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Introduction 2-1
v1.0, September 2005
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point.
Minimal prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 2-4.
About the WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access
Point
The WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point is the basic building block of a wireless
LAN infrastructure. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped
wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.
The WAG102 provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed
range or area of coverage, interacting with a wireless network interface card (NIC) via an antenna.
Typically, an individual in-building access point provides a maximum connectivity area with about
a 300 foot radius. The WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point can support a small
group of users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated between 10-30 users
simultaneously.
The WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point acts as a bridge between the wired LAN
and wireless clients. Connecting multiple WAG102 Access Points via a wired Ethernet backbone
can further lengthen the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing device moves out of
the range of one access point, it moves into the range of another. As a result, wireless clients can
freely roam from one Access Point to another and still maintain seamless connection to the
network.
The auto-sensing capability of the WAG102 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless Access Point allows
packet transmission at up to 108 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or
electromagnetic interference.