NETGEAR WG302 - 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point Reference Manual page 39

NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG302 Reference Manual
Note: Only the first profile is enabled. The rest of the profiles are disabled and must
be enabled if configured.
• Wireless Network Name (SSID). The SSID is also know as the wireless network name. The
SSID separates network traffic from different wireless networks. To connect any wireless
device to a wireless network, you need to use an SSID. The WG302 default SSID is
NETGEAR. Some concepts regarding SSID usage are described below:
– Using the same SSID is essential. Devices with different SSIDs cannot communicate with
each other. However, some access points allow connections from wireless stations that
have their SSID set to "any" or whose SSID is blank (null).
– A Basic Service Set (BSS) is a group of wireless stations and a single access point, all
using the same SSID.
– An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a group of wireless stations and multiple access points,
all using the same ID (ESSID).
– 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 ProSafe 802.11g 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 WPA or WPA2 settings.
Basic Installation and Configuration
v4.0, April 2006
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