NETGEAR WPN802 manual Appendix B Wireless Networking Basics, Wireless Networking Overview

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Appendix B

Wireless Networking Basics

This chapter provides an overview of Wireless networking.

Wireless Networking Overview

The WPN802 Access Point conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b and 802.11g standards for wireless LANs (WLANs). On an 802.11b or g wireless link, data is encoded using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and is transmitted in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5GHz. The maximum data rate for the 802.11b wireless link is 11 Mbps, but it will automatically back down from 11 Mbps to 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps when the radio signal is weak or when interference is detected. The 802.11g auto rate sensing rates are 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, and 108 Mbps.

The 802.11 standard is also called Wireless Ethernet or Wi-Fi by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standard group promoting interoperability among 802.11 devices. The 802.11 standard offers two methods for configuring a wireless network - ad hoc and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Mode

With a wireless Access Point, you can operate the wireless LAN in the infrastructure mode. This mode provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed range or area of coverage, interacting with wireless nodes via an antenna.

In the infrastructure mode, the wireless access point converts airwave data into wired Ethernet data, acting as a bridge between the wired LAN and wireless clients. Connecting multiple Access Points via a wired Ethernet backbone can further extend the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing device moves out of the range of one access point, it moves into the range of another. As a result, wireless clients can freely roam from one Access Point domain to another and still maintain seamless network connection.

Wireless Networking Basics

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Contents NETGEAR, Inc 202-10101-01, May Product and Publication Details 202-10101-01, May Contents Chapter Management and Information Glossary Viii Contents Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats Chapter About This ManualHow to Print this Manual How to Use This ManualPrinting the Full Manual 202-10101-01, May Chapter Introduction Key FeaturesRangeMax Multi-In, Multi-Out Mimo Technology Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink 802.11g Wireless NetworkingPackage Contents Rear Panel Front Panel Status Lights202-10101-01, May 202-10101-01, May Default Factory Settings Chapter Basic Installation and ConfigurationFirst, Connect the Wireless Access Point to Your Computer Prepare to Install Your Wireless Access PointSystem Requirements WPN802 connected to a computer during configuration WPN802 Settings Then, Configure the Basic SettingsBasic Settings menu Wireless Settings menu Next, Configure the Wireless SettingsWPN802 placed in a vertical orientation Deploy the WPN802 and Verify Wireless ConnectivityLogin window How to Log In to the WPN802 Using Its Default IP AddressBrowser display the WPN802 settings home 202-10101-01, 4 May Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines Chapter Wireless ConfigurationVertical orientation required on metallic surfaces Understanding Wireless SettingsUnderstanding Advanced Wireless Settings Advanced Wireless Settings menu Wireless Data Security Options Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security202-10101-01, 4 May If WPA-PSK Authentication is Used How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity How to Configure WEP or WPA Wireless Settings encryption menu Advanced Wireless Settings Configuring Advanced Wireless SettingsWireless Access Control List screen Wireless Card Access Restricting by MAC AddressSetting up the Access Control List Turning Access Control On202-10101-01, 4 May Chapter Management and Information Changing the PasswordFirst, Prepare for the Firmware Upgrade Upgrading the Wireless Access Point FirmwareThen, Upgrade the Firmware Upgrade Firmware dialog box Backing up Settings or Restoring SettingsRestoring Settings from a Backup File Backing up SettingsRestoring Factory Default Settings Viewing a List of Available Wireless Stations Rebooting the WPN802 Access PointStatistics screen Viewing StatisticsEthernet light is not lit Chapter TroubleshootingTroubleshooting Tips No lights are lit on the access pointWhen I enter a URL or IP address I get a timeout error Cannot configure the access point from a browserTo clear all data and restore the factory default values Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings202-10101-01, May Power Adapter Appendix a Technical SpecificationsWireless Wireless Networking Overview Appendix B Wireless Networking BasicsInfrastructure Mode Ad Hoc Mode Peer-to-Peer Workgroup Authentication and WEP Data EncryptionNetwork Name Extended Service Set Identification Essid Open System Authentication Authentication802.11b Authentication Open System Steps 802.11b Authentication Shared Key Steps Key Size WEP Configuration Options Wireless ChannelsWPA and WPA2 Wireless Security How Does WPA Compare to WEP? How Does WPA Compare to WPA2 Ieee 802.11i? What are the Key Features of WPA and WPA2 Security?Wireless Networking Basics Figure B-3 WPA/WPA2 Overview Access point replies with an EAP-request identity message WPA/WPA2 Data Encryption Key Management Temporal Key Integrity Protocol Tkip Product Support for WPA/WPA2 Is WPA/WPA2 Perfect?Changes to Wireless Access Points Changes to Wireless Client Programs Glossary 802.11e Standard Access Point AP Bridge CSMA/CD Carrier Sense Multiple Action/Collision Detection Essid more commonly referred to as Ssid Short Set Identifier Ieee Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers MAC Media Access Control PHY Range Site survey TCP/IP War Driving Wi-Fi Protected Access and Ieee 802.11i Comparison Wi-Fi Protected Access in Mixed Mode Deployment Glossary
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WPN802 specifications

The NETGEAR WPN802 is an exceptional wireless access point that has made a significant impact on the home networking landscape. Designed to provide robust wireless connectivity, the WPN802 is an 802.11g compliant device, delivering reliable performance at data rates of up to 54 Mbps. This allows users to enjoy seamless Internet access for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the NETGEAR WPN802 is its ease of installation and setup. The device is equipped with a user-friendly setup wizard that guides users step by step through the process, making it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The WPN802 also supports both wired and wireless connections, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into existing network configurations, whether expanding a home network or setting up a new one.

Security is a crucial aspect of any wireless network, and the WPN802 addresses this with several built-in security features. It supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols, ensuring that data transmitted over the network remains secure from unauthorized access. Additionally, the device provides MAC address filtering, which allows users to control the devices that can connect to the network.

Another significant feature of the NETGEAR WPN802 is its versatility. It can function not only as an access point but also as a wireless bridge or a repeater, enabling users to extend the range of their existing wireless network. This flexibility is particularly valuable in larger homes or offices where coverage may be spotty in certain areas.

The WPN802 also includes Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize bandwidth for different applications, ensuring that critical tasks such as video conferencing and online gaming receive the necessary resources for optimal performance. This enhances the overall user experience, especially in environments with multiple connected devices.

In terms of build and design, the NETGEAR WPN802 is compact and lightweight, allowing for easy placement in various locations without being obtrusive. Its stylish exterior ensures it can fit in seamlessly with home or office decor.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR WPN802 is a highly reliable and feature-rich wireless access point that caters to the needs of modern users. With its fast wireless speeds, robust security features, versatile functionality, and user-friendly setup, it remains a commendable choice for anyone looking to enhance their wireless networking experience. Whether used in a residential or small business setting, the WPN802 stands out as a dependable solution that continues to meet the demands of today's connected world.
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