NETGEAR WG102 Reference Manual page 38

Reference Manual for the NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point
– Using the same SSID is essential. Devices with different SSIDs are unable to
communicate with each other. However, some access points allow connections from
wireless stations which have their SSID set to "any" or whose SSID is blank (null).
– A group of wireless stations and multiple access points, all using the same ID (ESSID),
form an Extended Service Set (ESS).
– Different access points within an ESS can use different channels. To reduce interference, it
is recommended that adjacent access points should use different channels.
– As wireless stations physically move through the area covered by an ESS, they will
automatically change to the access point which has the least interference or best
performance. This capability is called roaming.
• Broadcast Wireless Network Name (SSID). This field lets you turn off the SSID broadcast.
If you turn off the SSID broadcast, only stations that know the SSID will connect. Disabling
SSID broadcast somewhat hampers the wireless network 'discovery' feature of some products.
The default is to enable SSID broadcast.
• Operating Mode. Select the desired wireless operating mode. The options are:
– Auto (802.11g/802.11b) – Both 802.11g and 802.11b wireless stations can be used. This is
the default.
– 802.11g Only - Only 802.11g wireless stations can be used. This is required for 108 Mbps
data rate operation.
– 802.11b Only - All 802.11b wireless stations can be used. 802.11g wireless stations can
still be used if they can operate in 802.11b mode.
• Channel. This field identifies which operating frequency will be used. It should not be
necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems or setting up
the WG102 near another access point. See
information on wireless channels.
– Access points use a fixed channel. You can select the channel used. This allows you to
choose a channel which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA
and Canada, 11 channels are available.
Note: Channel 6 is required for 108 Mbps data rate.
– If using multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different channels
to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between adjacent access points
is 5 channels (for example, use channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).
3-13
"Wireless Channels" on page B-7
Basic Installation and Configuration
October 2004
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