NETGEAR WG302 - 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access... User manual

December 2003
August 2003
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Phone 1-888-NETGEAR
Reference Manual for the
WG302 802.11g ProSafe
Wireless Access Point

2
December 2003
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.
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.
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. This device should not be co-located
with other transmitters.
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
FCC ID: PY3WG302

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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.
Placement and Range Guidelines
Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11 wireless networks at a maximum range of 500 feet (152.4 m)
for 802.11b devices. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary
significantly, based on the physical placement of the wireless access point.
For best results, identify a location for your wireless access point according to these guidelines:
• Away from potential sources of interference, such as PCs, large metal surfaces, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
phones.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf that is near the center of the wireless coverage area for all mobile
devices.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly
connect to the wireless access point.
To meet FCC and other national safety guidelines for rf exposure, the antennas for this device must be
installed to ensure a minimum separation distance of 20cm (7.9 in.) from persons. Further, the antennas shall
not be co-located with other transmitting structures.
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.
Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved by Netgear, could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to such condition.

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FCC Statement
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We Netgear,
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Tel: [phone]
declare under our sole responsibility that the product(s)
WG302 (Model Designation)
802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point (Product Name)
complies(y) with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (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 and correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

December 2003
5
• Reorient or locate 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 Warning for North America, and Australia
Warning! To meet FCC and other national safety guidelines for rf exposure, the antennas for this device (see
below) must be installed to ensure a minimum separation distance of 20cm (7.9 in.) from persons. Further,
the antennas shall not be co-located with other antenna or radio transmitter.
Antenna Statement for North America and Australia
In addition to its own 2 antennas, the WG302 device has been approved for use with the following
detachable antennas and antenna cables:
* WG302 maximum radiated power in North America and Australia: 20 dBm – cable loss + antenna gain
Please go to www.netgear.com/go-fcc…. for an updated list of wireless accessories approved to be used with
the WG302 in North America and Australia.
Industry Canada Compliance Statement
This Class B Digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing
Equipment Regulations ICES 003.
Cet appareil numerique de classe B respecte les exigences du reglement du Canada sur le materiel
brouilleur NMB-003.
The device is certified to the requirements of 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
Approved
Antennas Antenna Gain and type Approved Antenna Cable Antenna Cable Length Maximum Transmitted Power
NETGEAR
ANT24D18 18 dBi, directional outdoor/indoor NETGEAR ACC-10314-01 thru
05
1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 18 dBi ant.
NETGEAR
ANT2409 9 dBi, omnidirectional outdoor/indoor NETGEAR ACC-10314-01 thru
05
1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 9 dBi ant.
NETGEAR
ANT24O5 5 dBi, ceiling/wall indoor NETGEAR ACC-10314-01 thru
05
1.5 m to 30 m 19 dBm + 5 dBi ant.

December 2003
6
information, contact your local Industry Canada office.

Contents iii
December 2003
Contents
RF Exposure Warning for North America, and Australia ..........................................1-5
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Versions, Conventions ...................................................................................1-v
How to Use this Manual .................................................................................................1-vi
How to Print this Manual ............................................................................................... 1-vii
Chapter 2
Introduction
About the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point ...........................................2-1
Key Features ..................................................................................................................2-2
802.11g Standards-based Wireless Networking ......................................................2-3
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink ...............................................2-3
Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products .........................................................2-4
System Requirements ....................................................................................................2-4
What’s In the Box? .........................................................................................................2-4
Hardware Description .....................................................................................................2-5
WG302 Wireless Access Point Front Panel .............................................................2-5
WG302 Wireless Access Point Rear Panel .............................................................2-7
Left and Right Detachable Antenna ...................................................................2-7
Restore to Factory Defaults Button ....................................................................2-7
Serial Port ..........................................................................................................2-7
RJ-45 Ethernet Port ...........................................................................................2-7
Power Socket ....................................................................................................2-7
Chapter 3
Basic Installation and Configuration
Observing Placement and Range Guidelines .................................................................3-1
Cabling Requirements ..............................................................................................3-2
Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................3-3
Understanding WG302 Wireless Security Options .........................................................3-4
Installing the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point ......................................3-5
How to Log In to the WG302 Using Its Default IP Address ............................................3-8

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iv Contents
Understanding Basic Wireless Settings ..........................................................................3-9
Understanding Basic Wireless Security Options ..........................................................3-11
Information to Gather Before Changing Basic Wireless Settings ...........................3-13
How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity ............................................3-14
How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address ...............................................3-15
How to Configure WEP ..........................................................................................3-16
Using the Basic IP Settings Options .............................................................................3-17
Chapter 4
Management
Using the Secure Telnet Interface ..................................................................................4-1
How to Use the CLI via the Console Port: ................................................................4-1
CLI Commands ........................................................................................................4-2
Viewing General, Log, Station, and Statistical Information .............................................4-5
Statistics ...................................................................................................................4-7
Viewing a List of Attached Devices .................................................................................4-9
Upgrading the Wireless Access Point Software ...........................................................4-10
Configuration File Management ...................................................................................4-11
Saving and Retrieving the Configuration ................................................................4-11
Restoring the WG302 to the Factory Default Settings ...........................................4-12
Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings .................................4-12
Changing the Administrator Password ...................................................................4-13
Chapter 5
Advanced Configuration
Understanding Advanced Wireless Settings ..................................................................5-1
Configuring Wireless Operating Modes ..........................................................................5-2
How to Configure a WG302 as a Point-to-Point Bridge ...........................................5-3
How to Configure Multi-Point Wireless Bridging ......................................................5-4
How to Configure Wireless Repeating .....................................................................5-5
Chapter 6
Troubleshooting
No lights are lit on the access point. ...............................................................................6-1
The Wireless LAN activity light does not light up. ...........................................................6-2
The LAN light is not lit. ....................................................................................................6-2
I cannot access the Internet or the LAN with a wireless capable computer. .................6-2
I cannot connect to the WG302 to configure it. ..............................................................6-3

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December 2003
When I enter a URL or IP address I get a timeout error. ................................................6-3
Using the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings ..........................................6-3
Appendix A
Specifications
Specifications for the WG302 ........................................................................................ 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, WEP, and WPA ..................................................................................... 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-7
Wireless Channels ......................................................................................................... B-7
Glossary
Index

December 2003
vi Contents

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
About This Manual 1-v
December 2003
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point. The
WG302 provides connection for multiple personal computers to the Internet through an external
broadband access device (such as a cable modem or DSL modem).
Audience, Versions, Conventions
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, and firewall technologies tutorial information is
provided in the Appendices and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This guide uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
This manual is written for the WG302 Access Point according to these versions.:
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Table 1-1. Product, Firmware Version, Manual Version, and Publication Date
Product WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Manual Part Number
Manual Publication Date August 2003
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR web site at
www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Documentation updates are available on the
NETGEAR, Inc. web site at www.netgear.com/docs.

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
1-vi About This Manual
December 2003
How to Use this Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes a variety of navigation features as well as links to PDF
versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
Figure 1-1: HTML version of this manual
1. Left Pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites tabs.
To view the HTML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later browser with
JavaScript enabled.
2. Toolbar Buttons. Use the toolbar buttons across the top to navigate, print pages, and more.
The Show in Contents button locates the current topic in the Contents tab.
Previous/Next buttons display the previous or next topic.
The PDF button links to a PDF version of the full manual.
The Print button prints the current topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your
printer–you do not have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
3. Right Pane. Use the right pane to view the contents of the manual. Also, each page of the
manual includes a link at the top right which links to a PDF file
containing just the currently selected chapter of the manual.
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3

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
About This Manual 1-vii
December 2003
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual, choose one of the following options.
•Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button on
the upper right of the toolbar to print the currently displayed topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your printer–you do not
have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
•Printing a Chapter. Use the link at the top right of any page.
– Click “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
Note: Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view
and print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
•Printing the Full Manual. Use the PDF button in the toolbar at the top right of the browser
window.
– Click the PDF button on the upper right of the toolbar. The PDF version of the
chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
1-viii About This Manual
December 2003

Introduction 2-1
December 2003
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point. Minimal
prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 2-4.
About the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
The WG302 802.11g 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 WG302 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 WG302 802.11g 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 WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point acts as a bridge between the wired LAN and
wireless clients. Connecting multiple WG302 Access Points 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 WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point allows packet
transmission at up to 108 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or
electromagnetic noise interference.

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
2-2 Introduction
December 2003
Key Features
The WG302 Access Point is easy-to-use and provides solid wireless and networking support.
Supported Standards and Conventions
The following standards and conventions are supported:
•Standards Compliant.The Wireless Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11g for
Wireless LANs.
•WEP support. Support for WEP is included. Both 64-bit, 128-bit, and 152-bit keys are
supported.
•DHCP Client Support. DHCP provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other devices upon
request. The WG302 can act as a client and obtain information from your DHPC server.
•SNMP Support. Support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Management
Information Base (MIB) management.
Key Features
The NETGEAR WG302 provides solid functionality, including these features:
• Multiple Operating Modes
– Wireless Access Point. Operates as a standard 802.11g.
– Point-to-Point Bridge. In this mode, the WG302 only communicates with another
bridge-mode wireless station. You must enter the MAC address (physical address) of the
other bridge-mode wireless station in the field provided. WEP should be used to protect
this communication.
– Point-to-Multi-Point Bridge. Select this only if this WG302 is the “Master” for a group
of bridge-mode wireless stations. The other bridge-mode wireless stations must be set to
Point-to-Point Bridge mode, using this WG302's MAC address. They then send all traffic
to this “Master”, rather than communicate directly with each other. WEP should be used to
protect this traffic.
– Wireless Repeater. In this half-duplex mode, the WG302 only communicates with
another repeater-mode wireless station. You must enter the MAC address (physical
address) of the both adjacent repeater-mode wireless stations in the fields provided. WEP
should be used to protect this communication.
•Upgradeable Firmware. Firmware is stored in a flash memory and can be upgraded easily,
using only your Web browser, and can be upgraded remotely.
•Access Control. The Access Control MAC address filtering feature can ensure that only
trusted wireless stations can use the WG302 to gain access to your LAN.

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Introduction 2-3
December 2003
•Simple Configuration. If the default settings are unsuitable, they are easy to change.
•Hidden Mode. The SSID is not broadcast, assuring only clients configured with the correct
SSID can connect.
•Secure Telnet Command Line Interface. The Telnet command line interface enables direct
access over the serial port and easy scripting of configuration of multiple WG302 across an
extensive network via the Ethernet interface. An SSH client is required.
•Configuration Backup. Configuration settings can be backed up to a file and restored.
•Secure and Economical Operation. Adjustable power output allows more secure or
economical operation.
•Power over Ethernet. Power can be supplied to the WG302 over the Ethernet port from any
802.3af compliant mid-span or end-span source such as the NETGEAR FSM7326P Managed
Power over Ethernet Layer 3 managed switch.
•Autosensing Ethernet Connection with Auto Uplink Interface. Connects to 10/100 Mbps
IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks.
•LED Indicators. Power, test, LAN speed, LAN activity, and wireless activity are easily
identified.
802.11g Standards-based Wireless Networking
The WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point provides a bridge between Ethernet wired
LANs and 802.11g 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 WG302 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
• Short or long preamble
• Roaming among access points on the same subnet
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
The WG302 can connect to a standard Ethernet network. The LAN interface is autosensing and
capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
2-4 Introduction
December 2003
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 any concerns 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 Web site (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net).
The following NETGEAR products work with the WG302 Access Point:
• WAB501 a/b Dual Band Wireless PC Card Adapter
• MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card
• 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 WG302, 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 the
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 above
• At least one computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed
• 802.11b or 802.11b-compliant devices, such as the NETGEAR WG511 Wireless Adapter
What’s In the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Introduction 2-5
December 2003
• WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
• Power adapter and cord (12 V dc, 1.2 A)
• Straight through Category 5 Ethernet cable
• WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point Quick Installation Guide (M-10178-01)
•Resource CD for the 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point WG302 (SW-10038-01)
Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point ( ) -- this manual
• Support Registration card
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 WG302 if you need to return it for repair. To
qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, we encourage you to register on the
NETGEAR Web site at: http://www.NETGEAR.com.
Hardware Description
The WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point front and rear hardware functions are
described below.
WG302 Wireless Access Point Front Panel
The WG302 Access Point provides four status LEDs.
Figure 2-1: WG302 front panel

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
2-6 Introduction
December 2003
The following table explains the LED indicators:
LED DESCRIPTION
PWR
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.
TEST Self Test Indicator
Blink Indicates self test, loading software, or system fault (if continues).
Note: This LED may blink for a minute before going on steady.
100 Ethernet LAN Speed Indicator
Off
Green On Indicates 10 Mbps Ethernet link detected 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link detected.
LINK/ACT 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.
802.11g WLAN Wireless LAN Link Activity Indicator
Off Indicates no wireless link activity.
Green Blink Wireless link activity.