Netgear orporated 05200015 User Manual

Reference Manual for the
NETGEAR ProSafe Dual
Band Wireless Access
Point WAG102

NETGEAR, Inc.

4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

202-10062-03
September 2005

Regulatory Approvals

FCC Statement

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 to correct the
interference by one 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.

To assure continued compliance, any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
(Example - use only shielded interface cables when connecting to computer or peripheral
devices).

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20
centimeters between the radiator and your body.

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, and

(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at
least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.

Channel

The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.

•Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows you to
choose a Channel which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA
and Canada, 11 channel are available. If using multiple Access Points, it is better if adjacent
Access Points use different Channels to reduce interference.

• In "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for an
Access Point. If more than one Access Point can be used, the one with the strongest
signal is used. (This can only happen within an ESS.)

• If using "Ad-hoc" mode (no Access Point), all Wireless stations should be set to use the
same Channel. However, most Wireless stations will still scan all Channels to see if there
is an existing "Ad-hoc" group they can join.

CAUTION:

1) To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, a separation
distance of at least 20 cm must be maintained between the antenna of this
device and all persons.

2) This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.

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

. If you do not have access to the World Wide
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.

© 2005 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.

Trademarks

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.

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.

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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice:
Radio Frequency Notice

WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point

Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

FCC ID: PY305200015

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.

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 national safety guidelines 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 colocated with
other transmitting structures.

FCC Statement

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We Netgear,
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Tel: [phone]
declare under our sole responsibility that the product(s)
WAG102 (Model Designation)

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iii

ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point (Product Name)
complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interfe rence, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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 rad io 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:

• 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 Warning for North America, and Australia

Warning! 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. Further, the antennas shall not
be colocated with other antenna or radio transmitter.

Antenna Statement for North America and Australia

In addition to its own 2 antennas, the WAG102 device has been approved for use with the following detachable antennas
and antenna cables:

Approved An­tennas

NETGEAR
ANT24D18

NETGEAR
ANT2409

Antenna Gain and
type

18 dBi, directional
outdoor/indoor

9 dBi, omnidirec­tional outdoor/in-

Approved Antenna
Cable

NETGEAR ACC­10314-01 thru 05

NETGEAR ACC­10314-01 thru 05

Antenna Cable
Length

Maximum Trans­mitted Power

1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 18 dBi
ant.

1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 9 dBi
ant.

door

NETGEAR
ANT24O5

* WAG102 maximum radiated power in North America and Australia: 20 dBm – cable loss + antenna

gain

Please go to
with the WAG102 in North America and Australia.

5 dBi, ceiling/wall
indoor

NETGEAR ACC­10314-01 thru 05

1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 5 dBi
ant.

www.netgear.com/go/wag102_fcc for an updated list of wireless accessories approved to be used

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.

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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 obtai n a license for the sys tem according
to the Canadian regulations. For further information, contact your local Industry Canada office.

Product and Publication Details

Model Number: WAG102
Publication Date: September 2005
Product Family: wireless access point
Product Name: WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point
Home or Business Product: Business

Language: English
Publication Part Number: 202-10062-03

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Contents

Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access
Point WA G102

Chapter 1
About This Manual

Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats ................................................................1-1

How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................1-2

How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-2

Chapter 2
Introduction

About the WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point ....................................2-1

Key Features ..................................................................................................................2-2

802.11a/g Standards-based Wireless Networking ...................................................2-3

Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink ...............................................2-4

Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products ................................................................2-4

System Requirements ....................................................................................................2-4

What’s In the Box? .........................................................................................................2-5

Hardware Description .....................................................................................................2-6

Front Panel ...............................................................................................................2-6

Rear Panel ...............................................................................................................2-7

Chapter 3
Basic Installation and Configuration

Observing Placement and Range Guidelines ..................... ................ ................ ............3-2

Cabling Requirements ..............................................................................................3-2

Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................3-3

Understanding WAG102 Wireless Security Options .................................................. .....3-4

Installing the WAG102 Access Point ..............................................................................3-5

How to Log In to the WAG102 Using Its Default IP Address ........................................3-11

Understanding Basic Wireless Settings .............................. .......................... ................3-12

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Wireless Settings 11a ...................... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ...................................... .... ... ...3-12

Wireless Settings 11b/g ................... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ...................................... .... ... ...3-15

Understanding WEP/WPA Security Options .................................................................3-18

Before You Change the SSID and WEP Settings ..................................................3-20

How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity ............................................3-23

How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address ...............................................3-24

How to Configure WEP ..........................................................................................3-25

How to Configure WPA and/or WPA2 with Radius .................................................3-27

How to Configure WPA-PSK and/or WPA2-PSK ...................................................3-30

Changing the Basic IP Settings Options .......................................................................3-31

Chapter 4
Management

Remote Management .....................................................................................................4-1

Using Syslog and Activity Log Information .....................................................................4-2

Viewing General and Statistical Information ...................................................................4-3

General Information ............................... ... ... ... ... .... .......................................... ........4-3

Statistics ................................................................. .................................................. 4-6

Viewing a List of Attached Devices .................................................................................4-7

Upgrading the Wireless Access Point Software .............................................................4-8

Configuration File Management .....................................................................................4-9

Saving and Retrieving the Configuration ..................................................................4-9

Restoring the WAG102 to the Factory Default Settings ......................... ... ... ..........4-10

Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings . ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...4-10

Rebooting the Access Point ...................................................................................4-10

Changing the Administrator Password .........................................................................4-10

Chapter 5
Advanced Configuration

Redirecting Web Page Requests ..................................................... ... .... ........................5-1

Understanding Advanced Wireless Settings ..................................................................5-2

Enabling Wireless Bridging and Repeating ....................................................................5-4

How to Configure a WAG102 as a Point-to-Point Bridge .........................................5-5

How to Configure Multi-Point Wireless Bridging ......................................................5-6

How to Configure Wireless Repeating .....................................................................5-7

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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 WAG102 to configure it. .......................................... ... ... .... ... ... ..6-3

When I enter a URL or IP address I get a timeout error. ........................ ........................6-3

Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings . .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..6-4

Appendix A
Specifications

Specifications for the WAG102 ...................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B
Related Documents

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Chapter 1

About This Manual

This chapter describes the intended audience, scope, conventions, and formats of this manual.

Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats

This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies tutorial
information is provided in the Appendices and on the Netgear website.

This guide uses the following typographical conventions:

Table 1-1. Typographical Conventions

italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold User input
fixed Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses

This guide uses the following formats to highlight special messages:

Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.

Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.

Warning: Ignoring this type of note may result in a malfunction or damage to the

equipment.

About This Manual 1-1

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Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point WAG102

Danger: This is a safety warning. Failure to take heed of this notice may result in

personal injury or death.

This manual is written for the WAG102 Access Point according to these specifications:

Table 1-2. Manual Scope

Product Version WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point
Manual Publication Date September 2005

Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at

http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WAG102.asp.

How to Use This Manual

The HTML version of this manual includes the following:

• Buttons, and , for browsing forwards or backwards through the manual one page
at a time

• A button that displays the table of contents and an button. Double-click on a
link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the
manual.

• A button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the
product model.

• Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.

How to Print this Manual

To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.

• Printing a Page in the HTML View.

1-2 About This Manual

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Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point WAG102

Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Use the Print
button on the browser toolbar to print the page contents.

• Printing a Chapter.
Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.
— Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to

print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.

— Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view and

print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at

http://www.adobe.com.

— Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.

Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can

save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

• Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manua l link at the top left of any page.
— Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page in the manual. The PDF

version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.

— Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.

Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can

save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

About This Manual 1-3

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1-4 About This Manual

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Chapter 2

Introduction

This chapter introduces the NETGEAR WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point.
Minimal prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 2-4.

About the WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access
Point

The WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless 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 WAG102 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 WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point can support a small
group of users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated between 10-30 users
simultaneously.

The WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point acts as a bridge between the wired LAN
and wireless clients. Connecting multiple WAG102 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 WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point allows
packet transmission at up to 108 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or
electromagnetic interference.

Introduction 2-1

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Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point WAG102

Key Features

The WAG102 Access Point is easy-to-use and provides solid wireless and networking support.
The following standards and conventions are supported:

• Standards Compliant. The Wireless Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11a/g for
Wireless LANs.

• WEP support. Support for WEP is included. 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 WAG102 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.

The NETGEAR WAG102 provides solid functionality, including these features:

• Multiple Operating Modes
– Wireless Access Point. Operates as a standard 802.11a/g.
– Point-to-Point Bridge. In this mode, the WAG102 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 WAG102 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 WAG102'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 WAG102 only communicates with

another repeater-mode wireless station. You must enter the MAC address of the root
access point. 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 WAG102 to gain access to your LAN.

• Simple Configuration. If the default settings are unsuitable, they are easy to change.

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Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point WAG102

• 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 WAG102s 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 WAG102 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

802.11a/g Standards-based Wireless Networking

The WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point provides a bridge between Ethernet wired
LANs and 802.11a/g compatible wirele ss LAN networks. It provides connectivity between
Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print
servers, and other devices. Additionally, the WAG102 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

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Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink

The WAG102 can connect to a standard Ethernet network. The LAN interface is autosensing and
capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.

The wireless access point incorporates Auto Uplink
automatically sense whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a ‘normal’
connection such as to a computer 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.

TM

technology. The Ethernet port will

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 WAG102 Access Point:

• WAG511 ProSafe 108 Mbps Dual Band PC Card

• WAG311 ProSafe 108 Mbps Dual Band PCI Card

• WG311T 802.11g 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Card

• WG511T 802.11g 108 Mbps Wireless CardBus Adapter

• WG511 802.11g 54 Mbps Wireless CardBus Adapter

• WG111 801.11g 54 Mbps Wireless Bridge

System Requirements

Before installing the WAG102, 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 6.0 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

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Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point WAG102

What’s In the Box?

The product package should contain the following items:

• WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point

• Power adapter and cord (12 V dc, 1 A)

• Straight through Category 5 Ethernet cable

• WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point Installation Guide

• Resource CD for the NETGEAR WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point which
includes this manual.

• Support Registration card

Contact your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any 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 WAG102 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.

Introduction 2-5

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Hardware Description

The WAG102 front and rear hardware functions are described below.

Front Panel

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Figure 2-1

The following table explains the LED indicators:

LED DESCRIPTION
PWR Power Indicator

Off No power.
On Power is on.

TEST Self Test Indicator

Blink Indicates self test, loading software, or system fault (if continues).

Note: This LED may blink for a minute before going off.

100 Ethernet LAN Speed Indicator

Off Indicates 10 Mbps Ethernet link detected

Green On 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link detected.

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LED DESCRIPTION
LINK/ACT LAN Ethernet LAN Link Activity Indicator

Off Indicates no Ethernet link detected.

Green On 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link detected, no activity.

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.

802.11a WLAN Wireless LAN Link Activity Indicator (5 GHz)
Off Indicates no wireless link activity.

Green Blink Wireless link activity .

802.11g WLAN Wireless LAN Link Activity Indicator (2.4 GHz)
Off Indicates no wireless link activity.

Green Blink Wireless link activity .

Rear Panel

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Figure 2-2

• Left and Right Detachable Antenna
The WAG102 provides two detachable antennas (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

• Restore to Factory Defaults Button

Introduction 2-7

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Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point WAG102

The restore to default button located between the Ethernet RJ-45 connector and the power
socket restores the WAG102 to the factory default settings.

• RJ-45 Ethernet Port
Use the WAG102 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 WAG102 12V 1 A power adapter.

2-8 Introduction

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Chapter 3

Basic Installation and Configuration

This chapter describes how to set up your WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point for
wireless connectivity to your LAN. This basic configuration will enable computers with 802.11b
or 802.11a/g 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 802.11b or 802.11a/g 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 WAG102 Access Point
provides highly effective security features which are covered in detail in

“Understanding WEP/WPA Security Options” on page 3-18. 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 WAG102 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 802.11a/g wireless adapters.

Basic Installation and Configuration 3-1

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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.

Warning: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance

degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the WAG102. 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-of­sight 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.

• Putting the antenna in a vertical position provides best side-to-side coverage. Putting the
antenna in a horizontal position provides best up-and-down coverage.

• If using multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different radio
frequency
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 computer.

Channels to reduce interference. The recommended Channel spacing between

Cabling Requirements

The WAG102 Access Point connects to your LAN via twisted-pair Category 5 Ethernet cable with
RJ-45 connectors.

3-2 Basic Installation and Configuration

v1.0, September 2005