Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102

Powerline Network Configuration and Security

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2.

Enter the desired HomePlug Network Password in the field provided.

You can also assign this password to other HomePlug stations on your powerline network.

Click the Add button to add a HomePlug Station to the list.

Figure 4-3:

Add HomePlug Station screen

To assign the Network Password to other HomePlug Stations:

a.

Enter a suitable name for the device. For example, a location identifier can be useful such

as Downstairs, Upstairs, or Garage. This name is only used for your reference.

b.

Each HomePlug station has a unique device Passcode

(PWD) in the format xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx, usually shown

on a label on the base or rear. Check each HomePlug device

to find the Passcode to enter.

For each NETGEAR Powerline device that you are

installing on your network, write this number down.

Example:

Device Location: Upstairs Bedroom

PWD: MX96-DHEE-U9Y3-BXJB

c.

Click

Add

.

3.

On the Wall Plug Settings screen, click

Assign Password

. The Network Password is then

assigned to all the HomePlug stations listed in the table, provided they are currently connected

with a powerline connection.

MX96-DHEE-U9Y3-BXJB

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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102

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Wireless Configuration and Security

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Chapter 5

Wireless Configuration and Security

This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your Wireless Range Extender. In

planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should

also select the physical placement of your wireless range extender in order to maximize the

network speed. For further information on wireless networking, refer to

Appendix C, “Wireless

Networking Basics”

.

Observing 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 range extender. The latency, data throughput performance, and

notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration

choices.

For best results, place your wireless range extender:

•

Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate.

•

Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless

phones.

•

Away from large metal surfaces.

The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security

settings and placement. Connections using WEP or WPA can take slightly longer to establish.

Also, WEP and WPA encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.

Note:

Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance

degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the wireless range extender. For

complete range/performance specifications, please see

Appendix A, “Technical

Specifications”

.

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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102

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Wireless Configuration and Security

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Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security

Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can be received well beyond your

walls by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of your

wireless equipment. The Wireless Range Extender provides highly effective security features that

are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.

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 restrict access to only trusted computers so

that unknown computers cannot wirelessly connect to the WGX102. MAC address filtering

adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the

wireless link is fully exposed.

•

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 the wireless

network “discovery” feature of some products such as Windows XP, but the data is still fully

exposed to a determined snoop using specialized test equipment like wireless sniffers.

•

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 strong data security.

WPA-PSK will block eavesdropping. Because this is a new standard, wireless device driver

and software availability may be limited.

Understanding Basic Wireless Settings

To configure the Wireless settings of your wireless range extender, click the Wireless link in the

main menu of the browser interface. The Wireless Settings menu appears, as shown below.

Note:

Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11b/g wireless networks at ranges of up

to 300 feet. Such distances can allow for others outside of your immediate area to access

your network.

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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102

Wireless Configuration and Security

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Figure 5-1:

Wireless Settings menu

•

Name (SSID).

The SSID is also known as the wireless network name. Enter a value of up to

32 alphanumeric characters. In a setting where there is more than one wireless network,

different wireless network names provide a means for separating the traffic. Any device you

want to participate in a particular wireless network will need to use this SSID for that network.

The WGX102 default SSID is:

NETGEAR

.

•

Broadcast of Name (SSID).

If you disable broadcast of the SSID, only devices that have the

correct SSID can connect. Disabling SSID broadcast nullifies the wireless network ‘discovery’

feature of some products such as Windows XP.

•

Region.

This field identifies the region where the WGX102 can be used. It may not be legal to

operate the wireless features of the wireless range extender in a region other than one of those

identified in this field.

•

Channel.

This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It should not be

necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another

nearby access point. For more information on the wireless channel frequencies please refer to

“Wireless Channels” on page C-7

.

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