Reference Manual for the RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824

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Introduction

v1.0, November 2005

Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink

With its internal 4-port 10/100 switch, the WPN824 can connect to either a 10 Mbps standard

Ethernet network or a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network. Both the LAN and WAN interfaces are

autosensing and capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.

The router incorporates Auto Uplink

TM

technology. Each Ethernet port will automatically sense

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.

Extensive Protocol Support

The WPN824 router supports the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

(TCP/IP) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP). For further information about TCP/IP, see

“Wireless Communications” in Appendix B

.

•

IP Address Sharing by NAT.

The WPN824 router allows several networked computers to share an Internet account using

only a single IP address, which your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may statically or

dynamically assign. This technique, known as NAT, allows the use of an inexpensive single-

user ISP account.

•

Automatic Configuration of Attached Computers by DHCP.

The WPN824 router dynamically assigns network configuration information, including

IP, gateway, and domain name server (DNS) addresses, to attached computers on the LAN

using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This feature greatly simplifies

configuration of computers on your local network.

•

DNS Proxy.

When DHCP is enabled and no DNS addresses are specified, the router provides its own

address as a DNS server to the attached computers. The router obtains actual DNS addresses

from the ISP during connection setup and forwards DNS requests from the LAN.

•

PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE).

PPPoE is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over a DSL connection by

simulating a dial-up connection. This feature eliminates the need to run a login program such

as Entersys or WinPOET on your computer.

Reference Manual for the RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824

Introduction

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v1.0, November 2005

Easy Installation and Management

You can install, configure, and operate the RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824 within minutes

after connecting it to the network. The following features simplify installation and management

tasks:

•

Browser-based management.

Browser-based configuration allows you to easily configure your router from almost any type

of personal computer, such as Windows, Macintosh, or Linux. A user-friendly Setup Wizard is

provided and online help documentation is built into the browser-based Web Management

Interface.

•

Smart Wizard.

The WPN824 router Smart Wizard automatically senses the type of Internet connection,

asking you only for the information required for your type of ISP account.

•

Firmware Updates.

The WPN824 router can be updated if a newer version of firmware is available. This lets you

take advantage of product enhancements for your WPN824 as soon as they become available.

•

Visual monitoring.

The WPN824 router’s front panel LEDs provide an easy way to monitor its status and activity.

Maintenance and Support

NETGEAR offers the following features to help you maximize your use of the WPN824 router:

•

Flash memory for firmware upgrades

•

Free technical support seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, for 90 days from the date

of purchase

NETGEAR Related Products

NETGEAR products related to the RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824 are as follows:

•

RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WPN111)

•

RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter (WPN311)

•

RangeMax Wireless PC Card (WPN511)

Reference Manual for the RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824

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Introduction

v1.0, November 2005

Package Contents

The product package should contain the following items:

•

RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824

•

AC power adapter

•

Vertical stand

•

Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet cable

•

NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824 Resource CD

, including:

—

This manual

—

Application Notes and other helpful information

•

Wireless Home Router Setup Guide

•

Warranty and Support Information Card

If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the

carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the router for repair.

Reference Manual for the RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824

Introduction

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v1.0, November 2005

The Router’s Front Panel

The front panel of the WPN824 router contains the status lights described below.

You can use the status lights to verify connections. Viewed from left to right, the table below

describes the lights on the front panel of the router.

Figure 2-1

Table 2-1. Status Light Descriptions

Item

Function

Activity

Description

1

Power

On Green Solid

Off

Power is supplied to the router.

Power is not supplied to the router.

2

Test

On

Off

Slow blinking

The unit is performing the power-on self-test diagnostic.

The unit successfully completed the power-on self-test diagnostic.

Reset button is being pushed, restoring the factory default settings.

3

Wireless

On

Off

Blink

The wireless interface is enabled.

The wireless interface is turned off.

Data is being communicated over the wireless network.

4

Internet

Amber off

Amber on

Amber blinking

Green off

On

Blink

No Ethernet cable is connected to the modem.

Ethernet cable connection to modem is good.

Packets are being transmitted and received from a modem or other

network device, but no IP address has been received.

No IP address received.

IP address received.

IP address received and data is being transmitted and received.

5

LAN

Green

Amber

The LAN port has detected a 100 Mbps link with an attached device.

The LAN port has detected a 10 Mbps link with an attached device.

1

4

3

5

2

Reference Manual for the RangeMax Wireless Router WPN824

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Introduction

v1.0, November 2005

The Router’s Rear Panel

The rear panel of the WPN824 router contains the items listed below.

Viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following features:

1.

Antenna light LED on/off switch.

2.

AC power adapter outlet for

12V DC @ 1A output, 22W maximum

.

3.

Four Local (LAN) 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for connecting the router to the local

computers.

4.

Internet (WAN) Ethernet port for connecting the router to a cable or DSL modem.

5.

Reset push button for restoring the factory default settings. For details, see

“Restoring the

Default Configuration and Password” on page 7-7

.

Figure 2-2l

4

3

2

1

5