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Wireless |
  
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Wireless |
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A note about wireless: Wireless is still in its early stages of development and standards are changing rapidly. Be aware that there may be compatibility issues between different brands of Routers and Network Adapters. Also by default wireless routers are not very secure. If a wireless router is used, there are certain features that should be considered.
| • | Disable SSID broadcast |
| • | Enable the restriction of wireless devices |
| • | Enable Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) |
Without at least some of these features configured, anyone with a wireless computer close to your router can use you router to access the internet and your computers. This can be a huge security risk.
By enabling any of the above features, the wireless system will require a little more work to allow a legitimate system to access the system. but once the computer is setup, it will remember the settings and not require them to be setup each time the computer is used.
Additionally, wireless is anywhere form 1/5 to 1/2 the speed for a wired network. While this typically does not effect the speed of internet access, it can greatly impact computer functionality on your local network. (Especially if you are running a database application hosted on another computer).
The operating distance or range a wireless connection can vary significantly based on the physical placement of the router. For best results, place the router:
| • | Near the center of the area in which your PC's will operate, |
| • | In an elevated location such as a high shelf, |
| • | Away from potential sources of interference, such as PC's, microwaves, and cordless phones, |
| • | With the Antenna tight and in the upright position, |
| • | Away from large metal surfaces. |
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router.
Name (SSID)
Enter a value of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. The same Name (SSID) must be assigned to all wireless devices in your network. The default SSID is Wireless, but NETGEAR strongly recommends that you change your networks Name (SSID) to a different value. This value is also case-sensitive. For example, Wireless is not the same as wireless.
Region
Select your region from the drop-down list. This field displays the region of operation for which the wireless interface is intended. It may not be legal to operate the router in a region other than the region shown here. If your country or region is not listed, please check with your local government agency or check our website for more information on which channels to use.
Channel
This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It should not be necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another nearby access point.
Wireless Access Point
The Wireless Access Point of this router can be enabled or disabled to allow wireless access. The wireless icon on the front of the router will also display the current status of the Wireless Access Point to let you know if it is disabled or enabled.
If Enabled, wireless stations will be able to access the Internet.
If Disabled, wireless stations will not be able to access the Internet.
Allow Broadcast of Name (SSID)
If Enabled, the SSID will broadcast its name to all Wireless Stations. Stations which have no SSID (or a "null" value) can then adopt the correct SSID for connections to this Access Point.
Wireless Card Access List
By default, any wireless PC that is configured with the correct SSID will be allowed access to your wireless network. For increased security, you can restrict access to the wireless network to only allow specific PCs based on their MAC addresses. From the Wireless Settings menu, click the Setup Access List button to display the Wireless Access List menu.
Security Encryption (WEP)
Authentication Type
Normally this can be left at the default value of "Automatic." If that fails, select the appropriate value - "Open System" or "Shared Key." Check your wireless card's documentation to see what method to use.
Encryption Strength
Disable - no data encryption
64-bit (sometimes called 40-bit) encryption
128-bit encryption
Security Encryption (WEP) Key
If WEP is enabled, you can manually or automatically program the four data encryption keys. These values must be identical on all PCs and Access Points in your network.
Automatic Key Generation (Passphrase)
Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box and click the Generate button to automatically configure the WEP Key(s). If encryption strength is set to 64 bit, then each of the four key boxes will automatically be populated with key values. If encryption strength is set to 128 bit, then only the selected WEP key box will automatically be populated with key values.
Manual Entry Mode
Select which of the four keys will be used and enter the matching WEP key information for your network in the selected key box.
For 64 bit WEP - Enter ten hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, A-F).
For 128 bit WEP - Enter twenty-six hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, A-F).
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Page url:
http://www.tje.net/PCSupport/index.html?wireless.htm
Page content was last updated: 4/24/2009
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