NETGEAR ME101 - Wireless EN Bridge Network Converter User manual

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
1: Preparing to Install the ME101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Placement and Range Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
ME101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2: Installing the ME101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3: Configuring Your ME101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID), IP Address,
and WEP Security Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Installing the Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Configuring the Bridge for Your Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Changing the Password for the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Upgrading the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Enabling WEP Security on the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Using the Browser-based Configuration Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
ME101 02.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge Lights and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . .14
ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Restoring the Bridge to the Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge Status Settings . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
ME101 02.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
System Requirements for the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a NETGEAR ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge. With this
bridge you can connect a gaming console, personal computer, printer, or other Ethernet-
enabled device to communicate with your wireless router or access point.
This guide shows you how to connect the bridge and configure it with your wireless router or
access point. Setup is easy – follow the instructions in this guide and your network will be up
and running quickly.
Package Contents
The product package should contain the following items:
•ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge
•Power adapter
•Ethernet crossover cable
•GearBox™CD for Wireless Ethernet Bridge, including:
- Configuration Utility software
- User Manual for the Model ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge in
Adobe®Acrobat®PDF file format
•Installation Guide
•Warranty card
•Support information card
1
GearBox™CD for Wireless
Ethernet Bridge, Installation guide,
Support information card,
Warranty card
100 Mbps
Ethernet cable
ME101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge
Power adapter

System Requirements
Before installing the ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge, please make sure that these
minimum requirements have been met:
•You must have a wireless network set up with either a wireless router or access point.
If the default settings on the bridge do not work, you will need to configure the bridge. To
configure the bridge with the configuration utility, you must have a personal computer with:
•Windows®98 or 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP.
•A CD-ROM drive.
•2 Megabytes of free hard disk space.
If you don’t have a Windows-based computer or a CD-ROM drive, you may use a browser to
configure the bridge.
Preparing to Install the ME101
Placement and Range Guidelines
Computers and other Ethernet-enabled devices can connect over 802.11b wireless networks
indoors at a maximum range of approximately 500 feet. However, the operating distance or
range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the physical location of the
ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge. For best results, avoid potential sources of
interference, such as:
•Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
•2.4 GHz cordless phones
In general, 802.11b wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are
constructed with concrete or have metal (or metal mesh), the effective range will decrease if
such materials are between the wireless devices.
Operating Mode
The ME101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge operates only in infrastructure mode. In this mode
devices and computers communicate with each other by first going through a wireless router or
access point. For example, infrastructure mode is used when you have computers in a house
connected to an access point that is attached to a router. The router lets multiple computers
share a single cable or DSL broadband Internet connection.
1
1
2

ME101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings
Note: If you are setting up a new wireless network, please set up the network and make sure it
works before adding the ME101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge into the network.
You will need to identify the wireless configuration and security parameters already defined in
your wireless network.
Note: All NETGEAR, Inc. 802.11b wireless access products use the same factory settings as the
ME101 and will work without any configuration changes.
The factory default settings for your ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge are:
•Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc): Infrastructure
•Wireless network name Service Set Identification (SSID): Any
Note: Any means the bridge will connect to the first access point or wireless router that
responds to the bridge’s request for connection. This may not be the strongest signal or the
closest access point or router. For the ME101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge to communicate
with a specific wireless router or access point, both devices must be configured with the
same SSID.
•User ID: admin
•Password: password
•Authentication type: Auto
•WEP security: Disabled
•Country/Region: U.S.A.
Warning: Having the bridge set to the wrong country or region may result in the violation
of local laws.
•IP address: 192.16 .0.200
3

Installing the ME101
This section provides instructions for connecting the ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge
to any Ethernet-enabled device using the default settings.
Note: If you find that the default settings don’t work, if you know that you’ve configured your
wireless network with WEP security, or if you are not in the United States, you’ll have to
configure the bridge before connecting it to the Ethernet-enabled device. To configure the
bridge, see Configuring Your ME101 on page 6.
1. Unpack the box and verify the contents.
2. Identify a flat surface where you will put the wireless bridge. For best results, follow
these guidelines:
•Place it away from potential sources of interference, such as computers, monitors,
TVs, microwaves, cordless phones, or large metal surfaces.
Warning: Failure to follow these guidelines can cause intermittent or complete failure
of wireless connectivity.
•Place it in an elevated location such as a high shelf or on a wall in the center of
your wireless access area.
3. Lift the bridge’s antenna so it is vertical.
4
2
2
MR814
Cable/DSL
Wireless Router
Cable/DSL
modem
Gaming console with
ME101 802.11b Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
family
room
family
room
Macintosh computer with
ME101 802.11b Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
Internet
NETGEAR
3
Desktop PC with
Ethernet connection

4. Turn off the gaming console or other Ethernet-enabled device.
5 Connect the provided Ethernet cable between the ME101 Wireless Bridge and the gaming
console or other Ethernet-enabled device.
Note: The ME101 Wireless Bridge should be connected to one device only. Don’t connect
it through a network switch or hub.
6. Connect the power adapter to the wireless bridge and plug the power adapter in to a
power outlet. The Power and Wireless LAN lights should light up.
7. After you see the Wireless LAN light light up, turn on the gaming console or other
Ethernet-enabled device.
If the bridge and the Ethernet-enabled device are successfully connected, the Network
light will light up. This light flashes when there is network activity.
Note: If your setup works with the default settings, you don’t need to install the software
from the provided CD to configure the bridge unless you need to change the
Country/Region setting from the default setting (U.S.A.).
Default Ethernet AntennaDC in 5V
Gaming console or other
Ethernet-enabled device
ME101 Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
5

Configuring Your ME101
If the default settings don’t work in your wireless network, you need to configure the bridge.
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID), IP Address,
and WEP Security Settings
You may want to print this page separately, fill in the configuration parameters, and put it in a
safe place for possible future reference. For an existing wireless network, the person who set up
the network will be able to provide this information.
Note: For the access point or router and the bridge to communicate with each other, both must
be configured with the same SSID, WEP security settings, and the same IP subset address.
•Wireless Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID) identifies the
wireless local area network. Any is the default ME101 SSID. If you have named your
wireless network with a different SSID, write your network’s SSID on the line below.
Wireless network name (SSID): ______________________________
•Bridge IP Address: Your Ethernet network has an IP subset address given as a set of three
numbers (xxx.xxx.xxx.yyy) plus a last set of numbers to identify each device on the
network. The default IP address for the bridge is 192.168.0.200. To communicate to your
Ethernet network, the bridge must have an address consistent with your network’s IP
address. If you need to change the bridge’s IP address, write down the new address.
Bridge’s IP address: ______________________________
•WEP Security Encryption key: The default WEP encryption mode of the bridge is
disabled. If you have set up WEP security on your wireless network (through the router or
access point), you’ll need to configure the bridge using the same WEP security parameters.
WEP Encryption Key Size, circle one: 40/64 or 128 bits
WEP Encryption Passphrase, if used in the router or access point: ___________________
A passphrase is used to automatically generate the WEP hexadecimal numbers for the key.
Otherwise, you will have to manually enter up to four hexadecimal numbers.
WEP Hexadecimal Numbers: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
3
3
6

Installing the Configuration Utility
To configure the bridge you use the configuration utility on the included GearBox CD.
Note: To run the configuration utility, you must have the bridge directly connected using the
provided Ethernet crossover cable to a computer running Windows 98 or 98SE, Me, 2000, or
XP. If you have a Macintosh®computer, use the browser-based configuration procedure on
page 11.
1. Insert the GearBox CD in a networked computer’s CD-ROM drive.
The NETGEAR software installation utility should start up automatically.
2. Click Install Utility.
3. Follow the instructions on screen to install the ME101 Configuration Utility.
4. Click Finish.
5. Restart the computer.
6. If you had the bridge connected to another device, you must connect it to the computer
where you installed the Configuration Utility.
a. If you had the bridge powered up, unplug it.
b. Connect the provided Ethernet crossover cable
between the computer and the bridge.
c. Plug the power adapter into the bridge and
then plug the power adapter into a power
source.
Default Ethernet AntennaDC in 5V
ME101 Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
7

Configuring the Bridge for Your Wireless Network
Once you are logged into the Configuration Utility, you can view the status of your home
wireless network and current configuration of the bridge, change the password, enable WEP
security (if you have it set up on your wireless network), select a specific network for the
wireless connection or make other configuration changes.
1. Choose Programs>NETGEAR ME101 Bridge>ME101 Configuration Utility from the
Start menu.
2. If the bridge’s name doesn’t appear in the Bridge Name list, select Browse to have the
utility search for an active bridge.
3. Type password as the password.
4. Click Login.
5. Click the Configuration tab.
6. Either select an SSID name assigned to the wireless
router or access point from the list or type the SSID
name.
Note: If you have NETGEAR wireless devices, the
default SSID is Wireless or NETGEAR.
7. If you are not in the United States, select the correct
country or region from the Country/Region list. Click
Yes to accept the new country or region.
Warning: Having the bridge set to the wrong country
or region may result in the violation of local laws.
8. Type the correct IP address for the bridge. The first
three sets of numbers (xxx.xxx.xxx.yyy) should be the
same as your access point or router. The last set of numbers (.yyy) should be a unique set
of numbers on your network.
9. Click Apply.
10. If you are through making changes, click Exit.
11. To use the bridge with a different computer or other Ethernet-enabled device, return to
Installing the ME101 on page 4 to connect the bridge.
8

Changing the Password for the Bridge
You can use the configuration utility to change the password for the bridge. To do so, you must
have the bridge directly connected to a computer. See Installing the ME101 on page 4 and
Installing the Configuration Utility on page 7.
Note: If you reset the bridge by pressing the Default button on the bridge, the password reverts
to the default password: password.
1. Choose Programs>NETGEAR ME101 Bridge>ME101
Configuration Utility from the Start menu.
2. If the bridge’s name doesn’t appear in the Bridge Name
list, select Browse to have the utility search for an active
bridge.
3. Type password as the password.
4. Click Login.
5. Click the Configuration tab.
6. Type the old password in the Old Password box.
7. Type a new password in the New Password box.
8. Re-type the new password in the Confirm Password box.
9. Click Apply.
10. If you are through making changes, click Exit.
Upgrading the Bridge
If there’s a firmware upgrade, download the software from
www.NETGEAR.com to your computer and then use the
configuration utility to upgrade the bridge.
1. Choose Programs>NETGEAR ME101 Bridge>ME101
Configuration Utility from the Start menu.
2. If the bridge’s name doesn’t appear in the Bridge Name
list, select Browse to have the utility search for the bridge.
3. Type the bridge’s password. (password is the default.)
4. Click Login.
5. Click the Upgrade tab.
6. Click Browse and locate the downloaded software.
7. Click Upgrade.
8. If you are through making changes, click Exit.9

Enabling WEP Security on the Bridge
To prevent others from accessing your wireless network, you may want to enable WEP (Wired
Equivalent Privacy) security in your wireless router or access point. If you do so, you’ll need to
enable WEP security in the bridge, too. You use the configuration utility to change the security
setting for the bridge. To do so, you must have the bridge directly connected to a computer.
See Installing the ME101 on page 4 and Installing the Configuration Utility on page 7. If you
filled in the parameters on page 6, you may want to refer to them for this procedure.
Note: The default security setting has WEP security disabled.
1. Choose Programs>NETGEAR ME101 Bridge>ME101 Configuration Utility from the
Start menu.
2. If the bridge’s name doesn’t appear in the Bridge Name list, select Browse to have the
utility search for an active bridge.
3. Type the password. (password is the default.)
4. Click Login.
5. Click the Security tab.
6. Select the type of security you have set in your wireless
router or access point—either 40/64 or 128 bit.
7. If the key is determined through software, select Create
with Passphrase and type the phrase in the Passphrase
box.
OR
If you entered a key manually for your wireless router
or access point, select Manual Entry and type the
encryption keys that are used with the wireless router
or access point.
8. Click Apply.
9. If you are through making changes, click Exit.
10

Using the Browser-based Configuration Software
If you don’t have access to a Windows-based computer,
you may use the internal browser-based configuration
software to configure the bridge.
1. Make sure the router or access point is powered up.
2. Power up the bridge.
3. Power down the Ethernet-enabled computer.
4. Connect the provided Ethernet crossover cable
between the computer and the bridge.
5. Power on the computer.
If your wireless network has an IP address other than
192.168.0.yyy, you’ll first need to change the IP address
on the bridge before making any other changes.
1. Note the current setting and manually change the IP address of your computer to
192.168.0.201. With a Macintosh computer use the Network control panel (OS X) or the
TCP/IP control panel (OS 9.x).
2. Start your browser software.
3. Type http://192.168.0.200 as the
Web address and press Return.
You’ll see the Information page.
4. To change the IP address for the
bridge to match your wireless
network, click IP Settings.
5. Type admin as the User ID and
type password as the Password.
6. Click OK.
7. Type the correct IP address for the
bridge. The first three sets of
numbers (xxx.xxx.xxx.yyy) should
be the same as your access point or router. The last set of numbers (.yyy) should be a set of
unique numbers on your network.
8. Click Apply.
9. Click Logout.
10. Restore the computer to its previous network settings. For example, if your network uses
DHCP, return your computer to that setting instead of the manual setting. 11
Default Ethernet AntennaDC in 5V
ME101 Wireless
Ethernet Bridge

Configuring the bridge settings:
1. Type http:// and the IP address of
the bridge (the default is
192.168.0.200) as the Web address
in the browser and press Return.
You’ll see the Information page.
2. To change the SSID for the bridge
to connect to, click Wireless
Settings.
3. Type admin as the User ID and
type password as the Password.
4. Click OK.
5. Type the SSID of the wireless
router or access point.
6. If you’re not in the United States, select the correct country or region from the
Country/Region list. Click Yes to accept the new country or region.
Warning: Having the bridge set to the wrong country or region may result in the violation
of local laws.
7. Click Apply.
8. If you’re through making changes, click Logout.
9. To use the bridge with a different Ethernet-enabled device, see Installing the ME101 on
page 4 to connect the bridge.
Changing the password:
1. Start your browser software.
2. Type http:// followed by the IP
address for the bridge (the default
is 192.168.0.200) as the Web
address and press Return.
You’ll see the Information page.
3. To change the password, click
Change Password.
4. Type admin as the User ID and
type the current password
(password is the default) as the
Password. 12

5. Click OK.
6. Type the old password in the Old Password box.
7. Type a new password in the New Password box.
8. Re-type the new password in the Confirm Password box.
9. Click Apply.
10. If you are through making changes, click Logout.
Changing the Security Settings:
To have the bridge work on your network, its security settings must match those of the wireless
access point or router. You may use the browser-based configuration software to change the
WEP security settings. The default setting is to have WEP disabled. If you filled in the
parameters on page 6, you may want to refer to them for this procedure.
1. Start your browser software.
2. Type http:// followed by the IP
address for the bridge (the default
is 192.168.0.200) as the Web
address and press Return.
You’ll see the Information page.
3. To change the password, click
Security Settings.
4. Type admin as the User ID and
type the current password
(password is the default) as the
Password.
5. Click OK.
6. Select an Encryption Length to
enable WEP security.
7. If the key is determined through software, type the phrase in the Passphrase box and click
Generate.
OR
If you entered a key manually for your wireless router or access point, select a Key and
type the hexadecimal values that are used with the wireless router or access point.
8. Click Apply.
9. If you are through making changes, click Logout.13

ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge
Lights and Settings
ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge Lights
The ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge has the following three lights, which give you
feedback on the status of your wireless connection:
PWR Green OFF: No power to the unit.
ON: Power applied to the unit.
WLAN Green OFF: No wireless LAN activity.
Flashing: Searching for an access point or wireless router.
ON: Connected to a wireless LAN.
LAN Green OFF: No Ethernet traffic.
Flashing: Wired Ethernet traffic.
ON: Connected to the Ethernet.
Restoring the Bridge to the Default Settings
There are three ways to return the bridge to its default factory settings.
If the bridge is running:
•Press the Default button with the point of a pen or pencil for at least 6 seconds and then
release the button. This reboots the ME101 and reverts all the current settings to the
factory defaults.
If the bridge is not running:
1. Press the Default button with the point of a pen or pencil as you power the bridge back
on until the LAN and WLAN lights both flash.
2. Release the Default button.
3. Press and hold the Default button again.
Both the LAN and WLAN lights should flash slowly.
4. Release the Default button after both lights flash quickly.
If you are using the browser-based software:
1. Open and log into the browser-based configuration software.
2. Click Restore Factory Default.
3. Click Restore.
4. Click Logout.14

ME101 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Bridge Status Settings
In the Configuration Utility and in the browser-based configuration software, you can get
certain status information about your bridge and your wireless network.
The Status tab of the Configuration Utility shows:
•The network SSID and the wireless router’s or access
point’s media access control (MAC) address
•The type of network
•The channel and frequency of the bridge
•The type of encryption currently active
•The bridge’s IP address
•Transmitted and received data amounts
•A signal strength indicator
The Stations tab lists all active wireless access points and routers within range of the bridge.
15

The About tab gives specific information about the bridge like the model name, MAC address,
and current firmware version.
The Information page of the browser-based configuration software shows the same settings
as the Status and About tabs.
16

Troubleshooting Tips
Symptom
The WLAN light is
off and I can’t
connect to the router
or access point.
My gaming console
or remote computer
could not connect to
the Internet.
My bridge-enabled
computer could not
communicate with
my wireless-enabled
computer or printer.
The Configuration
Utility cannot see
any bridge even
when I click Browse.
Cause
The bridge is not
configured correctly for
the network
The wireless access point
or router needs to be reset
to recognize the bridges.
This most likely is a
network configuration
problem.
This could be a network
configuration problem or
a hardware connection
problem.
Solution
•Check the configuration utility for
the router or access point, to see if
it lists the ME101.
•Use the configuration utility for
the bridge to verify that the SSID,
country, and WEP settings match
those of the router or access point.
•Turn off all devices. Then, power
on the wireless router (or access
point) and power on the bridge.
Check that the bridge connects to
the wireless router or access point.
If it connects, power on the gaming
console or remote computer.
•Check that the wireless-enabled
computer or printer is on the same
wireless network as the computer
using the bridge.
•Make sure the SSID, WEP key (if
WEP is enabled) and country or
region selection are the same for all
devices connected to the same
wireless network.
•If the wireless LAN setting are
correct, make sure all the devices
are on the same IP network.
•Make sure the crossover cable that
connects your computer and the
bridge is the right cable type.
•Make sure the RJ-45 connectors
are plugged into the computer and
bridge securely.
•Reset to factory defaults. See pg.14.
Note: For more troubleshooting information, go to the NETGEAR, Inc. web site.
If you have problems connecting to your wireless network, check these tips.
17

System Requirements for the Bridge
To use the bridge in your network you must have:
•Wireless router or access point
•Network software (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, or UNIX)
•Internet Explorer 5.0 or later; Netscape Navigator 4.7 or later
Bridge Specifications
Dimensions: W: 108.2 mm (4.26") D: 62.31 mm (2.45") H: 27.51 mm (1.08")
Weight: 0.099 kg (0.219 lbs.)
LAN: 10BASE-T
WLAN: 802.11b
Power Adapter: 5V AC, 2A with localized plug for North America, UK, Europe
or Australia
Environmental Specifications
Operating temperature: –10 to 55°C (14˚ to 131˚F)
Operating humidity: 85% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing
Electromagnetic
Emissions: CE/LVD: EN 60950:1992+A1+A2+A3+A4+A11
CE/EMC: EN 301489-17 V1.1.1: 09-2000
EN 301489-1 V1.3.1: 09-2001
CE/Radio: EN 300328-1 V1.3.1: 12-2001
EN 300328-2 V1.2.1: 12-2001
FCC Part 15 Subpart C
FCC Part 15 Subpart B
Safety Certifications: UL 1950, C UL Marks, TUV (EN 60950)
18