Reference Manual for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point

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Introduction

August 2003

Key Features

The ME103 Access Point is easy-to-use and provides solid wireless and networking support.

Supported Standards and Conventions

The following standards and conventions are supported:

•

Standards Compliant

.

The Wireless Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11b (DSSS)

and IEEE 802.1x specifications for Wireless LANs.

•

802.1x Support

.

Support for 802.1x mode is included, providing for the industrial-strength

wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization.

•

Radius Client Support

.

The Wireless Access Point can log in to your existing Radius server

(as a Radius client).

•

WEP support.

Support for WEP is included. Both 64-bit and 128-bit keys are supported.

•

Dynamic WEP key Support

.

In 802.1x mode, fixed or Dynamic WEP (Wired Equivalent

Privacy) keys can be used. Dynamic key exchange can be used when deploying 802.1x

EAP-TLS.

•

DHCP Client Support.

DHCP provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other devices upon

request. The ME103 can act as a client and obtain information from your DHPC server.

•

NAT & WINS Support.

Support for both NetBIOS broadcast and WINS (Windows Internet

Naming Service) allows the ME103 to easily fit into your existing Windows network.

•

SNMP Support.

Support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Management

Information Base (MIB) management.

Key Features

The NETGEAR ME103 provides solid functionality, including these features:

•

Multiple Operating Modes

–

Wireless Access Point.

Operates as a standard 802.11b or 802.11x Access Point.

–

Point-to-Point Bridge.

In this mode, the ME103 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 ME103 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 ME103'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.

Reference Manual for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point

Introduction

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August 2003

•

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 ME103 to gain access to your LAN.

•

Simple Configuration.

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

•

Hidden Mode.

The SSID is not broadcast, assuring only clients configured with the correct

SSID can connect.

•

Configuration Backup.

Configuration settings can be backed up to a file and restored.

•

Supports Diversity.

Dual removable external antennas support diversity.

•

Secure and Economical Operation.

Adjustable power output allows more secure or

economical operation.

•

Automatic Date and Time Updates.

Date and time can be automatically updated from

Internet time servers.

•

Autosensing Ethernet Connection with

Auto Uplink

I

nterface.

Connects to 10/100 Mbps

IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks.

•

LED Indicators.

Power and wireless activity are easily identified.

802.11b Standards-based Wireless Networking

The ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point provides a bridge between Ethernet wired

LANs and 802.11b compatible wireless LAN networks. It provides connectivity between Ethernet

wired networks and radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and

other devices. Additionally, the ME103 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

•

Authentication Algorithms (Open System, Shared Key, 802.1x)

•

Short or long preamble

•

Roaming among access points on the same subnet

Reference Manual for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point

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Introduction

August 2003

Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink

The ME103 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

TM

technology. The Ethernet port will

automatically sense whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a ‘normal’

connection such as to a PC or an ‘uplink’ connection such as to a switch or hub. That port will then

configure itself to the correct configuration. This feature also eliminates any concerns about

crossover cables, as Auto Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right

connection.

Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products

For a list of compatible products from other manufacturers, see the Wireless Ethernet

Compatibility Alliance Web site (WECA, see

).

The following NETGEAR products work with the ME103 Access Point:

•

POE101 Power Over Ethernet Adapter

•

WAB501 a/b Dual Band Wireless PC Card Adapter

•

MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card

•

WG511 802.11g Wireless CardBus Adapter

•

MA111 801.11b Wireless Bridge

•

MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

•

ME102 802.11b Wireless Access Point

•

MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter

•

MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card

System Requirements

Before installing the ME103, make sure your system meets these requirements:

•

A 10/100 Mbps Local Area Network device such as a hub or switch

•

The Category 5 UTP straight through Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connector included in the

package, or one like it

•

A 100-240 V, 50-60 HZ AC power source

•

A Web browser for configuration such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or above, or

Netscape Navigator 4.78 or above

Reference Manual for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point

Introduction

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August 2003

•

At least one computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed

•

802.11b-compliant devices, such as the NETGEAR MA401 Wireless Adapter

What’s In the Box?

The product package should contain the following items:

•

ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point

•

Power adapter and cord (12Vdc, 800mA)

•

Straight through Category 5 Ethernet cable

•

ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point Quick Installation Guide

•

Resource CD for the ME103 ProSafe Wireless Access Point

Reference Manual for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point ( ) -- this manual

•

Support Information card

•

Warranty and Registration card

Contact your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any wrong, missing, or damaged

parts. You can refer to the Support Information Card for the telephone number of customer support

in your area. You should keep the Support Information card, along with the original packing

materials, and use the packing materials to repack the ME103 if you need to return it for repair. To

qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, we encourage you to register on the

NETGEAR Web site at:

.

Hardware Description

The ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point front and rear hardware functions are

described below.

Reference Manual for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point

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Introduction

August 2003

ME103 Wireless Access Point Front Panel

The ME103 Access Point provides three status LEDs.

Figure 2-1: ME103 front panel

The following table explains the LED indicators:

LED

DESCRIPTION

Power

Off

On

Power Indicator

No power. If this LED does not come on with the power adapter and cord correctly

installed, see Chapter 4,

Troubleshooting

.

Power is on.

Blink

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

Note:

This LED may blink for a minute before going on steady.

LAN

Ethernet LAN Link Activity Indicator

Off

Green On

Indicates no Ethernet link detected.

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.

Wireless LAN

Wireless LAN Link Activity Indicator

Off

Green On

Indicates no Ethernet link detected.

Wireless link enabled, no activity.

Green Blink

Wireless link activity.

PWR

LAN

802.11b

ProSafe Wireless Access Point

MODEL

ME103

Wireless LAN