Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG102
3-15
v1.0, November 2005
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A Basic Service Set (BSS) is a group of wireless stations and a single access point, all
using the same SSID.
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An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a group of wireless stations and multiple access points,
all using the same ID (ESSID).
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Different access points within an ESS can use different channels. To reduce interference,
adjacent access points
should
use different channels.
–
Roaming is the ability of wireless stations to connect wirelessly when they physically
move from one ESS to another. The wireless station automatically changes to the access
point with the least interference or best performance.
•
Broadcast Wireless Network Name (SSID).
This field lets you turn off the SSID broadcast.
If you do so, then only stations that know the SSID can connect. Disabling the SSID broadcast
somewhat hampers the wireless network ‘discovery’ feature of some products. The default is
to enable SSID broadcast.
Network Authentication
The WG102 Access Point is set by default as an open system with no authentication. When setting
up Network Authentication, bear in mind the following:
•
If you are using Access Point mode, then all options are available. In other modes such as
Repeater or Bridge, some options may be unavailable.
•
Not all wireless adapters support WPA or WPA2. Windows XP and Windows 2000 with
Service Pack 3 do include the client software that supports WPA. However, client software is
required on the client. Consult the product documentation for your wireless adapter and WPA
or WPA2 client software for instructions on configuring WPA2 settings.
Note:
The AutoCell Auto RF Management option enhances the roaming,
interference, and channel selection of an extended wireless network.
Note:
Broadcast Wireless Network Name (SSID) is turned off if you enable the
AutoCell Enhanced RF Security option (disabled by default).
