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Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G
3-20
Connecting the Router to the Internet
202-10006-05, June 2005
Page 47 / 268
Wireless Configuration
4-1
Chapter 4
Wireless Configuration
This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your DG834G Wireless ADSL
Firewall Router.
Considerations for a Wireless Network
In planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should
also select the physical placement of your router in order to maximize the network speed. For
further information, refer to
Appendix D, “Wireless Networking Basics”
.
To ensure proper compliance and compatibility between similar products in your area, the
operating channel and region must be set correctly.
Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the
physical placement of the wireless firewall. The latency, data throughput performance, and
notebook power consumption also vary depending on your configuration choices.
For best results, place your firewall:
Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate
In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls)
Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and cordless phones
With the Antenna tight and in the upright position
Away from large metal surfaces
Note:
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance
degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router. For complete range/
performance specifications, please see
Appendix A, “Technical Specifications”
.
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Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G
4-2
Wireless Configuration
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.
Implement Appropriate Wireless Security
Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can extend beyond your walls and
can be received by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of
your wireless equipment. The DG834G wireless router provides highly effective security features
which are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
Figure 4-1:
DG834G wireless data security options
There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network:
Restrict Access Based on MAC Address.
You can allow only trusted PCs to connect so that
unknown PCs cannot wirelessly connect to the DG834G. Restricting access by MAC address
adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the
wireless link is fully exposed.
Note:
Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks at a maximum
range of up to 300 feet. Such distances can allow for others outside of your immediate
area to access your network.
1) Open System: Easy but no security
2) MAC Access List: No data security
3) WEP: Security but some performance impact
Wireless Data
Security Options
Range: Up to 300 Feet
DG834G
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Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G
Wireless Configuration
4-3
Turn Off the Broadcast of the Wireless Network Name SSID.
If you disable broadcast of
the SSID, only devices that have the correct SSID can connect. This nullifies wireless network
‘discovery’ feature of some products, such as Windows XP, but the data is still exposed.
WEP.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security. WEP Shared
Key authentication and WEP data encryption will block all but the most determined
eavesdropper.
WPA-PSK
. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption provides data security. The very
strong authentication along with dynamic per frame re-keying of WPA make it virtually
impossible to compromise. Because this is a new standard, wireless device driver and software
availability may be limited.
Understanding Wireless Settings
To configure the Wireless interface of your router, click the Wireless link in the main menu of the
browser interface. The Wireless Settings menu will appear, as shown below:
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Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G
4-4
Wireless Configuration
Figure 4-2:
Wireless Settings menu
The following parameters are in the Wireless Settings menu:
Wireless Network
.
Name (SSID)
. The Service Set ID, also known as the wireless network name. Enter a
value of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. The same Name (SSID) must be assigned to all
wireless devices in your network. The default SSID is
NETGEAR
, but NETGEAR
strongly recommends that you change your network Name to a different value.

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