Reference Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless Access Point WPN802
2-2
Introduction
202-10101-01, May 2005
RangeMax is an advanced Smart MIMO (Multi-In, Multi-Out) technology that uses seven internal
antennas. RangeMax constantly surveys your home environment for physical barriers and
interference and adjusts the wireless signal to compensate for these performance blockers.
For example, if you carry your laptop from the family room to the bedroom, RangeMax
automatically senses the change and selects from over 100 possible antenna configurations to
deliver you the fastest, clearest connection so that everyone can enjoy consistently high-speed
connections, everywhere in your house with no drop-outs and no dead spots.
RangeMax is also 100% compatible with your existing 802.11b/g products (i.e., 802.11b, 802.11g,
Centrino, and SuperG™ wireless clients) and boosts their range and speed by up to 50%.
802.11g Wireless Networking
The WPN802 Access Point includes an 802.11g wireless access point, providing continuous,
high-speed 108 Mbps access between your wireless and Ethernet devices. The access point
provides:
•
802.11g wireless networking at up to 108 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.
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
The WPN802 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 automatically
senses whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a ‘normal’ connection such as
to a computer 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 the need to worry about crossover
cables, as Auto Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right connection.