NETGEAR WGE101 User manual

Table of Contents
NOT FINAL NOR UP-TO-DATE
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
1: Preparing to Install the WGE101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Placement and Range Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
WGE101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2: Installing the WGE101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Directly Connecting to an Ethernet-enabled Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Using the Bridge with a Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
3: Configuring Your WGE101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Identifying the Wireless Network Name (SSID), IP Address,
and WEP Security Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Using the Browser-based Configuration Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Configuring the Bridge for Your Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Changing the Password for the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Enabling WEP Security on the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Upgrading the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Configuring for an Ad Hoc Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge Lights and Settings . . . . . . . . . . .x
WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Restoring the Bridge to the Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge Status Settings . . . . . . . . . .x
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
System Requirements for the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge Specifications . . . . . . . . . . .x
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x

Preparing to Install the WGE101
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a NETGEAR WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge. With
this bridge you can connect one or more gaming consoles, personal computers, printers, or
other Ethernet-enabled devices to communicate with your network.
Note: If you have a wired network, you must have a wireless router or access point set up
in the network. To connect more than one device to the bridge you must use a hub.
This guide shows you how to connect the bridge and configure it for your network — whether
to work with a wireless router or access point, or to work with other wireless devices. 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:
•WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge
•Power adapter
•Ethernet cable
•Resource CD for Wireless Ethernet Bridge, that includes the user manual for the Model
WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge in Adobe®Acrobat®PDF file format
•Installation Guide
•Warranty card
•Support information card 1
Resource CD for Wireless
Ethernet Bridge, Installation guide,
Support information card,
Warranty card
Power adapter
100 Mbps
Ethernet cable
WGE101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge
1
1

System Requirements
Before installing the WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge, please make sure that these
minimum requirements have been met:
•For connecting into a wired network, you must have the network set up and working with
an access point or wireless router.
•For creating an ad hoc network without an access point, all devices must have a
receiver/transmitter. (The receiver/transmitter may be another WGE101 bridge.)
If the default settings on the bridge do not work, you will need to configure the bridge. Also, if
you have more than one WGE101 in the network, only one can use the default IP address.
You’ll have to configure the others with unique IP addresses. To configure the bridge with the
configuration software, you must have a personal computer with a Internet browser software
installed, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (or later) or Netscape Navigator 4.7 (or later).
Placement and Range Guidelines
Computers and other Ethernet-enabled devices can connect over 802.11g wireless networks
indoors at more than 500 feet. (For 802.11b wireless networks, the maximum is 500 feet.)
However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly
based on the physical location of the WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Bridge. For best
results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
•Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
•2.4 GHz cordless phones
In general, 802.11g 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 WGE101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge operates in either infrastructure or ad hoc mode.
•Infrastructure mode is used when you have a wireless access point or router connected to a
wired network. In infrastructure mode the wireless devices and computers communicate
with the wired network (and other wireless devices) through the wireless router or access
point. For example, a wireless router lets multiple computers share a single cable or DSL
broadband Internet connection.
•You use the bridge in ad hoc mode if you have a small, wireless-only network and all the
devices have wireless transmitters/receivers. In this case, there’s no need for an access point
or a router for the wireless devices communicate directly to one another.
2

WGE101 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 WGE101 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. 802.11g and 802.11b wireless access products use the similar
factory settings as the WGE101 and will work without any configuration changes.
The factory default settings for your WGE101 802.11g 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 WGE101 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.
WGE101-specific default settings:
•IP address: 192.168.0.201
•Protocol: Static
•Device name: netgearnnnn (where nnnn is the last 4 digits of the MAC address)
•Data rate: b/g combo
[any others that should be included?]
3

Installing the WGE101
This section provides instructions for connecting the WGE101 802.11g Wireless Ethernet
Bridge, using the default settings, to either a single Ethernet-enabled device or to multiple
devices through a hub.
Note: If you find that the default settings don’t work, if you know that you’ve configured your
wireless network with WEP security, if you’re placing more than one WGE101 bridge on the
network, or if you are not in the United States, you’ll have to configure the bridge before
connecting it to the Ethernet-enabled device(s). To configure the bridge, see Configuring Your
WGE101 on page xxx.
Connecting the Bridge to a Single Device
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. Turn off the gaming console or other Ethernet-enabled device.
4
2
2
WGR614 802.11g
Cable/DSL
Wireless Router
Cable/DSL
modem
Gaming console with
WGE101 802.11g Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
family
room
family
room
Macintosh computer with
WGE101 802.11g Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
Internet
Desktop PC with
Ethernet connection
WGE101 
802.11g Wireless
Ethernet Bridge

5. Connect the provided Ethernet cable between the WGE101 Wireless Bridge and the
gaming console or other Ethernet-enabled device.
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 configure the bridge
unless you need to change the Country/Region setting from the default setting (U.S.A.) or
you need to assign a unique IP address to subsequent WGE101 bridges. See page xxx for
information on configuring the bridge.
Connecting the Bridge to Multiple Devices
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. Turn off the gaming consoles or other Ethernet-enabled devices.
Gaming console or other
Ethernet-enabled device
WGE101 Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
5

5. Connect the provided Ethernet cable between the WGE101 Wireless Bridge and the hub.
6. Connect each gaming console or other Ethernet-enabled device to the hub using an
Ethernet cable.
7. Connect the hub’s power adapter and plug that power adapter in to a power outlet.
8. Connect the bridge’s power adapter and plug the power adapter in to a power outlet.
The Power and Wireless LAN lights should light up.
9. After the Wireless LAN light lights up, turn on the gaming console(s) or other
Ethernet-enabled device(s).
If the bridge, hub, and the Ethernet-enabled devices 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 configure the bridge
unless you need to change the Country/Region setting from the default setting (U.S.A.) or
you need to assign a unique IP address to subsequent WGE101 bridges. See page xxx for
information on configuring the bridge.
6
1234
10 BASE-T HUB EN104 Link Rx
Normal / Uplink
PWR
COL
Wireless Router
WGR814
Cable or DSL modem
WGE101 Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
EN104TP Ethernet Hub
Gaming console or other
Ethernet-enabled device
12 VDC 1.2A
+
PC

Preparing To Configure Your WGE101
If the default settings don’t work in your wireless network, if you are in a country or region
other than the United States, or if you have multiple WGE101 bridges on the network, you
need to configure the bridge.
Identifying the Wireless Network 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 wireless devices and the bridge to communicate with each other, each 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 WGE101 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 plus a last set of unique numbers (xxx.xxx.xxx.yyy) to identify each device on the
network. The default IP address for the bridge is 192.168.0.201. To communicate to your
Ethernet network, the bridge must have a unique 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 Length, circle one: 40/64 or 128 bits
WEP Encryption Passphrase, if used: ___________________
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: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________ 7
3
3

Connecting the Bridge to a Computer
You use browser-based configuration software to configure the bridge. To do access the
software, the bridge must be directly connected (or connected through a hub) to a computer
that has an Internet browser installed. If, for example, the bridge is connected to a game box,
you’ll have to connect the bridge to a computer to be able to configure the bridge.
To connect the bridge to a computer:
1. If your network has awireless router or access point, make sure it is powered up.
2. Power down the Ethernet-enabled computer.
3. Connect the provided Ethernet cable between the computer and the bridge.
4. Power up the bridge.
5. Power on the computer.
Checking and Changing the Computer’s IP Address
If your wireless network has an IP address other than 192.168.0.yyy, you may need to change
the IP address on the bridge before making any other changes.
Note: All NETGEAR products use 192.168.0.yyy. If you have NETGEAR wireless products
working in your wireless network without configuration changes, you won’t need to check or
change IP addresses.
Windows 98/Me
1. Choose Settings>Control Panel from the
Start menu.
2. Double-click the Network icon.
3. Click the Configuration tab.
4. In the list of installed network
components, select the TCP/IP entry for
the computer’s Ethernet adapter or NIC.
5. Click Properties.
6. Click the IP Address tab.
7. If Obtain an IP address automatically is
selected, select Specify an IP Address.
OR
If Specify an IP Address is already selected, note the current IP address.
8. Change the IP address to 192.168.0.230.
9. Click OK twice to close the Network control panel and save any changes.
10. If you made a change, restart the computer. 8