User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA 202-10007-02 Version v1.1 2005.03.
Technical Support Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your product at http://www.netgear.com/register, we can provide you with faster expert technical support and timely notices of product and software upgrades. NETGEAR, INC. Support Information Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support information card. E-mail: support@netgear.com Web site: http://www.netgear.
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the notes in the operating instructions. Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
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Contents Chapter 1 About This Manual Audience, Conventions, Scope ......................................................................................1-1 Chapter 2 Introduction About the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter ................................................2-1 Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................2-2 What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................
Connecting to the Wireless Game Adapter ....................................................................4-2 Viewing the Wireless Game Adapter Status ...................................................................4-2 Configuring the Adapter for Infrastructure Mode Access ................................................4-4 Using WEP Security Encryption ...............................................................................4-7 Authentication Type ................................................
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ................................................................ C-2 Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ C-2 Authentication and WEP ................................................................................................ C-2 802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. C-3 Open System Authentication .......................................
iv Contents
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Chapter 1 About This Manual Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter. Audience, Conventions, Scope This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic-to-intermediate computer and Internet skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, and firewall technologies tutorial information is provided in the Appendices, on the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Resource CD, and on the NETGEAR Web site.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 1-2 About This Manual
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Chapter 2 Introduction This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter. About the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter. NETGEAR wireless game adapters are fast and easy to set up with NETGEAR wireless game adapter configuration software.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products The key features of the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter are: • Extremely compact size. • Easy configuration of the device with NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter software that assures fast and easy setup for Windows 98, Windows Me, Window NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. • Web browser interface provides an easy way to configure the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter in a TCP/IP network.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, fill out the registration information within 30 days of purchase. For priority service, register online on the NETGEAR Web page at: http://www.NETGEAR.com/support/main.asp You can also fill out and return the Warranty & Registration Card that is included in your product package.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Status Indicators and Ports of the WGE111 See the table below for a description of the LED indicator lights: Table 2-1. Label LED Descriptions Activity Description On Off Power is supplied to the wireless game adapter. On (Green) Fast Blink Slow Blink The Internet (Wide Area Network) port has detected a link with an attached device. Data is being transmitted or received by the Internet port. Searching for wireless network.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Reset Push Button The button is recessed; a pin or paper clip can be used to press it. This button is used to restore the wireless game adapter to the default settings. Reset Button Figure 2-2: Back of the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter To restore the factory default settings: 1. Press and hold the reset button (located beside the antenna in the diagram above). 2. The LEDs start to flash.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 2-6 Introduction
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Chapter 3 Basic Setup This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter and set up basic connectivity on your Local Area Network (LAN). Preparing to Install Your WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter The NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter is plug-and-go so that you can set it up immediately without configuration.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter System Requirements Before installing the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter, please make sure that these minimum requirements have been met: • For connecting into a wired network, you must have the network set up and working with an access point or wireless router. • For creating an Ad-Hoc network without an access point, all devices must have a receiver/ transmitter. (The receiver/transmitter may be another WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter adapter.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Switch Operating Modes The WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter operates in either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc mode. !D (OC )NTERNET Note: The WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter is factory-shipped with the switch on the rear panel set to the left, which indicates Infrastructure (labeled Internet) mode. The wireless game adapter can be plugged into a game console or computer directly without configuration.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Game Console Plug-and-Go Scenario WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter A B Gaming Console or other Ethernet-enabled device Figure 3-2: Internet Game Console Scenario What you need. • Broadband Internet access through a router with an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless access point (built in to the router or separate) without any security features enabled. Note: If you enabled security features (like WEP, SSID broadcast off, MAC filtering, etc.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Enjoy your Internet gaming! Note: Follow the instructions in your PS2 or Xbox manual to configure the IP, DNS, and other parameters of your game console. If you want to change the default IP address or configure the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter from a Web browser, see “Planning the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Configuration” on page 3-6 and “Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant” on page 3-9. 4.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter • 4. The Ethernet light is lit. Enjoy your Internet gaming! Note: If you want to change the default IP address or configure the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter from a Web browser, see “Planning the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Configuration” on page 3-6 and “Using the NETGEAR Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant” on page 3-9.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Fixed IP NETGEAR recommends you set up a fixed IP address for the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter so you can use a Web browser for configuration. If you are using a NETGEAR router with the default settings, the following settings should work for the Wireless Game Adapter: • IP address: 192.168.0.202 (The first three sections of numbers — 192.168.0 in this example — should match the first three sections of the IP address of your router.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Be sure to set your wireless adapter according to the authentication scheme used on your router or access point. Please refer to “Authentication and WEP” on page C-2 for a full explanation of each of these options, as defined by the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard. Encryption Strength Choices Please refer to “Overview of WEP Parameters” on page C-5 for a full explanation of each of these options, as defined by the IEEE 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Understanding WPA-PSK Encryption Security Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is wireless security with far greater protection than WEP. WPS-PSK (pre-shared key) uses encryption of a shared key as the starting point. WPA has a significant advantages over WEP — an encryption key differing in every packet. It is extremely difficult for hackers to read messages even if they have intercepted the data. The Passphrase must be 8 to 64 characters in length.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Connect the Ethernet cable to the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter and the PC Note: You must connect an Ethernet cable from the WGE111 to a PC to perform the initial configuration. WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter a. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Wireless Game Adapter. b. Connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on the PC. c. Connect the power adapter's cord into the back of the Wireless Game Adapter. d.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Start the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant. a. Start the NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapter Smart Wizard configuration assistant by inserting the Resource CD in your CD-ROM drive. Double-click setup.exe if the program does not start automatically. b. Select Configuration Assistant. c. The Wireless Game Adapter Setup Wizard window shows all the NETGEAR Wireless Game Adapters on the LAN.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Select the Infrastructure and/or Ad-Hoc mode network settings. Note: You can fill in both sections and the configuration used will be determined by the physical placement of the switch on the back of the wireless game adapter. • Fill in the Infrastructure settings. The default SSID is ANY. • • Select your country/region from the drop-down list. Security is disabled by default.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Select the TCP/IP Settings. If you are using TCP/IP, select the TCP/IP settings. If you are using more than one WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter on your network, you should change the IP address on one wireless game adapter to prevent conflicts. Select the TCP/IP Settings a. The next Wireless Game Adapter Setup Wizard window shows the LAN settings for the wireless game adapter.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 3-14 Basic Setup
Chapter 4 Web Configuration This chapter contains information about configuring your NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter using the Wireless Game Adapter's browser interface. The Web browser interface provides an easy way to configure the Wireless Game Adapter in a TCP/IP network. You can configure your NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter using any Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. NETGEAR recommends you use browser versions 5.0 and above.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Connecting to the Wireless Game Adapter In order to configure the Wireless Game Adapter through a browser interface, your computer must have a Web browser program installed such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Note: The IP address of the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter must be on the same subnet as your access point/router. 1. Start your Web browser. 2.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Figure 4-1: Status screen Wireless Settings • Network Name (SSID) — the current Wireless Network Name (SSID) value. The default for Infrastructure mode is ANY and the default for Ad-Hoc mode is netgear. • Connection Status — the current connection status of the wireless game adapter. • Country/Region — the current country setting. • Signal Strength — the current signal strength. • Channel — the channel currently in use.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter IP Settings • IP Address — the current IP address. • IP Subnet Mask — the network mask associated with the IP address. • Default Gateway — the Gateway IP address associated with the IP address. • IP Address Source — indicates the current IP Address Source. Device Information • Device Name — the current WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter name. • Mac Address — the current Mac Address. • Firmware Version — the current Firmware version.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Figure 4-2: Infrastructure mode configuration screen Regulatory Domain Select your region from the drop-down list. This field displays the region of operation for which the wireless interface is intended. It may not be legal to operate the router in a region other than the region shown here. If your country or region is not listed, please check with your local government agency or check our web site for more information on which channels to use.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Data Rate Select the desired data rate. The options are: • Auto — the data rate will be detected automatically (g or b). • b only — operates in 802.11b mode only. The data rate is set to Auto by default. Network Name (SSID) Choose a descriptive name for the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter for identification purposes.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Using WEP Security Encryption Authentication Type Select Open System or Shared Key authentication, as used by the Access Point. You can select Auto to have the wireless game adapter automatically determine the type.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Configuring the Wireless Game Adapter for Ad-Hoc Mode You can use the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter in a wireless-only network where the wireless devices are all set to Ad-Hoc mode. By default, the wireless game adapter is set to Infrastructure mode; therefore, you will need to set the switch on the back of the wireless game adapter to the right, which corresponds to Ad-Hoc mode.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter To configure the WGE111 for Ad-Hoc access: 1. Set the Regulatory Domain, which is the country/domain. Select your region from the drop-down list. This field displays the region of operation for which the wireless interface is intended. It may not be legal to operate the router in a region other than the region shown here.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter The Network Name (SSID), Channel, Security, Signal Strength, MAC (Media Access Control) address and Access Point network mode for each network are displayed. Click Scan to search for the wireless networks available. Click Refresh to update the results. Configuring the IP Settings The TCP/IP configuration screen is used to configure the IP address of the Wireless Game Adapter. The figure below shows the TCP/IP configuration screen.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter • Default Gateway — the IP address of the router on your network. For example, in a network with a NETGEAR router, the gateway address is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The Device Name is the NetBIOS name used by Windows networks. On Windows PCs, you may see the NetBIOS name for the wireless game adapter listed under Network Neighborhood. You can change the default Device Name on this screen if you like.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Figure 4-6: Upgrade Firmware screen 2. Click Browse and locate the downloaded software. 3. Click Upload. 4. After the firmware has been upgraded, you will need to log in to the router using your Web browser. Restoring the Factory Defaults You can use the Restore Factory Defaults screen to restore the wireless game adapter to the factory default settings.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter After you have erased the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter's current settings, the adapter's password will be password, the LAN IP address will be 192.168.0.202 and the SSID will by default be ANY for Infrastructure mode and netgear for Ad-Hoc mode.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 4-14 Web Configuration
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting This chapter gives information about troubleshooting your NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter. After each problem description, instructions are provided to help you diagnose and solve the problem. For the common problems listed, go to the section indicated. If you have trouble setting up your WGE111, check the tips below. You can also consult more extensive troubleshooting procedures in the Reference Manual on the NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at http://kbserver.netgear.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Basic Tips If you have problems connecting to your wireless network, try the tips below. Symptom The WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter has no power. Cause Power is not connected to the wireless game adapter. • Solution Make sure the power cord is connected to the wireless game adapter. • Make sure the power adapter is connected to a functioning power outlet. If it is in a power strip, make sure the power strip is turned on.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter My gaming console or remote computer cannot connect to the Internet. My computer cannot communicate with my wireless game adapter. There is a problem connecting to the wireless router. • Make sure Internet light is on solidly. If not, see the previous symptom/solution. Make sure the gaming console or remote computer has a correct IP address with the same IP subnet address as the wireless router or access point.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter I have a gaming console, computer, and the wireless game adapter connected through a switch. The computer connects to the Internet but the gaming console can't. If using a switch or hub with an Ethernet-enabled gaming console, the gaming console must be powered on before the other Ethernet-enabled devices. With power on, disconnect everything from the switch or hub. Re-connect the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter, then connect the game console(s).
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Frequently Asked Questions Use the information below to solve common problems you may encounter. Also, please refer to the knowledge base on the NETGEAR Web site at http://ww.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Note: For the most up-to-date WGE111 installation details and troubleshooting guidance visit http://www.netgear.com. If you have trouble setting up your WGE111, check the tips below.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Settings Using Ping The Windows ping utility sends an echo request packet to the designated device. The device then responds with an echo reply. You can ping the wireless game adapter from your computer to verify that the LAN path to your wireless game adapter is set up correctly. To ping the wireless game adapter from a PC running Windows 95 or later: 1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run. 2.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter • Make sure your computer’s IP address is not shown as 169.254.x.x: Recent versions of Windows and Mac OS will generate and assign an IP address if the computer cannot reach a DHCP server. These auto-generated addresses are in the range of 169.254.x.x. If your IP address is in this range, check the connection from the computer to the wireless game adapter and reboot your computer.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 5-8 Troubleshooting
Appendix A Technical Specifications This appendix provides technical specifications for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter. Standards Compatibility Data Rate Interface Power Specifications for the Power Adapter Power Specifications for the Wireless Game Adapter Width Height Depth Weight Operating Temperature Operating Humidity Electromagnetic Emissions Compliance Safety Agency Approvals, Power Adapter Technical Specifications IEEE 802.3u, 100BASE-TX, Fast Ethernet IEEE 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter A-2 Technical Specifications
Appendix B Understanding IP Addresses This appendix provides information about understanding IP addresses, which you must assign to the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter when operating in a TCP/IP environment. IP Addresses and the Internet Because TCP/IP networks are interconnected across the world, every machine on the Internet must have a unique address to make sure that transmitted data reaches the correct destination.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Class A Network Node Class B Network Node Class C Network Node Figure 5-1: Three Main Address Classes The five address classes are: • Class A Class A addresses can have up to 16,777,214 hosts on a single network. They use an eight-bit network number and a 24-bit node number. Class A addresses are in this range: 1.x.x.x to 126.x.x.x. • Class B Class B addresses can have up to 65,354 hosts on a network.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter • Class E Class E addresses are for experimental use. This addressing structure allows IP addresses to uniquely identify each physical network and each node on each physical network. For each unique value of the network portion of the address, the base address of the range (host address of all zeros) is known as the network address and is not usually assigned to a host.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Subnet Addressing By looking at the addressing structures, you can see that even with a Class C address, there are a large number of hosts per network. Such a structure is an inefficient use of addresses if each end of a routed link requires a different network number. It is unlikely that the smaller office LANs would have that many devices. You can resolve this problem by using a technique known as subnet addressing.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Note: The number 192.68.135.127 is not assigned because it is the broadcast address of the first subnet. The number 192.68.135.128 is not assigned because it is the network address of the second subnet. The following table lists the additional subnet mask bits in dotted-decimal notation. To use the table, write down the original class netmask and replace the 0 value octets with the dotted-decimal value of the additional subnet bits.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Table 5-2. Netmask Formats 255.255.255.252 /30 255.255.255.254 /31 255.255.255.255 /32 NETGEAR strongly recommends that you configure all hosts on a LAN segment to use the same netmask for the following reasons: • So that hosts recognize local IP broadcast packets. When a device broadcasts to its segment neighbors, it uses a destination address of the local network address with all ones for the host address.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Address Resolution Protocol An IP address alone cannot be used to deliver data from one device to another on a LAN. In order for data to be sent from one device on the LAN to another, you must convert the IP address of the destination device to its media access control (MAC) address. Each device on an Ethernet network has a unique Ethernet MAC address, which is a 48-bit number assigned to each device by the manufacturer.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter B-8 Understanding IP Addresses
Appendix C Wireless Networking Basics This chapter provides an overview of wireless networking. Wireless Networking Overview On an 802.11b or g wireless link, data is encoded using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and is transmitted in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5GHz. The maximum data rate for the wireless link is 11 Mbps, but it will automatically back down from 11 Mbps to 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps when the radio signal is weak or when interference is detected. The 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) In an ad hoc network, computers are brought together as needed; thus, there is no structure or fixed points to the network — each node can generally communicate with any other node. There is no access point involved in this configuration.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 802.11 Authentication The 802.11 standard defines several services that govern how two 802.11 devices communicate. The following events must occur before an 802.11 Station can communicate with an Ethernet network through an access point such as the one built in to the WGE111: 1. Turn on the wireless station. 2. The station listens for messages from any access points that are in range. 3.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 802.11b Authentication Open System Steps Access Point 1) Authentication request sent to AP 2) AP authenticates IN TER N ET Cable/DSL ProSafeWirelessVPN Security Firewall PWR W LA N ACT FVM318 100 LNK/ACT Enable 1 Client attempting to connect MODEL LO CA L LNK TEST 2 3 4 5 6 7 3) Client connects to network 8 Cable or DLS modem Figure C-1: 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Key Size The IEEE 802.11 standard supports two types of WEP encryption: 40-bit and 128-bit. The 64-bit WEP data encryption method, allows for a five-character (40-bit) input. Additionally, 24 factory-set bits are added to the forty-bit input to generate a 64-bit encryption key. (The 24 factory-set bits are not user-configurable). This encryption key will be used to encrypt/decrypt all data transmitted via the wireless interface.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Note: Whatever keys you enter for an AP, you must also enter the same keys for the client adapter in the same order. In other words, WEP key 1 on the AP must match WEP key 1 on the client adapter, WEP key 2 on the AP must match WEP key 2 on the client adapter, etc. Note: The AP and the client adapters can have different default WEP keys as long as the keys are in the same order.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter The radio frequency channels used are listed in the table below: Table C-1. 802.11b and g Radio Frequency Channels Channel Center Frequency Frequency Spread 1 2412 MHz 2399.5 MHz - 2424.5 MHz 2 2417 MHz 2404.5 MHz - 2429.5 MHz 3 2422 MHz 2409.5 MHz - 2434.5 MHz 4 2427 MHz 2414.5 MHz - 2439.5 MHz 5 2432 MHz 2419.5 MHz - 2444.5 MHz 6 2437 MHz 2424.5 MHz - 2449.5 MHz 7 2442 MHz 2429.5 MHz - 2454.5 MHz 8 2447 MHz 2434.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter The IEEE introduced the WEP as an optional security measure to secure 802.11b (Wi-Fi) WLANs, but inherent weaknesses in the standard soon became obvious. In response to this situation, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced a new security architecture in October 2002 that remedies the shortcomings of WEP. This standard, formerly known as Safe Secure Network (SSN), is designed to work with existing 802.11 products and offers forward compatibility with 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? WPA is a subset of the current 802.11i draft and uses certain pieces of the 802.11i draft that are ready to bring to market today, such as 802.1x and TKIP. The main pieces of the 802.11i draft that are not included in WPA are secure IBSS (Ad Hoc mode), secure fast handoff (for specialized 802.11 VoIP phones), as well as enhanced encryption protocols, such as AES-CCMP.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter The primary information conveyed in the Beacon frames is the authentication method and the cipher suite. Possible authentication methods include 802.1X and Pre-shared key. Pre-shared key is an authentication method that uses a statically configured passphrase on both the stations and the access point. This obviates the need for an authentication server, which in many home and small office environments will not be available nor desirable.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS Wireless LAN WPA enabled wireless client with “supplicant” WPA enabled Access Point using pre-shared key or 802.1x Wired Network with Optional 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Client with a WPAenabled wireless adapter and supplicant (Win XP, Funk, Meetinghouse) For example, a WPA-enabled AP For example, a RADIUS server Figure C-4: 802.1x Authentication Sequence The access point sends Beacon Frames with WPA information elements to the stations in the service set. Information elements include the required authentication method (802.1x or Pre-shared key) and the preferred cipher suite (WEP, TKIP, or AES).
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 3. The client sends an EAP-response packet containing the identity to the authentication server. The access point responds by enabling a port for passing only EAP packets from the client to an authentication server located on the wired side of the access point. The access point blocks all other traffic, such as HTTP, DHCP, and POP3 packets, until the access point can verify the client's identity using an authentication server (for example, RADIUS).
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) WPA uses TKIP to provide important data encryption enhancements including a per-packet key mixing function, a message integrity check (MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with sequencing rules, and a re-keying mechanism. TKIP also provides for the following: • • • The verification of the security configuration after the encryption keys are determined.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Is WPA Perfect? WPA is not without its vulnerabilities. Specifically, it is susceptible to denial of service (DoS) attacks. If the access point receives two data packets that fail the message integrity code (MIC) within 60 seconds of each other, then the network is under an active attack, and as a result, the access point employs counter measures, which include disassociating each station using the access point.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Changes to Wireless Access Points Wireless access points must have their firmware updated to support the following: • • • • • The new WPA information element To advertise their support of WPA, wireless APs send the beacon frame with a new 802.11 WPA information element that contains the wireless AP's security configuration (encryption algorithms and wireless security configuration information).
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Microsoft has worked with many wireless vendors to embed the WPA firmware update in the wireless adapter driver. So, to update your Microsoft Windows wireless client, all you have to do is obtain the new WPA-compatible driver and install the driver. The firmware is automatically updated when the wireless network adapter driver is loaded in Windows.
Glossary List of Glossary Terms Use the list below to find definitions for technical terms used in this manual. 10BASE-T IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over Category 3, 4, or 5 twisted pair wiring. 100BASE-Tx IEEE 802.3 specification for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet over Category 5 twisted pair wiring. 1000BASE-T IEEE 802.3 specification for 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet over Category 5 twisted pair wiring. 802.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter ADSL requires a special ADSL modem. ADSL is growing in popularity as more areas around the world gain access. DHCP An Ethernet protocol specifying how a centralized DHCP server can assign network configuration information to multiple DHCP clients. The assigned information includes IP addresses, DNS addresses, and gateway (router) addresses.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter IP Internet Protocol is the main internetworking protocol used in the Internet. Used in conjunction with the Transfer Control Protocol (TCP) to form TCP/IP. IP Address A four-byte number uniquely defining each host on the Internet, usually written in dotted-decimal notation with periods separating the bytes (for example, 134.177.244.57). Ranges of addresses are assigned by Internic, an organization formed for this purpose.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Network Address Translation NAT. A technique by which several hosts share a single IP address for access to the Internet. NIC Network Interface Card. An adapter in a computer which provides connectivity to a network. packet A block of information sent over a network. A packet typically contains a source and destination network address, some protocol and length information, a block of data, and a checksum.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Windows Internet Naming Service WINS. Windows Internet Naming Service is a server process for resolving Windows-based computer names to IP addresses. If a remote network contains a WINS server, your Windows PCs can gather information from that WINS server about its local hosts. This allows your PCs to browse that remote network using the Windows Network Neighborhood feature. WINS WINS.
User Manual for the NETGEAR WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter 6 Glossary
Index Numerics I 64 or 128 bit WEP 3-8 IANA contacting B-1 A IETF Web site address B-6 AC Power adapter 2-2 Ad-Hoc mode 3-3, C-2 Infrastructure mode 3-3, C-2 BSSID C-2 IP addresses and the Internet B-1 assigning B-1 auto-generated 5-7 private B-6 C L Channel 4-3 LED indicator lights 2-4 B Customer support 1-ii D Data Rate 4-6, 4-9 M Mac Address 4-4 MAC Address cloning 2-2 Device Name 4-4 E Encryption Strength 3-8 N netmask translation table B-5 ESSID C-2 O F Open System authenticatio
Placement and Range Guidelines 3-2 Wi-Fi C-1 Product updates 1-1 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 3-9 Wired Equivalent Privacy.
