Reference Manual for the WG602 v2 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

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About This Manual

M-10181-03

Introduction

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M-10181-03

Chapter 2

Introduction

This chapter introduces the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2. Minimal

prerequisites for installation are presented in

“System Requirements” on page 2-3

.

About the 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2

The 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2

is the basic building block of a wireless LAN

infrastructure. It provides connectivity between wired Ethernet networks and radio-equipped

wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.

The WG602 v2 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.

Typically, an in-doors access point provides a maximum connectivity area with about a 300 foot

radius. The 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2 can support a small group of users in a

range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated for up to 32 users simultaneously.

The auto-sensing capability of the 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2 allows packet

transmission at up to 54 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or electromagnetic

noise interference.

Support for Standards

The following standards and conventions are supported:

•

Standards Compliant

.

The WG602 v2 Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11g

(DSSS).

•

WEP support.

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

•

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.

•

Dynamic WEP key Support

.

Fixed or Dynamic WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) keys can

be used.

•

DHCP Client Support.

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

request. The WG602 v2 can act as a client and obtain information from your DHCP server.

Reference Manual for the WG602 v2 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

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Introduction

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NetBIOS & WINS Support.

Support for both NetBIOS broadcast and WINS (Windows

Internet Naming Service) allows the WG602 v2 to easily fit into your existing Windows

network.

Key Features

The WG602 v2 provides solid functionality, including these features:

•

Wireless Access Point.

Operates as a standard 802.11g access point.

•

Wireless Bridging.

Operates as a point-to-point or multi-point wireless bridge.

•

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 WG602 v2 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.

•

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.

802.11g Standards-based Wireless Networking

The 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2 provides a bridge between Ethernet wired LANs

and 802.11g 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 WG602 v2 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, WPA-PSK)

•

Short or long preamble

•

Roaming among access points on the same subnet

Reference Manual for the WG602 v2 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

Introduction

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Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink

The WG602 v2 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 WG602 v2 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 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

•

MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter

•

MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card

•

WAG511 802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Adapter

•

MA701 802.11b Compact Flash Wireless Adapter

•

WGE101 802.11g Wireless Bridge

•

WG311 802.11g Wireless PCI Adapter

•

WAG311 802.11a/g Wireless PCI Adapter

System Requirements

Before installing the WG602 v2, make sure your network meets these requirements:

•

A hub, switch, or Cable/DSL router with an available 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port

•

A 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

Reference Manual for the WG602 v2 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

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Introduction

M-10181-03

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

Netscape Navigator 4.78 or above

•

At least one Pentium class computer (or equivalent) with the TCP/IP protocol installed

•

Other 802.11b or 802.11g-compliant devices

What’s In the Box?

The product package should contain the following items:

•

54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2

•

Power adapter and cord (12Vdc, 1.2A)

•

Straight through Category 5 Ethernet cable—10 feet (3.04 m)

•

Printed 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2 Quick Installation Guide

•

Resource CD for the 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2 (SW-10033-03)

–

Reference Manual for the WG602 v2 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point (M-10181-03)—this

manual

–

Windows TCP/IP and Networking Tutorials

–

Animated Install Assistant

–

Soft copy of the 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v2 Quick Installation Guide

•

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 WG602 v2 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:

.