Reference Manual for the NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless Access Point WPN802

Access Point (AP)

A wireless LAN transceiver or "base station" that can connect a wired LAN to one or many wireless devices. Access points can also bridge to each other.

There are various types of access points, also referred to as base stations, used in both wireless and wired networks. These include bridges, hubs, switches, routers and gateways. The differences between them are not always precise, because certain capabilities associated with one can also be added to another. For example, a router can do bridging, and a hub may also be a switch. But they are all involved in making sure data is transferred from one location to another.

A bridge connects devices that all use the same kind of protocol. A router can connect networks that use differing protocols. It also reads the addresses included in the packets and routes them to the appropriate computer station, working with any other routers in the network to choose the best path to send the packets on. A wireless hub or access point adds a few capabilities such as roaming and provides a network connection to a variety of clients, but it does not allocate bandwidth. A switch is a hub that has extra intelligence: It can read the address of a packet and send it to the appropriate computer station. A wireless gateway is an access point that provides additional capabilities such as NAT routing, DHCP, firewalls, security, etc.

Ad-Hoc mode

Aclient setting that provides independent peer-to-peer connectivity in a wireless LAN. An alternative set-up is one where PCs communicate with each other through an AP. See access point and Infrastructure mode.

Bandwidth

The amount of transmission capacity that is available on a network at any point in time. Available bandwidth depends on several variables such as the rate of data transmission speed between networked devices, network overhead, number of users, and the type of device used to connect PCs to a network. It is similar to a pipeline in that capacity is determined by size: the wider the pipe, the more water can flow through it; the more bandwidth a network provides, the more data can flow through it. Standard 802.11b provides a bandwidth of 11 Mbps; 802.11a and 802.11g provide a bandwidth of 54 Mbps.

Bits per second (bps)

A measure of data transmission speed over communication lines based on the number of bits that can be sent or received per second. Bits per second—bps—is often confused with bytes per second—Bps. While "bits" is a measure of transmission speed, "bytes" is a measure of storage capability. 8 bits make a byte, so if a wireless network is operating at a bandwidth of 11 megabits per second (11 Mbps or 11 Mbits/sec), it is sending data at 1.375 megabytes per second (1.375 Mbps).

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

A technology specification for linking portable computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones for short-range transmission of voice and data across a global radio frequency band without the need

Glossary

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NETGEAR WPN802 manual Access Point AP
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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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