Netgear WG302 User Manual
Reference Manual for the
WG302 802.11g ProSafe
Wireless Access Point
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Phone 1-888-NETGEAR
August 2003
December 2003
NETGEAR, INC.
www.NETGEAR.com
Technical Support
Please register to obtain technical support. Please retain your proof of purchase and warranty
information.
To register your product, get product support or obtain product information and product
documentation, go to http://www.NETGEAR.com
Web, you may register your product by filling out the registration card and mailing it to
NETGEAR customer service.
You will find technical support information at:
http://www.NETGEAR.com/
through the customer service area. If you want to contact technical
support by telephone, see the support information card for the correct telephone number for your
country.
© 2003 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
. If you do not have access to the World Wide
NETGEAR is a registered trademark of NETGEAR, INC. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
FCC ID: PY3WG302
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2
December 2003
Warning!
To co mply with the FCC’s of exposure
requirements you must maintain a distance of at
least 1 cm from the antenna of this device while
it is in use. This device should not be co-located
with other transmitters.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: 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 desig ned to provi de 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 instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment 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.
Placement and Range Guidelines
Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11 wireless networks at a maximum range of 500 feet (152.4 m)
for 802.11b devices. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary
significantly, based on the physical placement of the wireless access point.
For best results, identify a location for your wireless access point according to these guidelines:
• Away from potential sources of interference , such as PCs, large metal surfaces, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
phones.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf that is near the center of the wireless coverage area for all mobile
devices.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly
connect to the wireless access point.
To meet FCC and other nat ional safety guideli nes for rf exposure, the antennas for this device must be
installed to ensure a minimum separation distance of 20cm (7.9 in.) from persons. Further, the antennas shall
not be co-located with other transmitting structures.
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.
Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved by Netgear, could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to such condition.
December 2003
3
FCC Statement
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We Netgear,
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Tel: +1 408 907 8000
declare under our sole responsibility that the product(s)
WG302 (Model Designation)
802.11g Pr oSafe Wireless Access Point (Product Name)
complies(y) with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: 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 instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment 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 and correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
4
December 2003
• Reorient or locate 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.
RF Exposure Wa rning for North America, and Australia
W arning! To meet FCC and other national safety guidelines for rf exposure, the antennas for this device (see
below) must be installed to ensure a minimum separation distance of 20cm (7.9 in.) from persons. Furth e r,
the antennas shall not be co-located with other antenna or radio transmitter.
Antenna Statement for North America and Australia
In addition to its own 2 antennas, the WG302 device has been approved for use with the following
detachable antennas and antenna cables:
Approved
Antennas
NETGEAR
ANT24D18
NETGEAR
ANT2409
NETGEAR
ANT24O5
Antenna Gain and
type
18 dBi, directional
outdoor/indoor
9 dBi, omnidirectional
outdoor/indoor
5 dBi, ceiling/wall
indoor
Approved Antenna
Cable
NETGEAR
ACC-10314-01 thru
05
NETGEAR
ACC-10314-01 thru
05
NETGEAR
ACC-10314-01 thru
05
Antenna Cable
Length
1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 18 dBi ant.
1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 9 dBi ant.
1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 5 dBi ant.
Maximum
Transmitted Power
* WG302 maximum radiated power in North America and Australia: 20 dBm – cable loss + antenna gain
Please go to www.netgear.com/go-fcc…. for an updated list of wireless accessories approved to be used with
the WG302 in North America and Australia.
Industry Canada Compliance Statement
This Class B Digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing
Equipment Regulations ICES 003.
Cet appareil numerique de classe B respecte les exigences du reglement du Canada sur le materiel
brouilleur NMB-003.
The device is certified to the requirements of RSS-210 for 2.4 GHz spread spectrum devices. The
use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely outdoors may require the
user to obtain a license for the system according to the Canadian regulations. For further
December 2003
5
information, contact your local Industry Canada office.
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December 2003
Contents
RF Exposure Warning for North America, and Australia ..........................................1-5
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Versions, Conventions ...................................................................................1-v
How to Use this Manual ................................................................................................. 1-vi
How to Print this Manual ............................................................................................... 1-vii
Chapter 2
Introduction
About the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point ...........................................2-1
Key Features ..................................................................................................................2-2
802.11g Standards-based Wireless Networking ......................................................2-3
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink ...............................................2-3
Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products .........................................................2-4
System Requirements ....................................................................................................2-4
What’s In the Box? .........................................................................................................2-4
Hardware Description .....................................................................................................2-5
WG302 Wireless Access Point Front Panel .............................................................2-5
WG302 Wireless Access Point Rear Panel .............................................................2-7
Left and Right Detachable Antenna ...................................................................2-7
Restore to Factory Defaults Button ....................................................................2-7
Serial Port ..........................................................................................................2-7
RJ-45 Ethernet Port ...........................................................................................2-7
Power Socket ....................................................................................................2-7
Chapter 3
Basic Installation and Configuration
Observing Placement and Range Guidelines ..................... ................ ................ ............3-1
Cabling Requirements ..............................................................................................3-2
Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................3-3
Understanding WG302 Wireless Security Options ................................. ........................ 3-4
Installing the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point ......................................3-5
How to Log In to the WG302 Using Its Default IP Address ............................................3-8
Contents iii
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Understanding Basic Wireless Settings .............................. .......................... ..................3-9
Understanding Basic Wireless Security Options ..........................................................3-11
Information to Gather Before Changing Basic Wireless Settings ...........................3-13
How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity ............................................ 3-14
How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address ...............................................3-15
How to Configure WEP ..........................................................................................3-16
Using the Basic IP Settings Options .............................................................................3-17
Chapter 4
Management
Using the Secure Telnet Interface ...................................................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-1
How to Use the CLI via the Console Port: ................................................................4-1
CLI Commands ........................................................................................................4-2
Viewing General, Log, Station, and Statistical Information .............................................4-5
Statistics ................................................................. .................................................. 4-7
Viewing a List of Attached Devices .................................................................................4-9
Upgrading the Wireless Access Point Software ...........................................................4-10
Configuration File Management ...................................................................................4-11
Saving and Retrieving the Configuration ................................................................4-11
Restoring the WG302 to the Factory Default Settings ...........................................4-12
Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings ................. ... ... .... ... ...4-12
Changing the Administrator Password ......................... ....................................... ... 4-13
Chapter 5
Advanced Configuration
Understanding Advanced Wireless Settings ..................................................................5-1
Configuring Wireless Operating Modes ........................... ............................................... 5-2
How to Configure a WG302 as a Point-to-Point Bridge ...........................................5-3
How to Configure Multi-Point Wireless Bridging ......................................................5-4
How to Configure Wireless Repeating .....................................................................5-5
Chapter 6
Troubleshooting
No lights are lit on the access point. ...................................... ......................................... 6-1
The Wireless LAN activity light does not light up. ...........................................................6-2
The LAN light is not lit. ....................................................................................................6-2
I cannot access the Internet or the LAN with a wireless capable computer. .................6-2
I cannot connect to the WG302 to configure it. ..............................................................6-3
iv Contents
December 2003
When I enter a URL or IP address I get a timeout error. ........................................ ... ... ..6-3
Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings . .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..6-3
Appendix A
Specifications
Specifications for the WG302 ........................................................................................ A-1
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ..................................... ... ... ........................................... B-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. B-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ..................................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ....... B-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ B-2
Authentication, WEP, and WPA ..................................................................................... B-2
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. B-3
Open System Authentication .............................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ....................... B-3
Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... B-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ B-5
Key Size .................................................................................................................. B-6
WEP Configuration Options ...................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-7
Wireless Channels ....................... .... ... ... ... ..................................................................... B-7
Glossary
Index
Contents v
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vi Contents
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point. The
WG302 provides connection for multiple personal computers to the Internet through an external
broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL mo dem).
Audience, Versions, Conventions
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic co mputer network, Internet, and firewall technologies tutorial information is
provided in the Appendices and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This guide uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
This manual is written for the WG302 Access Point according to these versions.:
Table 1-1. Product, Firmware Version, Manual Version, and Publication Date
Product WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Manual Part Number
Manual Publication Date August 2003
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR web site at
www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Documentation updates are available on the
NETGEAR, Inc. web site at www.netgear.com/docs.
About This Manual 1-v
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
How to Use this Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes a variety of navigation features as well as links to PDF
versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
1
2
3
Figure 1-1: HTML version of this manual
1. Left Pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites tabs.
To view the HT ML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later browser with
JavaScript enabled.
2. Toolbar Buttons. Use the toolbar buttons across the top to navigate, print pages, and more.
The Show in Contents button locates the current topic in the Contents tab.
Previous/Next buttons display the previous or next topic.
The PDF button links to a PDF version of the full manual.
The Print button prints the current topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your
printer–you do not have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
3. Right Pane. Use the right pane to view the contents of the manual. Also, each page of the
manual includes a link at the top right which links to a PDF file
containing just the currently selected chapter of the manual.
1-vi About This Manual
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual, choose one of the following options.
• Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button on
the upper right of the toolbar to print the currently displayed topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your printer–you do not
have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
• Printing a Chapter. Use the link at the top right of any page.
– Click “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 PDF button in the toolbar at the top right of the browser
window.
– Click the PDF button on the upper right of the toolbar. The PDF version of the
chapter you were viewing 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.
About This Manual 1-vii
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
1-viii About This Manual
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Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point. Minimal
prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 2-4.
About the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
The WG302 802.11g ProSafe W ireless Access Point is the basic building block of a wireless LAN
infrastructure. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped
wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.
The WG302 provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed
range or area of coverage, interacting with a wireless network interface card (NIC) via an antenna.
T ypically, an individual in-building access point provides a maximum connectivity area with about
a 300 foot radius. The WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point can support a small group
of users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated between 30-70 users
simultaneously.
The WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wi reless Access Point acts as a bridge between the wired LAN and
wireless clients. Connecting multiple WG302 Access Points via a wired Ethernet backbone can
further lengthen the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing device moves out of the
range of one access point, it moves into the range of another. As a result, wireless clients can freely
roam from one Access Point to another and still maintain seamless connection to the network.
The auto-sensing capability of the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point allows packet
transmission at up to 108 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or
electromagnetic noise interference.
Introduction 2-1
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Key Features
The WG302 Access Point is easy-to-use and provides solid wireless and networking support.
Supported Standards and Conventions
The following standards and conventions are supported:
• Standards Compliant. The Wireless Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11g for
Wireless LANs.
• WEP support. Support for WEP is included. Both 64-bit, 128-bit, and 152-bit keys are
supported.
• DHCP Client Support. DHCP provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other devices upon
request. The WG302 can act as a client and obtain information from your DHPC server.
• SNMP Support. Support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Management
Information Base (MIB) management.
Key Features
The NETGEAR WG302 provides solid functionality, including these features:
• Multiple Operating Modes
– Wireless Access Point. Operates as a standard 802.11g.
– Point-to-Point Bridge. In this mode, the WG302 only communicates with another
bridge-mode wireless station. You must enter the MAC address (physical address) of the
other bridge-mode wireless station in the field provided. WEP should be used to protect
this communication.
– Point-to-Multi-Point Bridge. Select this only if this WG302 is the “Master” for a group
of bridge-mode wireless stations. The other bridge-mode wireless stations must be set to
Point-to-Point Bridge mode, using this WG302's MAC address. They then send all traffic
to this “Master”, rather than communicate directly with each other . WEP should be used to
protect this traffic.
– Wireless Repeater. In this half-duplex mode, the WG302 only communicates with
another repeater-mode wireless station. You must enter the MAC address (physical
address) of the both adjacent repeater-mode wireless stations in the fields provided. WEP
should be used to protect this communication.
• Upgradeable Firmware. Firmware is stored in a flash memory and can be upgraded easily,
using only your Web browser, and can be upgraded remotely.
• Access Control. The Access Control MAC address filtering feature can ensure that only
trusted wireless stations can use the WG302 to gain access to your LAN.
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
• Simple Configuration. If the default settings are unsuitable, they are easy to change.
• Hidden Mode. The SSID is not broadcast, assuring only clients configured with the correct
SSID can connect.
• Secure Telnet Command Line Interface. The Telnet command line interface enables direct
access over the serial port and easy scripting of configuration of multiple WG302 across an
extensive network via the Ethernet interface. An SSH client is required.
• Configuration Backup. Configuration settings can be backed up to a file and restored.
• Secure and Economical Operation. Adjustable power output allows more secure or
economical operation.
• Power over Ethernet. Power can be supplied to the WG302 over the Ethernet port from any
802.3af compliant mid-span or end-span source such as the NETGEAR FSM7326P Managed
Power over Ethernet Layer 3 managed switch.
• Autosensing Ethernet Connection with
IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks.
• LED Indicators. Power, test, LAN speed, LAN activity, and wireless activity are easily
identified.
Auto Uplink Interface. Connects to 10/100 Mbps
802.11g Standards-based Wireless Networking
The WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point provides a bridge between Ethernet wired
LANs and 802.11g compatible wireless LAN networks. It provides connectivity between Ethernet
wired networks and radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and
other devices. Additionally, the WG302 supports the following wireless features:
• Distributed coordinated function (CSMA/CA, Back off procedure, ACK procedure,
retransmission of unacknowledged frames)
• RTS/CTS handshake
• Beacon generation
• Packet fragmentation and reassembly
• Short or long preamble
• Roaming among access points on the same subnet
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
The WG302 can connect to a standard Ethernet network. The LAN interface is autosensing and
capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
The wireless access point incorporates Auto UplinkTM technology. The Ethernet port will
automatically sense whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a ‘normal’
connection such as to a PC or an ‘uplink’ connection such as to a switch or hub. That port will then
configure itself to the correct configuration. This feature also eliminates any concerns about
crossover cables, as Auto Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right
connection.
Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products
For a list of compatible products from other manufacturers, see the Wireless Ethernet
Compatibility Alliance Web site (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net).
The following NETGEAR products work with the WG302 Access Point:
• WAB501 a/b Dual Band Wireless PC Card Adapter
• MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card
• WG511 802.11g Wireless CardBus Adapter
• MA111 801.11b Wireless Bridge
• MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
• ME102 802.11b Wireless Access Point
• MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter
• MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card
System Requirements
Before installing the WG302, make sure your system meets these requirements:
• A 10/100 Mbps Local Area Network device such as a hub or switch
• The Category 5 UTP straight through Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connector included in the
package, or one like it
• A 100-240 V, 50-60 HZ AC power source
• A Web browser for configuration such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or above, or
Netscape Navigator 4.78 or above
• At least one computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed
• 802.11b or 802.11b-compliant devices, such as the NETGEAR WG511 Wireless Adapter
What’s In the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
2-4 Introduction
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
• WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
• Power adapter and cord (12 V dc, 1.2 A)
• Straight through Category 5 Ethernet cable
• WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point Quick Installation Guide (M-10178-01)
• Resource CD for the 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point WG302 (SW-10038-01)
Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Ac cess Point ( ) -- this manual
• Support Registration card
Contact your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any wrong, missing, or damaged
parts. You can refer to the Support Information Card for the telephone number of customer support
in your area. You should keep the Support Information card, along with the original packing
materials, and use the packing materials to repack the WG302 if you need to return it for repair. T o
qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, we encourage you to register on the
NETGEAR Web site at: http://www.NETGEAR.com.
Hardware Description
The WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wi reless Access Point front and rear hardware functions are
described below.
WG302 Wireless Access Point Front Panel
The WG302 Access Point provides four status LEDs.
Figure 2-1: WG302 front panel
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
The following table explains the LED indicators:
LED DESCRIPTION
PWR
TEST Self Test Indicator
Blink Indicates self test, loading software, or system fault (if continues).
100 Ethernet LAN Speed Indicator
Green On
LINK/ACT LAN Ethernet LAN Link Activity Indicator
Green On
Green Blink Indicates data traffic on the 100Mbps Ethernet LAN.
Amber 0n 10 Mbps Ethernet link detected, no activity.
Amber Blink Indicates data traffic on the 10Mbps Ethernet LAN.
802.11g WLAN Wireless LAN Link Activity Indicator
Green Blink Wireless link activity.
Power Indicator
No power. If this LED does not come on with the power adapter and cord correctly
Off
installed, see Chapter 4, Troubleshooting.
Power is on.
On
Note: This LED may blink for a minute before going on steady.
Off
Indicates 10 Mbps Ethernet link detected
100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link detected.
Off
Indicates no Ethernet link detected.
100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link detected, no activity.
Off Indicates no wireless link activity.
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
WG302 Wireless Access Point Rear Panel
Figure 2-2: WG302 rear panel
Left and Right Detachable Antenna
The WG302 provides two detachable antenna.
Restore to Factory Defaults Button
The restore to default button located between the Ethernet RJ-45 connector and the power
socket restores the WG302 to the factory default settings.
Serial Port
Male DB-9 serial port for serial connection.
RJ-45 Ethernet Port
Use the WG302 Ethernet RJ-45 port to connect to an Ethernet LAN through a device such as a
hub, switch, router, or POE switch.
Power Socket
This socket connects to the WG302 12V 1.2A power adapter.
Introduction 2-7
December 2003
Chapter 3
Basic Installation and Configuration
This chapter describes how to set up your WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point for
wireless connectivity to your LAN. This basic configuration will enable computers with 802.11b
or 802.11g wireless adapters to do such things as connect to the Internet, or access printers and
files on your LAN.
Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks at ranges
of several hundred feet or more. This distance can allow for others outside your area
to access your network. It is important to take appropriate steps to secure your network
from unauthorized access. The WG302 Access Point provides highly effective security
features which are covered in detail in Chapter 3, “Configuring Your Wireless Network.
Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
You need to prepare these three things before you can establish a connection through your wireless
access point:
• A location for the WG302 that conforms to the Observing Placement and Range Guidelines
below.
• The wireless access point connected to your LAN through a device such as a hub, switch,
router, or Cable/DSL gateway.
• One or more computers with properly configured 802.11b or 802.11g wireless adapters.
Observing Placement and Range Guidelines
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly bas ed on the
physical placement of the wireless access point. The latency, data throughput performance, and
notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration
choices.
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance
degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the WG302. For complete performance
specifications, see Appendix A, “Specifications”.
For best results, place your wireless access point:
• Near the center of the area in which your PCs will operate.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected PCs have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls).
• Away from sources of interference, such as PCs, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless phones.
• Away from large metal surfaces.
• If using multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different
radio frequency
Channels to reduce interference. The recommended Channel spacing between adjacent access
points is 5 Channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).
The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP
encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook PC.
Cabling Requirements
The WG302 Access Point connects to your LAN via twisted-pair Category 5 Ethernet cable with
RJ-45 connectors.
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Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Default Factory Settings
When you first receive your WG302, the default factory settings will be set as shown below. You
can restore these defaults with the Factory Default Restore switch on the rear panel — see
“WG302 Wireless Access Point Rear Panel” on page 2-7.
FEATURE FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS
User Name (case sensitive) admin
Password (case sensitive) password
Operating Mode Access Point
Access Point Name NETGEARxxxxxx where xxxxxx are the last six digits of the
wireless access point's MAC address
DHCP DHCP client disabled
IP Configuration
(if DHCP server is unavailable)
Network Name (SSID) NETGEAR
Broadcast Network Name (SSID Enabled
802.11g
Radio Frequency Channel
WEP Disabled
Restricting connectivity based
on MAC Access Control List
SNMP Enabled but Trap forwarding is disabled
Secure Telnet Enabled
IP Address: 192.168.0.228
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 0.0.0.0
11
Disabled
3-3 Basic Installation and Configuration
December 2003
Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Understanding WG302 Wireless Security Options
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 WG302 Access Point provides highly effective security features which
are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
Wireless Data
WG302
Security Options
Range: Up to 500 Foot Radius
802.11b
ProSafeWireless AccessPoint
PWR LAN
WirelessLAN
Figure 3-1: WG302 wireless data security options
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 PCs so that
unknown PCs cannot wirelessly connect to the WG302. 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.
• Use 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.
MODEL
ME103
1) Open System: Easy but no security
2) MAC Access List: No data security
3) WEP: Security but some vulnerabilities
Basic Installation and Configuration 3-4
December 2003
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