NETGEAR WGE101 User manual

Table of Contents
1: Preparing to Install the WGE101 Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Placement and Range Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
WGE101 Default Wireless Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2: Installing the WGE101 Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Connecting the Bridge to a Single Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Connecting the Bridge to Multiple Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
3: Preparing to Configure the WGE101 Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Identifying Your Wireless Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Connecting the Bridge to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Checking and Changing the Computer’s IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Changing the Bridge’s IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Using the NetBIOS Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
4: Configuring the WGE101 Bridge for Your Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . .12
Changing the Country/Region Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Selecting a Specific Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Changing the Bridge’s Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Enabling WEP Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Upgrading the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Configuring the Bridge for Ad Hoc Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Setting the Bridge’s Data Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
WGE101 Bridge Status Lights and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
WGE101 Bridge Status Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Restoring the Bridge to the Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
WGE101 Bridge Status Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
WGE101 Bridge System Requirements and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Preparing to Install the WGE101 Bridge
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a NETGEAR WGE101 54 Mbps 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 switch or 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 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Bridge
•Power adapter
•Ethernet cable
•WGE101 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Bridge Resource CD, that includes this Reference
Manual for the Model WGE101 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet Bridge in Adobe®Acrobat®
PDF file format
•Installation guide
•Warranty card
•Support information card 1
Resource CD for 54 Mbps
Wireless Ethernet Bridge,
Installation guide,
Support information card,
Warranty card
Power adapter
100 Mbps
Ethernet cable
WGE101 54 Mbps
Wireless Ethernet Bridge
1
1

System Requirements
Before installing the WGE101 54 Mbps 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 Internet browser software
installed, such as Microsoft®Internet Explorer 5.0 (or later) or Netscape®6.0 (or later).
Placement and Range Guidelines
Computers and other Ethernet-enabled devices can connect over wireless networks indoors at
more than 500 feet. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can
vary significantly based on the physical location of the WGE101 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet
Bridge. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
•Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
•2.4 GHz cordless phones
In general, 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 Modes
The WGE101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge operates in either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc mode.
•Infrastructure mode is used when you have an access point or wireless router connected to
a wired network. The wireless devices and computers communicate with the wired
network (and other wireless devices) through the wireless router or access point. For
example, with a wireless router multiple computers (both wired and wireless) can 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 wireless 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 similar factory
settings as the WGE101 and will work without any configuration changes.
The factory default settings for your WGE101 54 Mbps 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 access point or wireless router that has the
strongest signal. This may not be the closest access point or wireless 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: United States
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: netgearxxxx (where xxxx is the last 4 digits of the MAC address)
•Data rate: b/g combo
3

Installing the WGE101 Bridge
This section provides instructions for connecting the WGE101 54 Mbps Wireless Ethernet
Bridge, using the default settings, to either a single Ethernet-enabled device or to multiple
devices through a switch or 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 the
WGE101 Bridge for Your Wireless Network on page 12.
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. If you mount the bridge on a wall, do not place the bridge
in such a way that it is vertical with the NETGEAR name upside-down and the power
adapter plug hanging from the bottom of the unit. Having the unit in this position
violates power adapter regulations.
3. Lift the bridge’s antenna so it is vertical.
4
2
2
WGR814 54 Mbps
Cable/DSL
Wireless Router
Cable/DSL
modem
Gaming console with
WGE101 54 Mbps Wireless
Ethernet Bridge
family
room
family
room
Macintosh computer with
WGE101 54 Mbps 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 WGE101 Wireless Bridge and the
gaming console or other Ethernet-enabled device.
6. Connect the power adapter to the 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 (United States)
or you need to assign a unique IP address to subsequent WGE101 bridges. See page 12 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. If you mount the bridge on a wall, do not place the bridge
in such a way that it is vertical with the NETGEAR name upside-down and the power
adapter plug hanging from the bottom of the unit. Having the unit in this position
violates power adapter regulations.
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 54 Mbps
Wireless Ethernet Bridge
5

5. Connect the provided Ethernet cable between the WGE101 Wireless Bridge and the
switch (or hub).
6. Connect each gaming console or other Ethernet-enabled device to the switch (or hub)
using an Ethernet cable.
7. Connect the switch’s (or 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 any gaming console(s).
10. After turning on any gaming consoles, turn on any other Ethernet-enabled device(s).
If the bridge, switch, 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 (United States)
or you need to assign a unique IP address to subsequent WGE101 bridges. See page 12 for
information on configuring the bridge. 6
Cable
or DSL
modem
Gaming console or other
Ethernet-enabled device
WGE101 54 Mbps
Wireless Ethernet Bridge
WGR614 54 Mpbs
Wireless Router
Fast Ethernet
Switch FS605
Ethernet-enabled
computer

Preparing To Configure the WGE101
Bridge
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 Your 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, each bridge must have a unique address consistent with your network’s IP
subset 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 access the software, the
bridge must be directly connected or connected through a switch (or hub) to a computer. The
computer must have an Internet browser installed. For example, if 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 a wireless 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 need to change the IP
address on the computer before you can access the browser-based configuration software.
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 192.168.0.230.8
WGE101 54 Mpbs
Wireless Ethernet Bridge