User Manual 802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 July 2021 202-11698-05 NETGEAR, Inc. 350 E.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Support and Community Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest downloads. You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at community.netgear.com. Regulatory and Legal Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/. (If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at https://www.netgear.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Revision History Publication Part Publish Date Number Comments 202-11698-05 July 2021 We added information about the initial set up page and changed the steps to log in to the local browser user interface (UI) for all tasks in this UM. Chapter 1 : We changed: Hardware Overview of the Access Point on page 7, Top panel with LEDs on page 10, and AP label on page 12.
Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Access Point Additional documentation...................................................................9 Unpack the AP.......................................................................................9 Top panel with LEDs...........................................................................10 Back panel...........................................................................................11 Position the antennas.....................................
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Enable or disable the WiFi radios................................................44 Chapter 4 Manage the AP and Monitor the Traffic Update the firmware of the AP.........................................................47 Check for new firmware and update the AP...............................47 Download new firmware and update the AP.............................49 Manage the configuration file of the AP..........................................
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Test the path from your computer to a remote device.............90 Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications Factory default settings......................................................................92 Technical specifications.....................................................................
1 Hardware Overview of the Access Point The NETGEAR 802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104, in this manual referred to as the AP, supports dual-band concurrent operation at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with combined throughput of 1.2 Gbps (300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz). The AP can be used in a standalone configuration connected to a router in a small network or integrated in a larger network. IMPORTANT: The steps in this manual apply only if you update your AP firmware to version 1.0.4.
For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the support website at netgear.com/support. Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at downloadcenter.netgear.com. You can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Additional documentation The following documents are available at netgear.com/support/download/: • Installation guide for firmware version 1.0.4.15 and later versions • Installation guide for firmware versions earlier than version 1.0.4.15 • User manual for firmware versions earlier than version 1.0.4.15 • Data sheet Unpack the AP The package contains the AP, Ethernet cable, power adapter (localized to the country of sale), and installation guide.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Top panel with LEDs The status LEDs are located on the top panel of the AP. Figure 2. Overview of the LEDs Table 1. LED descriptions LED Description Power Solid green. The AP is ready. Solid green temporarily, blinking green temporarily, and finally solid green. The AP is starting or was reset to factory default settings and is restarting.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Back panel The back panel of the AP provides ports, buttons, and a DC power connector. Figure 3. AP back panel Viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following components: • WPS button. Press the WPS button to join the AP’s WiFi network without typing the WiFi password. For more information, see Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to join the WiFi network of the AP on page 30. • WiFi On/Off button.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Figure 4. Examples of recommended antenna positions AP label The AP label on the bottom panel of the AP shows the default login information, serial number and MAC address of the AP, and other information. Depending on when you purchased your AP, the label might also show the default WiFi network names (SSIDs) and default WiFi passphrase. The following figure is an example. The label on your AP might look differently. Figure 5.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Safety instructions and warnings for an indoor access point Use the following safety guidelines to ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your system from potential damage. To reduce the risk of bodily injury, electrical shock, fire, and damage to the equipment, observe the following precautions: • This product is designed for indoor use only in a temperature-controlled and humidity-controlled environment.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 • Do not spill food or liquids on your product components, and never operate the product in a wet environment. If the product gets wet, see the appropriate section in your troubleshooting guide, or contact your trained service provider. • Do not push any objects into the openings of your product. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components. • Use the product only with approved equipment.
2 Install and Access the AP in Your Network This chapter describes how you can install and access the AP in your network. The chapter contains the following sections: • • • • • • • • • Position your AP Set up and connect the AP to your router About logging in to the local browser UI Connect and log in to the AP for initial configuration Find the IP address of the AP when you cannot use aplogin.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Position your AP Consider how you want to position the AP. Place it where you want to add WiFi, positioned so the WiFi range of the AP provides an optimal coverage area for your WiFi devices. The WiFi range or coverage area can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your AP. For example, the thickness and number of walls that the WiFi signal passes through can limit the range.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 If you are using adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference (see Manage the basic WiFi settings and WiFi security of the WiFi network on page 33). Set up and connect the AP to your router The AP functions as a WiFi access point and LAN switch for Internet access but does not provide routing services such as NAT and does not include a DHCP server.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 To connect the AP to a router (or switch or hub that is connected to a DHCP server): 1. Connect the Ethernet cable that came in the package to one of the AP’s Ethernet ports. You can use any of the four LAN ports on the AP. 2. Connect the other end of the cable to a LAN port on your router (or switch or hub that is connected to a DHCP server). 3. Power on the AP. The Power LED On/Off button. lights solid green.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Connect and log in to the AP for initial configuration After you set up the AP, you can use several methods to connect and log in to the AP for initial configuration. You can use WiFi to connect your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone to the AP or you can use a computer and an Ethernet cable to connect to a LAN port on the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 To connect to the AP over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device: 1. Connect a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the AP either by using the manual method or the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) method: • Manual method: Do the following: a. Open the software utility that manages your WiFi connections. The utility scans for all WiFi networks in your area. b.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 5. As an option for greater security, set new WiFi network names (SSIDs) for the NETGEAR_11N and NETGEAR_11AC default SSIDs and new WiFi passphrases for the default sharedsecret WiFi passphrase that is used for both SSIDs. The new SSIDs and WiFi passphrases replace the default SSIDs and WiFi passphrase, so we recommend that you write down the new information or save it in another way. 6.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 To connect to the AP using a computer that is connected to the same network as the AP: 1. Determine the IP address that your router assigned to the AP by one of the following ways: • Access your router: Access the DHCP server information of your router to see the devices that are connected to it, including the AP. The IP address that is assigned to the AP is listed.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer You can use a computer that is directly connected through an Ethernet cable to a LAN port on the AP. The default IP address of the AP is 192.168.0.100. To connect to the AP using a computer that is connected to a LAN port on the AP: 1. Record the IP address and subnet mask of your computer so that you can reinstate these IP address settings later. 2.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 9. If you changed the IP address of the AP to a static IP address in a subnet that is different from the 192.168.0.x subnet, temporarily change the IP address on your computer to an address in the same subnet as the static IP address that you just assigned to the AP. You can use 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask. 10. Log back in to the local browser UI using your new admin password. The Home page displays.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 If you do not know the IP address that was assigned to the AP, use one of the following options to find the IP address of the AP: • Only if the AP is connected to the Internet, do one of the following: - Option 1. Temporarily connect directly and log in: Temporarily connect a computer directly either through an Ethernet cable or over WiFi or a mobile device over WiFi to the AP and do the following: 1. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.aplogin.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Log in to the AP after you complete the initial log-in process After you complete the initial log-in process, the AP is ready for use and you can change the settings and monitor the traffic. To log in to the AP’s local browser UI after you complete the initial log-in process To log in to the AP’s local browser UI after you complete the initial log-in process: 1.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 The Home page displays a dashboard that lets you see the status of your AP at a glance. You can click the IP Settings, Wireless Settings (2.4GHz b/g/n), or Wireless Settings (5GHz a/n/ac) heading to view more detailed information. For more information, see View information about the AP and the IP and WiFi settings on page 61. The left column displays the main menu. Change the language By default, the language is set as Auto. You can change the language.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 The local device password is the one that you specified. The local device password is case-sensitive. The Home page displays. 4. In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu. 5. When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change. The page refreshes with the language that you selected.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 6. If the AP is in an area that observes daylight saving time, select the Automatically adjust for Daylight Savings Time check box. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. When the AP connects over the Internet to an NTP server, the date and time that display on the page are adjusted according to your settings.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Enter the WiFi passphrase. If you did not change the default WiFi passphrase, it is sharedsecret, and it applies to either default SSID. 5. Click the Connect button. The device connects to the WiFi network of the AP. Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to join the WiFi network of the AP You can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to add a WiFi device such as a WiFi-enabled computer, tablet, or smartphone to the WiFi network on the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 To connect a computer or LAN device to the AP with an Ethernet cable: 1. Make sure that the AP is receiving power (its Power LED is lit). 2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on the computer or LAN device. 3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of the numbered Ethernet ports on the AP. You can use any of the four LAN ports on the AP.
3 Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings This chapter describes how you can manage the basic WiFi network settings of the AP. For information about the advanced WiFi settings, see Manage the Advanced WiFi Features on page 68. Tip: If you want to change the settings of the AP’s WiFi network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Manage the basic WiFi settings and WiFi security of the WiFi network The AP comes with preset WiFi network names (SSIDs) and WPA and WPA2 mixed mode WiFi security with a preset WiFi passphrase: • The default SSID in the 2.4 GHz radio band is NETGEAR_11N with the default WiFi passphrase sharedsecret. • The default SSID in the 5 GHz radio band is NETGEAR_11AC with the default WiFi passphrase sharedsecret.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Select Setup > Wireless Setup. 5. View or change the basic WiFi settings and security settings. The following table describes the fields on the Wireless Network page. Field Description AP Name The name of the AP. By default, the name is WAC104. Region From the menu, select the region in which the AP operates. For some countries, you cannot change the region because it is preset.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 (Continued) Field Description Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) Name (SSID) The SSID is the WiFi network name. If you did not change the SSID, the default SSID for the 2.4 GHz band displays (NETGEAR_11N). If you change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name in this field. Channel From the Channel menu, select Auto for automatic channel selection or select an individual channel. The default selection is Auto.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 (Continued) Field Description Security Options This information applies to the 2.4 GHz WiFi network. If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the AP’s WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network. We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi network but configure WiFi security. • WEP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 (Continued) Field Description Channel From the Channel menu, select an individual channel. The default channel depends on your selection from the Region menu. Note: In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this situation occurs, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 (Continued) Field Description Security Options This information applies to the 5 GHz WiFi network. If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the AP’s WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network. We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi network but configure WiFi security. • WPA2-PSK [AES]. This option is the default setting.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 network selection in your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to match the current settings for your network. • Does your WiFi device display as an attached device? (See View devices on the network on page 59.) If it does, it is connected to the network.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. In the Security Options section, select the WEP radio button. 5. From the Authentication Type menu, select one of the following types: • Automatic. Clients can use either Automatic or Shared Key authentication. • Shared Key. Clients can use only Shared Key authentication. 6. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption key size: • 64-bit. Standard WEP encryption, using 40/64-bit encryption. • 128-bit.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Your settings are saved. 10. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the network with its new security settings. If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following: • If your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is already connected to another WiFi network in your area, disconnect it from that WiFi network and connect it to the WiFi network that the AP provides.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 A login window displays. 3. Enter the AP local device password. The local device password is the one that you specified. The local device password is case-sensitive. The Home page displays. 4. Select Setup > Wireless Setup. The Wireless Network page displays. 5. In the Security Options section below either the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section or the Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac) section, select the WPA/WPA2 Enterprise radio button. 6.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 (Continued) Field Description RADIUS Server Port Enter the number of the port on the AP that is used to access the RADIUS server for authentication. The default port number is 1812. Shared Key Enter the shared key (RADIUS password) that is used between the AP and the RADIUS server during authentication of a WiFi user. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 8.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Use the WiFi On/Off button To turn the WiFi radios off and on with the WiFi On/Off button: Press the WiFi On/Off button on the rear panel of the AP for two seconds. If you turned off the WiFi radios, the WiFi LED turns off. If you turned on the WiFi radios, the WiFi LED lights solid green. Tip: If you want to disable the WiFi radio or radios of the AP, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when WiFi radio or radios turn off.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Select Advanced Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings. 5. Do one of the following in the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section, Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac) section, or both sections: • Turn off the radio. Clear the Enable Radio check box. The WiFi LED turns off. • Turn on the radio. Select the Enable Radio check box. The WiFi LED lights solid green. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
4 Manage the AP and Monitor the Traffic This chapter describes how you can manage the settings for administering and maintaining the AP and monitor the network.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Update the firmware of the AP From time to time, or as needed, NETGEAR makes new firmware (software) available. You can log in to the AP and let the AP check if new firmware is available, or you can manually upload a specific firmware version to your AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 To check for new firmware and update your AP: 1. Connect your computer or mobile device to the AP in one of the following ways: • Connect directly to the AP’s WiFi network or LAN. • Connect to the same network that the AP is connected to. 2. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.aplogin.net (or aplogin.net) in the address field. Instead, if you are connected to same network as the AP, enter the LAN IP address that is assigned to the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Download new firmware and update the AP IMPORTANT: If you update from a firmware version earlier than version to 1.0.4.15 to version 1.0.4.15 or a later version, you must reset the AP to factory defaults after you update the firmware. To download new firmware and update your AP: 1. Visit netgear.com/support/download/ and locate the support page for the router. 2. Read the new firmware release notes to determine whether you must reconfigure the AP after updating.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 WARNING: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the update. For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the AP. Wait until the AP finishes restarting and the Power LED remains solid green. A progress bar shows the progress of the firmware upload process. The firmware upload process takes several minutes. When the upload is complete, the AP restarts. 9.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Select Administration > Backup Settings. The Backup Settings page displays. 5. Click the Backup button. 6. Choose a location to store the file on your computer. The name of the backup file is NETGEAR_WAC104.cfg. 7. Follow the directions of your browser to save the file. Restore the settings If you backed up the configuration file, you can restore the configuration from this file. To restore configuration settings that you backed up: 1.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 WARNING: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the restoration. For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the AP. Wait until the AP finishes restarting and the Power LED remains solid green. Change the local device password During the initial log-in process, you specified the local device password (also referred to as the admin password).
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 The Set Password page displays. 5. Enter the old password. 6. Enter the new password twice. Note: For information about setting up password recovery, see Enable password recovery or change the recovery questions on page 53. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Select Administration > Set Password. The Set Password page displays. 5. If you did not yet do so, select the Enable Password Reset check box. 6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Recover the local device admin password During the initial log-in process, you must both customize the local device password and set up password recovery.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 8. Enter the saved answers to your security questions. 9. Click the Continue button. A window displays your recovered password. 10. Click the Login again button. A login window displays. 11. With your recovered password, log in to the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 3. Release the Reset button. The configuration is reset to factory default settings. When the reset is complete, the AP reboots. This process takes about two minutes. WARNING: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the reset. For example, if you are connected to the AP local browser UI, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 WARNING: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the reset. For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the AP. Wait until the AP finishes restarting and the Power LED remains solid green. Change the IP address settings of the AP Under some circumstances, for example, when you move the AP from one network to another, you might need to change the IP address settings of the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Select Advanced Setup > IP Settings. The previous figure shows that the AP’s DHCP client is enabled. 5. Configure the IP settings by taking one of the following actions: • Disable the DHCP client and configure a static IP address by doing the following: a. Select the Use fixed IP Address (not recommended) radio button. b.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 View devices on the network You can view the active wired and WiFi devices in both the network to which the AP is connected and the AP network. If you do not recognize a WiFi device, it might be an intruder. To display the attached wired and WiFi devices: 1. Connect your computer or mobile device to the AP in one of the following ways: • Connect directly to the AP’s WiFi network or LAN. • Connect to the same network that the AP is connected to. 2.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Field Description Wired Devices Status For LAN devices, the status is always Allowed. Device Name The device name, if detected. IP Address The IP address that is assigned to the device when it joined the network. This address can change when a device is disconnected and rejoins the network. MAC Address The unique MAC address. The MAC address does not change and is usually shown on the product label.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 View information about the AP and the IP and WiFi settings You can view information about the AP and the IP and WiFi settings for each of the radios. To view information about the AP and the IP and WiFi settings: 1. Connect your computer or mobile device to the AP in one of the following ways: • Connect directly to the AP’s WiFi network or LAN. • Connect to the same network that the AP is connected to. 2. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.aplogin.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 • A red X indicates that a problem exists or the connection is down. For a WiFi network, the network is disabled or down. • An amber exclamation mark indicates that the AP cannot get an Internet connection (for example, because a cable is disconnected), that a WiFi network is enabled but open (that is, it is unprotected), or that another situation that requires your attention occurred. Note: By default, the AP’s WiFi network in the 2.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 (Continued) Field Description IP Address The IP address that the AP uses. By default, this IP address is 192.168.0.100. After the AP receives an IP address from your router or a DHCP server in your network, or if you configure a static IP address, the IP address is different from the default address. Subnet Mask The IP subnet mask that the AP uses. Default Gateway The gateway through which the AP connects to the Internet.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 (Continued) Field Description Broadcast SSID Displays whether the 5 GHz band of the WiFi network broadcasts its SSID. Wi-Fi Protected Setup Displays whether the AP keeps its existing WiFi settings when you use WPS to connect a device to the 5 GHz band of the WiFi network: • Configured. The AP keeps its existing WiFi settings. This is the default setting. • Not configured.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Select Administration > Status. The following table describes the fields and columns of the table on the page. Field or Column Description System Up Time The time elapsed since the AP was last restarted. Port The statistics for the LAN (Ethernet) ports, WLAN b/g/n, and WLAN a/n/ac ports. For each port, the page displays the information that is described in this table. Status The link status of the port.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 To change the traffic statistics polling frequency or stop polling: 1. Connect your computer or mobile device to the AP in one of the following ways: • Connect directly to the AP’s WiFi network or LAN. • Connect to the same network that the AP is connected to. 2. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.aplogin.net (or aplogin.net) in the address field.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Instead, if you are connected to same network as the AP, enter the LAN IP address that is assigned to the AP. For information about finding the IP address, see Find the IP address of the AP when you cannot use aplogin.net on page 24. A login window displays. 3. Enter the AP local device password. The local device password is the one that you specified. The local device password is case-sensitive. The Home page displays. 4. Select Administration > Logs.
5 Manage the Advanced WiFi Features This chapter describes how you can manage the advanced WiFi features of the AP. For information about the basic WiFi settings, see Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings on page 32. Tip: If you want to change the settings of the AP’s WiFi network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Add a WiFi schedule You can use this feature to turn off the WiFi signal from your AP at times when you do not need a WiFi connection. For example, you might turn it off at night or for the weekend. You can add a separate WiFi schedule for each WiFi band. You can also add multiple schedules for each WiFi band. Note: You can add a WiFi schedule only if the AP is connected to the Internet and synchronizes its internal clock with a time server on the Internet.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Select Advanced Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings. 5. In the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section or Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac) section, select the Wireless Schedule check box. 6. In the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section or Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac) section, click the Add a new period button. 7.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Your settings are saved and the schedule becomes active. The WiFi signal is turned off according to the schedule that you added. Manage access to the WiFi network through a WiFi access list By default, all WiFi devices are allowed to connect to the WiFi network. If you enable access control, only devices that you add to the WiFi access control list (ACL) are allowed access to the WiFi network and all other WiFi devices are blocked.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Set Up Access List button. If you did not yet add any WiFi devices to the access list, the table does not show any. 6. Click the Add button. The Available Wireless Client List shows the detected WiFi devices with their device name and MAC addresses. 7.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Note: If you are connected to the AP over a WiFi connection, make sure that you add your own WiFi device to the access control list before you enable access control. 10. Select the Turn Access Control On button. 11. Click the Apply button. The access control list is saved and the Advanced Wireless Settings page displays again. 12. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved and the access control list becomes active.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. The WAC104’s PIN field displays the fixed PIN that you use if you want to configure the AP’s WiFi settings from another platform through WPS. 6. To disable the PIN, clear the Enable WAC104’s PIN check box. By default, the Enable WAC104’s PIN check box is selected and the AP’s PIN is enabled. For enhanced security, you can disable the AP’s PIN by clearing the Enable WAC104’s PIN check box.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Manage advanced WiFi settings For most WiFi networks, the advanced WiFi settings work fine and you do not need to change the settings. To manage advanced WiFi features: 1. Connect your computer or mobile device to the AP in one of the following ways: • Connect directly to the AP’s WiFi network or LAN. • Connect to the same network that the AP is connected to. 2. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.aplogin.net (or aplogin.net) in the address field.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 The descriptions in the table (not the settings onscreen) apply to both the Advanced Wireless Settings (2.4GHz b/g/n) section and the Advanced Wireless Settings (5GHz 802.11a/n/ac) section. Field Description Fragmentation The fragmentation length (the default is 2346), CTS/RTS threshold (the default is Length (256-2346) 2347), and the preamble mode (the default is Automatic) are reserved for WiFi testing and advanced configuration only.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Figure 7. WiFi repeating scenario with a point-to-point configuration To use the WiFi repeating function, you cannot use the auto channel feature for the AP, the SSID broadcast must be enabled, and you cannot use WPA and WPA2 Enterprise security. For WiFi repeating, you must set up a WiFi base station and a WiFi repeater: • WiFi base station. The AP functions as the parent access point that bridges traffic to and from the child repeater access point.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 • All LAN devices (wired and WiFi computers) are configured to operate in the same LAN network address range as the access points. Set up the WiFi base station The WiFi repeating function works only in hub and spoke mode. Units cannot be daisy-chained. You must know the WiFi settings for all units. You must also know the MAC addresses of the remote units. First, set up the base station, then set up one or more repeaters. To set up the base station: 1.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 7. Select the Wireless Base Station radio button. 8. In the Repeater MAC Address 1 through 4 fields, enter the MAC addresses of the APs that must function as repeaters. If your AP is the base station, it can function as the “parent” for up to four other APs. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up a WiFi repeater Use a wired Ethernet connection to set up a repeater unit to avoid conflicts with the WiFi connection to the base station.
2.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 To set up a NETGEAR AP as a repeater: 1. Connect your computer or mobile device to the AP in one of the following ways: • Connect directly to the AP’s WiFi network or LAN. • Connect to the same network that the AP is connected to. 2. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.aplogin.net (or aplogin.net) in the address field. Instead, if you are connected to same network as the AP, enter the LAN IP address that is assigned to the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 7. Maker sure that the Wireless Repeater radio button is selected. 8. In the Repeater IP Address fields, type the IP address of the repeater AP. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the base station, but different from the LAN IP address of the base station. 9. In the Base Station MAC Address field, enter the MAC address of the AP that functions as the base station. 10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 11.
6 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information to help you diagnose and solve problems that you might experience with the AP. If you do not find the solution here, check the NETGEAR support site at netgear.com/support for product and contact information.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Quick tips for troubleshooting Network problems: If your network is unresponsive or does not function normally, restart your network: 1. Unplug the Ethernet cable from the AP to your router, network switch, or network hub. 2. Turn off the AP. 3. Plug in the Ethernet cable from the AP to your router, network switch, or network hub. Wait two minutes. 4. Turn on the AP and wait two minutes.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 • Make sure that your WiFi device is not too far from the AP or too close. To see if the signal strength improves, move your WiFi device near the AP but at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) away. • Make sure that the WiFi signal is not blocked by objects between the AP and your WiFi device. • Make sure that the AP’s SSID broadcast is not disabled.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 You can use the LEDs for troubleshooting. For more information, see the following sections: • Power LED is off on page 85 • Power LED remains blinking green on page 85 • WiFi LED is off on page 86 Power LED is off If the Power LED and other LEDs are off when the AP is turned on, do the following: • Make sure that the Power On/Off button on the back is in the on position, that is, it is pushed in.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 WiFi LED is off If the WiFi LED remains off, check to see if both radios on the AP are disabled (see Control the WiFi radios on page 43). By default, both radios are enabled and the WiFi LED lights solid green. Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity If you are experiencing trouble connecting over WiFi to the AP, try to isolate the problem: • Make sure that the WiFi settings in your WiFi device and AP match exactly.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 If you cannot connect more than five WiFi devices to the AP, the AP might not be able to find a DHCP server in your network. If this situation occurs, make sure that one of the AP’s LAN ports is connected to a router in your network so that the AP can receive a DHCP address.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 You cannot log in to the AP’s local browser UI If you are unable to log in to the AP from a computer on your local network and use the AP local browser UI, check the following: • If you are using an Ethernet-connected computer, check the Ethernet connection between the computer and the AP. • Make sure that the IP address of your computer is in the same subnet as the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 4. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.aplogin.net (or aplogin.net) in the address field. Instead, if you are connected to same network as the AP, enter the LAN IP address that is assigned to the AP. For information about finding the IP address, see Find the IP address of the AP when you cannot use aplogin.net on page 24. A login window displays. 5. Log in to the local browser UI with the user name is admin and the default password password.
802.
A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications This appendix includes the following sections: • • Factory default settings Technical specifications Note: In this appendix, we refer to the access point as the AP.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Factory default settings You can reset the AP to the factory default settings, which are shown in the following table. For more information about resetting the AP to its factory settings, see Return the AP to its factory default settings on page 55. Table 2. WAC104 AP factory default settings Feature Default Setting AP login User login IP address 192.168.0.100 User login URL http://www.aplogin.net (or aplogin.net) or http://www.aplogin.com (or aplogin.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Table 2. WAC104 AP factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default Setting Fragmentation length 2346 CTS/RTS threshold 2347 Preamble mode Long Preamble Transmission speed Automatic, nonconfigurable Note: Throughput can vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, affect the data throughput rate.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC104 Table 3. WAC104 AP specifications (Continued) Feature Description LAN Four 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45) ports with Auto Uplink (Auto MDI-X) WiFi standards IEEE 802.11ac specification IEEE 802.11n 2.0 specification IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11a Radio bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, concurrent operation Maximum theoretical WiFi throughput 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps in the 5GHz band Note: Throughput can vary.
