NETGEAR WG602V4 Chapter Introduction, About the NETGEAR WG602v4 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

Chapter 1

Introduction

This chapter introduces the NETGEAR WG602v4 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point. Minimal prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 2-2.

About the NETGEAR WG602v4 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

The NETGEAR WG602v4 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 WG602v4 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 WG602v4 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 WG602v4 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 Wireless AP complies with the IEEE 802.11g (DSSS).

•WEP support. Support for WEP is included. Both 64-bit and 128-bit keys are supported.

•Full WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK support. WPA and WPA2 enterprise-class strong security with dynamic encryption key generation and pre-shared key authentication.

•DHCP Client Support. DHCP provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other devices upon request. The WG602v4 can act as a client and obtain information from your DHCP server.

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v1.0, June 2007