NETGEAR WN203 User manual

350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
June 2013
202-11223-01
ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n
Wireless Access Point WN203
Reference Manual

2
ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Support
Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products.
After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product
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NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website. For product updates and web
support, visit http://support.netgear.com.
Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.
Phone (Other Countries): Check the list of phone numbers at
http://support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx.
Trademarks
NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, and Connect with Innovation are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Information is subject to change
without notice. © NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revision History
Publication
Part Number Publish Date Comments
202-11230-01 June 2013 First publication

3
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
About the ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n Wireless Access Point WN203 .7
What Is in the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Key Features and Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Supported Standards and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
802.11b/g/n Standards–Based Wireless Networking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Hardware Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Bottom Panel with Product Label and Reset to Factory Defaults Button13
Chapter 2 Installation and Basic Configuration
What You Need Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Wireless Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Ethernet Cabling Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
LAN Configuration Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Hardware Requirements for Computers on Your LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Requirements for Entering IP Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Install and Configure the Wireless Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Log In to the Wireless Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings . . . . . . . .20
Configure the IP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Configure the Optional DHCP Server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Configure the Basic Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Test Basic Wireless Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Chapter 3 Wireless Configuration and Security
Before You Configure Wireless Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Wireless Data Security Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Security Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Security Profile Concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Write Down Your Wireless Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Configure and Enable Security Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Configure RADIUS Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Schedule the Wireless Radios to Be Turned Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Configure Basic Wireless Quality of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Chapter 4 Management
Enable Remote Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
SNMP Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Secure Shell and Telnet Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Upgrade the Wireless Access Point Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Web Browser Upgrade Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
TFTP Server Upgrade Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Manage the Configuration File or Reset to Factory Default. . . . . . . . . . . .57
Save the Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Restore the Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Restore the Wireless Access Point to the Factory Default Settings. . . .58
Reboot the Wireless Access Point without Restoring the
Default Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Change the Administrator Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Enable the Syslog Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Enable Rogue AP Detection and Monitor Access Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Enable and Configure Rogue AP Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
View and Save Access Point Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Chapter 5 Advanced Configuration
Configure Spanning Tree Protocol and 802.1Q VLANs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Configure Hotspot Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Configure Advanced Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Configure Advanced Quality of Service Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Configure Wireless Bridging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Configure a Point-to-Point Wireless Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Configure a Point-to-Multipoint Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Configure the Wireless Access Point to Repeat the Wireless
Signal Using Point-to-Multipoint Bridge Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Chapter 6 Monitoring
View System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Monitor Wireless Clients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
View the Activity Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Traffic Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Basic Functioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Verify the Correct Sequence of Events at Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
No LEDs Are Lit on the Wireless Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
LAN LED Is Not Lit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
WLAN LED Is Not Lit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
You Cannot Access the Internet or the LAN from a

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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Wireless-Capable Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
You Cannot Configure the Wireless Access Point from a Browser . . . . .102
When You Enter a URL or IP Address a Time-Out Error Occurs. . . . . . .103
Troubleshoot a TCP/IP Network Using the Ping Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Test the LAN Path to Your Wireless Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device . . . . . . . . . . .104
Problems with Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Appendix A Supplemental Information
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Factory Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Appendix B Command-Line Reference
Appendix C Notification of Compliance
Index

6
1
1. Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR® ProSAFE® Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess
Point WN203, and describes some of the key features. The chapter includes the following
sections:
•About the ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n Wireless Access Point WN203
•What Is in the Box?
•System Requirements
•Key Features and Standards
•Hardware Description
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit
the support website at support.netgear.com.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made
available from time to time at downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some
products can regularly check the site and download new firmware,
or you can check for and download new firmware manually. If the
features or behavior of your product do not match what is described
in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.

Introduction
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
About the ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n Wireless
Access Point WN203
The ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n Wireless Access Point WN203, going forward in this
manual referred to as the wireless access point, is a solid building block of a wireless LAN
infrastructure. It provides 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n connectivity between wired Ethernet networks
and radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other
devices. Support for two transmit radio chains and two receive radio chains, also referred to
as 2x2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO), can increase wireless throughput considerably.
The wireless access point provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices
within a fixed range or area of coverage. Typically, an individual in-building wireless access
point provides a maximum connectivity area with about a 500-foot radius. The wireless
access point can support a maximum of 64 clients in a range of several hundred feet. The
throughput is shared between all clients. To meet the required coverage, throughput, and
quality of your wireless network, install a sufficient number of wireless access points.
The wireless access point acts as a bridge between the wired LAN and wireless clients.
Connecting multiple wireless access points through a wired Ethernet backbone can further
increase the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing device moves out of the
range of one wireless access point, it moves into the range of another. As a result, wireless
clients can freely roam from one wireless access point to another and still maintain a
seamless connection to the network.
The autosensing capability of the wireless access point allows packet transmission at up to
300 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or electromagnetic interference.
What Is in the Box?
The product package contains the following items:
•ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n Wireless Access Point WN203
•Straight through Category 5 Ethernet cable
•Power adapter and cord (12V, 1A)
•Stand
•Two wall mount screws and anchors
•Resource CD
•Installation guide
If any parts are missing or damaged, contact your reseller or customer support in your area.
Visit the NETGEAR website at http://support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx for
the telephone number of customer support in your area.
Keep the installation guide, along with the original packing materials. If you need to return the
wireless access point for repair, use the packing materials to repack the wireless access
point.

Introduction
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
External antennas do not come standard with the wireless access point but can be purchased
as an option. If you have purchased external antennas, see Configure Advanced Wireless
Settings on page 70 for information about how to enable the external antennas.
System Requirements
Before installing the wireless access point, make sure that your system meets these
requirements:
•A 10/100/1000 Mbps local area network device such as a hub, switch, or router
•The Category 5 UTP straight-through Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connector that is
included in the package, or one like it
•Either a 100–120V, 50–60 HzAC power source or a hub, switch, or router that provides
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
•A computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed and a web browser for configuration, such
as Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 or later, or Mozilla Firefox 18.0 or later
Key Features and Standards
This section includes the following subsections:
•Supported Standards and Conventions
•Key Features
•802.11b/g/n Standards–Based Wireless Networking
•Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
The wireless access point is easy to use and provides solid wireless and networking support.
It also offers a wide range of security options.
Supported Standards and Conventions
The wireless access point supports the following standards and conventions:
•Standards compliance.The wireless access point complies with the IEEE 802.11 b/g
standards for wireless LANs and is Wi-Fi certified for 802.11n standard.
•WPA and WPA2. The wireless access point provides WPA and WPA2 enterprise-class
strong security with RADIUS and certificate authentication as well as dynamic encryption
key generation. The WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK pre-shared key authentication does not
have the overhead of RADIUS servers but provides the strong security of WPA.
•Multiple BSSIDs. The wireless access point supports multiple BSSIDs. When a wireless
access point is connected to a wired network and a set of wireless clients, it is called a
basic service set (BSS). The basic service set identifier (BSSID) is a unique identifier
attached to the header of packets sent over a WLAN that differentiates one WLAN from
another when a mobile device tries to connect to the network.

Introduction
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
The multiple BSSID feature allows you to configure up to eight SSIDs on your wireless
access point and assign different configuration settings to each SSID.All the configured
SSIDs are active, and the network devices can connect to the wireless access point by
using any of these SSIDs.
•DHCP server and client.The DHCP server of the wireless access point can provide a
dynamic IP address to wireless clients. The wireless access point can also act as a client
and obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the LAN.
•SNMP.The wireless access point supports Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP) for Management Information Base (MIB) management.
•STP. The wireless access point supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
•802.1Q VLAN.A network of computers can behave as if they are connected to the same
network even though they might actually be physically on different segments of a LAN.
Virtual LANs (VLANs) are configured through software rather than hardware, which
makes them very flexible. VLANs are very useful for user and host management,
bandwidth allocation, and resource optimization.
Key Features
The wireless access point provides solid functionality, including the following features:
•Multiple operating modes:
-Wireless access point. The wireless access point operates as a standard
802.11b/g/n access point for clients.
-Point-to-point bridge. The wireless access point communicates with another access
point that functions in bridge mode. You can use this mode with or without client
association.
-Point-to-multipoint bridge. The wireless access point is the master for a group of
access points that function in bridge mode, that send all traffic to the master, and that
do not communicate directly with each other. You can use this mode with or without
client association.
-Repeating the wireless signal. The wireless access point does not function as an
access point for clients but functions only in point-to-multipoint bridge mode to repeat
the wireless signal and send all traffic to a remote access point.
•WMM. Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) is a subset of the 802.11e standard. WMM allows
wireless traffic to have a range of priorities, depending on the kind of data.
Time-dependent information, like video or audio, has a higher priority than normal traffic.
For WMM to function correctly, wireless clients also need to support WMM.
•QoS. Quality of Service (QoS) support lets you configure parameters that affect traffic
flowing from the wireless access point to the client station and traffic flowing from the
client station to the wireless access point.
•Hotspot support. You can allow all HTTP (TCP, port 80) requests to be captured and
redirected to the URL you specify.
•Rogue AP detection.RogueAP filtering ensures that unknown APs are not given
access to any part of the secured wireless and wired LAN.

Introduction
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
•Access control.MAC address filtering can ensure that only trusted wireless clients can
use the wireless access point to gain access to the wireless and wired LAN.
•Security profiles.When using multiple BSSIDs, you can configure unique security
settings (encryption, SSID, and so on) for each BSSID.
•Hidden mode. The SSID is not broadcast, assuring that only clients configured with the
correct SSID can connect.
•Telnet and SSH command-line interface. Using an application such as PuTTY, you can
access the wireless access point over a Telnet or Secure Shell (SSH) connection and use
the command-line interface (CLI) to configure the wireless access point.
•Upgradeable firmware. Firmware is stored in flash memory. You can upgrade it easily,
using only your web browser, and you can upgrade it remotely. You can also use the
command-line interface.
•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.
•PoE support. Using Power over Ethernet (PoE), any 802.3af-compliant midspan or
end-span sources can supply power to the wireless access point over the Ethernet port.
The wireless access point can receive all required power on one Ethernet port from a
single PoE source.
•Autosensing Ethernet connection with Auto Uplink™ interface. Connects to
10/100/1000 Mbps IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks.
•LED indicators. Power, Test, LAN, and WLAN LEDs are easily identified.
•VLAN security profiles. Each security profile is automatically allocated a VLAN ID when
the security profile is modified.
802.11b/g/n Standards–Based Wireless Networking
The wireless access point provides a bridge between wired Ethernet LANs and
802.11b/g/n-compatible wireless LAN networks. It provides connectivity between wired
Ethernet networks and radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print
servers, RFID tags, and other devices.
In addition, the wireless access point supports the following wireless features:
•Aggregation support
•Reduced InterFrame spacing support
•2x2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) support
•Distributed coordinated function (CSMA/CA, back-off procedure, ACK procedure,
retransmission of unacknowledged frames)
•RTS/CTS handshake
•Beacon generation
•Packet fragmentation and reassembly
•Auto or long preamble

Introduction
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
•Roaming among wireless access points on the same subnet
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
The wireless access point can connect to a standard Ethernet network. The LAN interface is
autosensing and capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.
The wireless access point incorporates Auto Uplink technology. The Ethernet port
automatically senses whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a
“normal” connection such as to a computer or an “uplink” connection such as to a switch or
hub. That port then configures itself correctly. This feature also eliminates any concerns
about crossover cables, because Auto Uplink accommodates either type of cable to make
the right connection.
Hardware Description
This section describes the front and back hardware functions of the wireless access point.
•Front Panel
•Back Panel
•Bottom Panel with Product Label and Reset to Factory Defaults Button
Front Panel
The LEDs of the wireless access point are described in the following figure and table:
123
4
Figure 1. Front panel with LEDs

Table 1. Front panel LEDs
Item LED Description
1Power Off Power is off.
Green Power is on.
2Test Off The wireless access point functions normally.
Amber The wireless access point is starting. After about one
minute, the LED turns off.
Blinking amber New firmware is being loaded.
3LAN Off No link is detected on the LAN port.
Amber A 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps link is detected on the LAN port.
Green A 1000 Mbps link is detected on the LAN port.
4WLAN Off The wireless LAN is not ready, or no wireless activity is
detected.
Blue The wireless LAN is ready.
Blinking Blue Wireless activity is detected.
Introduction
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Back Panel
12345
Figure 2. Back panel
The back panel components of the wireless access point, from left to right, are described in
the following list:
1. Reverse SMA connector for an optional 2.4 GHz antenna.
2. Console port for connecting to an optional console terminal. The port has an RJ-45
connector and supports the following settings: 115200 K default baud rate, (8) data bits, no
(N) parity bit, and one (1) stop bit.
3. 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN port with Auto Uplink (Auto MDI-X) and
IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) support for connection to a switch or router.

Introduction
13
ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
4. Power socket for a 12 VDC, 1A power adapter.
5. Reverse SMA connector for an optional 2.4 GHz antenna.
If you have purchased external antennas, see Configure Advanced Wireless Settings on
page 70 for information about how to enable the external antennas.
Bottom Panel with Product Label and Reset to Factory
Defaults Button
The product label on the bottom of the wireless access point’s enclosure displays factory
default settings, regulatory compliance, and other information. The bottom panel also
contains the recessed Reset to Factory Defaults button, which is indicated on the product
label.
user name: admin
password: password
http://192.168.0.100
272-11850-02
Made in China
Designed by NETGEAR in California
Single Band 802.11n Wireless Access Point
WN203
Reset to
Factory Defaults
12V 1.0A
Power 2.4 Ghz2.4 Ghz Console LAN
MAC
SERIAL
This device complies with part15 of the FCC Rules and Canada ICES-003.
Operation is subjectto the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device mustacceptany interference
received, including interference thatmay cause undesired operation.
FCC ID: PY312400222
IC: 4054A-12400221
ProSAFE
Reset to Factory Defaults button
Figure 3. Product label on the bottom
To reset the wireless access point to factory default settings:
Use a sharp object to press and hold the Reset to Factory Defaults button for about
10 seconds.
All custom configuration settings are lost, and the default password is restored. For more
information, see Restore the Wireless Access Point to the Factory Default Settings on
page 58.

14
2
2. Installation and Basic Configuration
This chapter describes how to install and configure the wireless access point for wireless
connectivity to your LAN. This basic configuration enables computers with 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n
wireless adapters to connect to the Internet or access printers and files on your LAN. In planning
your wireless network, consider the level of security required. Chapter 3, Wireless Configuration
and Security, describes how to set up wireless security for your network. This chapter includes
the following sections:
•What You Need Before You Begin
•Install and Configure the Wireless Access Point
•Test Basic Wireless Connectivity

Installation and Basic Configuration
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to consider the guidelines and requirements in the following sections before you
can set up your wireless access point.
See also System Requirements on page 8.
•Wireless Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines
•Ethernet Cabling Requirements
•LAN Configuration Requirements
•Hardware Requirements for Computers on Your LAN
•Requirements for Entering IP Addresses
Wireless Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines
The range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the location of the
wireless access point. The latency, data throughput performance, and power consumption of
wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration choices.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant
performance degradation or inability to connect wirelessly to the
wireless access point. For complete performance specifications, see
Appendix A, Supplemental Information.
For best results, place your wireless access point according to the following general
guidelines:
•Near the center of the area in which the wireless devices will operate.
•In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected devices have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls).
•Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves ovens, and 2.4 GHz
cordless phones.
•Away from large metal surfaces or water.
The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP
encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.

Installation and Basic Configuration
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Ethernet Cabling Requirements
The wireless access point connects to your LAN using twisted-pair Category 5 Ethernet cable
with RJ-45 connectors.
LAN Configuration Requirements
For the initial configuration of your wireless access point, you need to connect a computer to
the wireless access point.
Hardware Requirements for Computers on Your LAN
To connect to the wireless access point on your network, each computer needs to have an
802.11b/g/n wireless adapter installed.
Requirements for Entering IP Addresses
The fourth octet of an IP address needs to be between 0 and 255 (both inclusive). This
requirement applies to any IP address that you enter on a screen of the web management
interface.
Install and Configure the Wireless Access Point
Install and configure your wireless access point in the order of the following sections:
1. Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Computer
2. Log In to the Wireless Access Point
3. Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings
4. Configure the IP Settings
5. Configure the Optional DHCP Server
6. Configure the Basic Wireless Settings
Before installing the wireless access point, make sure that your Ethernet network functions.
After you have connected the wireless access point to the Ethernet network, computers with
802.11b/g/n wireless adapters are able to communicate with the Ethernet network.
Before you start the installation and configuration process, verify that you have met all the
system requirements. See System Requirements on page 8.

Installation and Basic Configuration
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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Computer
Tip: Before you place the wireless access point in an elevated position that is
difficult to reach, first set up and test the wireless access point to verify
wireless network connectivity.
To set up the wireless access point:
1. Unpack the box and verify the contents.
2. Prepare a computer with an Ethernet adapter:
a. If this computer is already part of your network, record its TCP/IP configuration
settings.
b. Configure the computer with a static IP address of 192.168.0.210 and 255.255.255.0
as the subnet mask.
3. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port (A) of the computer.
4. Securely insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into the wireless access point’s LAN
port (B).
AB
5. Turn on your computer.
6. Connect the power adapter to the wireless access point.
Tip: The wireless access point supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). If you
have a switch that provides PoE, you do not need to use the power
adapter to power the wireless access point. Using PoE can be especially
convenient when the wireless access point is installed in a high location
far away from a power outlet.
7. Verify the following:
Power LED. The Power LED is green. If the Power LED is off, check the
connections, and check if the power outlet is controlled by a wall switch that is
turned off.

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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Test LED. The Test LED is amber. After about one minute, the Test LED turns
off.
LAN LED. The LAN LED indicates the LAN speed for the LAN port: green for
1000 Mbps or amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps.
WLAN LED. The WLAN LED is blue when the wireless LAN (WLAN) is ready.
Log In to the Wireless Access Point
The default IP address of your wireless access point is 192.168.0.100. By default, the DHCP
client on the wireless access point is disabled so you can log in using the default IP address.
To log in to the wireless access point:
1. Open a web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 or later, or Mozilla
Firefox 18.0 or later.
2. Connect to the wireless access point by entering its default address of 192.168.0.100 into
your browser (use http and not https).
The Login screen displays:
3. Enter the default user name of admin and the default password of password.
4. Click the Login button.
The web browser displays the basic General system settings screen under the
Configuration tab of the main menu:

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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
The navigation tabs across the top of the web management interface provide access to all
the configuration functions of the wireless access point and remain constant. The menu items
in the blue bar change according to the navigation tab that is selected.
Figure 4. Navigation tabs and menu items
The bottom right corner on all screens that allow you to make configuration changes show
the Apply and Cancel buttons.
Figure 5. Buttons
These buttons have the following functions:
•Cancel. Cancels all configuration changes that you made on the screen.
•Apply. Saves and applies all configuration changes that you made on the screen.
The following buttons can be displayed:
•Edit. Lets you edit the existing configuration.
•Save or Save As. Lets you save the information that is displayed onscreen to a file.
•Details. Provides more details for the information that is displayed in a table onscreen.
•Refresh. Refreshes the information that is displayed onscreen.
•Clear. Clears the information that is displayed onscreen.
•Back. Returns to the previous screen.
•Send. Sends a test command.

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ProSAFE Single Band 802.11n WirelessAccess Point WN203
Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings
After you have successfully logged in to the wireless access point, the basic General system
settings screen displays.
To configure basic system settings:
1. Select Configuration > System > Basic > General.
The basic General system settings screen displays:
2. Configure the settings as described in the following table:
Setting Description
AP Name This unique name is the wireless access point NetBIOS name. The name is printed
on the label of the wireless access point. The default is netgearxxxxxx, in which
xxxxxx represents the last six digits of the wireless access point MAC address. You
can replace the default name with a unique name up to 15 characters long. The
access point name can be retrieved through SNMP.
Country / Region From the Country / Region drop-down menu, select the country where the wireless
access point is installed.
3. Click the Apply button.
Note: Itmight notbelegal tooperate thiswirelessaccess pointin aregionother than
one of the regions that you can select from the drop-down menu.