User Manual

Table Of Contents
Introduction 2-1
v0.1, December 2005
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG302. Minimal
prerequisites for installation are presented in
“System Requirements” on page 2-6.
About the NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point
WG302
The NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG302 is the basic building block of a
wireless LAN infrastructure. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and
radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.
The WG302 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 individual in-building access point provides a maximum connectivity area
with about a 300 foot radius. The NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG302 can
support a small group of users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated
between 30-70 users simultaneously.
The NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG302 acts as a bridge between the
wired LAN and wireless clients. Connecting multiple WG302 Wireless Access Points via a wired
Ethernet backbone can further lengthen the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing
device moves out of the range of one access point, it moves into the range of another. As a result,
wireless clients can freely roam from one access point to another and still maintain seamless
connection to the network.
The auto-sensing capability of the WG302 Wireless Access Point allows packet transmission at up
to 108 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or electromagnetic interference.