Introduction
2-1
202-10060-01, September 2004
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v3. Minimal
prerequisites for installation are presented in
“System Requirements” on page 2-3
.
About the 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v3
The 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v3
is the basic building block of a wireless LAN
infrastructure. It provides connectivity between wired Ethernet networks and radio-equipped
wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.
The WG602 v3 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 in-doors access point provides a maximum connectivity area with about a 300 foot
radius. The 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v3 can support a small group of users in a
range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated for up to 32 users simultaneously.
The auto-sensing capability of the 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point WG602 v3 allows packet
transmission at up to 54 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or electromagnetic
noise interference.
Support for Standards
The following standards and conventions are supported:
•
Standards Compliant.
The WG602 v3 Access Point complies with the IEEE 802.11g
(DSSS).
•
WEP support.
Support for WEP is included. Both 64-bit and 128-bit keys are supported.
•
WPA-PSK support
. Support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption which
provides strong data encryption and authentication based on a pre-shared key.
•
Dynamic WEP key Support.
Fixed or Dynamic WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) keys can
be used.
•
DHCP Client Support.
DHCP provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other devices upon
request. The WG602 v3 can act as a client and obtain information from your DHCP server.