Netgear orporated WGX102 User Manual
Reference Manual for the
54 Mbps Wireless Powerline
Access Point WGX102
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10036-01
Version 1
July 2004
July 2004 202-10036-01
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.
© 2004 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved. July 2004.
Trademarks
NETGEAR is a trademark of Netgear, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that
may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WGX102 wireless router has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions set
out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test
transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the notes
in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) Statement
This equipment is in the second 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.
Customer Support
Refer to the Support Information Card that shipped with your 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102.
World Wide Web
NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web home page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL)
http://www.netgear.com. A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Internet Explorer
or Netscape are required.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea sonable 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.
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July 2004 202-10036-01
FCC Caution
1. FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: The equipment complies wiht FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth
for an uncontrolled environmnet. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20
centimeters between the radiator and your body .
2. This Transmitter must not be co-located or oeprating in conjunction wiht any other antenna or tra n smit ter.
3. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user authority to operate the equipment.
Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity
This device is a 2.4 GHz low power RF device intended for
home and office use in EU and EFT A member states. In some
EU / EFTA member states some restrictions may apply.
Please contact local spectrum management authorities for
further details before putting this device into operation.
Marking by the above symbol indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the R&TTE Directive of the
European Union (1999/5/EC). This equipment meets the following conformance standards: EN300 328, EN301 489-17,
EN60950
EN 55 022 Declaration of Conformance
This is to certify that the 54 Mbps W all-Plugged Router WGX102 is shielded against the generation of radio interfer ence
in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is declared by the
application of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22).
Countries of Operation and Conditions of Use in the European Community
This device is intended to be operated in all countries of the European Community. Requirements for indoor vs. outdoor
operation, license requirements and allowed channels of oeprations apply in some countries as described below.
NOTE: The user must use the configuration utility provided with this product to ensure the channels of operation are in
conformance with the spectrum usage rules for European Community countries as described below:
• This device requires that the user or installer properly enter the current country of opearation in the RAdio
Configuration Window as described in the user guide, before operating this device.
• This device will automatically limit the allowable channesl of operation applicable to each country. Incorrectly
entering the country of operation may result in illegal operation and may cause harmful interference to other
systems. The user is obligated to ensure the device is operating according to the channel limitations, indoor/outdoor
restrictuions and license requirements for each European Community country as described in this document.
• This device may be operated indoors or outdoors in all countries of the European Community using hte 2.4GHz
band except where noted below.
• In Italy the end-user must apply for a license from the national spectrum authority to operate this device outdoors.
• In France outdoor operation is only permitted using hte s.4-2.454 GHz band: Changes 1-7.
July 2004 202-10036-01
iii
Declaration of Conformity in Languages of the European Community
Finnish: Valmistaja NETGEAR, Inc. vakuuttaa täten että Radio LAN device tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY
oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muid en ehtojen mukainen.
Dutch: Hierbij verklaart NETGEAR, Inc. dat het toestel Radio LAN device in overeenstemming is met de essentiële
eisen en de andere relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
French: Par la présente NETGEAR, Inc. déclare que l'appareil Radio LAN device est conforme aux exigences
essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Swedish: Härmed intygar NETGEAR, Inc. att denna Radio LAN device står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga
egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG.
Danish: Undertegnede NETGEAR, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr Radio LAN device overholder de væsentlige
krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.
German: Hiermit erklärt NETGEAR, Inc., dass sich dieser/diese/dieses Radio LAN device in Übereinstimmung mit den
grundlegenden Anforderungen und den anderen relevanten Vorschriften der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
Italian: Con la presente NETGEAR, Inc. dichiara che questo Radio LAN device è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle
altre disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Spanish: Por medio de la presente NETGEAR, Inc. declara que el Radio LAN device cumple con los requisitos
esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Portugese: NETGEAR, Inc. declara que este Radio LAN device está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras
disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102 gemäß der im BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991
und Vfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B.
Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die Anmerkungen in der
Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.
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Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats ................................................................1-1
How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
Key Features ..................................................................................................................2-1
802.11g Wireless Networking ...................................................................................2-2
A Powerful, True Firewall with Content Filtering ......................................................2-2
Security ....................................................................................................................2-3
Extensive Protocol Support ......................................................................................2-3
Easy Installation and Management ..........................................................................2-4
Maintenance and Support ............... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..2-4
Package Contents ..........................................................................................................2-5
The Router’s Front Panel .........................................................................................2-6
The Router’s Rear Panel .........................................................................................2-7
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ ..................................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ..... 2-7
Chapter 3
Connecting the Router to the Internet
Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router ..........................................................................3-1
First, Connect the Wireless Router to the Internet .........................................................3-1
Now, Set Up a Computer for Wireless Connectivity .......................................................3-7
Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................3-8
Overview of How to Access the Wireless Router ...........................................................3-9
How to Log On to the Wireless Router Afte r
Configuration Settings Have Been Applied ............................................................3-10
How to Bypass the Configuration Assistant ...........................................................3-12
How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection ........ ....................................... ... 3-13
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Using the Smart Setup Wizard .....................................................................................3-15
NETGEAR Product Registration, Support, and Documentation ...................................3-16
Chapter 4
Wireless Configuration
Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines .......................... .................. 4-1
Implement Appropriate Wireless Security ......................................................................4-2
Understanding Wireless Settings ...................................................................................4-3
Information to Gather Before Changing Basic Wireless Settings .............................4-6
Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................4-7
How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity ..............................................4-7
How to Configure WEP ............................................................................................4-9
How to Configure WPA-PSK Wireless Security ............................................................4-11
How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address ...... ................................................4-11
Chapter 5
Content Filtering
Content Filtering Overview .............................................................................................5-1
Blocking Access to Internet Sites ...................................................................................5-2
Blocking Access to Internet Services .............................................................................5-3
Configuring a User Defined Service ... .... ... ... .......................................... ... ... .... ... ... ..5-4
Configuring Services Blocking by IP Address Range ..............................................5-5
Scheduling When Blocking Will Be Enforced .................................................................5-5
Viewing Logs of Web Access or Attempted Web Access ...............................................5-6
Configuring E-Mail Alert and Web Access Log Notifications ..........................................5-7
Chapter 6
Maintenance
Viewing Wireless Router Status Information ...................................................................6-1
Viewing a List of Attached Devices .................................................................................6-5
Configuration File Management .....................................................................................6-5
Restoring and Backing Up the Configuration ...........................................................6-6
Erasing the Configuration .........................................................................................6-7
Upgrading the Router Software ......................................................................................6-7
Changing the Administrator Password ...........................................................................6-8
Chapter 7
Advanced Configuration of the Router
Configuring Port Triggering .............................................................................................7-1
Configuring Port Forwarding to Local Servers .............. ... ... ... .... ... ... ...............................7-3
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Adding a Custom Service ................................ ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ..................................7-5
Editing or Deleting a Port Forwarding Entry ........................ ................................... .. 7-5
Local Web and FTP Server Example .......................................................................7-6
Multiple Computers for Half Life, KALI or Quake III Example ..................................7-6
Configuring the WAN Setup Options ..............................................................................7-7
Connect Automatically, as Required ........................................................................7-7
Disabling the SPI Firewall ........................................................................................7-8
Setting Up a Default DMZ Server .............................. ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ...............7-8
Responding to Ping on Internet WAN Port ...............................................................7-8
Setting the MTU Size ...................... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ..................................7-9
Using the LAN IP Setup Options ..................................................................................7-10
Configuring LAN TCP/IP Setup Parameters ..........................................................7-10
Using the Router as a DHCP server ......................................................................7-12
Using Address Reservation ....................................................................................7-12
Using a Dynamic DNS Service .....................................................................................7-13
Configuring Static Routes .............................................................................................7-14
Enabling Remote Management Access .......................................................................7-16
Using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) ........................................................................7-17
Chapter 8
Troubleshooting
Basic Functioning ...........................................................................................................8-1
Power Light Not On ..................................................................................................8-1
Lights Never Turn Off ...............................................................................................8-2
LAN or WAN Port Lights Not On ..............................................................................8-2
Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface ..........................................................8-3
Troubleshooting the ISP Connection ..............................................................................8-4
Troubleshooting a TCP/IP Network Using a Ping Utility .................................................8-5
Testing the LAN Path to Your Router .......................................................................8-5
Testing the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device .....................................8-6
Restoring the Default Configuration and Password ............... .........................................8-7
Problems with Date and Time .........................................................................................8-8
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Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics
Related Publications ...................................................................................................... B-1
Basic Router Concepts .................................................................................................. B-1
What is a Router? ................................................................................................... B-1
Routing Information Protocol ................................................................................... B-2
IP Addresses and the Internet .. ... .... ... ... ... .... ................................................................. B-2
Netmask .................................... ................................................................ ..............B-4
Subnet Addressing .................................................................................................. B-4
Private IP Addresses ................................. ... ... ... ....................................... ... .... ... ... . B-7
Single IP Address Operation Using NAT ....................................................................... B-7
MAC Addresses and Address Resolution Protocol ................................................. B-8
Related Documents ................................................................................................. B-9
Domain Name Server .............................................................................................. B-9
IP Configuration by DHCP ............................ ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ............... B-10
Internet Security and Firewalls .................................................................................... B-10
What is a Firewall? ................................................................................................ B-10
Stateful Packet Inspection ............................... ... ... ... .......................................B-11
Denial of Service Attack ..................................................................................B-11
Ethernet Cabling ................................. .......................................... ... .............................B-11
Category 5 Cable Quality ...................................................................................... B-12
Inside Twisted Pair Cables .................................................................................... B-13
Uplink Switches, Crossover Cables, and MDI/MDIX Switching ............................ B-14
Appendix C
Preparing Your Network
What You Need To Use a Router with a Broadband Modem ......................................... C-1
Cabling and Computer Hardware ............................................................................C-1
Computer Network Configuration Requirements ............................. ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . C-1
Internet Configuration Requirements ...................................................................... C-2
Where Do I Get the Internet Configuration Parameters? ........................................ C-2
Record Your Internet Connection Information ......................................................... C-3
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking .. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ....... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . C-3
Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP Networking ....................................... C-4
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Install or V erify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-4
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 95B, 98, and Me
C-6
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method .......................................................... C-8
Verifying TCP/IP Properties .................................................................................... C-8
Configuring Windows NT4, 2000 or XP for IP Networking ............................................ C-9
Install or V erify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-9
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4 ............................. C-10
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ................................................... C-10
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 ................................................ C-12
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4 .................................................. C-15
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4 .............................. C-17
Configuring the Macintosh for TCP/IP Networking ...................................................... C-18
MacOS 8.6 or 9.x .................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ....................................... ... ... .... ... .. C-18
MacOS X ...... ... ....................................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .................................. C-18
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Macintosh Computers ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ..................C-19
Verifying the Readiness of Your Internet Account ....................................................... C-20
Are Login Protocols Used? ................................................................................... C-20
What Is Your Configuration Information? .............................................................. C-20
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Windows Computers .......................C-21
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Macintosh Computers .....................C-22
Restarting the Network ................................................................................................ C-23
Appendix D
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview .............................. ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ....................... D-1
Infrastructure Mode .................................................................................................D-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ............................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... . D-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................D-2
Wireless Channels .................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... .......................................... . D-2
WEP Wireless Security .................... ... ... ... .......................................... ........................... D-4
WEP Authentication .............. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ....................................... ... ... ... .... ... ... . D-4
WEP Open System Authentication ......................................................................... D-5
WEP Shared Key Authentication ............................................................................D-6
Key Size and Configuration ..............................................................................D-7
How to Use WEP Parameters .................................................................................D-8
WPA Wireless Security ..................................................................................................D-8
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How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ D-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ D-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... D-10
WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS ..................................................D-12
WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................D-14
Is WPA Perfect? . ... ... .... ... ... ... ....................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ............D-16
Product Support for WPA ......................................................................................D-16
Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients ............................... D-16
Changes to Wireless Access Points ............................................................... D-16
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters .........................................................D-17
Changes to Wireless Client Programs .......................... ......................... ......... D-18
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................G-1
Index
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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 Web site.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1-1. Typographical Conventions
italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold User input
SMALL CAPS Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
This guide uses the following format to highlight special messages:
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
This manual is written for the WGX102 router according to these specifications.
Table 1-2. Manual Scope
Product Version 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
Manual Publication Date July 2004
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGX102.asp.
About This Manual 1
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
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
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2 About This Manual
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
How to Print this Manual
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About This Manual 3
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
4 About This Manual
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Chapter 2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102.
The WGX102 router provides connection for multiple computers to the Internet through an
external broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL modem) that is normally
intended for use by a single computer. This chapter describes the features of the NETGEAR 54
Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102.
Key Features
Note: This manual provides information on the complete features as of the date of
publication. Earlier versions of this product may not have all the features presented in
this manual. Go to http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGX102.asp where you will
find product firmware updates for your WGX102.
The 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102 connects your local area network (LAN) to the
Internet through an XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge and an external access device such as a
cable modem or DSL modem.
The WGX102 router provides you with multiple Web content filtering options, plus browsing
activity reporting and instant alerts via e-mail. Parents and network administrators can establish
restricted access policies based on time-of-day, Web site addresses and address keywords, and
share high-speed cable/DSL Internet access for multiple computers. In addition to the Network
Address Translation (NAT) feature, the built-in firewall protects you from hackers.
With minimum setup, you can install and use the router within minutes, without the need to run
Ethernet cable throughout your home.
The WGX102 router provides the following features:
• 802.11g wireless networking, with the ability to operate in 80 2.11g-only, or 802.11b+g modes.
• Easy, Web-based setup for installation and management.
• Content Filtering and Site Blocking Security.
Introduction 2-1
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
• Ethernet connection to a wide area network (WAN) device, such as a cable modem or DSL
modem.
• Extensive Protocol Support.
• Login capability.
• Front panel LEDs for easy monitoring of status and activity.
• Flash memory for firmware upgrades.
802.11g Wireless Networking
The WGX102 router includes an 802.11g wireless access point, providing continuous, high-speed
54 Mbps access between your wireless and wall-plugged devices. The access point provides:
• 802.11g wireless networking at up to 54 Mbps.
• 802.11g wireless networking, with the ability to operate in 802.11g-only, 802.11b-only, or
802.11g and b modes, providing backwards compatibility with 802.11b devices or dedicating
the wireless network to the higher bandwidth 802.11g devices.
• 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption security.
• WEP keys can be generated manually or by passphrase.
• WPA-PSK support. Support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption which
provides strong data encryption and authentication based on a pre-shared key.
• Wireless access can be restricted by MAC address.
• Wireless network name broadcast can be turned off so that only devices that have the network
name (SSID) can connect.
A Powerful, True Firewall with Content Filtering
Unlike simple Internet sharing NAT routers, the WGX102 is a true firewall, using stateful packet
inspection to defend against hacker attacks. Its firewall features include:
• Denial of Service (DoS) protection.
Automatically detects and thwarts DoS attacks such as Ping of Death, SYN Flood, LAND
Attack, and IP Spoofing.
• Blocks unwanted traffic from the Internet to your LAN.
• Blocks access from your LAN to Internet locations or services that you specify as off-limits.
• Logs security incidents.
2-2 Introduction
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
The WGX102 will log security events such as blocked incoming traffic, port scans, attacks,
and administrator logins. You can configure the router to E-mail the log to you at specified
intervals. You can also configure the router to send immediate alert messages to your E-mail
address or E-mail pager whenever a significant event occurs.
• The WGX102 prevents objectionable content from reaching your computers. The router
allows you to control access to Internet content by screening for keywords within Web
addresses. You can configure the router to log and report attempts to access objectionable
Internet sites.
Security
The WGX102 router is equipped with several features designed to maintain security, as described
in this section.
• Computers Hidden by NAT
NAT opens a temporary path to the Internet for requests originating from the local network.
Requests originating from outside the LAN are discarded, preventing users outside the LAN
from finding and directly accessing the computers on the LAN.
• Port Forwarding with NAT
Although NAT prevents Internet locations from directly accessing the computers on the LAN,
the router allows you to direct incoming traffic to specific computers based on the service port
number of the incoming request, or to one designated “DMZ” host computer. You can specify
forwarding of single ports or ranges of ports.
Extensive Protocol Support
The WGX102 router supports the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP). For further information about TCP/IP, refer to
Appendix B, “Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics.”
• IP Address Sharing by NAT
The WGX102 router allows several networked computers to share an Internet account using
only a single IP address, which may be statically or dynamically assigned by your Internet
service provider (ISP). This technique, known as NAT, allows the use of an inexpensive
single-user ISP account.
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• Automatic Configuration of Attached computers by DHCP
The WGX102 router dynamically assigns network configuration information, including
IP, gateway, and domain name server (DNS) addresses, to attached computers on the LAN
using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This feature greatly simplifies
configuration of computers on your local network.
• DNS Proxy
When DHCP is enabled and no DNS addresses are specified, the router provides its own
address as a DNS server to the attached computers. The router obtains actual DNS addresses
from the ISP during connection setup and forwards DNS requests from the LAN.
• PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)
PPPoE is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over a DSL connection by
simulating a dial-up connection. This feature eliminates the need to run a login program such
as Entersys or WinPOET on your computer.
Easy Installation and Management
You can install, configure, and operate the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102 within
minutes after connecting it to the network. The following features simplify installation and
management tasks:
• Browser-based management
Browser-based configuration allows you to easily configure your router from almost any type
of personal computer, such as Windows, Macintosh, or Linux. A user-friendly Setup Wizard is
provided and online help documentation is built into the browser-based Web Management
Interface.
• Smart Wizard
The WGX102 router Smart Wizard automatically senses the type of Internet connection,
asking you only for the information required for your type of ISP account.
• Firmware Update
The WGX102 router can be updated if a newer version of firmware is available. This lets you
take advantage of product enhancements for your WGX102 as soon as they become availa ble.
• Visual monitoring
The WGX102 router’s front panel LEDs provide an easy way to monitor its status and activity .
Maintenance and Support
NETGEAR offers the following features to help you maximize your use of the WGX102 router:
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
• Flash memory for firmware upgrades.
• Free technical support seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, for 90 days from the date
of purchase.
Package Contents
The product package should contain the following items:
• 54 Mbps Wall-Plugge d Router WGX102.
• NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102 Resource CD (230-10091-01), including:
— This guide.
— The Installation Guide.
— Application Notes and other helpful information.
• 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Route r WGX102 Installation Guide.
• Registration, Warranty Card, and Support Information Card.
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the router for repair.
Introduction 2-5
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The Router’s Front Panel
The front panel of the WGX102 router contains the status lights described below.
Figure 2-1: WGX102 Front Panel
You can use the status lights to verify connections. Viewed from left to right, the table below
describes the lights on the front panel of the router.
Table 2-1. Status Light Descriptions
Label Activity Description
Power On Green Solid
Off
Internet/
Home
Plug
Wireless On
On
Blink
Blinkf
Power is supplied and the router.
Power is not supplied to the router.
The Internet port has detected a link with an attached device.
Data is being transmitted or received by the Internet port.
The Wireless port is initialized and the wireless feature is enabled.
Data is being transmitted or received by the wireless port.
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The Router’s Label on the Rear Panel
The label on the rear panel of the WGX102 router contains the items listed below.
Figure 1-2: WGX102 Underside
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The Router’s Bottom Panel
The Factory Default Reset push button on the bottom panel is for Restoring the Default
Configuration and Password.
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’
The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Broadband
Internet service is considered so useful that more and more people want to set up networks in their
home to share a broadband connection. Wireless technology has removed one of the barriers to
networking—running wires. It allows more people to try networking while at the same time
exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking. General networking concepts, setup, and
maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition, wireless technology adds issues, such as
range, interference, signal quality, and security to the picture.
To help overcome potential barriers to successfully using home networks, the table below
identifies how to accomplish such things as connecting to a wireless network, assuring appropriate
security measures are taken, browsing the Internet through your wireless connection, exchanging
files with other computers and using printers in the combined wireless and wired network.
Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Set up a
wireless
network
1. Set up the 54 Mbps
Wall-Plugged
Router WGX102
2. Identify the wireless
network name
(SSID) and, if used,
the wireless
security settings.
3. Set up the wireless
computers with the
settings from step
1.
• A wireless network
• A computer within the
operating range of the
wireless network. For
guidelines about the range
of wireless networks, see
“Observe Performance,
Placement, and Range
Guidelines” on page 4-1”.
To set up the WGX102, see
Chapter 3, “Connecting the
Router to the Internet” and follow
the instructions provided.
To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix 4, “Wireless
Configuration” for a general
introduction.
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Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Protect my
wireless
connection
from snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encryption security built into browsers
like Internet Explorer and Netscape. Any wireless networking security features you might impleme n t are in
addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
1. Assure that the
wireless network
has security
features enabled.
2. Configure my
WGX102 with the
security settings of
the wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security features.
• A wireless network WEP or
WPA security enabled.
• Wireless networking
equipment that supports
WEP or WPA, such as the
WGX102.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Wireless Networking Basics” on
page D-1.
To use WEP security features,
see “Implement Appropriate
Wireless Security” on page 4-2”
and configure your WGX102
accordingly.
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Table 2-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Share
Windows PC
files and
printers at
home in a
combined
wireless and
wired network.
Note: For
sharing files and
printers on other
types of
computers like
Macintosh or
Linux, refer to
the product
documentation
that came with
those
computers.
1. Use the Windows
Printers and Fax
features to locate
available printers in
the combined
wireless and wired
network in your
home.
2. Use the Windows
Add a Printer
wizard to add
access to a network
printer from the PC
you are using to
wirelessly connect
to the network.
3. From the File menu
of an application
such as Microsoft
Word, use the Print
Setup feature to
direct your print
output to the printer
in the network.
• Windows computers (wired
and wireless) I am using to
connect to the network
need to be configured with
the Windows Client and
File and Print Sharing.
• Windows computers (wired
and wireless) I am using to
connect to the network
need to be configured with
the same Windows
Workgroup or Domain
settings as the other
Windows computers in the
combined wireless and
wired network.
• Any Windows networking
security access rights such
as login user name/
password that have been
assigned in the Windows
network must be provided
when Windows prompts for
such information.
• If so-called Windows ‘peer’
networking is being used,
the printer needs to be
enabled for sharing.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR 54 Mbps
Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
Resource CD (230-10091-01)
and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
For assistance with setting up
printers in Windows, refer to the
Help and Support information
that comes with the version of
the Windows operating systems
you are using.
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July 2004 202-10036-01
Chapter 3
Connecting the Router to the Internet
This chapter describes how to set up the router on your local area network (LAN) and connect to
the Internet. You will find out how to configure your 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102 for
Internet access using the Setup Wizard, or how to manually configure your Internet connection.
Follow these instructions to set up your router.
Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router
• Observe the wireless placement and range guidelines in “Observe Performance, Placement,
and Range Guidelines” on page 4-1.
• For Cable Modem Service: When you perform the wireless router setup steps be sure to use
the computer you first registered with your cable ISP.
• For DSL Service: You may need information such as the DSL login name/e-mail address and
password in order to complete the wireless router setup.
Before proceeding with the wireless router installation, familiarize yourself with the contents of
the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102 Resource CD (230-10091-01), especially
this manual and the animated tutorials for configuring networking on PCs.
First, Connect a Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge XE102
1. INSTALL THE WALL-PLUGGED ETHERENT BRIDGE
a. Turn off your computer.
b. Turn off the cable or DSL broadband modem.
c. Connect the Etherent cable from your cable or DSL modem to the Etherent port on the
XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge.
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2. RESTART YOUR NETWORK IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE
Warning: Failure to restart your network in the correct sequence could prevent you from
connecting to the Internet.
a. First, turn on the broadband modem and wait 2 minutes.
b. Now, turn on your computer.
Note: For DSL customers, if software logs you in to the Internet, do not run that software. Y ou
may need to go to the Internet Explorer T ools menu, Internet Options, Connections tab page
where you can select “Never dial a connection.”
Figure 3-1: Verify the connections according to the status lights on the Ethernet Bridge
c.
Check the Wall-Plugged Etherent Bridge status lights to verify the following:
• Power: The power light should turn solid green. If it does not, see “Troubleshooting
Tips” on page 3-8.
• Test: The test light blinks when the router is first turned on, then goes off. If after 2
minutes it is still on, see “Troubleshoo ting Tips” on page 3-8.
• Internet: The Internet port light should be lit. If not, make sure the Ethernet cable is
securely attached to the wireless router Internet port and the modem, and the modem
is powered on.
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• Wireless: The Wireless light should be lit. If the Wireless light is not lit, see
“Troubleshooting Tips” on page 3-8.
• LAN: A LAN light should be lit. Green indicates your computer is communicating at
100 Mbps; yellow indicates 10 Mbps. If a LAN light is not lit, check that the Ethernet
cable from the computer to the router is securely attached at both ends, and that the
computer is turned on.
Connect the Wireless Router to the Internet
1. CONNECT THE WIRELESS RO UT ER, THE COMPUTER, AND THE MODEM
a. Turn off computer and modem again?
b. Locate the Ethernet cable (cable 1 in the diagram) that connects your PC to the modem.
A
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Figure 3-2: Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer
c.
Disconnect the cable at the computer end only, point A in the diagram above.
d. Look at the label on the bottom of the wireless router. Locate the Internet port. Securely
insert the Ethernet cable from your modem (cable 1 in the diagram below) into the
Ethernet port of the wireless router as shown in point B of the diagram below.
Connecting the Router to the Internet 3-3
PRGHP
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
B
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Figure 3-3: Connect the wireless router to the modem
Note: Place the WGX102 router in a location which conforms to the “Observe
Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines” on page 4-1. The stand provided with the
wireless router provides a convenient, space-saving way of installing the wireless router.
Avoid stacking it on other electronic equipment.
e. Securely insert the blue cable that came with your wireless router (the blue NETGEAR
cable in the diagram below) into a LAN port on the router such as LAN port 4 (point C in
the diagram), and the other end into the Ethernet port of your computer (point D in the
diagram).
%OXH1(7*($5
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Figure 3-4: Connect the computer to the wireless router
Your network cables are connected and you are ready to restart your network.
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2. USE THE SMART WIZARD TO CONFIGURE THE WIRELESS ROUTER
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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Router WGX102
From the Ethernet connected PC you just set up, open a browser such as Internet Explorer
a.
or Netscape® Navigator.
In its factory default state, the wireless router will automatically display the NETGEAR
Smart Wizard configuration assistant welcome page.
Figure 3-5: NETGEAR Smart Wizard configuration assistant
Note: If you do not see this page, clear the browser cache by going to the Internet Explorer
Tools menu, Internet Options, and clicking Delete Files, then selecting the Delete all
offline files check box and clicking OK.
If you still do not connect, type http://www.routerlogin.net in the browser address bar and
click Enter. Otherwise, to bypass this screen, see “How to Bypass the Configuration
Assistant” on page 3-12 and the “How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection”
on page 3-13 topics in this chapter.
If you cannot connect to the wireless router, verify your compu te r networking setup. It
should be set to obtain both IP and DNS server addresses automatically, which is usually
so. For help with this, see Appendix C, “Preparing Your Network” or the animated
tutorials on the CD.
Connecting the Router to the Internet 3-5
July 2004 202-10036-01
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