the Internet ....................................................................................... B-2
Netmask ................................................................. ................................................. B-4
Subnet Addressing .................................................................................................. B-4
Private IP Addresses .............................. ................................... ... .... ... .................... B-7
Single IP Address Operation Using NAT ....................................................................... B-7
MAC Addresses and Address Resolution Protocol ................................................. B-8
Related Documents ................................................................................................. B-9
Domain Name Server .............................................................................................. B-9
IP Configuration by DHCP .................. ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ..................... B-10
Internet Security and Firewalls .................................................................................... B-10
What is a Firewall? ................................................................................................ B-10
Stateful Packet Inspection ............................ ... ... .................................... ... ... .... ... ...B-11
Denial of Service Attack .........................................................................................B-11
Contents vii
December 2004
Ethernet Cabling ....................... ... .................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ...................... B-11
Category 5 Cable Quality ...................................................................................... B-12
Inside Twisted Pair Cables .................................................................................... B-13
Uplink Switches, Crossover Cables, and MDI/MDIX Switching ............................ B-14
Appendix C
Preparing Your Network
What You Need To Use a Router with a Broadband Modem .........................................C-1
Cabling and Computer Hardware ............................................................................C-1
Computer Network Configuration Requirements ................ ... ... ... .... ...... ... ... .... ... ... . C-1
Internet Configuration Requirements ...................................................................... C-2
Where Do I Get the Internet Configuration Parameters? ........................................C-2
Record Your Internet Connection Information ......................................................... C-3
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ................................................ ... ... . C-3
Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP Networking ....................................... C-4
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ...................... ....................... ....C-4
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 95B, 98, and Me
C-6
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method .......................................................... C-8
Verifying TCP/IP Properties ....................................................................................C-8
Configuring Windows NT4, 2000 or XP for IP Networking ............................................ C-9
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ...................... ....................... ....C-9
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4 ............................. C-10
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ...................................................C-10
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 ................................................ C-12
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4 .................................................. C-15
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4 .............................. C-17
Configuring the Macintosh for TCP/IP Networking ...................................................... C-18
MacOS 8.6 or 9.x ......................................... ... ... .... ................................... ... .... ... .. C-18
MacOS X .. .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... .................................... ... ... ... .................................... .. C-18
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Macintosh Computers ................................ .... ... .. C-19
Verifying the Readiness of Your Internet Account ....................................................... C-20
Are Login Protocols Used? ...................................................................................C-20
What Is Your Configuration Information? ..............................................................C-20
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Windows Computers ....................... C-21
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Macintosh Computers .....................C-22
Restarting the Network ................................................................................................C-23
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viii Contents
Appendix D
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ..................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ................................. D-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. D-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ..................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ....D-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................D-2
Wireless Channels .......................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ................................. D-2
WEP Wireless Security ............. ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ................................... .... ... ... . D-4
WEP Authentication ..................................... ... ... .... ................................... ... .... .......D-4
WEP Open System Authentication ......................................................................... D-5
WEP Shared Key Authentication ............................................................................ D-6
Key Size and Configuration .............................................................................. D-7
How to Use WEP Parameters ................................................................................. D-8
WPA Wireless Security .................................................................................................. D-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ D-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ D-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... D-10
WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS ..................................................D-12
WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................ D-14
Is WPA Perfec t? . ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ................................... .... ... ... ............................ D-16
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... D-16
Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients ............................... D-16
Changes to Wireless Access Points ............................................................... D-16
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters ......................................................... D-17
Changes to Wireless Client Programs ................... ............................. ............ D-18
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................G-1
Index
About This Guide 1
December 2004
Chapter 1
About This Guide
This chapter describes the intended audience, scope, conventions, and formats of this manual.
Audience, Conventions, and Formats
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic computer and Internet skills. However,
basic computer network, Internet, and firewall technologies tutorial information is provided in the
Appendices and on the Netgear Web site.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
This guide uses the following format to highlight special messages:
This manual is written for NETGEAR wireless routers.
Table 1-1. Typographical Conventions
italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold User input
SMALL CAPS Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Table 1-2. Manual Publication Details
Product Version Pre-N Wireless Router WGM124
Manual Publication Date December 2004
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at
http://kbserver.netgear.com.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
2 About This Guide
December 2004
How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes the following:
• Buttons, and , for browsing forwards or backwards through the manual one page
at a time
• A button that displays the table of contents and an button. Double-click on a
link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the
manual.
• A button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the
product model.
• Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
About This Guide 3
December 2004
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
• Printing a Page in the HTML View.
Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Use the Print
button on the browser toolbar to print the page contents.
• Printing a Chapter.
Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.
– Click the “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want
to print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
Note: Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view
and print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
• Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page.
– Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page in the manual. The PDF
version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
4 About This Guide
December 2004
Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router 2-1
December 2004
Chapter 2
Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router
NETGEAR wireless routers provide connections for multiple computers to the Internet through an
external broadband access device such as a cable modem or DSL modem that is normally intended
for use by a single computer. This chapter introduces the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless Router
WGM124.
Package Contents
The product package should contain the following items:
• Pre-N Wireless Router WGM124.
•AC power adapter.
• A Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet cable.
• The Setup CD, including:
— This guide.
— Application Notes and other helpful information.
• Registration, Warranty Card, and Support Information Card.
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the router for repair.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
2-2 Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router
December 2004
The Front Panel
The front panel of the wireless router includes various status lights.
You can use the status lights to verify connections.
The Rear Panel
The rear panel of the WGM124 router contains the items listed below.
• AC power adapter outlet
• Four LAN ports
• Internet (WAN) Ethernet port for connecting the router to a cable or DSL modem
• Factory default reset push button for Restoring the Default Configuration and Password
• One red status LED, which blinks when the default reset button is pushed.
• Three wireless antennae
Table 2-1. Status Light Descriptions
Label Activity Description
Power On Green Solid
Amber Blink
Off
Power is supplied to the router.
Power is supplied to the router and it is performing its diagnostic test.
Power is not supplied to the router.
WLAN On The WLAN wireless interface is enabled.
Link/ACT On
Blink
The router has detected a link with an attached device.
Data is being transmitted or received by the router.
LAN Green
Amber
The LAN port has detected a 100 Mbps link with an attached device.
The LAN port has detected a 100 Mbps link with an attached device.
Connecting the Router to the Internet 3-1
December 2004
Chapter 3
Connecting the Router to the Internet
This chapter describes how to set up the router on your local area network (LAN) and connect to
the Internet. You will find out how to configure your wireless router for Internet access.
Follow these instructions to set up your router.
Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router
• For Cable Modem Service: When you perform the wireless router setup steps be sure to use
the computer you first registered with your cable ISP.
• For DSL Service: You may need information such as the DSL login name/e-mail address and
password in order to complete the wireless router setup.
Before proceeding with the wireless router installation, familiarize yourself with the contents of
the Setup CD, especially this manual and the tutorials for configuring computers for networking.
Connect the Wireless Router to Your Network
Use the instructions in the Installation Guide to connect the wireless router to the Internet and
configure the wireless functions.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
3-2 Connecting the Router to the Internet
December 2004
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some tips for correcting simple problems you may have.
Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
1) Turn off the modem, wireless router, and computer; 2) Turn on the modem, wait two
minutes; 3) Turn on the wireless router and wait 1 minute; 4) Turn on the computer.
Make sure the Ethernet cables are securely plugged in.
• The Internet status light on the wireless router will be lit if the Ethernet cable to the wireless
router from the modem is plugged in securely and the modem and wireless router are turned
on.
• For each powered on computer connected to the wireless router with a securely plugged in
Ethernet cable, the corresponding wireless router LAN port status light will be lit. The label on
the bottom of the wireless router identifies the number of each LAN port.
Make sure the wireless settings in the computer and router match exactly.
The Wireless Network Name (SSID) and security settings of the router and wireless computer
must match exactly.
Make sure the network settings of the computer are correct.
• LAN and wirelessly connected computers must be configured to obtain an IP address
automatically via DHCP. Please see Appendix C, “Preparing Your Network” or the animated
tutorials on the CD for help with this.
• Some cable modem ISPs require you to use the MAC address of the computer registered on
the account. If so, in the Router MAC Address section of the Basic Settings menu, select “Use
this Computer’s MAC Address.” The router will then capture and use the MAC address of the
computer that you are now using. You must be using the computer that is registered with the
ISP. Click Apply to save your settings. Restart the network in the correct sequence.
Check the router status lights to verify correct router operation.
• If the Power light does not turn solid green within 2 minutes after turning the router on, reset
the router according to the instructions in “Restoring the Default Configuration and Password”
on page 6-7.
• If the Wireless light does not come on, verify that the wireless feature is turned on according to
the instructions in “Understanding Wireless Settings” on page 4-3.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
Connecting the Router to the Internet 3-3
December 2004
How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection
You can manually configure your router using the menu below , or you can allow the Setup Wizard
to determine your configuration as described in the previous section.
Figure 3-1: Browser-based configuration Basic Settings menus
You can manually configure the router using the Basic Settings menu shown in Figure 3-1 using
these steps:
1. Connect to the wireless router by typing http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field of
your browser, then click Enter.
2. For security reasons, the wireless router has its own user name and password. When prompted,
enter
admin for the router user name and password for the router password, both in lower
case letters.
3. Click Basic Settings on the Setup menu.
4. If your Internet connection does not require a login, click No at the top of the Basic Settings
menu and fill in the settings according to the instructions below. If your Internet connection
does require a login, click Yes, and skip to step 5.
a. Enter your Account Name (may also be called Host Name) and Domain Name.
These parameters may be necessary to access your ISP’s services such as mail or news
servers.
ISP Does Not Require Login
ISP Does Require Login
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
3-4 Connecting the Router to the Internet
December 2004
b.
Internet IP Address:
If your ISP has assigned you a permanent, fixed (static) IP address for your computer,
select “Use static IP address”. Enter the IP address that your ISP assigned. Also enter the
netmask and the Gateway IP address. The Gateway is the ISP’s router to which your router
will connect.
c. Domain Name Server (DNS) Address:
If you know that your ISP does not automatically transmit DNS addresses to the router
during login, select “Use these DNS servers” and enter the IP address of your ISP’s
Primary DNS Server. If a Secondary DNS Server address is available, enter it also.
Note: If you enter an address here, restart the computers on your network so that these
settings take effect.
d. Router’s MAC Address:
This section determines the Ethernet MAC address that will be used by the router on the
Internet port. Some ISPs will register the Ethernet MAC address of the network interface
card in your computer when your account is first opened. They will then only accept
traffic from the MAC address of that computer. This feature allows your router to
masquerade as that computer by “cloning” its MAC address.
To change the MAC address, select “Use this Computer’s MAC address.” The router
will then capture and use the MAC address of the computer that you are now using. You
must be using the one computer that is allowed by the ISP. Or, select “Use this MAC
address” and type it in here.
e. Click Apply to save your settings.
5. If your Internet connection does require a login, fill in the settings according to the instructions
below. Select Y es if you normally must launch a login program such as Enternet or WinPOET
in order to access the Internet.
Note: After you finish setting up your router, you w ill no longer need to launch the ISP’s login
program on your computer in order to access the Internet. When you start an Internet
application, your router will automatically log you in.
a. Select your Internet service provider from the drop-down list.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
Connecting the Router to the Internet 3-5
December 2004
Figure 3-2: Basic Settings ISP list
Note: Not all ISPs are listed here. The ones on this list have special requirements.
b. The screen will change according to the ISP settings requirements of the ISP you select.
c. Fill in the parameters for your Internet service provider.
d. Click Apply to save your settings. Click the Test button to verify you have Internet access.
NETGEAR Product Registration, Support, and Documentation
Register your product at http://www.NETGEAR.com/register. Registration is required before
you can use our telephone support service.
Product updates and Web support are always available by going to:
http://kbserver.netgear.com.
When the wireless router is connected to the Internet, click the Knowledge Base or the
Documentation link under the Web Support menu to view support information or the
documentation for the wireless router.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
3-6 Connecting the Router to the Internet
December 2004
Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security 4-1
December 2004
Chapter 4
Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security
This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your wireless router. In planning
your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should also select
the physical placement of your firewall in order to maximize the network speed.
The full manual with detailed how to instructions is available on line at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/ and via the Documentation link in the configuration utility of the
wireless router.
Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the
physical placement of the wireless firewall. The latency, data throughput performance, and
notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration
choices.
For best results, place your firewall:
• Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls).
• Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
phones.
• Away from large metal surfaces.
The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP or WPA-PSK connections can take slightly longer to establish.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance
degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router. For complete range/
performance specifications, please see Appendix A, “Technical Specifications.”
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
4-2 Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security
December 2004
Implement Appropriate Wireless Security
Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can be received well beyond your
walls by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of your
wireless equipment. The wireless router provides highly effective security features which are
covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network.
• Restrict Access Based on MAC Address. You can restrict access to only trusted computers
so that unknown computers cannot wirelessly connect to the WGM124. MAC address filtering
adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the
wireless link is fully exposed.
• Turn Off the Broadcast of the Wireless Network Name SSID. If you disable broadcast of
the SSID, only devices that have the correct SSID can connect. This nullifies the wireless
network ‘discovery’ feature of some products such as Windows XP, but the data is still fully
exposed to a determined snoop using specialized test equipment like wireless sniffers.
• WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security. WEP Shared
Key authentication and WEP data encryption will block all but the most determined
eavesdropper.
• WPA-PSK. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption provides strong data security.
WPA-PSK will block eavesdropping. Because this is a new standard, wireless device driver
and software availability may be limited.
• Turn Off the Wired LAN. If you disable the wireless LAN, wireless devices cannot
communicate with the router at all. You might choose to turn off the wireless the LAN when
you are away and the others in the household all use wired connections.
Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11b/g wireless networks at ranges of up
to 300 feet. Such distances can allow for others outside of your immediate area to access
your network.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security 4-3
December 2004
Understanding Wireless Settings
To configure the Wireless settings of your firewall, click the Wireless link in the main menu of the
browser interface.
• Name (SSID). The SSID is also known as the wireless network name. Enter a value of up to
32 alphanumeric characters. In a setting where there is more than one wireless network,
different wireless network names provide a means for separating the traffic. Any device you
want to participate in a particular wireless network will need to use this SSID for that network.
• Region. This field identifies the region where the WGM124 can be used. It may not be legal to
operate the wireless features of the wireless router in a region other than one of those
identified in this field.
• Channel. This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It should not be
necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another
nearby access point.
• Mode. This field determines which data communications protocol will be used.
• Security Options. These options are the wireless security features you can enable. The table
below identifies the various basic wireless security options.
• Allow Broadcast of Name (SSID). If you disable broadcast of the SSID, only devices that
have the correct SSID can connect. Disabling SSID broadcast nullifies the wireless network
‘discovery’ feature of some products such as Windows XP.
• Enable Wireless Access Point. If you disable the wireless access point, wireless devices
cannot connect to the WGM124.
• Wireless Card Access List. When the Trusted PCs Only radio button is selected, the
WGM124 checks the MAC address of the wireless station and only allows connections to
computers identified on the trusted computers list.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
4-4 Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security
December 2004
Table 4-1. Basic Wireless Security Options
Field Description
Automatic
No wireless security.
WEP WEP offers the following options:
• Open System
With Open Network Authentication and 64- or 128-bit WEP Data Encryption, the WGM124
does perform 64- or 128-bit data encryption but does not perform any authentication.
• Shared Key
Shared Key authentication encrypts the SSID and data.
Choose the Encryption Strength (64- or 128-bit data encryption). Manually enter the key
values or enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box. Manually
entered keys are case sensitive but passphrase characters are not case sensitive.
Note: Not all wireless adapter configuration utilities support passphrase key generation.
•Auto
WPA-PSK WPA-Pre-shared Key does perform authentication, uses 128-bit data encryption and
dynamically changes the encryption keys making it nearly impossible to circumvent.
Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Password Phrase box. These characters
are case sensitive.
Note: Not all wireless adapter configuration utilities support WP A. Furthermore, client software
is required on the client. Windows XP and Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 do include the
client software that supports WPA. Nevertheless, the wireless adapter hardware and driver
must also support WPA.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security 4-5
December 2004
Information to Gather Before Changing Basic Wireless Settings
Before customizing your wireless settings, print this form and record the following information.
• Wireless Network Name (SSID): ______________________________
The SSID, identifies the wireless network. Y ou can use up to 32 alphanumeric characters. The
SSID is case sensitive. The SSID in the wireless adapter card must match the SSID of the
wireless router. In some configuration utilities (such as in Windows XP), the term “wireless
network name” is used instead of SSID.
• If WEP Authentication is Used. Circle one: Open System, Shared Key, or Auto.
Note: If you select Shared Key, the other devices in the network will not connect unless they
are set to Shared Key as well and are configured with the correct key.
– WEP Encryption key size. Choose one: 64-bit or 128-bit. Again, the encryption key size
must be the same for the wireless adapters and the wireless router.
– Data Encryption (WEP) Keys. There are two methods for creating WEP data encryption
keys. Whichever method you use, record the key values in the spaces below.
• Passphrase method. _______________________ ____ ___
These characters are case
sensitive. Enter a word or group of printable characters and click the Generate Keys
button. Not all wireless devices support the passphrase method.
• Manual method. These values are not case sensitive. For 64-bit WEP, enter 10 hex
digits (any combination of 0-9 or a-f). For 128-bit WEP, enter 26 hex digits.
Key 1: ___________________________________
Key 2: ___________________________________
Key 3: ___________________________________
Key 4: ___________________________________
• If WPA-PSK Authentication is Used.
– Passphrase: _________________________ _____
These characters are case sensitive.
Enter a word or group of printable characters. When y ou use WPA-PSK, the other devices
in the network will not connect unless they are set to WP A-PSK as well and are configured
with the correct Passphrase.
Use the procedures described in the reference manual to configure the WGM124. The reference
manual is available on line at http://kbserver.netgear.com.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
4-6 Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security
December 2004
Default Factory Settings
When you first receive your WGM124, the default factory settings are shown below. You can
restore these defaults with the Factory Default Restore button on the rear panel. After you install
the wireless router, use the procedures below to customize any of the settings to better meet your
networking needs.
Warning: The Network Name (SSID) and passphrase are case sensitive. Typing nETgear_1 1a
for the 802.11a SSID will not work.
WIRELESS FEATURE DEFAULT SETTING
Wireless Access Point Enabled
Wireless Access List (MAC Filtering) All wireless stations allowed
SSID broadcast Enabled
Network Name (SSID) NETGEAR
Wireless Security Disabled
Doing Basic Router Housekeeping 5-1
December 2004
Chapter 5
Doing Basic Router Housekeeping
This chapter describes how to use some of the maintenance features of your Pre-N Wireless Router
WGM124. These features can be found by clicking on the Maintenance heading in the Main Menu
of the browser interface. Other maintenance features not presented in this chapter can be found
accessed via links in the browser interface of the wireless router to the User Guide and in the help
screens.
Changing the Administrator Password
The default password for the wireless router’s Web Configuration Manager is password. Change
this password to a more secure password.
From the Main Menu of the browser interface, under the Maintenance heading, select Set
Password to bring up the menu shown below.
Figure 5-1: Set Password menu
Note: Before changing the wireless router password, follow the instructions under
“Configuration File Management” on page 5-2 to save your configuration settings. If you
forget the new password, you will have to reset the wireless router back to the factory
defaults to be able to log in using the default password of password. This means you will
have to restore all the wireless router configuration settings. If you ever have to reset the
wireless router back to the factory defaults, you can restore your settings from the
backup configuration file.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
5-2 Doing Basic Router Housekeeping
December 2004
To change the password, first enter the old password, then enter the new password twice. Click
Apply.
Configuration File Management
The configuration settings of the wireless router are stored within the wireless router in a
configuration file. This file can be saved (backed up) to a user’s PC, retrieved (restored) from the
user’s PC, or cleared to factory default settings.
From the Main Menu of the browser interface, under the Maintenance heading, select the Settings
Backup heading to bring up the menu shown below.
Figure 5-2: Settings Backup menu
Three options are available, and are described in the following sections.
Restoring and Backing Up the Configuration
The Restore and Backup options in the Settings Backup menu allow you to save and retrieve a file
containing your wireless router’s configuration settings.
To save your settings, click the Backup button. Your browser will extract the configuration file
from the wireless router and will prompt you for a location on your PC to store the file. You can
give the file a meaningful name at this time, such as pacbell.cfg.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
Doing Basic Router Housekeeping 5-3
December 2004
T o restore your settings from a saved configuration file, ente r the full path to the file on your PC or
click the Browse button to browse to the file. When you have located it, click the Restore button to
send the file to the wireless router. The wireless router will then reboot automatically.
Warning: Do not interrupt the reboot process.
Erasing the Configuration
It is sometimes desirable to restore the wireless router to original default settings. This can be done
by using the Erase function, which will restore all factory settings. After an erase, the wireless
router's password will be password, the LAN IP address will be 192.168.1.1, and the wireless
router's DHCP client will be enabled.
To erase the configuration, click the Erase button.
To restore the factory default configuration settings without knowing the login password or IP
address, you must use the Default Reset button on the rear panel of the wireless router. See
“Restoring the Default Configuration and Password” on page 6-7.
Upgrading the Wireless Router Soft ware
The routing software of the wireless router is stored in FLASH memory, and can be upgraded as
new software is released by NETGEAR. Upgrade files can be downloaded from the NETGEAR
Web site. If the upgrade file is compressed (.ZIP file), you must first extract the file before sending
it to the wireless router. The upgrade file can be sent to the wireless router using your browser.
Note: The Web browser used to upload new firmware into the wireless router must support HTTP
uploads. NETGEAR recommends using Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 3.0 or
above.
From the Main Menu of the browser interface, under the Maintenance heading, select the Router
Upgrade link display the menu shown below.
Note: Before upgrading the wireless router software, use the wireless router backup
utility to save your configuration settings. Any wireless router upgrade will revert the
wireless router settings back to the factory defaults. After completing the upgrade, you
can restore your settings from the backup.
NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual
5-4 Doing Basic Router Housekeeping
December 2004
Figure 5-3: Router Upgrade menu
To upload new firmware:
1. Download and unzip the new software file from NETGEAR.
2. In the Router Upgrade menu, click the Browse button and browse to the location of the
upgrade file
3. Click Upload.
Note: When uploading software to the wireless router, it is important not to interrupt the Web
browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new page. If the browser is
interrupted, it may corrupt the software. When the upload is complete, your wireless router
will automatically restart. The upgrade process will typically take about one minute.
In some cases, you may need to reconfigure the wireless router after upgrading.
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