Netgear WBC502 User Manual

User Manual

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502

NETGEAR, Inc.

350 E. Plumeria DriveApril 2020 San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-12051-03

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Support and Community

Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest downloads.

You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at community.netgear.com.

Regulatory and Legal

Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.

(If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.)

For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.

See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy.

By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the device to your place of purchase within your return period.

Trademarks

Revision History

CommentsPublish DatePublication Part

Number

April 2020202-12051-03

Throughout the manual, we added information that you cannot use NETGEAR Insight to configure and manage the AirBridge if the operation mode is access point or client bridge. We revised Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 111 and added two subsections: Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode on page 112 and Change the management mode to Standalone Mode on page 113.

We made multiple refinements, adjustments, and corrections.March 2020202-12051-02

First publication.February 2020202-12051-01

Chapter 1 Access the AirBridge and Use the Easy Setup Method

Related documentation.......................................................................8

Overview................................................................................................8

About NETGEAR Insight......................................................................9

AirBridge label....................................................................................10

Operation mode: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point,

or Client Bridge...................................................................................10

AirBridge mode..................................................................................12

Access the AirBridge for initial configuration.................................14

Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or

Android mobile device.................................................................15

Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud

portal...............................................................................................17

Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile

device..............................................................................................18

Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same

network............................................................................................23

Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer..28 Operation mode and default settings after the Day Zero Easy Setup

configuration.......................................................................................33

Change the language of the local browser UI................................35

Chapter 2 Manually Configure or Change the Operation Mode

Recommendations for configuration...............................................38

Configure the AirBridge as a master in a point-to-point or

point-to-multipoint setup..................................................................38

Configure the AirBridge as a satellite in a point-to-point setup....40

Configure the AirBridge as an access point....................................42

Configure the AirBridge as a client bridge.....................................45

Chapter 3 Manage the Wired Network Settings

Specify a static IPv4 address for the AirBridge...............................50

Specify a link-local IPv6 address for the AirBridge.........................51

Reenable the DHCP client of the AirBridge....................................52

Manage the STP settings...................................................................53

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Chapter 4 Manage the WiFi and Radio Features

Recommended configuration order................................................57

Change the device name of the AirBridge......................................57

Change the country and region of operation.................................58

Change the AirBridge mode.............................................................59

Scan for neighboring access points.................................................62

Specify the approximate distance for the WiFi connection..........64

Manage the 5 GHz SSIDs and WiFi security....................................65

Change the 5 GHz SSID or WiFi security mode for a satellite...67

Change or configure a new 5 GHz SSID for a master with the

AirBridge mode enabled..............................................................68

Change or configure a new 5 GHz SSID for a master with the

AirBridge mode disabled.............................................................71

Change the 5 GHz SSID or WiFi security mode for a client

bridge..............................................................................................75

Change or configure a 5 GHz SSID for an access point............76

Configure a guest network on an access point..........................80

Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a master or access point.81

Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a satellite or client

bridge..............................................................................................84

Manage the settings for the 2.4 GHz management SSID..............86

Change the passphrase for the 2.4 GHz management SSID....86

Disable the idle time-out for the 2.4 GHz management SSID...87

Disable the 2.4 GHz management SSID.....................................88

Chapter 5 Manage Advanced WiFi and Radio Features

Recommended configuration order................................................91

Manage the channel high throughput mode.................................91

Manage the channel or channels.....................................................92

Manage the radio transmit power....................................................94

Change the bit rate............................................................................95

Manage client limits...........................................................................96

Manage time slot assignments to satellites.....................................98

Manage the satellite priority.............................................................99

Set up a WiFi on/off schedule for a 5 GHz SSID...........................100

Set up a MAC filter for a 5 GHz SSID..............................................102

Set up a RADIUS accounting server on a master or access point.104 Manually block a WiFi client or connection from a 5 GHz SSID..105

Configure traffic shaping for a 5 GHz SSID...................................106

Change the DHCP server settings for a guest WiFi network......108

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Chapter 6 Maintain the AirBridge

Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or

Standalone Mode.............................................................................111

Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode.112

Change the management mode to Standalone Mode..........113

Upgrade the firmware on the AirBridge.......................................113

Reboot the AirBridge from the local browser UI..........................115

Schedule the AirBridge to reboot..................................................116

Manage the configuration file of the AirBridge............................117

Back up the AirBridge configuration settings..........................117

Restore the AirBridge configuration settings...........................118

Reset the AirBridge to factory default settings.............................119

Manage the date and time settings...............................................120

Configure and view the logs...........................................................122

View and manage the system log..............................................122

Set up a remote log server.........................................................124

Set up email alerts............................................................................125

Manage access security settings....................................................127

Change the local login password..............................................127

Manage the HTTPS settings.......................................................128

Manage the SSH settings............................................................129

Specify a management VLAN.........................................................130

Chapter 7 Monitor the AirBridge and its Network Connections

View the device status and other information..............................133

View the 5 GHz WiFi connections..................................................137

View the CPU load on the AirBridge..............................................139

View the 5 GHz WiFi and LAN traffic load.....................................140

Chapter 8 Perform Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Send a ping.......................................................................................142

Send a traceroute request...............................................................143

Send a name server lookup request..............................................144

Perform a speed test........................................................................145

Quick tips for troubleshooting.......................................................146

Troubleshoot with the LEDs............................................................149

Power LED remains off................................................................150

WLAN LED is off...........................................................................150

A LAN LED is off while a device is connected..........................151

Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity...............................................152

Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity between a satellite and a

master............................................................................................152

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity between a client bridge and

an access point.............................................................................153

Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity between a WiFi client and a

master or access point................................................................154

You cannot log in to the AirBridge over a LAN connection.......155

Changes are not saved....................................................................156

Troubleshoot your network using your computer ping utility....156

Test the LAN path from your computer to the AirBridge.......156

Test the path from your computer to a remote device...........157

Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications

Factory default settings...................................................................159

Technical specifications...................................................................161

Access the AirBridge and Use the Easy Setup Method

This user manual is for the NETGEAR Insight Instant Wireless AirBridge WBC502, in this manual, referred to as the AirBridge.

The AirBridge can provide an outdoor, long-distance, WiFi connection in a master–satellite configuration that lets you extend your main network to a detached site. You can also use the AirBridge as a long-range, point-to-point access point or client bridge.

This user manual complements the installation guide that came with your AirBridge and the hardware installation guide, which you can download by visiting netgear.com/support/download/. This chapter describes how you can access the AirBridge and configure the operation mode for your selected setup. The chapter includes the following sections:

• Related documentation

• Overview

• About NETGEAR Insight

• AirBridge label

• Operation mode: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge

• AirBridge mode

• Access the AirBridge for initial configuration

• Operation mode and default settings after the Day Zero Easy Setup configuration

• Log in to the AirBridge after initial setup

• Change the language of the local browser UI

Note: For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the support website at netgear.com/support/.

Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at netgear.com/support/download/. You can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described in this manual, you might need to update the firmware.

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Overview

The AirBridge is intended for environments where you need to extend your network to another building or across a large outdoor campus or yard while no wired network infrastructure is available.

The AirBridge can provide a long-distance, high performance, IEEE 802.11ac WiFi connection in the following setups:

Single master to single satellite. Point-to-point setup between two AirBridges in

• a configuration with a single master and single satellite with a long-distance reach

of 1.8 miles (3 km) or more. This setup requires a line of sight between the main and detached sites.

Single master to multiple satellites. Point-to-multipoint setup between multiple

• AirBridges in a configuration with a single master and up to four satellites with a

long-distance reach of 1.8 miles (3 km) or more. This setup requires a line of sight between the main and detached sites.

Outdoor access point. A setup that allows for a long-range WiFi reach in which an

• AirBridge functions as an access point that provides connections to WiFi clients, client bridges, or both.

Outdoor client bridge. A setup in which an AirBridge functions as a client bridge,

• providing a network connection to a wired device, such as an IP surveillance camera. The client bridge connects to the main network through a backhaul WiFi connection to a WiFi access point.

For information about application examples, see the hardware installation guide, which you can download from netgear.com/support/download/.

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

You can mount the AirBridge outside to a wall or pole and provide power to the AirBridge through an Ethernet cable that is connected to the provided power adapter, which must be installed indoors. The AirBridge integrates a high-gain directional antenna for a line of sight connection to other AirBridges or WiFi clients.

The AirBridge provides two 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 LAN ports for network connections. One LAN port must be connected to the provided power adapter. Use Category 5e (Cat 5e) or higher-rated Ethernet cables terminated with RJ-45 connectors to make Gigabit connections.

For more information about the hardware, see the hardware installation guide.

The AirBridge provides administrative management options that let you configure, monitor, and control the AirBridge and the WiFi network:

Using the local browser user interface (UI) you can configure the AirBridge and set

• up a WiFi connection between two or more units in any of the supported operation modes. This manual (the user manual) describes the options that are available to you when you use the local browser UI.

Using NETGEAR Insight, you can set up a pair or a group of AirBridges, with one

• AirBridge functioning as the master and one or more other AirBridges functioning as satellites. For more information about NETGEAR Insight, visit netgear.com/insight and see the NETGEAR knowledge base articles at netgear.com/support.

About NETGEAR Insight

To configure and manage the AirBridge as a master or satellite in a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint setup, you can use NETGEAR Insight app on your iOS or Android mobile device and connect to the Insight cloud-based management platform. For Insight Premium and Insight Pro subscribers, the AirBridge also supports the Insight Cloud portal, which is the website that provides access to the Insight cloud-based management platform.

Note: At this time, NETGEAR Insight does not support the access point and client bridge operation modes. To configure and manage the AirBridge as an access point or client bridge, you first must change the management mode to Standalone Mode, and then use the local browser UI. For more information, see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 111.

This user manual describes the local browser UI. For more information about NETGEAR Insight, visit insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge base at netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

If you install the AirBridge as a NETGEAR Insight managed device, the settings for features that you can manage through the Insight app and Insight Cloud portal are masked out in the local browser UI. However, using the local browser UI, you can still manage the settings for certain features that are not yet supported in Insight. For more information, visit the NETGEAR knowledge base at netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx and search for What is Hybrid Management Mode.

AirBridge label

The label on the back panel of the AirBridge shows the serial number, MAC address, default management WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and default login information of the AirBridge.

Operation mode: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge

The AirBridge can function in one of the following operation modes: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge.

With a WiFi link partner such as another AirBridge, you can provide network and Internet connectivity to a detached site where no wired infrastructure is available.

Note: Closely related to the AirBridge operation mode is the AirBridge mode (that is, without the term operation). If the operation mode for the AirBridge is AirBridge Master or AirBridge Satellite, you can enable or disable the AirBridge mode. For more information, see AirBridge mode on page 12.

The AirBridge can function in one of the following operation modes:

AirBridge Master. The AirBridge functions as a master in a point-to-point setup or

• point-to-multipoint setup. You install the master at a main site to provide long-distance network and Internet connectivity to a satellite at one or more detached sites. This

setup requires a line of sight between the main site and each detached site. By default, the AirBridge mode is enabled, which is the setting that we recommend for a master-to-satellite setup. Depending on your network situation, your WiFi requirements, and your understanding of the consequences, you can disable the AirBridge mode.

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Note: We do not recommend that you use a master and several satellites to create

a multi-building campus network backbone.

AirBridge Satellite. The AirBridge functions as a satellite in a master-to-satellite

• setup. You install the satellite at a detached site. The master provides long-distance

network and Internet connectivity to the satellite. This setup requires a line of sight between the detached site and main site. By default, the AirBridge mode is enabled, which is the setting that we recommend for a master-to-satellite setup. However, the AirBridge mode must be the same as on the master with which the satellite associates. If the AirBridge mode is disabled on the master, you must also disable it on the satellite.

Access Point. The AirBridge functions as a regular WiFi access point to provide

• network and Internet connectivity to any of the following types of WiFi link partners:

An AirBridge that functions as a client bridge

- WiFi clients at an extended range

Another type of access point

Note: To configure and manage the AirBridge as an access point, you first must change the management mode to Standalone Mode, and then use the local browser UI. For more information, see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 111. At this time, NETGEAR Insight does not support the access point operation mode.

Client Bridge. The AirBridge functions as a client bridge at a detached site to provide

• network and Internet connectivity to a wired device such as an IP surveillance camera. The client bridge connects to a WiFi access point at the main site. This access point

can be an AirBridge or another type of access point.

Note: To configure and manage the AirBridge as a client bridge, you first must change the management mode to Standalone Mode, and then use the local browser UI. For more information, see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 111. At this time, NETGEAR Insight does not support the operation mode.

For information about configuring the operation mode, see Access the AirBridge for initial configuration on page 14 and Manually Configure or Change the Operation Mode on page 37.

The following table shows the features that are determined by the operation mode that you select. For the AirBridge Master and AirBridge Satellite operation modes, the table

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

also shows the features that are determined by whether the AirBridge mode is enabled or disabled.

Table 1. Features determined by the operation mode and the AirBridge mode

Client BridgeAccess PointAirBridge SatelliteAirBridge MasterFeature

AirBridge

mode

enabled

WiFi range

WiFi link partners

5 GHz SSIDs

Management option

1. The AirBridge mode setting on the satellite must be the same as the one on the master.

2. Reliable long-distance WiFi connection of 1.8 miles (3 km) or more for a limited number of satellites.

3. Powerful antenna for a reliable extended-range WiFi connection for multiple individual WiFi clients.

Long distance

AirBridge satellite only

Standalone Mode4or NETGEAR Insight

AirBridge

mode

disabled

Extended

range

AirBridge, any WiFi AP, and WiFi clients

Standalone Mode4or NETGEAR Insight

AirBridge

mode

enabled

Long distance

AirBridge master only

Standalone Mode4or NETGEAR Insight

AirBridge

mode

disabled

Extended

range

AirBridge master only

Standalone Mode4or NETGEAR Insight

AirBridge mode N/A

Extended range

WiFi clients, AirBridge AP, and any WiFi AP

Standalone Mode4only

AirBridge mode N/A

Extended range

N/AN/AN/ARequiredN/ARequiredLine of sight

AirBridge AP or any WiFi AP

181141Number of

Standalone Mode4only

4. Standalone Mode lets you use all options of the local browser UI.

AirBridge mode

The AirBridge mode specifies the type of multiple access method that the AirBridge uses.

Note: Closely related to the AirBridge mode is the AirBridge operation mode (that is, with the term operation). For more information, see Operation mode: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge on page 10.

You can select the AirBridge mode only if the operation mode of the AirBridge is AirBridge Master or AirBridge Satellite. In a master-to-satellite setup, you must either enable or disable the AirBridge mode on both the master and the satellite. (Do not enable it on one and disable it on the other.)

User Manual12Access the AirBridge and Use

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

The AirBridge mode determines the following characteristics on the AirBridge:

AirBridge mode enabled:

Highly reliable connections for a limited number of WiFi devices. Provides

• reliable point-to-point connections between a master and a satellite and

point-to-multipoint connections between a master and a limited number of satellites.

Best suited for long distance for a limited number of WiFi devices. A master can

• connect over a long distance of 1.8 miles (3 km) or more to a satellite at a detached

site.

Single 5 GHz SSID. A single 5 GHz SSID provides the backhaul WiFi connection

• between the master and the satellites.

No individual WiFi clients supported. Other than the satellites, individual WiFi

• clients cannot connect to the 5 GHz SSID. However, by connecting a switch and a

WiFi access point to the satellite, you can support multiple WiFi clients at the detached site.

Another AirBridge as a link partner only. An AirBridge and one or more other

• AirBridges can establish WiFi connections. You cannot use any other types of access points as link partners.

AirBridge mode disabled:

Reliable connections for multiple WiFi devices. Provides reliable

• point-to-multipoint connections between an access point and multiple individual

WiFi clients.

Best suited for extended range for multiple WiFi devices. The powerful antenna

• of the AirBridge supports a WiFi range that extends beyond the range of most access

points.

Multiple 5 GHz SSIDs. Multiple 5 GHz SSIDs can support satellites, client bridges,

• and individual WiFi clients.

Individual WiFi clients supported. Individual WiFi clients can connect to the

• AirBridge.

Any access point as a link partner. Any access point, including third-party access

• points, can establish a WiFi connection with an AirBridge.

Note: For information about configuring the AirBridge mode, see Manually Configure or Change the Operation Mode on page 37, and Change the AirBridge mode on page

59.

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Access the AirBridge for initial configuration

Depending on your network situation, setup, and preference, you can use different management options to connect to the AirBridge for initial configuration.

Table 2. Operation mode and management mode options

Operation Mode

point-to-multipoint setup

or point-to-multipoint

1. Standalone Mode lets you use all options of the local browser UI.

2. NETGEAR Insight Mode lets you use the Insight app or Cloud Portal.

Management Mode Standalone Mode

Management Mode NETGEAR Insight Mode

SupportedSupportedAirBridge Master, point-to-point or

SupportedSupportedAirBridge Satellite, point-to-point

Not supportedSupportedAccess Point

Not supportedSupportedSatellite

Depending on the operation mode (see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 111), you can access and configure the AirBridge by using the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device, by using the Insight Cloud portal, or by using the local browser UI. You cannot combine Insight management with management over the local browser UI. These types of management are mutually exclusive. However, even if you use Insight management, you can still access the local browser UI for a limited number of options.

The Insight app and the Insight Cloud portal provide ease of access and let you configure most features that are available on the AirBridge, except for the access point and client bridge operation modes. However, the local browser UI lets you configure all features that are available on the AirBridge, including the access point and client bridge operation modes.

CAUTION: This device must be professionally installed. It is the installer’s responsibility

to follow local country regulations, including operations within legal frequency channels, output power, and DFS requirements. The vendor, reseller, or distributor is not responsible for illegal wireless operations. For more details, see the device’s terms and conditions.

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Determine your access and configuration method and then see the information in the relevant section in this manual:

Insight app or the Insight Cloud portal. If you use the Insight app or the Insight

• Cloud portal to access and configure the AirBridge as a master or satellite, see one

of the following sections:

- Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile

device on page 15

- Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal on page 17

Local browser UI. If you use the local browser UI to access and configure the

• AirBridge in any operation mode, see one of the following sections:

- Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device on page 18

- Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same network on

page 23

- Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer on page 28

Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device

You can install the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device to configure and manage the AirBridge as a master or satellite.

Note: At this time, the NETGEAR Insight app does not support the access point and client bridge operation modes. To configure and manage the AirBridge as an access point or client bridge, you first must change the management mode to Standalone Mode, and then use the local browser UI. For more information, see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 111.

IMPORTANT: If you add the AirBridge to a NETGEAR Insight network location and manage the AirBridge through the Insight app or Insight Cloud portal, the local device password for the AirBridge changes. That is, the Insight network password for that location replaces the local device password. To access the local browser UI, you must then enter the Insight network password and not the local device password. If you later decide to remove the AirBridge from the Insight network location or change the management mode to Standalone Mode (see Change the management mode to Standalone Mode on page 113), you must continue to use the Insight network password to access the local browser UI until you manually change the local device password on the AirBridge.

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For more information about the Insight app, visit insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge base at netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.

To connect to the AirBridge over WiFi using an iOS or Android mobile device:

On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for NETGEAR Insight, and download the latest version of the Insight app.

For initial discovery and configuration, connect your mobile device to the WiFi network that is connected to the same network to which the AirBridge is connected.

Note: For initial discovery and configuration, do not connect your smartphone to the default management SSID of the AirBridge.

3. Open the Insight app.

If you did not set up a NETGEAR account, tap Create NETGEAR Account and follow the onscreen instructions.

Enter the email address and password for your account and tap LOG IN. After you log in to your account, the IP address of the AirBridge displays in the device

list.

6. Write down the AirBridge IP address. You can use the IP address to connect to the local browser UI of the AirBridge using

an Ethernet connection when your computer is connected to the same network as the AirBridge. For more information, see Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same network on page 23.

To use the Insight app (instead of the local browser UI) to configure and manage the AirBridge, tap the AirBridge, and follow the prompts to register the AirBridge and add it to an Insight network location.

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Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal

The Insight Cloud portal is available for Insight Premium or Insight Pro subscribers. To use the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal to configure and manage the AirBridge as a master or satellite, the AirBridge must already be connected to the Internet.

Note: At this time, the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal does not support the access point and client bridge operation modes. To configure and manage the AirBridge as an access point or client bridge, you first must change the management mode to Standalone Mode, and then use the local browser UI. For more information, see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 111.

IMPORTANT: If you add the AirBridge to a NETGEAR Insight network location and manage the AirBridge through the Insight app or Insight Cloud portal, the local device password for the AirBridge changes. That is, after you add the AirBridge to an Insight network location, the Insight network password for that location replaces the local device password. To access the local browser UI, you must then enter the Insight network password and not the local device password. If you later decide to remove the AirBridge from the Insight network location or change the management mode to Web-browser mode (see Change the management mode to Standalone Mode on page 113), you must continue to use the Insight network password to access the local browser UI until you manually change the local device password on the AirBridge.

For more information about the Insight Cloud portal and the configuration and management options that are available through the Insight Cloud portal, visit insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge base at netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.

To connect to the AirBridge over the Internet through the Insight Cloud portal:

1. Visit insight.netgear.com. The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

2. Enter your Insight email address and password. If you do not own an Insight account, you can create one.

3. Click the Login button. After you log in, you can do the following:

Add the AirBridge to the Cloud portal by entering its serial number.

•

Add the AirBridge to an Insight network location.

•

Configure and manage the AirBridge.

•

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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device

This section describes how to connect to the AirBridge for the first time over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device (without using the NETGEAR Insight app).

For this procedure, do not connect the AirBridge to a network with a DHCP server, otherwise you cannot access the AirBridge at its default IP address of 192.168.0.100.

To connect to the AirBridge over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device:

1. From your computer or mobile device, connect over WiFi to the AirBridge’s management WiFi network.

The management SSID is on the AirBridge label on the bottom of the AirBridge and is shown in the format NETGEARxxxxxx-SETUP, where xxxxxx is the last six hexadecimal digits of the AirBridge’s MAC address. The default password is sharedsecret.

2. On the computer or mobile device, open a web browser and, in the address bar, enter https://192.168.0.100.

When the AirBridge is not connected to a network with a DHCP server, the default IP address of the AirBridge is 192.168.0.100.

The Day Zero Easy Setup page displays.

If your browser does not open the Day Zero Easy Setup page but displays a security message and does not let you proceed, do one of the following:

Google Chrome. If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private

•

message, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to 192.168.0.100

(unsafe) link.

Apple Safari. If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message,

•

click the Show Details button. Then, click the visit this website link. If a warning pop-up window opens, click the Visit Website button. If another pop-up window

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opens to let you confirm changes to your certificate trust settings, enter your Mac user name and password and click the Update Setting button.

Mozilla Firefox. If Mozilla Firefox displays a Your connection is not secure

•

message, click the ADVANCED button. Then, click the Add Exception button. In the pop-up window that opens, click the Confirm Security Exception button.

Microsoft Internet Explore. If Microsoft Internet Explorer displays a There is a

•

problem with this website’s security certificate message, click the Continue to this website (not recommended) link.

Microsoft Edge. If Microsoft Edge displays a There is a problem with this website’s

•

security certificate message or a similar warning, select Details > Go on to the webpage.

4. Select the Standalone Mode radio button.

Note: After you save the basic settings that are shown on the page, the Day Zero

Easy Setup page no longer displays when you log in. Instead, a login window opens. After you log in, the Dashboard page displays.

Enter the settings that are described in the following table.

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the Easy Setup Method

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

DescriptionSetting

Country/Region

Time Zone

DHCP Client

AP Name

From the menu, select the country and region in which the AirBridge is operating.

Note: Make sure that the country is set to the location where the device is operating. You

are responsible for complying with the local, regional, and national regulations that are

set for channels, power levels, and frequency ranges.

Note: It might not be legal to operate the AirBridge in a region other than the regions

listed in the menu. If your country or region is not listed, check with your local government

agency.

From the menu, select the time zone for the country and region in which the AirBridge is

operating.

By default, the DHCP client of the AirBridge allows the AirBridge to receive an IP address

from a DHCP server (or router that functions as a DHCP server) in your network.

To set up the AirBridge with a static (fixed) IP address, do the following:

a. Select the Disable radio button.

Additional fields display.

b. Specify the IP address, IP subnet mask, IP address of the default gateway, and IP address

of the DNS server.

As an option, enter a new device name for the AirBridge. The name must contain

alphanumeric characters, cannot be longer than 15 characters, and cannot contains spaces.

The name can contain hyphens, but cannot start or end with a hyphen.

By default, the device name is WBC502, which is the AirBridge’s model number.

AP Login New

Password

the Easy Setup Method

Enter a new local device password. This is the password that you must use to log in to the

AirBridge’s local browser UI. (It is not the password that you use for WiFi access.)

The password must be 8 to 32 characters in length and must contain at least one uppercase

letter, one lowercase letter, and one number. The following special characters are allowed:

! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )

Write down and save the password for future use.

Enter exactly the same password that you entered in the AP Login New Password field.Confirm New

User Manual20Access the AirBridge and Use

(Continued)

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

DescriptionSetting

Operation Mode

SSID

From the menu, select the operation mode that the AirBridge must function in:

AirBridge Master

•

AirBridge Satellite

•

Access Point

•

Client Bridge

•

For information about the operation modes, see Operation mode: AirBridge Master,

AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge on page 10 and Operation mode and

default settings after the Day Zero Easy Setup configuration on page 33.

Enter a name for the 5 GHz SSID. You can use a maximum of 32 characters with a

combination of alphanumeric and special characters, except for quotation marks (") and

a backslash (\).

The function of the 5 GHz SSID depends on the operation mode:

AirBridge master and satellite. The 5 GHz SSID is the backhaul WiFi connection

• between the master and the satellite.

Access point. The 5 GHz SSID is the WiFi network that the access point broadcasts.

•

Client bridge. The 5 GHz SSID is the WiFi extension between the client bridge and the

• base station.

Authentication

Passphrase

the Easy Setup Method

From the menu, select one of the following authentication types for the 5 GHz SSID:

Open. Authentication is not required and data encryption is not supported. This setting

• does not provide any security and is not appropriate for most situations.

WPA2-AES. This option allows the 5 GHz SSID to be secured with a WPA2 passphrase.

• This option uses AES encryption. All devices that use the 5 GHz SSID must be capable

of supporting WPA2-AES.

After you complete the setup process, you can set up WPA2 Enterprise security with

RADIUS servers. For more information, see Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a master

or access point on page 81 or Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a satellite or client

bridge on page 84.

Unless you selected Open from the Authentication Type menu, enter a new passphrase

(network key or WiFi password) for the 5 GHz SSID.

The length of the passphrase must be from 8 to 63 characters.

User Manual21Access the AirBridge and Use

(Continued)

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

DescriptionSetting

Management

SSID

Management

WPA2

Passphrase

The management SSID lets you connect from your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile

device to the AirBridge to configure and manage the it. This management SSID is not

used for backhaul or regular WiFi client connections.

For more information, see Manage the settings for the 2.4 GHz management SSID on

page 86.

Enter a new passphrase (network key or WiFi password) for the management SSID. This

passphrase replaces the default passphrase (sharedsecret).

The length of the passphrase must be from 8 to 63 characters.

6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

After about one minute the AirBridge is back online.

This process takes about one minute.

7. Reconnect over WiFi to the AirBridge’s management SSID using the new passphrase that you just defined on the Day Zero Easy Setup page.

In the web browser, enter https://192.168.0.100. If you assigned a static IP address to the AirBridge, enter that IP address.

The login page displays.

If your browser does not display the login page but displays a security message and does not let you proceed, see the information in Step 3.

10. Enter the AirBridge user name and local device password. The user name is admin. The local device password is the one that you just defined

on the Day Zero Easy Setup page. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

11. In the TERMS OF USE section, click the NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions link, and read the terms of use.

12.

If you agree, select the check box to acknowledge that you read and agree with the terms of use.

You need to select this check box only once. Subsequent times that you log in, the check box is preselected.

13. Click the Login button. The Device Status page displays the Device Information section and other sections.

You can now customize the AirBridge settings for your network environment.

the Easy Setup Method

User Manual22Access the AirBridge and Use

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same network

The following procedure assumes that your network includes a DHCP server (or router that functions as a DHCP server) and that the AirBridge and the computer are on the same network. By default, the AirBridge functions as a DHCP client. If you want to set up the AirBridge with a static (fixed) IP address, see Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer on page 28.

To connect to the AirBridge using a computer that is connected to the same network as the AirBridge:

1. To determine the IP address that the DHCP server assigned to the AirBridge, use one of the following methods:

Windows-based computer. If you use a Windows-based computer, open

•

Windows Explorer, and click the Network link. If prompted, enable the Network Discovery feature. Under Network Infrastructure, locate the WBC502 (assuming that you did not change the device name), and double-click WBC502.

DHCP server. Access the DHCP server in your network and open the page the

•

shows the network connections.

IP network scanner. Use an IP network scanner to scan for the IP address that

•

is assigned to the AirBridge.

NETGEAR Insight app. Use the NETGEAR Insight app to discover the IP address

•

that is assigned to the AirBridge. For more information, see Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device on page

15.

2. On the computer, open a web browser and, in the address bar, enter the IP address that is assigned to the AirBridge.

The Day Zero Easy Setup page displays.

the Easy Setup Method

User Manual23Access the AirBridge and Use

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

If your browser does not open the Day Zero Easy Setup page but displays a security message and does not let you proceed, do one of the following:

Google Chrome. If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private

•

message, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to x.x.x.x (unsafe) link, in which x.x.x.x represents the IP address of the AirBridge.

Apple Safari. If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message,

•

click the Show Details button. Then, click the visit this website link. If a warning pop-up window opens, click the Visit Website button. If another pop-up window opens to let you confirm changes to your certificate trust settings, enter your Mac user name and password and click the Update Setting button.

Mozilla Firefox. If Mozilla Firefox displays a Your connection is not secure

•

message, click the ADVANCED button. Then, click the Add Exception button. In the pop-up window that opens, click the Confirm Security Exception button.

Microsoft Internet Explore. If Microsoft Internet Explorer displays a There is a

•

problem with this website’s security certificate message, click the Continue to this website (not recommended) link.

Microsoft Edge. If Microsoft Edge displays a There is a problem with this website’s

•

security certificate message or a similar warning, select Details > Go on to the webpage.

4. Select the Standalone Mode radio button.

Note: After you save the basic settings that are shown on the page, the Day Zero

Easy Setup page no longer displays when you log in. Instead, a login window opens. After you log in, the Dashboard page displays.

User Manual24Access the AirBridge and Use

the Easy Setup Method

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Enter the settings that are described in the following table.

DescriptionSetting

Country/Region

Time Zone

DHCP Client

AP Name

From the menu, select the country and region in which the AirBridge is operating.

Note: Make sure that the country is set to the location where the device is operating. You

are responsible for complying with the local, regional, and national regulations that are

set for channels, power levels, and frequency ranges.

Note: It might not be legal to operate the AirBridge in a region other than the regions

listed in the menu. If your country or region is not listed, check with your local government

agency.

From the menu, select the time zone for the country and region in which the AirBridge is

operating.

By default, the DHCP client of the AirBridge allows the AirBridge to receive an IP address

from a DHCP server (or router that functions as a DHCP server) in your network.

To set up the AirBridge with a static (fixed) IP address, do the following:

a. Select the Disable radio button.

Additional fields display.

b. Specify the IP address, IP subnet mask, IP address of the default gateway, and IP address

of the DNS server.

As an option, enter a new device name for the AirBridge. The name must contain

alphanumeric characters, cannot be longer than 15 characters, and cannot contains spaces.

The name can contain hyphens, but cannot start or end with a hyphen.

By default, the device name is WBC502, which is the AirBridge’s model number.

AP Login New

Password

the Easy Setup Method

Enter a new local device password. This is the password that you must use to log in to the

AirBridge’s local browser UI. (It is not the password that you use for WiFi access.)

The password must be 8 to 32 characters in length and must contain at least one uppercase

letter, one lowercase letter, and one number. The following special characters are allowed:

! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )

Write down and save the password for future use.

Enter exactly the same password that you entered in the AP Login New Password field.Confirm New

User Manual25Access the AirBridge and Use

(Continued)

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

DescriptionSetting

Operation Mode

SSID

From the menu, select the operation mode that the AirBridge must function in:

AirBridge Master

•

AirBridge Satellite

•

Access Point

•

Client Bridge

•

For information about the operation modes, see Operation mode: AirBridge Master,

AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge on page 10 and Operation mode and

default settings after the Day Zero Easy Setup configuration on page 33.

Enter a name for the 5 GHz SSID. You can use a maximum of 32 characters with a

combination of alphanumeric and special characters, except for quotation marks (") and

a backslash (\).

The function of the 5 GHz SSID depends on the operation mode:

AirBridge master and satellite. The 5 GHz SSID is the backhaul WiFi connection

• between the master and the satellite.

Access point. The 5 GHz SSID is the WiFi network that the access point broadcasts.

•

Client bridge. The 5 GHz SSID is the WiFi extension between the client bridge and the

• base station.

Authentication

Passphrase

the Easy Setup Method

From the menu, select one of the following authentication types for the 5 GHz SSID:

Open. Authentication is not required and data encryption is not supported. This setting

• does not provide any security and is not appropriate for most situations.

WPA2-AES. This option allows the 5 GHz SSID to be secured with a WPA2 passphrase.

• This option uses AES encryption. All devices that use the 5 GHz SSID must be capable

of supporting WPA2-AES.

After you complete the setup process, you can set up WPA2 Enterprise security with

RADIUS servers. For more information, see Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a master

or access point on page 81 or Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a satellite or client

bridge on page 84.

Unless you selected Open from the Authentication Type menu, enter a new passphrase

(network key or WiFi password) for the 5 GHz SSID.

The length of the passphrase must be from 8 to 63 characters.

User Manual26Access the AirBridge and Use

(Continued)

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

DescriptionSetting

Management

SSID

Management

WPA2

Passphrase

The management SSID lets you connect from your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile

device to the AirBridge to configure and manage the it. This management SSID is not

used for backhaul or regular WiFi client connections.

For more information, see Manage the settings for the 2.4 GHz management SSID on

page 86.

Enter a new passphrase (network key or WiFi password) for the management SSID. This

passphrase replaces the default passphrase (sharedsecret).

The length of the passphrase must be from 8 to 63 characters.

6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

After about one minute the AirBridge is back online.

The login page displays.

If the login page does not display automatically, take one of the following actions:

If you assigned a static IP address to the AirBridge, enter that IP address in the

•

address bar of the web browser.

If you did not assign a static IP address, reenter the IP address that is displayed

•

in the address bar of the web browser. If that does not work, write down the IP address, close the web browser, reopen the web browser, and then reenter the IP address in the address bar of the web browser.

If you did not assign a static IP address and you closed the page so that you

•

cannot see the IP address of the AirBridge, use an IP scanner tool, use a network discovery tool, or access the DHCP server to discover the IP address of the AirBridge in your network. Then, open a browser and enter the IP address in the address bar of the web browser.

If your browser does not open the login page but displays a security message

•

and does not let you proceed, see the information in Step 3.

8. Enter the AirBridge user name and local device password. The user name is admin. The local device password is the one that you just defined

on the Day Zero Easy Setup page. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

9. In the TERMS OF USE section, click the NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions link, and read the terms of use.

User Manual27Access the AirBridge and Use

the Easy Setup Method

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

10.

If you agree, select the check box to acknowledge that you read and agree with the terms of use.

You need to select this check box only once. Subsequent times that you log in, the check box is preselected.

11. Click the Login button. The Device Status page displays the Device Information section and other sections.

You can now customize the AirBridge settings for your network environment.

Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer

If your network does not include a DHCP server (or router that functions as a DHCP server), you can use a computer that is connected through an Ethernet cable to the LAN port of the AirBridge.

To connect to the AirBridge using a computer that is connected to a LAN port of the AirBridge:

Record the IP address and subnet mask of your computer so that you can reinstate these IP address settings later.

2. Temporarily change the IP address on your computer to 192.168.0.210 with

255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask. (You can actually use any IP address in the 192.168.0.2–192.168.0.254 range, with

the exception of IP address 192.168.0.100, which is the default IP address of the AirBridge.)

For more information about changing the IP address on your computer, see the help or documentation for your computer.

3. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the LAN2 port on the AirBridge.

4. On the computer, open a web browser and enter 192.168.0.100 in the address bar.

The Day Zero Easy Setup page displays.

the Easy Setup Method

User Manual28Access the AirBridge and Use

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

If your browser does not open the Day Zero Easy Setup page but displays a security message and does not let you proceed, do one of the following:

Google Chrome. If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private

•

message, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to 192.168.0.100

(unsafe) link.

Apple Safari. If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message,

•

Mozilla Firefox. If Mozilla Firefox displays a Your connection is not secure

•

message, click the ADVANCED button. Then, click the Add Exception button. In the pop-up window that opens, click the Confirm Security Exception button.

Microsoft Internet Explore. If Microsoft Internet Explorer displays a There is a

•

problem with this website’s security certificate message, click the Continue to this website (not recommended) link.

Microsoft Edge. If Microsoft Edge displays a There is a problem with this website’s

•

security certificate message or a similar warning, select Details > Go on to the webpage.

6. Select the Standalone Mode radio button.

Note: After you save the basic settings that are shown on the page, the Day Zero

Easy Setup page no longer displays when you log in. Instead, a login window opens. After you log in, the Dashboard page displays.

User Manual29Access the AirBridge and Use

the Easy Setup Method

Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Enter the settings that are described in the following table.

DescriptionSetting

Country/Region

Time Zone

DHCP Client

AP Name

From the menu, select the country and region in which the AirBridge is operating.

Note: Make sure that the country is set to the location where the device is operating. You

are responsible for complying with the local, regional, and national regulations that are

set for channels, power levels, and frequency ranges.

Note: It might not be legal to operate the AirBridge in a region other than the regions

listed in the menu. If your country or region is not listed, check with your local government

agency.

From the menu, select the time zone for the country and region in which the AirBridge is

operating.

By default, the DHCP client of the AirBridge allows the AirBridge to receive an IP address

from a DHCP server (or router that functions as a DHCP server) in your network.

To set up the AirBridge with a static (fixed) IP address, do the following:

a. Select the Disable radio button.

Additional fields display.

b. Specify the IP address, IP subnet mask, IP address of the default gateway, and IP address

of the DNS server.

As an option, enter a new device name for the AirBridge. The name must contain

alphanumeric characters, cannot be longer than 15 characters, and cannot contains spaces.

The name can contain hyphens, but cannot start or end with a hyphen.

By default, the device name is WBC502, which is the AirBridge’s model number.

AP Login New

Password

the Easy Setup Method

Enter a new local device password. This is the password that you must use to log in to the

AirBridge’s local browser UI. (It is not the password that you use for WiFi access.)

The password must be 8 to 32 characters in length and must contain at least one uppercase

letter, one lowercase letter, and one number. The following special characters are allowed:

! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )

Write down and save the password for future use.

Enter exactly the same password that you entered in the AP Login New Password field.Confirm New

User Manual30Access the AirBridge and Use

+ 132 hidden pages

Netgear WBC502 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Access the AirBridge and Use the Easy Setup Method

Related documentation

Overview

About NETGEAR Insight

AirBridge label

Operation mode: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge

AirBridge mode

Access the AirBridge for initial configuration

Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device

Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal

Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device

Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same network

Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer