NETGEAR WGX102 User manual

September 2004 202-10042-01
202-10042-01
Version 1.0
September 2004
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Reference Manual for the
54 Mbps Wall-Plugged
Wireless Range Extender
WGX102

ii
September 2004 202-10042-01
© 2004 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved. September 2004.
Trademarks
NETGEAR is a trademark of Netgear, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
EN 55 022 Declaration of Conformance
This is to certify that the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102 is shielded against the generation
of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is
declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22).
Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102 gemäß der im
BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 und Vfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige
Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B. Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die
Anmerkungen in der Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102 has been suppressed
in accordance with the conditions set out in the BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some

September 2004 202-10042-01
iii
equipment (for example, test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain
restrictions. Please refer to the notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market
and has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) Statement
This equipment is in the second category (information equipment to be used in a residential area or an adjacent area
thereto) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing
Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas.
When used near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference.
Read instructions for correct handling.
Customer Support
Refer to the Support Information Card that shipped with your 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender
WGX102.
World Wide Web
NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web home page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL)
http://www.netgear.com. A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Internet Explorer
or Netscape are required.

September 2004 202-10042-01
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Contents v
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Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats ................................................................1-1
How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
Key Features ..................................................................................................................2-1
802.11g Wireless Networking ...................................................................................2-2
Easy Installation and Management ..........................................................................2-3
Content Filtering in Router Mode .............................................................................2-3
Maintenance and Support ........................................................................................2-3
Package Contents ..........................................................................................................2-4
The WGX102 Front Panel ........................................................................................2-5
The Label on the Rear Panel of the WGX102 ..........................................................2-6
The WGX102 Bottom Panel .....................................................................................2-6
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................................2-6
Chapter 3
Installing the XE102 and the WGX102
Prepare to Install Your Range Extender .........................................................................3-1
WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender Operation Modes ...........................................3-2
Access Point Mode ..................................................................................................3-2
Router Mode ............................................................................................................3-3
Installing the WGX102 in Access Point Mode ................................................................3-3
Basic Installation Troubleshooting Tips ....................................................................3-7
Logging On to Configure the WGX102 ...........................................................................3-8
Configuring the WGX102 in Access Point Mode ..........................................................3-10
Configuring the LAN IP Setup Options in Access Point Mode .....................................3-10

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vi Contents
Chapter 4
Configuring the WGX102 in Router Mode
Connecting the WGX102 to the Internet in Router Mode ...............................................4-2
Manually Configuring Your Internet Connection .............................................................4-7
Manual PPPoE Configuration ..................................................................................4-9
Manual PPTP Configuration ...................................................................................4-10
Configuring the WGX102 in Router Mode ....................................................................4-13
Chapter 5
Wireless Configuration
Observing Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines .........................................5-1
Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security ..................................................................5-2
Wireless Data Security Options ...............................................................................5-2
Basic Wireless Settings ..................................................................................................5-2
Information to Gather Before Changing Basic Wireless Settings .............................5-5
Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................5-6
Setting Up and Testing Basic Wireless Connectivity ................................................5-6
Configuring WEP Security ........................................................................................5-8
Configuring WPA-PSK Wireless Security .....................................................................5-10
Restricting Wireless Access by MAC Address .............................................................5-11
Chapter 6
Maintenance
Configuring the HomePlug Password .............................................................................6-1
Viewing Access Point Status Information .......................................................................6-3
Viewing Router Status Information .................................................................................6-6
Viewing a List of Attached Devices .................................................................................6-9
Configuration File Management ...................................................................................6-10
Backing Up the Configuration ................................................................................6-10
Erasing the Configuration .......................................................................................6-11
Upgrading the Range Extender Software .....................................................................6-11
Changing the Administrator Password .........................................................................6-12
Chapter 7
Content Filtering in Router Mode
Content Filtering Overview .............................................................................................7-1
Blocking Access to Internet Sites ...................................................................................7-1
Blocking Access to Internet Services .............................................................................7-3
Configuring a User Defined Service .........................................................................7-4

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Configuring Services Blocking by IP Address Range ..............................................7-5
Scheduling When Blocking is Enforced ..........................................................................7-5
Viewing Logs of Web Access or Attempted Web Access ...............................................7-6
Configuring E-Mail Alert and Web Access Log Notifications ..........................................7-7
Chapter 8
Advanced Configuration of the WGX102
Configuring Port Triggering .............................................................................................8-1
Configuring Port Forwarding to Local Servers ................................................................8-4
Adding a Custom Service .........................................................................................8-5
Local Web and FTP Server Example .......................................................................8-6
Multiple Computers for Half Life, KALI or Quake III Example ..................................8-6
Configuring the WAN Setup Options ..............................................................................8-7
Configuring the LAN IP Setup Options in Router Mode .................................................8-9
Using the WGX102 as a DHCP server ..................................................................8-11
Using Address Reservation ....................................................................................8-12
Configuring Dynamic DNS ............................................................................................8-12
Configuring Static Routes .............................................................................................8-13
Enabling Remote Management Access .......................................................................8-16
Configuring Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) ...............................................................8-17
Chapter 9
Troubleshooting
NETGEAR Product Registration, Support, and Documentation .....................................9-1
Basic Functioning ...........................................................................................................9-1
Power Light Not On ..................................................................................................9-2
HomePlug/Internet or Wireless Port Lights Not On ..................................................9-2
Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface ..........................................................9-2
Troubleshooting the ISP Connection ..............................................................................9-3
Troubleshooting a TCP/IP Network Using a Ping Utility .................................................9-5
Testing the LAN Path to the WGX102 ......................................................................9-5
Testing the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device .....................................9-6
Restoring the Default Configuration and Password ........................................................9-7
Problems with Date and Time .........................................................................................9-7

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viii Contents
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics
Related Publications ...................................................................................................... B-1
Basic Router Concepts .................................................................................................. B-1
What is a Router? ................................................................................................... B-1
Routing Information Protocol ................................................................................... B-2
IP Addresses and the Internet ....................................................................................... B-2
Netmask .................................................................................................................. B-4
Subnet Addressing .................................................................................................. B-5
Private IP Addresses ............................................................................................... B-7
Single IP Address Operation Using NAT ....................................................................... B-8
MAC Addresses and Address Resolution Protocol ................................................. B-9
Related Documents ................................................................................................. B-9
Domain Name Server ............................................................................................ B-10
IP Configuration by DHCP ........................................................................................... B-10
Internet Security and Firewalls .................................................................................... B-10
What is a Firewall? .................................................................................................B-11
Stateful Packet Inspection ...............................................................................B-11
Denial of Service Attack ..................................................................................B-11
Ethernet Cabling ...........................................................................................................B-11
Category 5 Cable Quality ...................................................................................... B-12
Inside Twisted Pair Cables .................................................................................... B-13
Uplink Switches, Crossover Cables, and MDI/MDIX Switching ............................ B-14
Appendix C
Preparing Your Network
What You Need To Use a Router with a Broadband Modem .........................................C-1
Cabling and Computer Hardware ............................................................................C-1
Computer Network Configuration Requirements ....................................................C-2
Internet Configuration Requirements ......................................................................C-2
Where Do I Get the Internet Configuration Parameters? ........................................C-2
Record Your Internet Connection Information .........................................................C-3
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking .......................................................C-4
Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP Networking .......................................C-5

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September 2004 202-10042-01
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components .................................................C-5
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 95B, 98, and Me
C-6
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method ..........................................................C-9
Verifying TCP/IP Properties ....................................................................................C-9
Configuring Windows NT4, 2000 or XP for IP Networking ..........................................C-10
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ...............................................C-10
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4 ............................. C-11
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ................................................... C-11
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 ................................................C-13
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4 ..................................................C-16
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4 ..............................C-18
Configuring the Macintosh for TCP/IP Networking ......................................................C-19
MacOS 8.6 or 9.x ..................................................................................................C-19
MacOS X ...............................................................................................................C-20
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Macintosh Computers .........................................C-20
Verifying the Readiness of Your Internet Account .......................................................C-21
Are Login Protocols Used? ...................................................................................C-21
What Is Your Configuration Information? ..............................................................C-21
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Windows Computers .......................C-22
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Macintosh Computers .....................C-23
Restarting the Network ................................................................................................C-24
Appendix D
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ......................................................................................D-1
Infrastructure Mode .................................................................................................D-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ................................................................D-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................D-2
Authentication and WEP ................................................................................................D-3
802.11 Authentication ..............................................................................................D-3
Open System Authentication ...................................................................................D-4
Shared Key Authentication ......................................................................................D-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................D-5
Key Size ..................................................................................................................D-6
WEP Configuration Options ....................................................................................D-7
Wireless Channels .........................................................................................................D-7

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WPA Wireless Security ..................................................................................................D-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................D-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................D-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ......................................................D-10
WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS ..................................................D-12
WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................D-14
Is WPA Perfect? ....................................................................................................D-16
Product Support for WPA ......................................................................................D-16
Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients is Discouraged ......D-16
Changes to Wireless Access Points ...............................................................D-17
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters .........................................................D-17
Changes to Wireless Client Programs ............................................................D-18
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................G-1
Index

About This Manual 1
September 2004 202-10042-01
Chapter 1
About This Manual
This chapter describes the intended audience, scope, conventions, and formats of this manual.
Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies tutorial
information is provided in the Appendices and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
This guide uses the following format to highlight special messages:
This manual is written for the WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender according to these
specifications.
Table 1-1. Typographical Conventions
italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold User input
SMALL CAPS Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Table 1-2. Manual Scope
Product Version 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102
Manual Publication Date September 2004
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGX102.asp.

Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102
2About This Manual
September 2004 202-10042-01
How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes a variety of navigation features as well as links to PDF
versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
Figure 1 -1: HTML version of this manual
1. Left pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites tabs.
To view the HTML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later browser with
JavaScript enabled.
2. Toolbar buttons. Use the toolbar buttons across the top to navigate, print pages, and more.
The Show in Contents button locates the current topic in the Contents tab.
Previous/Next buttons display the previous or next topic.
The PDF button links to a PDF version of the full manual.
The Print button prints the current topic. Click this button when a step-by-step
procedure is displayed to send the entire procedure to your printer. You do not
have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
3. Right pane. Use the right pane to view the contents of the manual. Also, each page of the
manual includes a link at the top right which links to a PDF file
containing just the currently selected chapter of the manual.
12
3

Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102
About This Manual 3
September 2004 202-10042-01
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
•Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View.
Use the Print button on the upper right of the toolbar to print the currently displayed
topic. Use this button when a step-by-step procedure is displayed to send the entire procedure
to your printer. You do not have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
•Printing a Chapter.
Use the link at the top right of any page.
– Click “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
Note: Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view
and print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
•Printing the Full Manual.
Use the PDF button in the toolbar at the top right of the browser window.
– Click the PDF button on the upper right of the toolbar. The PDF version of the
chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102
4About This Manual
September 2004 202-10042-01

Introduction 2-1
September 2004 202-10042-01
Chapter 2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR®54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range
Extender WGX102. The WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender can perform in either Access
Point (AP) Mode or in Router Mode, depending on the configuration:
• Access Point (AP) Mode — serves as a wireless range extender.
• Router Mode — provides a wireless connection for multiple computers to the Internet through
an external broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL modem) that is normally
intended for use by a single computer.
This chapter describes the features of the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range
Extender WGX102.
Key Features
The 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102 connects your local area network
(LAN) to the Internet through an XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge and an external access
device such as a cable modem or DSL modem.
With minimum setup, you can install and use the range extender within minutes, without the need
to run Ethernet cable throughout your home.
Note: This manual provides information on the complete features as of the date of
publication. Earlier versions of this product may not have all the features presented in
this manual. Go to http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGX102.asp where you will
find product firmware updates for your WGX102.

Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102
2-2 Introduction
September 2004 202-10042-01
The WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender provides the following features:
• 802.11g wireless networking, with the ability to operate in 802.11g-only, or 802.11b+g modes.
• Easy, Web-based setup for installation and management.
• Extensive protocol support.
• Login capability
• Front panel LEDs for easy monitoring of status and activity.
• Flash memory for firmware upgrades.
802.11g Wireless Networking
The WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender includes an 802.11g wireless access point, providing
continuous, high-speed 54 Mbps access between your wireless and wall-plugged devices. The
access point provides:
• 802.11g wireless networking at up to 54 Mbps.
• Operates in 802.11g-only, 802.11b-only, or 802.11g and b modes. Provides backwards
compatibility with 802.11b devices or dedicates the wireless network to the higher bandwidth
802.11g devices.
• 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption security.
• WEP keys can be generated manually or by passphrase.
• 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.
• Wireless access can be restricted by MAC address.
• Wireless network name broadcast can be turned off so that only devices that have the network
name (SSID) can connect.

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Introduction 2-3
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Easy Installation and Management
You can install, configure, and operate the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender
WGX102 within minutes after connecting it to the network. The following features simplify
installation and management tasks:
• Browser-based management
Browser-based configuration allows you to easily configure your range extender from almost
any type of personal computer, such as Windows, Macintosh, or Linux. A user-friendly Setup
Wizard is provided and online help documentation is built into the browser-based Web
Management Interface.
• Firmware Updates
The WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender can be updated if a newer version of firmware is
available. This lets you take advantage of product enhancements for your WGX102 as soon as
they become available.
• Visual monitoring
The WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender’s front panel LEDs provide an easy way to
monitor its status and activity.
Content Filtering in Router Mode
When used in Router Mode, the WGX102 provides you with multiple Web content filtering
options, plus browsing activity reporting and instant alerts via e-mail. Parents and network
administrators can establish restricted access policies based on time of day, Web site addresses and
address keywords. High-speed cable/DSL Internet access lines can be shared between multiple
computers. In addition to the Network Address Translation (NAT) feature, the built-in firewall
protects you from hackers.
Maintenance and Support
NETGEAR offers the following features to help you maximize your use of the WGX102
Wall-Plugged Range Extender:
• Flash memory for firmware upgrades.
• Free technical support seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, for 90 days from the date
of purchase.

Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102
2-4 Introduction
September 2004 202-10042-01
Package Contents
The product package should contain the following items:
• 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102.
• Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge XE102.
•NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102 Resource CD
(240-10088-01), including:
— This guide.
—Installation Guide for the WGX102.
— Application Notes and other helpful information.
•NETGEAR Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge XE102 User’s Guide.
• Registration, Warranty Card, and Support Information Card.
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the range extender for
repair.

Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender WGX102
Introduction 2-5
September 2004 202-10042-01
The WGX102 Front Panel
The front panel of the WGX102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender contains the status lights described
below.
Figure 2-1: WGX102 Front Panel
You can use the status lights to verify connections. Viewed from top to bottom, the table below
describes the lights on the front panel of the range extender.
Table 2-1. Status Light Descriptions
Label Activity Description
Power On Green Solid
Blink
Off
Power is supplied to the WGX102.
Power on self test.
Power is not supplied to the WGX102.
HomePlug — AP Mode
Internet — Router Mode On
Off
The HomePlug port (or Internet port in Router Mode) has
detected a link with an attached device.
No devices are attached on the Powerline network.
Wireless On
Blink
Off
The Wireless port is initialized and the wireless feature is
enabled.
Data is being transmitted or received by the wireless port.
There is a problem with the device. See Chapter 9,
“Troubleshooting”.

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2-6 Introduction
September 2004 202-10042-01
The Label on the Rear Panel of the WGX102
The label on the rear panel of the WGX102 contains the items listed below.
• MAC address
• Model number
• Serial number
• Unique device Passcode (PWD)
The WGX102 Bottom Panel
The factory default reset push button is located on the bottom panel of the WGX102, as shown
below.
Figure 1-2: WGX102 Underside
If you press the reset button for less than 15 seconds, the WGX102 does a soft reset, similar to
unplugging and then plugging the device in again.
When you press the reset button for 15 seconds or more, the WGX102 resets to the factory
defaults, as described in “Restoring the Default Configuration and Password” on page 9-7.
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’
The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Broadband
Internet service is considered so useful that more and more people want to set up networks in their
home to share a broadband connection. Wireless technology has removed one of the barriers to
networking—running wires. It allows more people to try networking while at the same time
exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking. General networking concepts, setup, and
maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition, wireless technology adds issues, such as
range, interference, signal quality, and security to the picture.