NETGEAR user manual Chapter Introduction, About the Netgear WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter

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User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter

Chapter 2

Introduction

This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter.

About the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter

Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter. NETGEAR wireless game adapters are fast and easy to set up with NETGEAR wireless game adapter configuration software. With Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Web browser, you can configure the wireless game adapter even easier. This manual describes the installation and use of the WGE111 for operation with a Microsoft® Windows® XP, Windows® 2000, Windows® Me, Windows® 98SE 2nd edition, or Windows NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 5 or above) system.

For quick installation and setup, please see the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Installation Guide. This manual describes in detail how to set up the Model WGE111 wireless game adapter and provides you with further reference information.

Chapter 3, “Basic Setup” provides information on the NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant, a program developed by NETGEAR for fast and easy device configuration. There is also a built-in Web server in the wireless game adapter so you can use a Web browser to configure the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter, as described in Chapter 4, “Web Configuration”.

Introduction

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Contents NETGEAR, Inc Technical Support Iii Vcci Statement Contents Chapter Web Configuration Glossary Contents Audience, Conventions, Scope Chapter About This ManualHtml version of this manual How to Use this ManualHow to Print this Manual About This Manual Chapter Introduction About the Netgear WGE111 Wireless Game AdapterWhat’s in the Box? Key Features and Related Netgear ProductsIntroduction LED Descriptions Status Indicators and Ports of the WGE111Reset Button Reset Push ButtonIntroduction Preparing to Install Your WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Chapter Basic SetupSystem Requirements Placement and Range GuidelinesOperating Modes Mode Switch Position Your SystemWhat you do Personal Computer Plug-and-Go Scenario Planning for TCP/IP Configuration Planning the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter ConfigurationDynamic IP using Dhcp Fixed IPAuthentication Scheme Selection Understanding WEP Authentication and EncryptionSubnet mask Encryption Strength Choices Understanding WPA-PSK Encryption Security Using the Netgear Smart Wizard Configuration AssistantPower Ethernet Select the wireless network Basic Setup Select the TCP/IP Settings Basic Setup Configuring the Wireless Game Adapter Using TCP/IP Chapter Web ConfigurationViewing the Wireless Game Adapter Status Connecting to the Wireless Game AdapterStatus screen Wireless SettingsIP Settings Configuring the Adapter for Infrastructure Mode AccessDevice Information Data Rate Infrastructure mode configuration screenWireless Security Using WEP Security EncryptionAuthentication Type Network Name SsidUsing WPA-PSK Security Encryption Configuring the Wireless Game Adapter for Ad-Hoc ModeManual Entry Mode Automatic Key Generation PassphraseAd-Hoc mode configuration screen Configuring the IP Settings Viewing the Wireless Networks AvailableIP Settings configuration screen Upgrading the Firmware Changing the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter PasswordRestore Factory Defaults screen Restoring the Factory DefaultsGo to Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Settings Using Ping on Chapter TroubleshootingBasic Tips Symptom Cause SolutionWireless router or access point, wait, and then See Using the Netgear Smart Wizard Cannot configure the WGE111 from a browser Frequently Asked QuestionsTroubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Settings Using PingRestoring the Default Configuration and Password Troubleshooting Appendix a Technical Specifications Technical Specifications IP Addresses and the Internet Appendix B Understanding IP AddressesThree Main Address Classes Netmask Example of Subnetting a Class B Address Subnet AddressingNetmask Notation Translation Table for One Octet Private IP Addresses IP Configuration by Dhcp Address Resolution ProtocolUnderstanding IP Addresses Wireless Networking Overview Appendix C Wireless Networking BasicsInfrastructure Mode Ad Hoc Mode Peer-to-Peer Workgroup Authentication and WEPNetwork Name Extended Service Set Identification Essid Open System Authentication Authentication802.11b Authentication Open System Steps Do Not Use WEP 802.11b Authentication Shared Key StepsKey Size WEP Configuration OptionsWireless Channels Radio frequency channels used are listed in the table below WPA Wireless SecurityHow Does WPA Compare to WEP? How Does WPA Compare to Ieee 802.11i? What are the Key Features of WPA Security?Wireless Networking Basics Figure C-3 WPA Overview Access point replies with an EAP-request identity message WPA Data Encryption Key Management Temporal Key Integrity Protocol Tkip Product Support for WPA Is WPA Perfect?WPA two-phase authentication Changes to Wireless Access PointsChanges to Wireless Network Adapters New WPA information elementChanges to Wireless Client Programs 1000BASE-T List of Glossary Terms802.1Q 802.3Dhcp Internet service provider NIC Wins Glossary Numerics IndexRFC

WGE111 specifications

The NETGEAR WGE111 is a wireless gaming adapter designed to enhance the gaming experience for console players, allowing them to connect their gaming console to a wireless network effortlessly. This device caters particularly to gamers who wish to enjoy the benefits of wireless connectivity without compromising on performance or speed.

One of the primary features of the WGE111 is its support for the IEEE 802.11g standard, providing data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps. This speed is essential for online gaming, where lag can significantly impact performance. The adapter ensures a stable and reliable connection, reducing latency and allowing gamers to immerse themselves fully in their favorite titles.

The device is compatible with a wide range of gaming consoles, including PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii, making it a flexible solution for gaming setups. The WGE111 is equipped with a straightforward Ethernet port, enabling easy connectivity with consoles that lack built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.

Reliability is a notable characteristic of the WGE111, thanks in part to its advanced wireless technologies. With features like WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption, the adapter ensures that the user’s network remains secure from unauthorized access. Additionally, the WGE111 has a strong range and can maintain a solid connection even in larger homes, providing flexibility in device placement.

Installation of the WGE111 is user-friendly, with a simple plug-and-play setup. This allows gamers to quickly connect their consoles to the router without extensive configuration or technical expertise. The device also includes LED indicators that provide real-time feedback on connection status, simplifying troubleshooting and network management.

Another advantage of the NETGEAR WGE111 is its compact and lightweight design, making it portable and easy to relocate. Whether transitioning between different rooms or even taking it to a friend's house, players can enjoy the convenience of wireless gaming without being tethered to a physical connection.

In summary, the NETGEAR WGE111 wireless gaming adapter is an excellent choice for gamers looking to enhance their online experience. With its high-speed connectivity, compatibility with multiple consoles, robust security features, and ease of setup, the WGE111 stands out as a viable option for anyone looking to enjoy wireless gaming without sacrificing performance.