NETGEAR WGE111 User Manual
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Version v1.0
July 2004
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at http://www.netgear.com/register, we can provide you with faster expert technical
support and timely notices of product and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support
information card.
E-mail: support@netgear.com
Web site: http://www.netgear.com
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.
©2004 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, The Gear Guy and Everybody's Connecting are
trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved
July 2004
.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
ii
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter WGE111
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
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. 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 instruct ions, may cause harmf ul 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 of more of the following measures: (1) Reorie nt or reloc at e the rece ivi ng ante nna, (2)
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver, (3) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected, (4) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
Warning!
To comply with the FCC’s 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.
iii
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid
the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less
than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations
This digital apparatus (NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter) does n ot exc eed the Cla ss B limi ts for radio- noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
FCC ID: PY3WGE111-F
Canada ID: 4054A-WGE111F
CE0336!
Japan ID: 003NY03050
VCCI Statement
This equipment is in the Class B category (information equipment to be used in a residential area or an adjacent area
thereto) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing
Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas. When used
near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference. Read instructions for correct handling.
iv
Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Conventions, Scope ......................................................................................1-1
How to Use this Manual ..................................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
About the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter .................... .......... .......... ........2-1
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................2-2
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-2
Hardware Description .....................................................................................................2-3
Status Indicators and Ports of the WGE111 .............................................................2-4
Reset Push Button ...................................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
Preparing to Install Your WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter ...........................................3-1
System Requirements ....................................................................................................3-2
Placement and Range Guidelines ..................................................................................3-2
Operating Modes ............................................. ... ... ... .... .......................................... ........3-3
Game Console Plug-and-Go Scenario ................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..3-4
Personal Computer Plug-and-Go Scenario ..............................................................3-5
Planning the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Configuration .......................................3-6
Planning for TCP/IP Configuration ...........................................................................3-6
Dynamic IP using DHCP ...................................................................................3-6
Fixed IP .............................................................................................................3-6
Understanding WEP Authentication and Encryption ................................. ... .... ... ... ..3-7
Authentication Scheme Selection ......................................................................3-7
Encryption Strength Choices .............................................................................3-8
Understanding WPA-PSK Encryption Security ........................................................3-9
Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant .........................................3-9
Contents iii
Chapter 4
Web Configuration
Configuring the Wireless Game Adapter Using TCP/IP .................................................4-1
Connecting to the Wireless Game Adapter ....................................................................4-2
Viewing the Wireless Game Adapter St atus ...................................................................4-2
Configuring the Adapter for Infrastructure Mode Access .... .......................................... ..4-4
Using WEP Security Encryption ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-6
Authentication Type ......................... ... ... ... ... .... .......................................... ... ... ..4-6
Key Size ............................................................................................................4-6
Automatic Key Generation (Passphrase) ..........................................................4-7
Manual Entry Mode ...........................................................................................4-7
Using WPA-PSK Security Encryption ........... ............................................................4-7
Configuring the Wireless Game Adapter for Ad-Hoc Mode ............. ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..4-7
Viewing the Wireless Networks Available .......................................................................4-9
Configuring the IP Settings .............................................................................................4-9
Changing the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Password .........................................4-11
Upgrading the Firmware ..................................................................................... .... ... ...4-11
Restoring the Factory Defaults .....................................................................................4-12
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
Basic Tips .......................................................................................................................5-2
Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................5-5
Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Settings Using Ping ...........................................................5-6
Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface ..........................................................5-6
Restoring the Default Configuration and Password ............... .........................................5-7
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Understanding IP Addresses
IP Addresses and the Internet ......................................... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-1
Netmask .................................... ................................................................ ..............B-3
Subnet Addressing .................................................................................................. B-4
Private IP Addresses ................................. ... ... ... .......................................... .... ....... B-6
Address Resolution Protocol ........................... ....................................... ................. B-7
IP Configuration by DHCP .................................................................. ... ... ... .... ... ... . B-7
iv Contents
Appendix C
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview .............................. ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . C-1
Infrastructure Mode .................................................................................................C-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) .................................. .............................. C-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................C-2
Authentication and WEP ........................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .............................. C-2
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. C-3
Open System Authentication .............................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ....................... C -3
Shared Key Authentication ......................................................................................C-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ C-5
Key Size .................................................................................................................. C-6
WEP Configuration Options ......................... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .................................... C-6
Wireless Channels ....................... .... ... ... ... ..................................................................... C-7
WPA Wireless Security ..................................................................................................C-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................C-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ C-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... C-10
WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS ..................................................C-12
WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................C-14
Is WPA Perfec t? .............. ... .......................................... ......................................... C-16
Product Support for WPA ......................................................................................C-16
Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients is Discouraged ......C-16
Changes to Wireless Access Points ............................................................... C-17
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters .........................................................C-17
Changes to Wireless Client Programs .......................... ......................... ......... C-18
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................D-1
Index
Contents v
vi Contents
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter.
Audience, Conventions, Scope
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic-to-intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, and firewall technologies tutorial information
is provided in the Appendices, on the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Resource CD,
and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold times roman User input
courier font Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
This manual is written for the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter according to these specifications:
Table 1-1. Manual Specifications
Product Version NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Manual Publication Date August 2004
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at
http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.
About This Manual 1-1
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
How to Use this Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes these features.
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 5 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.
1-2 About This Manual
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
–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.
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
• Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button on the
upper right side 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 the “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want
to print. A new browser window opens showing the PDF version of the chapter you were
viewing.
– 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. A new browser window opens showing the PDF version of the
chapter you were viewing.
– Click the print icon in the upper left side 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 1-3
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
1-4 About This Manual
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR
WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter.
About the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter.
NETGEAR wireless game adapters are fast and easy to set up with NETGEAR wireless game
adapter configuration software. With Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Web browser, you
can configure the wireless game adapter even easier. This manual describes the installation and
use of the WGE111 for operation with a Microsoft® Windows® XP, Windows® 2000,
Windows® Me, W indo ws® 98SE 2nd edition, or W ind ows NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 5 or above)
system.
For quick installation and setup, please see the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Installation Guide. This manual describes in detail how to set up the Model WGE111 wireless
game adapter and provides you with further reference information.
Chapter 3, “Basic Setup” provides information on the NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter Smart
Wizard Configuration Assistant, a program developed by NETGEAR for fast and easy device
configuration. There is also a built-in Web server in the wireless game adapter so you can use a
Web browser to configure the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter, as described in Chapter 4, “Web
Configuration”.
Introduction 2-1
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The key features of the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter are:
• Extremely compact size.
• Easy configuration of the device with NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter software that
assures fast and easy setup for Windows 98, Windows Me, Window NT, Windows 2000, and
Windows XP.
• Web browser interface provides an easy way to configure the WGE111 Wireless Game
Adapter in a TCP/IP network.
• RJ-45 Ethernet port to connect to a game console or a computer. The port is 10/100 BASE-T
standard Ethernet capable. It can be used to connect to a 10/100 Mbps hub or switch for
configuration of the wireless game adapter.
• MAC Address cloning support. The WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter automatically clones
the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the device connected on its LAN port.
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
• AC Power adapter — 5V, 2A
• Ethernet cable
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
• NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Resource CD, including:
— User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
— Animated Network Properties Configuration Tu torial
— PC Networking Tutorial
• Warranty & Registration card
• Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair.
2-2 Introduction
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, fill out the registration
information within 30 days of purchase. For priority service, register online on the NETGEAR
Web page at:
http://www.NETGEAR.com/support/main.asp
You can also fill out and return the Warranty & Registration Card that is included in your product
package.
Hardware Description
The Model WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter LEDs indicate the status of the server and the
Ethernet traffic. It has one 10/100 Mbps network port. The port operates in 10/100 Mbps when
connected to a 10/100Mbps Ethernet network. It has a power adapter receptacle that accepts a 5V,
2A DC power adapter. It has a reset button.
As illustrated in the figure below, the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter has 4 LEDs.
Figure 2-1: Front of the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Introduction 2-3
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Status Indicators and Ports of the WGE111
See the table below for a description of the LED indicator lights:
Table 2-1. LED Descriptions
Label Activity Description
Power
Internet
Ad-Hoc
Ethernet
On
Off
On (Green)
Fast Blink
Slow Blink
On (Blue)
Fast Blink
Slow Blink
On (Green)
Blink
Off
Power is supplied to the wireless game adapter.
Power is not supplied to the wireless game adapter.
The Internet (Wide Area Network) port has detected a link with an
attached device.
Data is being transmitted or received by the Internet port.
Searching for wireless network.
The Ad-Hoc port has detected a link with an attached device.
Data is being transmitted or received by the Ad-Hoc port.
Searching for ad-hoc connection.
The Ethernet local (LAN) port has detected link with a 10 or 100
Mbps device.
Data is being transmitted or received.
No link is detected on this port.
2-4 Introduction
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Reset Push Button
The button is recessed; a pin or paper clip can be used to press it. This button is used to restore the
wireless game adapter to the default settings.
Reset Button
Figure 2-2: Back of the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
To restore the factory default settings:
1. Press and hold the reset button (located beside the antenna in the diagram above).
2. The LEDs start to flash. Release the reset button after 5 seconds and the LEDs will flash faster ,
then the system will reboot and reset to the factory defaults.
Introduction 2-5
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
2-6 Introduction
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR WGE11 1 Wireless Game Adapter and set
up basic connectivity on your Local Area Network (LAN).
Preparing to Install Your WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
The NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter is plug-and-go so that you can set it up
immediately without configuration. The following scenarios are presented in this chapter:
• “Game Console Plug-and-Go Scenario” on page 3-4
• “Personal Computer Plug-and-Go Scenario” on page 3-5
If you need to change the default IP address or set wireless security, you can use the Smart Wizard
configuration assistant to identify your network configuration settings. After you have used the
Smart Wizard, you can access the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter configuration from a Web
browser using the TCP/IP address of the WGE111.
1. First, determine your network configuration. See “Planning the WGE111 Wireless Game
Adapter Configuration” on page 3-6.
2. Second, use the Smart Wizard configuration assistant to configure your initial settings. See
“Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant” on page 3-9.
3. If you would like to use the Web configuration interface, see Chapter 4, “Web Configuration”.
Basic Setup 3-1
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
System Requirements
Before installing the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter, please make sure that these minimum
requirements have been met:
• For connecting into a wired network, you must have the network set up and working with an
access point or wireless router.
• For creating an Ad-Hoc network without an access point, all devices must have a receiver/
transmitter. (The receiver/transmitter may be another WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
adapter.)
If the default settings do not work, you will need to configure the WGE111 Wireless Game
Adapter. Also, if you have more than one WGE1 11 in the network, only one can use the default IP
address. You'll have to configure the others with unique IP addresses. To configure the WGE111
Wireless Game Adapter, you must have a personal computer with Internet browser software
installed, such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.0 (or later) or Netscape® 6.0 (or later).
Placement and Range Guidelines
Computers and other Ethernet-enabled devices can connect over wireless networks indoors at
more than 500 feet. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary
significantly based on the physical location of the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter. For best
results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz cordless phones
In general, wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are constructed
with concrete or have metal (or metal mesh), the effective range will decrease if such materials are
between the wireless devices.
3-2 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Operating Modes
The WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter operates in either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc mode.
Mode Switch Position Your S ys t em
Infrastructure mode
(labeled Internet)
Ad-Hoc mode Right position (must be
Left position, which is
the factory shipped
default
changed from default
left position)
Access point or wireless router connected to a wired network
Small, wireless-only network and all
devices have wireless transmitters/
receivers.
Note: If you are using Ad-Hoc mode and have more than one NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless
Game Adapter, you need to use the Smart Wizard configuration assistant to change the IP settings
and ensure unique IP addresses. Each WGE11 1 W ireless Game Adapter is set by default to use the
IP address 192.168.0.202. See “Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant” on
page 3-9 for information on changing the IP addresses of the wireless game adapter.
)NTERNET
!D(OC
Figure 3-1: Switch on back of wireless game adapter sets Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc mode
The switch is set to the left for Infrastructure mode (labeled Internet) or to the right for Ad-Hoc
mode.
Note: The WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter is factory-shipped with the switch on the rear panel
set to the left, which indicates Infrastructure mode. The wireless game adapter can be plugged into
a game console or computer directly without configuration.
Basic Setup 3-3
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Game Console Plug-and-Go Scenario
WGE111 Wireless
Game Adapter
A
B
Figure 3-2: Internet Game Console Scenario
What you need.
• Broadband Internet access through a router with an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless access point
(built in to the router or separate) without any security features enabled.
Note: If you enabled security features (like WEP, SSID broadcast off, MAC filtering, etc.) you
need to follow the instructions given in “Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration
Assistant” on page 3-9.
• A network-enabled game console.
What you do.
1. Connect the Ethernet cable from your WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter (A) to the Ethernet
port (B) in the game console.
2. Make sure that the switch on the back of the WGE111 is set to the left side (labeled Internet),
which corresponds to Infrastructure Mode.
3. Connect the power adapter to the WGE111 and verify the following:
Gaming Console or other
Ethernet-enabled device
• The power light goes on.
• The Internet light is lit.
• The Ethernet light is lit when connected to a network-enabled game console.
4. Enjoy your Internet gaming!
3-4 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Note: Follow the instructions in your PS2 or Xbox manual to configure the IP, DNS, and other
parameters of your game console. If you want to change the defau lt IP address or configure the
WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter from a Web browser, see “Planning the WGE111 Wireless
Game Adapter Configuration” on page 3-6 and “Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard
Configuration Assistant” on page 3-9.
Personal Computer Plug-and-Go Scenario
B
A
WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Figure 3-3: Personal Computer Scenario
What you need.
• Broadband Internet access through a router with an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless access point
(built in to the router or separate) without any security features enabled.
• A computer to run the initial configuration.
What you do.
1. Connect the Ethernet cable from your WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter (A) to the Ethernet
port on your computer (B).
2. Make sure that the switch on the back of the WGE111 is set to the left side (labeled Internet),
which corresponds to Infrastructure Mode.
3. Connect the power adapter to the WGE111 and verify the following:
• The power light goes on.
• The Internet light is lit.
• The Ethernet light is lit.
Basic Setup 3-5
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Enjoy your Internet gaming!
4.
Note: If you want to change the default IP address or configure the WGE111 Wireless Game
Adapter from a Web browser, see “Planning the WGE11 1 Wireless Game Adapter Configuration”
on page 3-6 and “Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant” on page 3-9.
Planning the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Configuration
The WGE11 1 W ireless Game Adapter is plug-and-go so you do not need to configure it unless you
want to change the wireless security settings to match your network, or change the default IP
address of 192.168.0.202.
• Windows management — the Smart Wizard configuration assistant installs the NETGEAR
WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter software on your computer. You can change your IP
configuration using the Smart Wizard as descri bed in th e next section , “Usi ng the NETGEAR
Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant” on page 3-9.
• Web management — use a Web browser, like Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape, to
configure your NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter. Web browser configuration is described
in Chapter 4, “Web Configuration”.
Note: Troubleshooting information on basic functioning, TCP/IP settings, Web configuration
interface, restoring the default configuration and password is described in Chapter 5,
“Troubleshooting”.
Planning for TCP/IP Configuration
If you are planning to use TCP/IP configuration of the Wireless Game Adapter, you need to
determine whether to use a DHCP server-assigned address or a static IP address. This section
describes the advantages of these options.
Dynamic IP using DHCP
You can select Obtain IP Address automatically for a dynamic IP address. If you have a home
gateway/router, it comes with a DHCP server. When you select this option, the gateway/router
assigns the IP address.
Fixed IP
NETGEAR recommends you set up a fixed IP address for the WGE1 1 1 W ireless Game Adapter so
you can use a Web browser for configuration.
3-6 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
If you are using a NETGEAR router with the default settings, the following settings should work
for the Wireless Game Adapter:
• IP address: 192.168.0.202 (The first three sections of numbers — 192.168.0 in this example
— should match the first three sections of the IP address of your router. Make sure the last
three digits in the fourth section are unique on your network.)
• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway IP address: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the address of your router)
Understanding WEP Authentication and Encryption
Restricting wireless access to your network prevents intruders from connecting to your network.
However, the wireless data transmissions are still vulnerable to snooping. Using the WEP data
encryption settings described below will prevent a determined intruder from eavesdropping on
your wireless data communications. Also, if you are using the Internet for such activities as
purchases or banking, those Internet sites use another level of highly secure encryption called SSL.
You can tell if a Web site is using SSL because the Web address begins with HTTPS rather than
HTTP.
Authentication Scheme Selection
The WGE111 lets you select the following wireless authentication schemes.
• Automatic — the router detects the authentication scheme.
• Open System — allows any device to join the network, assuming that the device SSID
matches the access point SSID. Alternatively, the device can use the “ANY” SSID option to
associate with any available Access Point within range, regardless of its SSID.
•Shared Key — only those computers that possess the correct authentication key can join the
network.
Note: The authentication scheme is separate from the data encryption. You can
choose an authentication scheme which requires a shared key, but still leave the
data transmissions unencrypted. If you require strong security, use both the
Shared Key authentication scheme and WEP encryption settings.
Be sure to set your wireless adapter according to the authentication scheme used on your router or
access point. Please refer to “Authentication and WEP” on page C-2 for a full explanation of each
of these options, as defined by the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard.
Basic Setup 3-7
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Encryption Strength Choices
Please refer to “Overview of WEP Parameters” on page C-5 for a full explanation of each of these
options, as defined by the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard.
• Disable. No encryption will be applied. This setting is useful for troubleshooting your wireless
connection, but leaves your wireless data fully exposed.
• 64-bit or 128-bit WEP. When 64-bit or 128-bit is selected, WEP encryption will be applied.
If WEP is enabled, you can manually or automatically program the four data encryption keys.
These values must be identical on all computers and access points in your network.
There are two methods for creating WEP encryption keys:
• Passphrase. Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box and click
the Generate button. These characters are case sensitive.
• Manual. For 64-bit WEP, enter 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, a-f, or
A-F). For 128-bit WEP, enter 26 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, a-f, or A-F).
These values are not case sensitive.
3-8 Basic Setup
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter
Understanding WPA-PSK Encryption Security
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is wireless security with far greater protection than WEP.
WPS-PSK (pre-shared key) uses encryption of a shared key as the starting point. WPA has a
significant advantages over WEP — an encryption key differing in every packet. It is extremely
difficult for hackers to read messages even if they have intercepted the data.
The Passphrase must be 8 to 64 characters in length. The 256 bit key used for encryption is
generated from this passphrase. Please refer to “WPA Wireless Security” on page C-8 for more
information on WPA-PSK security.
Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant
The Smart Wizard configuration assistant works for WGE111 Wireless Game Adapters used in a
Microsoft Windows networking environment. To install and set up your network and the
NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter, you can use a PC with a Microsoft Windows (95, 98, NT 4.0,
ME, 2000, or XP) operating system and with the TCP/IP protocol enabled.
You can use the NETGEAR Smart Wizard configuration assistant to change the IP settings of the
router. Configuring the WGE1 1 1 W ireless Game Adapter to use a fixed or dynamic IP address will
allow you to access the wireless game adapter configuration from a Web browser.
Basic Setup 3-9
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