NETGEAR Insight Instant AirBridge User manual

User Manual
Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveFebruary 2020
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-12051-01

Support and Community
Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest
downloads.
You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at
community.netgear.com.
Regulatory and Legal
Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français
canadien à https://downloadcenter.netgear.com/other/.
(If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at
https://downloadcenter.netgear.com/other/.)
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit
https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy/.
By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at
https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions/. If you do not agree, return the
device to your place of purchase within your return period.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Revision History
CommentsPublish DatePublication Part
Number
First publication.February 2020202-12051-01
2
Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

Contents
Chapter 1 Access the AirBridge and Use the Easy Setup Method
Related documentation.......................................................................7
Overview................................................................................................7
About NETGEAR Insight......................................................................8
AirBridge label......................................................................................9
Operation mode: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point,
or Client Bridge.....................................................................................9
AirBridge mode..................................................................................11
Access the AirBridge for initial configuration.................................12
Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight App on an iOS or
Android mobile device.................................................................13
Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud
portal...............................................................................................14
Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile
device..............................................................................................15
Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same
network............................................................................................20
Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer..25
Operation mode and default settings after the Day Zero Easy Setup
configuration.......................................................................................30
Log in to the AirBridge after initial setup........................................31
Change the language of the local browser UI................................32
Chapter 2 Manually Configure or Change the Operation Mode
Configure the AirBridge as a master in a point-to-point or
point-to-multipoint setup..................................................................35
Configure the AirBridge as a satellite in a point-to-point setup....36
Configure the AirBridge as an access point....................................38
Configure the AirBridge as a client bridge.....................................42
Chapter 3 Manage the Wired Network Settings
Specify a static IPv4 address for the AirBridge...............................46
Specify a link-local IPv6 address for the AirBridge.........................47
Reenable the DHCP client of the AirBridge....................................48
Manage the STP settings...................................................................49
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Chapter 4 Manage the WiFi and Radio Features
Change the system name of the AirBridge.....................................53
Change the country and region of operation.................................54
Change the AirBridge mode.............................................................55
Scan for neighboring access points.................................................57
Specify the approximate distance for the WiFi connection..........59
Manage the 5 GHz SSIDs and WiFi security....................................60
Change or configure a new 5 GHz SSID for a master or access
point.................................................................................................62
Change the 5 GHz SSID or WiFi security mode for a satellite or
client bridge...................................................................................65
Configure a guest network on an access point..........................67
Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a master or access point.69
Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a satellite or client
bridge..............................................................................................71
Manage the settings for the 2.4 GHz management SSID..............73
Change the passphrase for the 2.4 GHz management SSID....73
Disable the idle time-out for the 2.4 GHz management SSID...74
Disable the 2.4 GHz management SSID.....................................75
Chapter 5 Manage Advanced WiFi and Radio Features
Manage the channel high throughput mode.................................78
Manage the channel or channels.....................................................79
Manage the radio transmit power....................................................80
Change the bit rate............................................................................82
Manage client limits...........................................................................83
Manage time slot assignments to satellites.....................................84
Manage the satellite priority.............................................................85
Set up a WiFi on/off schedule for a 5 GHz SSID.............................87
Set up a MAC filter for a 5 GHz SSID................................................89
Manually block a WiFi client or connection from a 5 GHz SSID....91
Configure traffic shaping for a 5 GHz SSID.....................................92
Change the DHCP server settings for a guest WiFi network........93
Chapter 6 Maintain the AirBridge
Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or
Standalone Mode...............................................................................97
Upgrade the firmware on the AirBridge..........................................98
Reboot the AirBridge from the local browser UI..........................100
Schedule the AirBridge to reboot..................................................101
Manage the configuration file of the AirBridge............................102
Back up the AirBridge configuration settings..........................102
Restore the AirBridge configuration settings...........................103
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Manage the default settings file of the AirBridge........................104
Reset the AirBridge to factory default settings........................104
Overwrite the AirBridge factory default settings.....................106
Restore the AirBridge to user default settings.........................107
Manage the date and time settings...............................................108
Configure and view the logs...........................................................109
View and manage the system log..............................................110
Set up a remote log server.........................................................111
Set up email alerts............................................................................112
Manage access security settings....................................................114
Change the local login password..............................................114
Manage the HTTPS settings.......................................................115
Manage the SSH settings............................................................116
Specify a management VLAN.........................................................117
Chapter 7 Monitor the AirBridge and its Network Connections
View the device status and other information..............................120
View the 5 GHz WiFi connections..................................................124
View the CPU load on the AirBridge..............................................126
View the 5 GHz WiFi and LAN traffic load.....................................127
Chapter 8 Perform Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Send a ping.......................................................................................129
Send a traceroute request...............................................................130
Send a name server lookup request..............................................131
Perform a speed test........................................................................132
Quick tips for troubleshooting.......................................................133
Troubleshoot with the LEDs............................................................136
Power LED remains off................................................................136
WLAN LED is off...........................................................................137
A LAN LED is off while a device is connected..........................137
Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity between a satellite and a master
or a client bridge and an access point...........................................138
Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity between a WiFi client and a
master or access point.....................................................................139
You cannot log in to the AirBridge over a LAN connection.......140
Changes are not saved....................................................................141
Troubleshoot your network using your computer ping utility....141
Test the LAN path from your computer to the AirBridge.......142
Test the path from your computer to a remote device...........142
Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory default settings...................................................................145
Technical specifications...................................................................147
5
Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual

1
Access the AirBridge and Use the
Easy Setup Method
This user manual is for the NETGEAR Insight Instant Wireless AirBridge WBC502, in this
manual, referred to as the AirBridge.
The AirBridge can provide an outdoor, long-distance, WiFi connection in a
master–satellite configuration that lets you extend your main network to a detached
site. You can also use the AirBridge as a long-range, point-to-point access point or client
bridge.
This user manual complements the installation guide that came with your AirBridge and
the hardware installation guide, which you can download by visiting
netgear.com/support/download/. This chapter describes how you can access the
AirBridge and configure the operation mode for your setup. The chapter includes the
following sections:
• Related documentation
• Overview
• About NETGEAR Insight
• AirBridge label
•Operation mode: AirBridge Master, AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge
• AirBridge mode
• Access the AirBridge for initial configuration
• Operation mode and default settings after the Day Zero Easy Setup configuration
• Log in to the AirBridge after initial setup
• Change the language of the local browser UI
Note: For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the
support website at netgear.com/support/.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time
to time at netgear.com/support/download/. You can check for and download new
firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is
described in this manual, you might need to update the firmware.
6

Related documentation
The following related AirBridgedocumentation is available at
netgear.com/support/download/:
•Installation guide
•Hardware installation guide
•Data sheet
For information about the NETGEAR Insight app and the Insight Cloud portal, visit
insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge base at
netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.
Overview
The AirBridge is intended for environments where you need to extend your network to
another building or across a large outdoor campus or yard while no wired network
infrastructure is available.
The AirBridge can provide a long distance, high performance, IEEE 802.11ac WiFi
connection in the following setups:
•Single master to single satellite. Point-to-point setup between two AirBridges in
a configuration with a single master and single satellite with a long-distance reach
of more than 1.8 mile (3 km). This setup requires a line of sight between the main
and detached site.
•Single master to multiple satellites. Point-to-multipoint setup between multiple
AirBridge in a configuration with a single master and up to four satellites with a
long-distance reach of more than 1.8 mile (3 km). This setup requires a line of sight
between the main and detached sites.
•Outdoor access point. A setup that allows for a long-range WiFi reach in which an
AirBridge functions as an access point that provides connections to WiFi clients,
client bridges, or both.
•Outdoor client bridge. A setup in which an AirBridge functions as a client bridge,
providing a network connection to a wired device, such as an IP surveillance camera.
The client bridge connects to the main network through a backhaul WiFi connection
to a WiFi access point.
For information about application samples, see the hardware installation guide, which
you can download from netgear.com/support/download/.
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You can mount the AirBridge outside to a wall or pole and provide power to the
AirBridge through an Ethernet cable that is connected to the provided power adapter,
which must be installed indoors. The AirBridge integrates a high-gain directional antenna
for a line of sight connection to other AirBridges or WiFi clients.
The AirBridge provides two 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 LAN ports for network
connections. One LAN port must be connected to the provided power adapter. Use
Category 5e (Cat 5e) or higher-rated Ethernet cables terminated with RJ-45 connectors
to make Gigabit connections.
For more information about the hardware, see the hardware installation guide.
The AirBridge provides administrative management options that let you configure,
monitor, and control the AirBridge and the WiFi network:
•Using the local browser user interface (UI) you can configure the AirBridge and set
up a WiFi connection between two ore more units in any of the supported operation
modes. This manual (the user manual) describes the options that are available to
you when you use the local browser UI.
•Using NETGEAR Insight, you can set up a pair or a group of AirBridges, with one
AirBridge functioning as the master and one or more other AirBridges functioning
as satellites.
For more information about NETGEAR Insight, visit netgear.com/insight and see the
NETGEAR knowledge base articles at netgear.com/support.
About NETGEAR Insight
The AirBridge supports the NETGEAR Insight app, which lets you set up and manage
the AirBridge from your iOS or Android mobile device and connects to the Insight
cloud-based management platform. For Insight Premium and Insight Pro subscribers,
the AirBridge also supports the Insight Cloud portal, which is the website that provides
access to the Insight cloud-based management platform.
This user manual describes the local browser user interface (UI). For more information
about NETGEAR Insight, visit insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge
base at netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.
If you install the AirBridge as a NETGEAR Insight managed device, the settings for
features that you can manage through the Insight app and Insight Cloud portal are
masked out in the local browser UI. However, using the local browser UI, you can still
manage the settings for certain features that are not yet supported in Insight. For more
information, visit the NETGEAR knowledge base at
netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx and search for What is Hybrid Management
Mode.
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AirBridge label
The label on the back panel of the AirBridge shows the serial number, MAC address,
default management WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and default
login information of the AirBridge.
Operation mode: AirBridge Master,
AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client
Bridge
The AirBridge can function in one of the following operation modes: master, satellite,
access point, or client bridge.
With a WiFi link partner such as another AirBridge you can provide network and Internet
connectivity to a detached site where no wired infrastructure is available.
Note: Closely related to the AirBridge operation mode is the AirBridge mode (that is,
without the term operation). For more information, see AirBridge mode on page 11.
The AirBridge can function in one of the following operation modes:
•AirBridge Master. The AirBridge functions as a master in a point-to-point setup or
point-to-multipoint setup. You install the master at a main site to provide long-distance
network and Internet connectivity to a satellite at one or more detached sites. This
setup requires a line of sight between the main site and each detached site. By
default, the AirBridge mode is enabled, which is the setting that we recommend for
a master-to-satellite setup. Depending on your network situation, your WiFi
requirements, and your understanding of the consequences, you can disable the
AirBridge mode.
Note: We do not recommend that you use a master and several satellites to create
a multi-building campus network backbone.
•AirBridge Satellite. The AirBridge functions as a satellite in a master-to-satellite
setup. You install the satellite at a detached site. The master provides long-distance
network and Internet connectivity to the satellite. This setup requires a line of sight
between the detached site and main site. By default, the AirBridge mode is enabled,
which is the setting that we recommend for a master-to-satellite setup. However, the
AirBridge mode must be the same as on the master with which the satellites
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associates. If the AirBridge mode is disabled on the master, you must also disable
it on the satellite.
•Access Point. The AirBridge functions as a regular WiFi access point to provide
network and Internet connectivity to any of the following types of WiFi link partners:
-An AirBridge that functions as a client bridge
- WiFi clients at an extended range
- Another model access point
•Client Bridge. The AirBridge functions as a client bridge at a detached site to provide
network and Internet connectivity to a wired device such as an IP surveillance camera.
The client bridge connects to a WiFi access point at the main site. This access point
can be can an AirBridge or another type of access point.
Table 1. Operation mode features
Client BridgeAccess PointAirBridge SatelliteAirBridge MasterSetting
N/AN/ADisabled1 Enabled1 DisabledEnabledAirBridge
mode
Extended
range3
Extended
range3
Extended
range3
Long
distance2
Extended
range3
Long
distance2
Expected WiFi
range
N/AN/AN/ARequiredN/ARequiredLine of sight
AirBridge AP
or any WiFi AP
WiFi clients,
AirBridge AP,
and any WiFi
AP
AirBridge
master only
AirBridge
master only
AirBridge, any
WiFi AP, and
WiFi clients
AirBridge
satellite only
WiFi link
partners
181141Number of
5 GHz SSIDs
1. The AirBridge mode setting on the satellite must the same as the one on the master.
2. Reliable long-distance WiFi connection up to 3 km (1.8 miles) for a limited number of satellites.
3. Powerful antenna for a reliable extended-range WiFi connection for multiple individual WiFi clients.
Note: For information about configuring the operation mode, see Access the AirBridge
for initial configuration on page 12 and Manually Configure or Change the Operation
Mode on page 34.
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AirBridge mode
The AirBridge mode specifies the type of multiple access method that the AirBridge
uses.
Note: Closely related to the AirBridge mode is the AirBridge operation mode (that is,
with the term operation). For more information, see Operation mode: AirBridge Master,
AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge on page 9.
You can select the AirBridge mode only if the operation mode of the AirBridge is
AirBridge Master or AirBridge Satellite. In a master-to-satellite setup, you must either
enable or disable the AirBridge mode on both the master and the satellite. (Do no
enable it on one and disable it on the other.)
The AirBridge mode determines the following characteristics on the AirBridge:
AirBridge mode enabled:
•Highly reliable connections for a limited number of WiFi devices. Provides
reliable point-to-point connections between a master and a satellite and
point-to-multipoint connections between a master and a limited number of satellites.
•Best suitable for long distance for a limited number of WiFi devices. A master
and connect over a long distance of up to 3 km (1.8 miles) to a satellite at a detached
site.
•Single 5 GHz SSID. A single 5 GHz SSID provides the backhaul WiFi connection
between the master and the satellites.
•No individual WiFi clients supported. Other than the satellites, individual WiFi
clients cannot connect to the 5 GHz SSID. However, by connecting a switch and a
WiFi access point to the satellite, you can support multiple WiFi clients at the detached
site.
•Another AirBridge as a link partner only. An AirBridge and one or more other
AirBridges can establish WiFi connections. You cannot use any other types of access
points as link partners.
AirBridge mode disabled:
•Reliable connections for multiple WiFi devices. Provides reliable
point-to-multipoint connections between an access points and multiple individual
WiFi clients.
•Best suitable for extended range for multiple WiFi devices. The powerful antenna
of the AirBridge supports a WiFi range that extends beyond the range of most access
points.
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•Multiple 5 GHz SSIDs. Multiple 5 GHz SSIDs can support satellites, client bridges,
and individual WiFi clients.
•Individual WiFi clients supported. Individual WiFi clients can connect to the
AirBridge.
•Any access point as link partner. Any access point, including third-party access
points, can establish a WiFi connection with an AirBridge.
Note: For information about configuring the AirBridge mode, see Manually Configure
or Change the Operation Mode on page 34, and Change the AirBridge mode on page
55.
Access the AirBridge for initial configuration
Depending on your network situation and preference, you can use different methods
to connect to the AirBridge for initial configuration.
You can access and configure the AirBridge by using the NETGEAR Insight app on an
iOS or Android mobile device, by using the Insight Cloud portal, or by using the local
browser UI. You cannot combine Insight management with management over the local
browser UI. These types of management are mutually exclusive.
The Insight app and the Insight Cloud portal provide ease of access and let you configure
most features that are available on the AirBridge, except for the access point and client
bridge operation modes. However, the local browser UI lets you configure all features
that are available on the AirBridge.
CAUTION: This device must be professionally installed. It is the installer’s responsibility
to follow local country regulations, including operations within legal frequency channels,
output power, and DFS requirements. The vendor, reseller, or distributor is not
responsible for illegal wireless operations. For more details, see the device’s terms and
conditions.
Determine your access and configuration method and then see the information in the
relevant section in this manual:
•Insight app or the Insight Cloud portal. If you use the Insight app or the Insight
Cloud portal to access and configure the AirBridge, see one of the following sections:
- Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight App on an iOS or Android mobile
device on page 13
- Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal on page 14
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•Local browser UI. If you use the local browser UI to access and configure the
AirBridge, see one of the following sections:
- Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device on page 15
- Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same network on
page 20
- Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer on page 25
Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight App on an
iOS or Android mobile device
You can install the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device and set
up the AirBridge (and perform many other tasks as well).
IMPORTANT: If you add the AirBridge to a NETGEAR Insight network location and
manage the AirBridge through the Insight app or Insight Cloud portal, the local device
password for the AirBridge changes. That is, the Insight network password for that
location replaces the local device password. To access the local browser UI, you must
then enter the Insight network password and not the local device password. If you later
decide to remove the AirBridge from the Insight network location or change the
management mode to Standalone Mode (see Change the management mode to
NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone Mode on page 97), you must continue to use
the Insight network password to access the local browser UI until you manually change
the local device password on the AirBridge.
For more information about the Insight app, visit insight.netgear.com and see the
NETGEAR knowledge base at netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.
To connect to the AirBridge over WiFi using an iOS or Android mobile device:
1. On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for NETGEAR
Insight, and download the latest version of the Insight app.
2. Connect your mobile device to the WiFi network of AirBridge.
The default management SSID is on the AirBridge label on the back of the AirBridge
and is shown in the format NETGEARxxxxxx-SETUP, where xxxxxx is the last six
hexadecimal digits of the AirBridge’s MAC address.
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The default password is sharedsecret.
3. Open the Insight app.
4. If you did not set up a NETGEAR account, tap Create NETGEAR Account and follow
the onscreen instructions.
5. Enter the email address and password for your account and tap LOG IN.
After you log in to your account, the IP address of the AirBridge displays in the device
list.
6. Write down the AirBridge IP address.
You can use the IP address to connect to the local browser UI of the AirBridge using
an Ethernet connection when your computer is connected to the same network as
the AirBridge. For more information, see Connect over Ethernet using a computer
connected to the same network on page 20.
7. To use the Insight app (instead of the local browser UI) to configure and manage
the AirBridge, tap the AirBridge, and follow the prompts to register the AirBridge
and add it to an Insight network location.
Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud
portal
The Insight Cloud portal is available for Insight Premium or Insight Pro subscribers. To
use the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal to configure and manage the AirBridge, the
AirBridge must already be connected to the Internet.
IMPORTANT: If you add the AirBridge to a NETGEAR Insight network location and
manage the AirBridge through the Insight app or Insight Cloud portal, the local device
password for the AirBridge changes. That is, after you add the AirBridge to an Insight
network location, the Insight network password for that location replaces the local device
password. To access the local browser UI, you must then enter the Insight network
password and not the local device password. If you later decide to remove the AirBridge
from the Insight network location or change the management mode to Web-browser
mode (see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight Mode or Standalone
Mode on page 97), you must continue to use the Insight network password to access
the local browser UI until you manually change the local device password on the
AirBridge.
For more information about the Insight Cloud portal and the configuration and
management options that are available through the Insight Cloud portal, visit
insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge base at
netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.
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To connect to the AirBridge over the Internet through the Insight Cloud portal:
1. Visit insight.netgear.com.
The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.
2. Enter your Insight email address and password.
If you do not own an Insight account, you can create one.
3. Click the Login button.
You can now add the AirBridge to an Insight network location so that you configure
and manage the AirBridge.
Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or
mobile device
This section describes how to connect to the AirBridge for the first time over WiFi using
a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device (without using the NETGEAR Insight app).
For this procedure, do not yet connect the AirBridge to a network with a DHCP server,
otherwise you cannot access the AirBridge at its default IP address of 192.168.0.100.
To connect to the AirBridge over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile
device:
1. From your computer or mobile device, connect over WiFi to the AirBridge’s default
management WiFi network.
The default SSID is on the AirBridge label on the bottom of the AirBridge and is
shown in the format NETGEARxxxxxx-SETUP, where xxxxxx is the last six hexadecimal
digits of the AirBridge’s MAC address. The default password is sharedsecret.
2. On the computer or mobile device, open a web browser and, in the address bar,
enter https://192.168.0.100.
When the AirBridge is not connected to a network with a DHCP server, the default
IP address of the AirBridge is 192.168.0.100.
The Day Zero Easy Setup page displays.
3. If your browser does not open the Day Zero Easy Setup page but displays a security
message and does not let you proceed, do one of the following:
•Google Chrome. If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private
message, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to 192.168.1.1
(unsafe) link, in which x.x.x.x represents the IP address of the switch.
•Apple Safari. If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message,
click the Show Details button. Then, click the visit this website link. If a warning
pop-up window opens, click the Visit Website button. If another pop-up window
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opens to let you confirm changes to your certificate trust settings, enter your Mac
user name and password and click the Update Setting button.
•Mozilla Firefox. If Mozilla Firefox displays a Your connection is not secure
message, click the ADVANCED button. Then, click the Add Exception button.
In the pop-up window that opens, click the Confirm Security Exception button.
•Microsoft Internet Explore. If Microsoft Internet Explorer displays a There is a
problem with this website’s security certificate message, click the Continue to
this website (not recommended) link.
•Microsoft Edge. If Microsoft Edge displays a There is a problem with this website’s
security certificate message or a similar warning, select Details > Go on to the
webpage.
4. Select the Standalone Mode radio button.
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Note: After you save the basic settings that are shown on the page, the Day Zero
Easy Setup page no longer displays when you log in. Instead, a login window opens.
After you log in, the Dashboard page displays.
5. Enter the settings that are described in the following table.
DescriptionSetting
From the menu, select the country and region in which the AirBridge is operating.
Note: Make sure that the country is set to the location where the device is operating. You
are responsible for complying with the local, regional, and national regulations that are
set for channels, power levels, and frequency ranges.
Note: It might not be legal to operate the AirBridge in a region other than the regions
listed in the menu. If your country or region is not listed, check with your local government
agency.
Country/Region
From the menu, select the time zone for the country and region in which the AirBridge is
operating.
Time Zone
By default, the DHCP client of the AirBridge allows the AirBridge to receive an IP address
from a DHCP server (or router that functions as a DHCP server) in your network.
To set up the AirBridge with a static (fixed) IP address, do the following:
a. Select the Disable radio button.
Additional fields display.
b. Specify the IP address, IP subnet mask, IP address of the default gateway, and IP address
of the DNS server.
DHCP Client
As an option, enter a new system name for the AirBridge. The name must contain
alphanumeric characters, cannot be longer than 15 characters, and cannot contains spaces.
The name can contain hyphens, but cannot start or end with a hyphen.
By default, the system name is WBC502, which is the AirBridge’s model number.
AP Name
Enter a new local device password. This is the password that you must use to log in to the
AirBridge’s local browser UI. (It is not the password that you use for WiFi access.)
The password must be 8 to 63 characters in length and must contain at least one uppercase
letter, one lowercase letter, and one number. The following special characters are allowed:
!@#$%^&*()
Write down and save the password for future use.
AP Login New
Password
Enter exactly the same password that you entered in the AP Login New Password field.Confirm New
Password
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(Continued)
DescriptionSetting
From the menu, select the operation mode that the AirBridge must function in:
•AirBridge Master
•AirBridge Satellite
•Access Point
•Client Bridge
For information about the operation modes, see Operation mode: AirBridge Master,
AirBridge Satellite, Access Point, or Client Bridge on page 9 and Operation mode and
default settings after the Day Zero Easy Setup configuration on page 30.
Operation Mode
Enter a name for the 5 GHz SSID. You can use a maximum of 32 characters with a
combination of alphanumeric and special characters, except for quotation marks (") and
a backslash (\).
The function of the 5 GHz SSID depends on the operation mode:
•AirBridge master and satellite. The 5 GHz SSID is the backhaul WiFi connection
between the master and the satellite.
•Access point. The 5 GHz SSID is the WiFi network that the access point broadcasts.
•Client bridge. The 5 GHz SSID is the WiFi extension between the client bridge and the
base station.
SSID
From the menu, select one of the following authentication types for the 5 GHz SSID:
•Open. Authentication is not required and data encryption is not supported. This setting
does not provide any security and is not appropriate for most situations.
•WPA2-AES. This option allows the 5 GHz SSID to be secured with a WPA2 passphrase.
This option uses AES encryption. All devices that use the 5 GHz SSID must be capable
of supporting WPA2-AES.
After you complete the setup process, you can set up WPA2 Enterprise security with
RADIUS servers. For more information, see Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a master
or access point on page 69 or Set up WPA2-Enterprise security on a satellite or client
bridge on page 71.
Authentication
Unless you select Open from the Authentication Type menu, enter a new passphrase
(network key or WiFi password) for the 5 GHz SSID.
The length of the passphrase must be from 8 to 63 characters.
Passphrase
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DescriptionSetting
On this page, you cannot change the default management SSID.
The management SSID lets you connect from your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile
device to the AirBridge to configure and manage the it. This management SSID is not
used for backhaul or regular WiFi client connections.
For more information, see Manage the settings for the 2.4 GHz management SSID on
page 73.
Management
SSID
Enter a new passphrase (network key or WiFi password) for the management SSID. This
passphrase replaces the default passphrase (sharedsecret).
The length of the passphrase must be from 8 to 63 characters.
Management
WPA2
Passphrase
6. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved, and the AirBridge restarts.
This process takes about one minute.
7. Reconnect over WiFi to the AirBridge’s WiFi network using the new SSID and
passphrase that you just defined on the Day Zero Easy Setup page.
8. In the web browser, enter https://192.168.0.100.
If you assigned a static IP address to the AirBridge, enter that IP address.
The login page displays.
9. If your browser does not display the login page but displays a security message and
does not let you proceed, see the information in Step 3.
10. Enter the AirBridge user name and local device password.
The user name is admin. The local device password is the one that you just defined
on the Day Zero Easy Setup page. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
11. In the TERMS OF USE section, click the NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions link, and
read the terms of use.
12. If you agree, select the check box to acknowledge that you read and agree with the
terms of use.
You need to select this check box only once. Subsequent times that you log in, the
check box is preselected.
13. Click the Login button.
The Device Status page displays the Device Information section and other sections.
You can now customize the AirBridge settings for your network environment.
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Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the
same network
The following procedure assumes that your network includes a DHCP server (or router
that functions as a DHCP server) and that the AirBridge and the computer are on the
same network. By default, the AirBridge functions as a DHCP client. If you want to set
up the AirBridge with a static (fixed) IP address, see Connect over Ethernet using a
directly connected computer on page 25.
To connect to the AirBridge using a computer that is connected to the same network
as the AirBridge:
1. To determine the IP address that the DHCP server assigned to the AirBridge, use
one of the following methods:
•Windows-based computer. If you use a Windows-based computer, open
Windows Explorer, and click the Network link. If prompted, enable the Network
Discovery feature. Under Network Infrastructure, locate the WBC502 (assuming
that you did not change the system name), and double-click WBC502.
•DHCP server. Access the DHCP server in your network and open the page the
shows the network connections.
•IP network scanner. Use an IP network scanner to scan for the IP address that
is assigned to the AirBridge.
•NETGEAR Insight app. Use the NETGEAR Insight app to discover the IP address
that is assigned to the AirBridge. For more information, see Connect over WiFi
using the NETGEAR Insight App on an iOS or Android mobile device on page
13.
2. On the computer, open a web browser and, in the address bar, enter the IP address
that is assigned to the AirBridge.
The Day Zero Easy Setup page displays.
3. If your browser does not open the Day Zero Easy Setup page but displays a security
message and does not let you proceed, do one of the following:
•Google Chrome. If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private
message, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to 192.168.1.1
(unsafe) link, in which x.x.x.x represents the IP address of the switch.
•Apple Safari. If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message,
click the Show Details button. Then, click the visit this website link. If a warning
pop-up window opens, click the Visit Website button. If another pop-up window
opens to let you confirm changes to your certificate trust settings, enter your Mac
user name and password and click the Update Setting button.
User Manual20Access the AirBridge and Use
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Insight Instant AirBridge WBC502 User Manual