NETGEAR ME103 - 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access... User manual

M-WB02NA-0
March 2003
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Phone 1-888-NETGEAR
User’s Guide for the ME103
802.11b ProSafe Wireless
Access Point

2
NETGEAR, INC.
www.NETGEAR.com
Technical Support
Please register to obtain technical support. Please retain your proof of purchase and warranty
information.
To register your product, get product support or obtain product information and product
documentation, go to http://www.NETGEAR.com. If you do not have access to the World Wide
Web, you may register your product by filling out the registration card and mailing it to
NETGEAR customer service.
You will find technical support information at:
http://www.NETGEAR.com/ through the customer service area. If you want to contact technical
support by telephone, see the support information card for the correct telephone number for your
country.
© 2003 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
NETGEAR is a registered trademark of NETGEAR, INC. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the
right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice. NETGEAR does not
assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s)
described herein.

3
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice:
Radio Frequency Notice
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RF Exposure Requirements
WARNING! To ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure requirements, the antenna used for this device
must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm (8 in) from all persons and must not be
co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or radio transmitter. Installers and end-users
must follow the installation instructions provided in this user guide.
NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless Access Point ME103
FCC ID: PY3ME103
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
Warning!
To comply with the FCC’s of exposure
requirements you must maintain a
distance of at least 1 cm from the
antenna of this device while it is in use.
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

4
Radio Frequency Interference Requirements
This device is restricted to indoor use due to its operation in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. FCC requires this
product to be used indoors in 2.4 GHz the frequency range to reduce the potential for harmful interference to
co-channel Mobile Satellite systems.
Regulatory Compliance Information
This device is restricted to indoor use due to reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-channel
Mobile Satellite and Radar Systems.
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement
This Class B Digital apparatus (ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point ) meets all the
requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique del la classe B respect les exigences du Regalement sur le material broilleur du
Canada.
This device comples with Class B limits of Industry of Canada. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The device is certified to the requirements of RSS-139-1 and RSS-210 for 2.4 GHz spread spectrum devices.
The use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely outdoors may require the user to
obtain a license for the system according to the Canadian regulations. For further information, contact your
local Industry Canada office.
EN 55 022 Declaration of Conformance
This is to certify that the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point is shielded against the generation
of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a.
Conformity is declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22).

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CE Declaration of Conformity
For the following equipment: ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
is herewith confirmed to comply with the requirements set out in the Council Directive on the
Approximation of the Laws of the Member States relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility (89/336/EEC),
Low-voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) and the Amendment Directive (93/68/EEC), the procedures given in
European Council Directive 99/5/EC and 89/3360EEC. The equipment was passed. The test was performed
according to the following European standards:
• EN 301489-1 V1.2.1 (2000-08)
• EN 301 489-17 V1.1.1 (2000-09)
• EN 55022: 1988 Class B
• EN 61000-3-2: 2000
• EN 6100-3-3: 1995
• EN 55024: 1998 (IEC 61000-4-5:1995, IEC 61000-4-3:1995, IEC 61000-4-4;1995, IEC 61000-4-5:1995, IEC
61000-4-6:1996, IEC 61000-4-8:1993, IEC 61000-4-11:1994)
The test was carried out on February 19, 2003 at Sporton International Inc. Lab.
0470 !

6

Contents iii
Contents
Preface
About This Guide
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point ...........................................1-1
Key Features ..................................................................................................................1-2
802.11b Standards-based Wireless Networking ......................................................1-3
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink ...............................................1-3
Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products .........................................................1-3
System Requirements ....................................................................................................1-4
What’s In the Box? .........................................................................................................1-4
Hardware Description .....................................................................................................1-5
ME103 Wireless Access Point Front Panel ..............................................................1-5
ME103 Wireless Access Point Rear Panel ..............................................................1-7
Left Side Primary and Right Side Secondary Detachable Antenna ...................1-7
Restore to Factory Default Button .....................................................................1-8
RJ-45 Ethernet Port ...........................................................................................1-8
Power Socket ....................................................................................................1-8
Chapter 2
Basic Installation and Configuration
Observe Placement and Range Guidelines ...................................................................2-1
Cabling Requirements ..............................................................................................2-2
Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................2-3
Understanding ME103 Wireless Security Options ..........................................................2-4
Install the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point ............................................2-5
How to Log In to the ME103 ...........................................................................................2-8
Understanding Basic Wireless Settings ........................................................................2-10
Understanding WEP Authentication and Data Encryption .....................................2-12
Authentication Scheme Selection ....................................................................2-12
Data Encryption Choices .................................................................................2-13
Before You Change the SSID and WEP Settings ..................................................2-14

iv Contents
How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity ............................................2-15
How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address ...............................................2-16
How to Configure WEP ..........................................................................................2-17
Using the Basic IP Settings Options .............................................................................2-18
Chapter 3
Management
Viewing General, Log, Station, and Statistical Information .............................................3-1
Statistics ...................................................................................................................3-3
Activity Log ...............................................................................................................3-5
Viewing a List of Attached Devices .................................................................................3-6
Upgrading the Wireless Access Point Software .............................................................3-7
Configuration File Management .....................................................................................3-8
Saving and Restoring the Configuration ..................................................................3-9
Resetting the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point ...............................3-9
Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings ...................................3-9
Changing the Administrator Password ...................................................................3-10
Chapter 4
Advanced Configuration
Configuring Advanced Security 802.1x Options .............................................................4-1
Basic Requirements for 802.1x ................................................................................4-1
How to Configure the 802.1x EAP-MD5 Option .......................................................4-2
How to Configure the 802.1x EAP-TLS Option ........................................................4-7
Understanding Advanced Wireless Settings ................................................................4-12
Antenna Installation ......................................................................................................4-15
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
No lights are lit on the access point. ...............................................................................5-1
The Wireless LAN activity light does not light up. ...........................................................5-2
The LAN light is not lit. ....................................................................................................5-2
I cannot access the Internet or the LAN with a wireless capable computer. .................5-2
I am using EAP-TLS security but get disconnected. ......................................................5-3
Can't connect to the ME103 to configure it. ....................................................................5-3
When I enter a URL or IP address I get a time out error. ...............................................5-3
Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings ..........................................5-4

Contents v
Appendix A
Specifications
Specifications for the ME103 ......................................................................................... A-1
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ...................................................................................... B-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. B-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ................................................................ B-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ B-2
Authentication and WEP ................................................................................................ B-2
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. B-3
Open System Authentication ................................................................................... B-3
Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... B-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ B-5
Key Size .................................................................................................................. B-6
WEP Configuration Options .................................................................................... B-6
Wireless Channels ......................................................................................................... B-7
Understanding 802.1x Port Based Network Access Control ......................................... B-9
Appendix C
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Cabling Basics
Basic Router Concepts .................................................................................................. B-1
What is a Router? ................................................................................................... B-2
IP Addresses and the Internet ....................................................................................... B-2
Netmask .................................................................................................................. B-4
Subnet Addressing .................................................................................................. B-4
Private IP Addresses ............................................................................................... B-7
Single IP Address Operation Using NAT ................................................................. B-7
IP Configuration by DHCP ...................................................................................... B-8
Domain Name Server .............................................................................................. B-9
Routing Protocols .................................................................................................... B-9
RIP .................................................................................................................... B-9
MAC Addresses and ARP .............................................................................. B-10
Internet Security and Firewalls .................................................................................... B-10
What is a Firewall? .................................................................................................B-11
Stateful Packet Inspection ......................................................................................B-11

vi Contents
Denial of Service Attack .........................................................................................B-11
Ethernet Cabling .......................................................................................................... B-12
Uplink Switches, Crossover Cables, and MDI/MDIX Switching ............................ B-12
Cable Quality ......................................................................................................... B-13
Appendix D
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ....................................................... C-1
Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking .............................................. C-1
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-1
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings ................................. C-3
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method .......................................................... C-5
Verifying TCP/IP Properties .................................................................................... C-5
Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking ............................................. C-6
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ...................................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 .................................................. C-9
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-11
Glossary
Index

About This Guide v
Preface
About This Guide
Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR™ME103 Access Point.
Audience
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, and wireless technologies tutorial information
is provided in the Appendices.
Typographical Conventions
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
Special Message Formats
This guide uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
Table 1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis.
bold times roman User input.
Internet Protocol (IP) First time an abbreviated term is used.
courier font Screen text, user-typed command-line entries.
[Enter] Named keys in text are shown enclosed in square brackets. The notation [Enter]
is used for the Enter key and the Return key.
[Ctrl]+C Two or more keys that must be pressed simultaneously are shown in text linked
with a plus (+) sign.
SMALL CAPS DOS file and directory names.
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
vi About This Guide

Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point. Minimal
prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 1-4.
About the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
The ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point is the basic building block of a wireless LAN
infrastructure. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped
wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.
The ME103 provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed
range or area of coverage, interacting with a wireless network interface card (NIC) via an antenna.
Typically, an individual in-building access point provides a maximum connectivity area with about
a 300 foot radius. The ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point can support a small group
of users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated between 30-70 users
simultaneously.
The ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point acts as a bridge between the wired LAN and
wireless clients. Connecting multiple ME103 Access Point via a wired Ethernet backbone can
further lengthen the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing device moves out of the
range of one access point, it moves into the range of another. As a result, wireless clients can freely
roam from one Access Point to another and still maintain seamless connection to the network.
The auto-sensing capability of the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point allows packet
transmission at up to 11Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or electromagnetic
noise interference.

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
1-2 Introduction
Key Features
The ME103 Access Point provides the following features:
• Standards Compliant.The Wireless Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11b (DSSS)
and IEEE 802.1x specifications for Wireless LANs.
• 802.1x Support. Support for 802.1x mode is included, providing for the industrial-strength
wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization.
• Radius Client Support. The Wireless Access Point can login to your existing Radius Server
(as a Radius client).
• Dynamic WEP key Support. In 802.1x mode, either fixed or Dynamic WEP keys can be used.
Dynamic key exchange can be used when deploying 802.1x EAP-TLS.
• Upgradeable Firmware. Firmware is stored in a flash memory and can be upgraded easily,
using only your Web Browser and can be upgraded remotely.
• WEP support. Support for WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is included. Both 64 Bit and 128
Bit keys are supported.
• Access Control. The Access Control MAC address filtering feature can ensure that only
trusted wireless stations can use the ME103 to gain access to your LAN.
• Simple Configuration. If the default settings are unsuitable, they can be changed quickly and
easily.
• DHCP Client Support. DHCP provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other devices upon
request. The ME103 can act as a DHCP Client, and obtain an IP address and related
information from your existing DHPC Server.
•NetBIOS & WINS Support. Support for both NetBIOS broadcast and WINS (Windows
Internet Naming Service) allows the ME103 to easily fit into your existing Windows network.
• Hidden mode wherein the SSID is not broadcast, assuring only clients configured with the
correct SSID can connect.
• Configuration settings can be backed up to a configuration file and restored.
• Dual removable external antennas supporting diversity.
• Adjustable power output allowing more secure or economical operation.
• Automatic date and time update from Internet time servers.
• Autosensing Ethernet connection with Auto Uplink interface for connecting to 10/100 Mbps
IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks.
• Power and wireless activity LED indicators.

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Introduction 1-3
802.11b Standards-based Wireless Networking
The ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point provides a bridge between Ethernet wired
LANs and 802.11b compatible wireless LAN networks. It provides connectivity between Ethernet
wired networks and radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and
other devices. Additionally, the ME103 supports the following wireless features:
• Distributed coordinated function (CSMA/CA, Back off procedure, ACK procedure,
retransmission of unacknowledged frames)
• RTS/CTS handshake
• Beacon generation
• Packet fragmentation and reassembly
• Authentication Algorithms (Open System, Shared Key, 802.1x)
• Short or long preamble
• Roaming among access points on the same subnet
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
The ME103 can connect to a standard Ethernet network. Both the LAN interface is autosensing
and capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.
The wireless access point incorporates Auto UplinkTM technology. The Ethernet port will
automatically sense whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a ‘normal’
connection such as to a PC or an ‘uplink’ connection such as to a switch or hub. That port will then
configure itself to the correct configuration. This feature also eliminates the need to worry about
crossover cables, as Auto Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right
connection.
Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products
For a list of compatible products from other manufacturers, see the Wireless Ethernet
Compatibility Alliance website (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net). Compatible NETGEAR
products are listed below.
The following NETGEAR products work with the ME103 Access Point.
• POE101 Power Over Ethernet Adapter
• WAB501 a/b Dual Band Wireless PC Card Adapter
• MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
1-4 Introduction
• WG511 802.11g Wireless CardBus Adapter
• MA111 801.11b Wireless Bridge
• MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
• ME102 802.11b Wireless Access Point
• MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter
• MA701 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card
System Requirements
Before installing the ME103, make sure your system meets these requirements:
• A 10/100 Mbps Local Area Network device such as a hub or switch.
• The Category 5 UTP straight through Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connector included in this
package or one like it.
• A 100-240 V, 50-60 HZ AC power source.
• A Web browser for configuration such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or above, or
Netscape Navigator 4.78 or later version.
• At least one computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed.
• 802.11b-compliant devices, such as the NETGEAR MA401 Wireless Adapter.
What’s In the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point.
• Power adapter and cord (12Vdc, 800mA).
• Straight through Category 5 Ethernet cable.
•GearBox CD for ProSafe Wireless Access Point.
•ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point Quick Installation Guide.
• Support Information Card.
• Warranty and Registration card.
Please contact your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any wrong, missing, or
damaged parts. You can refer to the Support Information Card for the telephone number of
customer support in your area. You should keep the Support Information card, along with the
original packing materials, and use the packing materials to repack the ME103 if you need to
return it for repair.

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Introduction 1-5
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, we encourage you to register on
the NETGEAR Web page at: http://www.NETGEAR.com.
Hardware Description
The ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point front and rear hardware functions are
described below.
ME103 Wireless Access Point Front Panel
The ME103 Access Point provides these status LEDs.
Figure 1-1: ME103 front panel
The following table explains the LED indicators:
LED DESCRIPTION
Power
Off
On
Power Indicator
No power. If this LED does not come on with the power adapter and cord
correctly installed, see Chapter 4, Troubleshooting.
Power is on.
Blink Indicates self test, loading software, or system fault (if continues).
Note: This LED may blink for a minute before going on steady.
PWR LAN
802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point MODEL ME103
Wireless LAN

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
1-6 Introduction
LAN Ethernet LAN Link Activity Indicator
Off
Green On
Indicates no Ethernet link detected.
100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link detected, no activity.
Green Blink Indicates data traffic on the 100Mbps Ethernet LAN.
Amber 0n 10 Mbps Ethernet link detected, no activity.
Amber Blink Indicates data traffic on the 10Mbps Ethernet LAN.
Wireless LAN Wireless LAN Link Activity Indicator
Off
Green On
Indicates no Ethernet link detected.
Wireless link enabled, no activity.
Green Blink Wireless link activity.
LED DESCRIPTION

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Introduction 1-7
ME103 Wireless Access Point Rear Panel
Figure 1-2: ME103 rear panel
Left Side Primary and Right Side Secondary Detachable Antenna
The ME103 provides two detachable antenna. The one on the left is the primary, and the one on
the right is the secondary. Please refer to “Understanding Advanced Wireless Settings” on
page 4-12 and “Antenna Installation” on page 4-15 for important information about configuring
E T H E RN E T
R E S E T
5-12V D C

User’s Guide for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
1-8 Introduction
and positioning the antenna to best take advantage of diversity and range capabilities of the
ME103.
Restore to Factory Default Button
The restore to default button located between the Ethernet RJ-45 connector and the power
socket restores the ME103 to the factory default settings.
RJ-45 Ethernet Port
Use the ME103 Ethernet RJ-45 port to connect to and Ethernet LAN through a device such as a
hub, switch, or router.
Power Socket
This socket connects to the ME103 power adapter