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Introduction 2-1
October 2004
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point. Minimal
prerequisites for installation are presented in “System Requirements” on page 2-4.
About the NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless
Access Point
The NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g 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 WG102 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 NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point can support a
small group of users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access points are rated between 30-50
users simultaneously.
The NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point acts as a bridge between the
wired LAN and wireless clients. Connecting multiple WG102 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 NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point
allows packet transmission at up to 108 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or
electromagnetic interference.