- Netgear ProSafe WFS709TP Smart Wireless Controller Manual

1-1
v1.0, June 2007
Chapter 1
Overview of the WFS709TP
The WFS709TP ProSafe Smart Wireless Switch is a full-featured wireless switch that centrally
manages NETGEAR Light access points, delivering integrated wireless mobility, security, and
converged services for both wired and wireless users.
This chapter describes the components and features of the WFS709TP ProSafe Smart Wireless
Switch, in the following topics:
• “WFS709TP System Components” on page 1-1
• “Basic WLAN Configuration” on page 1-8
• “Wireless Client Access to the WLAN” on page 1-13
• “Configuring and Managing the WFS709TP” on page 1-16
WFS709TP System Components
The WFS709TP ProSafe Smart Wireless Switch system consists of the following components:
• “NETGEAR ProSafe Access Points” on page 1-1
• “WFS709TP ProSafe Switches” on page 1-5
• “WFS709TP Software” on page 1-7
The following sections describe each of these components.
NETGEAR ProSafe Access Points
The NETGEAR ProSafe WAGL102 and ProSafe WGL102 access points (APs) are designed for
the WFS709TP, and provide the best features and easiest integration. Several other NETGEAR
access point products can also be repurposed to work with the WFS709TP. Refer to the
NETGEAR support site for a list of which NETGEAR APs can be repurposed, and for instructions
on how to do so.
An AP broadcasts its configured service set identifier (SSID), which corresponds to a specific
wireless local area network (WLAN). Wireless clients discover APs by listening for broadcast
beacons or by sending active probes to search for APs with a specific SSID.