802.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Support Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products. After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website. For product updates and web support, visit http://support.netgear.com. Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.
Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Setup System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Unpack Your Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Front and Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 LEDs and Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Back Up the Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restore the Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restore the Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enable a Syslog Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. 1 Hardware Setup This chapter covers the following topics: • System Requirements • Unpack Your Access Point • Front and Side View • Rear View For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at http://support.netgear.com. Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at http://downloadcenter.netgear.com.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 System Requirements Before installing the access point, make sure that your system includes the following: • A 10/100/1000 Mbps local area network device such as a hub or switch • The Category 5 UTP straight-through Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connector included in the package, or one like it • A 100–120 V, 50–60 Hz AC power source • A web browser for configuration • At least one computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed • 802.11b/g-compliant or 802.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Front and Side View The status LEDs and icons on the front and side panels are shown in the following figure. WiFi On/O ff WiFi On/Off button WPS WPS button LEDs Figure 2. Front and side view LEDs and Buttons The LEDs on the wireless access point light to indicate wireless access point activity: Table 1. LEDs LED Description Power • • • Off. Power is off. Green. Power in on. Amber. A self-test is running.
02.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Table 1. LEDs (continued) LED Description LAN WiFi • • • Off. No link is detected. Green. A 1000 Mbps link is detected. Amber. A 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps link is detected. • • • • Off. Both the 2.4G and 5G radios are off. Green. The 2.4G, 5G, or both radios are ready. Blinking green. Wireless activity of 2.4G or 5G is detected. Slow blinking green. WPS is enabled.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Label The label on the access point shows the login information, MAC address, and serial number. Default access information Preset WiFi password Serial number and MAC address Figure 4.
2.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Install the Access Point Make sure that your Internet service is active before you install your access point. To install your access point: 1. Prepare your network. Make sure that your modem is cabled only to the wall jack for your Internet service. 2. Connect your devices. 1 2 3 4 a. Plug in, then turn on your gateway or modem. b. With an Ethernet cable, connect your gateway or modem to a network switch. c.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 3. Add power to the access point: 1 2 3 4 a. Connect the power adapter to the access point and plug the power adapter into an outlet. b. Wait for the Power LED on the front panel to light amber and turn green. If no LEDs are lit, press the Power On/Off button on the rear panel of the access point. 4. Connect a computer.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Connect to the Access Point and Log In You can connect to the access point’s web management interface to view or change its LAN and wireless access settings. To connect to the access point: 1. Configure a computer with a static IP address of 192.168.0.210 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. For help configuring a static IP address on your computer, check the instructions or online help that came with that computer. 2.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. In the Access Point Name field, type the access point name. This unique name is the access point NetBIOS name. The access point name is printed on the product label of the access point. The default is netgearxxxxxx, where xxxxxxx represents the last 6 digits of the access point MAC address. You can replace the default name with a unique name up to 15 characters long. 5.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 4. Select Configuration > System > Basic > Time. 5. Adjust the following fields: • Time Zone. From the list, select the local time zone for your access point. The default is USA-Pacific. The access point gets the current time from the connecting computer. • NTP Client. Enable the NTP client to synchronize the time of the access point with an NTP server. The Enable radio button is selected by default.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Configuration > IP. The IP Settings screen displays. 5. If necessary, specify the following settings: • DHCP Client. By default, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) client is disabled.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Set Up and Test Wireless Connectivity This section covers the following topics: • Basic Wireless Settings • Wireless On-Off Schedule • Wireless Security Options • Wireless Security Profiles • MAC Authentication • Connect Stations to the Wireless Access Point You must use a computer that is configured with a static IP address of 192.168.0.210 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 7. Select Configuration > Wireless. Change any of the default settings that you want to change. 8. Select a Wireless Mode radio button: • 11b. All 802.11b wireless stations can be used. (The 802.11g wireless stations can still be used if they can operate in 802.11b mode.) • 11bg. Both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless stations can be used. • 11ng. All 11b, 11g, and 11ng wireless stations can be used. This is the default.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Note: The SSID of any wireless client must match the SSID you configured in the access point. If they do not match, you cannot get a wireless connection. 11. Select the Broadcast Wireless Network Name (SSID) Yes radio button. If you disable broadcast of the SSID, only devices that use the correct SSID can connect.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Select the available channel width of the access point. A wider channel improves the performance, but some legacy devices can operate only on either 20 MHz or 40 MHz. The following channel width options are available: • 20 MHz. This is the static, legacy mode. It gives the least throughput. • 40 MHz. This is the static, high-throughput mode. Legacy clients cannot connect in this mode. • 80 MHz. This setting is available for the 5 GHz band only.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > Wireless On-Off. 5. To enable the wireless on-off schedule, select the Wireless On-Off On radio button. To disable the schedule, select the Off radio button. 6. To select the days of the week when you want the wireless radio to be off, select the Radio off schedule check boxes that correspond to those radio-off days. 7.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 - WEP and TKIP provide only legacy (slower) rates of operation. NETGEAR recommends AES encryption so that you can use the 11n rates and speed. For more information, see Wireless Security Profiles on page 22. • Connect stations manually. When you initiate a WPS connection, you provide a short window of two minutes for a WPS-capable wireless client to join your network.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 To edit the security profile settings: 1. Launch a web browser on the computer that is connected to the access point. 2. Enter http://192.168.0.100 in the address field of the browser. A login prompt displays. 3. Enter the user name and password. The user name is admin and the default password is password. The General screen displays. 4. Select Configuration > Security.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The fields that display depend on the settings. 6. To change the wireless network name, in the WIreless Network Name (SSID) field, enter the new wireless network name. 7. To broadcast the wireless network name, select the Broadcast Wireless Network Name (SSID) Yes radio button. 8. In the Network Authentication list, select the authentication type: • Open System. This selection can be used with WEP encryption or no encryption. • WPA2-PSK.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 2. Enter http://192.168.0.100 in the address field of the browser. A login prompt displays. 3. Enter the user name and password. The user name is admin and the default password is password. The General screen displays. 4. Select Configuration > Security > Advanced > MAC Authentication. 5. To enable MAC authentication, select the Turn Access Control On check box. 6. Select a database from the Select Access Control Database list.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Your settings are saved. Connect Stations to the Wireless Access Point Connect wireless devices such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets to your access point. You can connect these WiFi devices either manually or using the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method. Manual Method To connect WiFi devices manually to your access point: 1. From your wireless device, view the available wireless networks.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 To enable WPS, MAC authentication must be in its default state of disabled. For more information, see MAC Authentication on page 24. To configure WPS: 1. Launch a web browser on the computer that is connected to the access point. 2. Enter http://192.168.0.100 in the address field of the browser. A login prompt displays. 3. Enter the user name and password. The user name is admin and the default password is password. The General screen displays. 4.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 A login prompt displays. 3. Enter the user name and password. The user name is admin and the default password is password. The General screen displays. 4. Select Configuration > WPS > Add WPS Client. 5. Click the Next button. 6. Select one of the following radio buttons: • Push Button (recommended). Click the button. Within two minutes, go to the wireless client and press its WPS button to join the network without entering a password.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • PIN Number. Select the PIN Number radio button and enter the wireless client’s security PIN in the field that displays. Click the Next button. Within two minutes, go to the wireless device and use its WPS software to join the network without entering a password. For more information, see the manual that came with your device. The access point attempts to add the WPS-capable wireless device.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > QoS Settings. 5. Select the Enable Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Enable or Disable radio button. 6. Select the WMM Powersave Enable or Disable radio button. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Deploy the Access Point Before mounting the access point in a high location, first set up and test the access point to verify wireless network connectivity.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Position Your Access Point The access point lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your access point. For example, the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal passes through can limit the range.
3. 3 Network Settings This chapter covers the following topics: • Set Up an 802.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Set Up an 802.1Q VLAN A Spanning Tree Protocol provides network traffic optimization in locations where multiple access points are present. The 802.1Q VLAN protocol on the access point separates traffic logically on the same physical network. The following choices are available: • Untagged VLAN. You can allow one VLAN to be configured as an untagged VLAN.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 4. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > General. 5. Select the Spanning Tree Protocol Enable or Disable radio button. 6. To require all VLANs to be configured as tagged VLANs, clear the Untagged VLAN check box. 7. To change the untagged VLAN value, enter the new value in the Untagged VLAN field. 8. To change the number of management VLANs, enter the new value in the Management VLAN field. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 4. To configure the advanced wireless settings for the 2.4 GHz band, select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > Wireless Settings > 802.11b/bg/ng. 5. To change the default settings, enter the appropriate information in the following fields: • RTS Threshold (0–2347). Request to Send threshold.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • Preamble Type. A long transmit preamble can provide a more reliable connection or a slightly longer range. A short transmit preamble gives better performance. The Auto setting automatically handles both long and short preambles. The default is Auto. • 802.11d. Select this check box to include support for additional regulatory domains that are not in the current standard. • Max. Wireless Clients.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • Beacon Interval (100–1000). The time interval between 100 ms and 1000 ms for each beacon transmission, which allows the access point to synchronize the wireless network. The default is 100. • DTIM Interval (1-255). The delivery traffic indication message. Specifies the data beacon rate between 1 and 255. The default is 3. • Max. Wireless Clients. The maximum number of wireless clients that can connect to the access point at one time.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > QoS Settings. The QoS Setting fields are the same for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 5. To change the default settings of the access point EDCA settings, enter the appropriate information in the AP EDCA parameters fields. The following access point Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameters affect traffic flowing from the access point to the client station: • AIFS.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Decreasing this value increases the priority of the queue. Valid values for maximum burst length are 0.0 through 999.9. 6. To change the default settings of the station EDCA settings, enter the appropriate information in the Station EDCA parameters fields. The following station Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameters affect traffic flowing from the client station to the access point: • AIFS.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • Wireless point-to-point bridge mode. The access point communicates with one other bridge-mode wireless station. You can associate wireless clients with this access point. AP1 and AP2 in point-to-point bridge mode with each other AP 1 AP 2 WiFi On/Off WiFi On/Off WPS WPS Router Hub or switch LAN Segment 2 LAN Segment 1 Figure 5. Point-to-point bridge mode For more information, see Wireless Point-to-Point Bridge Mode on page 41.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • Wireless point-to-multi-point bridge mode. The access point serves as the base station for a group of bridge-mode wireless stations. You can associate wireless clients with this access point.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • LAN address range. Each access point must be configured to operate in the same LAN network address range as the LAN devices. • DHCP. If you are using DHCP, all access points must be set to obtain an IP address automatically. See Configure the Basic IP Settings on page 15.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 9. Click the Edit button. 10. In the Remote MAC Address field, enter the MAC address of the other access point. 11. Under Authentication Settings, specify the authentication settings for your bridge network. 12. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 13. Configure and verify the following parameters for the access point: • Verify that both access points are configured to operate in the same LAN network address range as the LAN devices.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • DHCP. If you are using DHCP, all access points must be set to obtain an IP address automatically. For more information, see Configure the Basic IP Settings on page 15. When the wireless bridge is completed, a computer on either LAN segment can connect to the Internet and share files and printers with any other computers or servers connected to LAN Segment 1 or LAN Segment 2.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 7. Select the Wireless Point-to-Multi-Point Bridge radio button. 8. To enable wireless client association, select the Enable Wireless Client Association check box. 9. Select the radio button for the first access point that you want to connect to the base station and click the Edit button. 10. In the Remote MAC Address field, enter the MAC address of the other access point. 11.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • Only the base station access point is configured in wireless point-to-multi-point bridge mode and all the other access points are in wireless point-to-point bridge mode. • For all point-to-point access point, the MAC address of the base station access point must be specified in their Remote AP MAC Address fields. • All access points are configured to operate in the same LAN network address range as the LAN devices.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 4. Select Configuration > Wireless Bridge. 5. Select the band that you want to use for the bridge: • To set up the bridge on the 2.4 GHz band, click the 802.11b/bg/ng tab. • To set up the bridge on the 5 GHz band, click the 802.11a/ag/na tab. 6. Select the Enable Wireless Bridging check box. 7. Select the Client radio button. 8. Enable the MAC clone feature. The Disable radio button is selected by default.
4.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Change the admin Password The default password for admin is password. NETGEAR recommends that you change this to a more secure password. To change the admin password: 1. Launch a web browser on the computer that is connected to the access point. 2. Enter http://192.168.0.100 in the address field of the browser. A login prompt displays. 3. Enter the user name and password. The user name is admin and the default password is password. The General screen displays.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Note: The web browser must support HTTP uploads. You cannot perform the software upgrade from a computer that is connected to the access point wirelessly. You must use a computer that is connected with an Ethernet cable. WARNING: When uploading firmware to the access point, do not interrupt the web browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new page.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 When the upload is completed, your access point automatically restarts. The upgrade process typically takes at least three minutes. Manage the Configuration File The access point settings are stored in the access point in a configuration file. This file can be saved (backed up) or restored. Back Up the Configuration File To back up the access point settings in a configuration file: 1.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 A login prompt displays. 3. Enter the user name and password. The user name is admin and the default password is password. The General screen displays. 4. Select Maintenance > Upgrade > Restore Defaults. 5. Click the Browse button. You are prompted to select a file where you previously saved configuration settings. 6. Select the file. 7. Click the Restore button. The file uploads and the access point reboots.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Maintenance > Reset > Restore Defaults. 5. Select the Yes radio button. 6. Click the Apply button. The access point password is password, the access point DHCP client is disabled, the default LAN IP address is 192.168.0.100, and the access point name is reset to the name printed on the product label. Enable a Syslog Server You can enable the syslog option if your LAN includes a syslog server.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 4. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > SysLog. 5. If your LAN includes a syslog server, select the Enable Syslog check box. 6. In the Syslog Server IP Address field, type the IP address of your syslog server. The access point sends all the syslog files to the specified IP address if the syslog option is enabled. The default is 0.0.0.0. 7. In the Port Number field, type the port number that your syslog server is configured to use.
5.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 View System Information You can view a summary of the current access point configuration settings, including current IP settings and current wireless settings. This information is read-only, so any changes must be made on other screens. To view system information: 1. Launch a web browser on the computer that is connected to the access point. 2. Enter http://192.168.0.100 in the address field of the browser. A login prompt displays. 3.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • Wireless MAC Address for 5 GHz. The MAC address of the access point’s 5 GHz wireless port. • Band Steering. Indicates whether band steering is enabled or disabled. • Country/Region. The domain or region for which the access point is licensed for use. It might not be legal to operate this access point in a region other than one of those identified in this field. • Firmware Version. The version of the firmware currently installed. • Serial Number.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Monitoring > Wireless Stations. You can view the MAC address, IP address, BSSID, SSID, channel rate, state, type, AID, mode, and status (whether the station is allowed to communicate with the access point). 5. To update the list, click the Refresh button. Note: If the access point reboots, the wireless station information does not display until the access point rediscovers the devices.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Monitoring > Logs. The Logs screen displays: 5. To update the display, click the Refresh button. 6. To clear the log content, click Clear button. To save the log contents in a file on your computer or to save the file to a disk drive, click the Save As button. The log contents file is saved. View Network Traffic Statistics You can view information for both wired (LAN) and wireless (WLAN) interface network traffic.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 The General screen displays. 4. Select Monitoring > Statistics. The following information is displayed: • Packets. The number of packets sent and received on the Ethernet port since the access point was restarted. • Bytes. The number of bytes sent and received on the Ethernet port since the access point was restarted. • Unicast Packets. The unicast packets sent and received since the access point was restarted, shown separately for the 2.
6. Troubleshooting and Debugging This chapter covers the following topics: • Troubleshooting with the LEDs • Cannot Connect to the Access Point to Configure It • Wireless Access to the Network • Time-Out Error for URL or IP Address Note: For up-to-date WAC120 installation details and troubleshooting guidance, visit http://support.netgear.com.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Troubleshooting with the LEDs Use the LEDs to verify that the access point is working properly. All LEDs Are Off It takes a few seconds for the Power LED to light. Wait a minute and check the Power LED on the access point. If the access point is not receiving power, do the following: • Make sure that the power cord is connected to the access point. • Make sure that the power adapter is connected to a functioning power outlet.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Cannot Connect to the Access Point to Configure It Check these items: • The access point is installed correctly, LAN connections are OK, and the access point is powered on. Check that the LAN port LED is green to verify that the Ethernet connection is OK. • The default configuration of the access point is for a static IP address of 192.168.0.100 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 with DHCP disabled.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 • If the access point is configured correctly, check your Internet connection (DSL or cable modem, and so on) to make sure that it is working correctly. • Try again.
A.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Factory Settings You can return the access point to its factory settings. Use the end of a paper clip or a similar object to press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router for at least seven seconds. The access point resets and returns to the factory configuration settings shown in the following table. Table 2. Factory default settings Feature Description Login for Management and Configuration LAN IPv4 management address 192.168.0.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Table 2. Factory default settings (continued) Feature Description Wireless modes 11ng 11ac Wireless network names (SSIDs) NETGEAR_11ng NETGEAR_11ac Broadcast network names (SSIDs) Enabled Radio frequency channels 11ng: Auto 11ac: Auto MCS index/data rate (transmission speed) Best Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput will vary.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Table 2. Factory default settings (continued) Feature Description AP EDCA parameters (QoS settings) • • • • Station EDCA parameters (QoS settings) • • • • Wireless bridging AIFS. The Arbitration Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS) interval specifies, in milliseconds, the wait time between data frames. Higher AIFS values mean higher priority to that queue. Valid values for AIFS are 1 through 255. CwMin.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Table 2.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Technical Specifications Table 3. WAC120 access point specifications Feature Description 802.11b/bg/ng Wireless Specifications 802.11b data rates 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps, and auto-rate capable 802.11bg data rates 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps, and auto-rate capable 802.11ng MCS index and Data rates for a 20 MHz channel width and an automatic guard interval: data rates 0 / 7.2 Mbps, 1 / 14.4 Mbps, 2 / 21.7 Mbps, 3 / 28.9 Mbps, 4 / 43.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Table 3. (continued)WAC120 access point specifications (continued) Feature Description 802.11na data rates Data rates for a 20 MHz channel width and an automatic guard interval: 0 / 14.4 Mbps, 1 / 28.9 Mbps, 2 / 43.3 Mbps, 3 / 57.8 Mbps, 4 / 86.7 Mbps, 5 / 115.6 Mbps, 7 / 144.4 Mbps, 8 / 173.4 Mbps, and auto-rate capable Data rates for a 20 MHz channel width and a long guard interval (800 ms): 0 / 13.0 Mbps, 1 / 26.0 Mbps, 2 / 39.0 Mbps, 3 / 52.
802.11ac Wireless Access Point Model WAC120 Table 3. (continued)WAC120 access point specifications (continued) Feature Description Physical specifications • • Environmental specifications Operating temperature: 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) Operating humidity: 10–90% Electromagnetic compliance • • • • • Dimensions (h x w x d): 178.6 x 169.4 x 57 mm (7.0 x 6.7 x 2.24 in.) Weight: 322g (0.
