Introduction 2-1
202-10060-02, February 2005
Chapter 2Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR NETGEAR WG602v3 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point.
Minimal prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 2-4.

About the NETGEAR WG602v3 54 Mbps Wireless Access

Point

The NETGEAR WG602v3 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is the basic building block of a
wireless LAN infrastructure. It provides connectivity between wired Ethernet networks and
radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.
The WG602v3 provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed
range or area of coverage, interacting with a wireless network interface card (NIC) via an antenna.
Typically, an in-doors access point provides a maximum connectivity area with about a 300 foot
radius. The NETGEAR WG602v3 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can support a small group of
users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated for up to 32 users
simultaneously.
The auto-sensing capability of the NETGEAR WG602v3 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point allows
packet transmission at up to 54 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or
electromagnetic noise interference.

Support for Standards

The following standards and conventions are supported:
•Standards Compliant. The WG602v3 Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11g (DSSS).
•WEP support. Support for WEP is included. Both 64-bit and 128-bit keys are supported.
•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.
•WPA2-PSK support. Support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) data encryption which
provides strong data encryption and authentication based on a pre-shared key.