Netgear Wgt634U Quick Reference Guide FullManual

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Reference Manual for the
108 Mbps Wireless Media
Router WGT634U

NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

202-10018-02
Version 1.1
April 2004

April 2004, 202-10018-02

Trademarks
NETGEAR is a trademark of Netgear, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution
1.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: The equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth
for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20
centimeters between the radiator and your body.

This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user authority to operate the equipment.

April 2004, 202-10018-02

Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity

This device is a 2.4 GHz low power RF device
intended for home and office use in EU and EFTA
member states. In some EU / EFTA member states
some restrictions may apply. Please contact local
spectrum management authorities for further details
before putting this device into operation.
Marking by the above symbol indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the R&TTE Directive of the
European Union (1999/5/EC). This equipment meets the following conformance standards:
EN300 328, EN301 489-17, EN60950, EN 60950 1992 2nd Edition (A1-A4, A11) Safety of Information Technology
Equipment, Including Electrical Business Equipment EN 300 328-1 V1.3.1 (2001-12); EN 300328-2 V1.2.1 (2001-12)
Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wideband Transmission system; data transmission
equipment operating in the 2.4 Ghz ISM band and using spread spectrum modulation techniques; Part 1: Technical
characteristics and test conditions; Part 2; Harmonized EN covering essential requirements under article 3.2 of the
R&TTE Directive.
EN 301 489-1, Aug. 2000; EN 301489-17, Sept. 2000 - Electromagnetic compatibility and radio spectrum matters
(ERM); electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); standard for radio equipment and services: Part 1: Common technical
requirements; Part 17: Specific conditions for Wideband Data and Hiperlan equipment.

EN 55 022 Declaration of Conformance
This is to certify that the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U is shielded against the generation of radio
interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is declared by
the application of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22).
Compliance with the applicable regulations is dependent upon the use of shielded cables. It is the responsibility of the
user to procure the appropriate cables.

Requirements For Operation in the European Community
Countries of Operation and Conditions of Use in the European Community
The user should run the configuration utility program provided with this product to check the current channel of
operation and confirm that the device is operating in conformance with the spectrum usage rules for European
Community countries as described in this section. European standards dictate a maximum radiated transmit power of
100mW EIRP and a frequency range of 2.400 - 2.4835 Ghz.

Operation Using 2.4 GHz Channels in France
The following radio channel usage limitations apply in France.
The radio spectrum regulator in France, Autorité de regulation des telecommunications (ART), enforces the latest rules
with respect to use of 2.4GHz spectrum in various locations in France. Please check ART's Web site for latest
requirements for use of the 2.4GHz band in France: http://www.art-telecom.fr/eng/index.htm. When operating in France,
this device may be operated under the following conditions:
Indoors only, using any channel in the 2.4465-2.4835 GHz band.

iii

April 2004, 202-10018-02

Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U gemäß der im BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/
1991 und Vfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B.
Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die Anmerkungen in der
Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.

Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
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.

Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) Statement
This equipment is in the second category (information equipment to be used in a residential area or an adjacent area
thereto) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing
Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas.
When used near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference.
Read instructions for correct handling.

Customer Support
Refer to the Support Information Card that shipped with your 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U.

World Wide Web
NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web home page that you can access at the uniform resource locator (URL)
http://www.netgear.com. A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Internet Explorer
or Netscape are required.

April 2004, 202-10018-02

Contents

Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats ................................................................1-1
How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
Introduction to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router ....................................................2-1
Key Features of the WGT634U Wireless Media Router .................................................2-2
USB Storage Device for File Sharing .......................................................................2-3
DMZ Support ............................................................................................................2-3
802.11g Wireless Networking ...................................................................................2-3
A Powerful, True Firewall with Content Filtering ......................................................2-4
Security ....................................................................................................................2-4
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink ...............................................2-4
Extensive Protocol Support ......................................................................................2-5
Easy Installation and Management ..........................................................................2-5
Maintenance and Support ........................................................................................2-6
Package Contents ..........................................................................................................2-7
The Router’s Front Panel .........................................................................................2-8
The Router’s Rear Panel .........................................................................................2-9
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ .............................................................2-9
Chapter 3
Connecting the Router to the Internet
What You Will Need Before You Begin ...........................................................................3-1
Cabling and Computer Hardware Requirements .....................................................3-1
Computer Network Configuration Requirements .....................................................3-1
Internet Configuration Requirements .......................................................................3-2
Where Do I Get the Internet Configuration Parameters? .........................................3-2
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Record Your Internet Connection Information ..........................................................3-3
First, Connect the WGT634U to the Internet ..................................................................3-4
Now, Set Up Basic Wireless Connectivity ......................................................................3-9
Basic Setup Troubleshooting Tips ................................................................................3-10
Understanding the Setup Wizard Options ....................................................................3-10
PPPoE Smart Wizard-Detected Option .................................................................. 3-11
Telstra Bigpond Cable Smart Wizard-Detected Option ..........................................3-12
Dynamic IP Smart Wizard-Detected Option ...........................................................3-13
Fixed IP Account Smart Wizard-Detected Option ..................................................3-14
How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection ..................................................3-15
Chapter 4
Wireless Configuration
Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines ............................................4-1
Implement Appropriate Wireless Security ......................................................................4-2
Understanding Wireless Settings ...................................................................................4-3
Understanding WEP Authentication and Encryption ................................................4-4
Authentication Scheme Selection ......................................................................4-4
Encryption Strength Choices .............................................................................4-5
Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................4-6
Before You Change the SSID and Encryption Settings ...........................................4-7
How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity ..............................................4-8
Understanding Advanced Wireless Settings ..................................................................4-9
How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address ...............................................4-10
How to Configure WEP Encryption ...............................................................................4-12
Chapter 5
Connecting a USB Drive to the Router
File Sharing Scenarios ...................................................................................................5-1
Sharing Photos with Friends and Family ..................................................................5-2
Storing Files in a Central Location for Playing or Printing ........................................5-3
Sharing Large Files with Colleagues ........................................................................5-4
Understanding the USB Configuration Settings .............................................................5-4
Connecting a USB Drive to the WGT634U .....................................................................5-6
USB Drive Requirements .........................................................................................5-7
Using the USB Drive Setup Wizard to Allow Remote Access from the Internet .............5-7
Using the USB Drive Menu to Grant FTP Access Rights ...............................................5-9

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Granting Users Access to the USB Drive .................................................................5-9
Unmounting a USB Drive .......................................................................................5-10
Understanding the USB Drive Access Methods ...........................................................5-10
Connecting to the USB Drive from a Local Web Browser ............................................ 5-11
Connecting to the USB Drive from a Remote Computer .............................................. 5-11
Locating the Internet Port IP Address .................................................................... 5-11
Accessing the Router’s USB Drive Remotely Using FTP ......................................5-12
Connecting to the USB Drive From Your Home/Office Network ...................................5-12
Enabling File and Printer Sharing ..........................................................................5-13
Configuring Windows 98SE and Windows ME ................................................5-13
Accessing the USB Drive from the Windows Start Menu .......................................5-13
Accessing the USB Drive from Windows Explorer .................................................5-13
Accessing the USB Drive from My Network Places ...............................................5-14
Chapter 6
Content Filtering
Blocking Access to Internet Sites ...................................................................................6-1
Blocking Access to Internet Services .............................................................................6-2
Scheduling When Blocking Will Be Enforced .................................................................6-4
Viewing Logs of Web Access or Attempted Web Access ...............................................6-5
Configuring E-Mail Alert and Web Access Log Notifications ..........................................6-7
Chapter 7
Maintenance
Viewing Wireless Router Status Information ...................................................................7-1
Viewing a List of Attached Devices .................................................................................7-5
Upgrading the Router Software ......................................................................................7-5
Warning: Do Not Interrupt the Firmware Upgrade Process .....................................7-6
Firmware Upgrade Requirements ............................................................................7-6
Checking for a Firmware Upgrade Upon Login ........................................................7-6
Performing a Firmware Upgrade from the Router Upgrade Menu ...........................7-7
Configuration File Management .....................................................................................7-8
Backing Up and Restoring the Configuration ...........................................................7-9
Erasing the Configuration .........................................................................................7-9
Changing the Administrator Password ...........................................................................7-9

Contents

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Chapter 8
Advanced Configuration
Configuring Port Forwarding to Local Servers ................................................................8-1
Adding a Port Forwarding Custom Service ..............................................................8-2
Editing or Deleting a Port Forwarding Entry .............................................................8-2
Local Web and FTP Server Example .......................................................................8-3
Multiple Computers for Counter-Strike, Unreal Tournament, or Quake III Example .8-3
Configuring WAN Setup Options ....................................................................................8-4
Using a Dynamic DNS Service .......................................................................................8-6
Using LAN IP Setup Options ..........................................................................................8-7
Using the Router as a DHCP server ........................................................................8-9
Using Address Reservation ......................................................................................8-9
How to Configure Static Routes ....................................................................................8-10
Enabling Remote Management Access .......................................................................8-12
Using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) ........................................................................8-13
Chapter 9
Troubleshooting
Basic Functioning ...........................................................................................................9-1
Power LED Not On ...................................................................................................9-2
LEDs Never Turn Off ................................................................................................9-2
Local or Internet Port LEDs Not On .........................................................................9-2
Troubleshooting Connection to the Web Configuration Interface ...................................9-3
Troubleshooting the ISP Connection ..............................................................................9-4
Troubleshooting a TCP/IP Network Using a Ping Utility .................................................9-5
Testing the LAN Path to Your Router .......................................................................9-5
Testing the Path from Your PC to a Remote Device ................................................9-6
Restoring the Default Configuration and Password ........................................................9-7
Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface ..........................................................9-7
Problems with Date and Time ..................................................................................9-8
Problems with Saving Configuration Changes .........................................................9-8
Troubleshooting the USB Drive ......................................................................................9-8
USB Hub Attached to the WGT634U is not Visible ..................................................9-8
File Copy of Large Files to the USB Disk FAT32 File System Fails .........................9-8
Cannot Connect to the USB Drive Using Microsoft Networking ...............................9-8
Cannot Attach USB Drive to USB Port .....................................................................9-9

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Contents
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Troubleshooting the Firmware Upgrade .........................................................................9-9
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics
Related Publications ...................................................................................................... B-1
Basic Router Concepts .................................................................................................. B-1
What is a Router? ................................................................................................... B-1
Routing Information Protocol ................................................................................... B-2
IP Addresses and the Internet ....................................................................................... B-2
Netmask .................................................................................................................. B-4
Subnet Addressing .................................................................................................. B-4
Private IP Addresses ............................................................................................... B-7
Single IP Address Operation Using NAT ....................................................................... B-7
MAC Addresses and Address Resolution Protocol ................................................. B-8
Related Documents ................................................................................................. B-9
Domain Name Server .............................................................................................. B-9
IP Configuration by DHCP ........................................................................................... B-10
Internet Security and Firewalls .................................................................................... B-10
What is a Firewall? ................................................................................................ B-10
Stateful Packet Inspection ...............................................................................B-11
Denial of Service Attack ..................................................................................B-11
Ethernet Cabling ...........................................................................................................B-11
Category 5 Cable Quality ...................................................................................... B-12
Inside Twisted Pair Cables .................................................................................... B-12
Uplink Switches, Crossover Cables, and MDI/MDIX Switching ............................ B-14
Appendix C
Preparing Your Network
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ....................................................... C-1
Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP Networking ....................................... C-2
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-2
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings ................................. C-4
Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method .......................................................... C-6
Verifying TCP/IP Properties .................................................................................... C-6
Configuring Windows NT4, 2000 or XP for IP Networking ............................................ C-7

Contents

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Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4 ............................... C-8
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ..................................................... C-8
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 ................................................ C-10
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4 .................................................. C-13
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4 .............................. C-15
Configuring the Macintosh for TCP/IP Networking ...................................................... C-16
MacOS 8.6 or 9.x .................................................................................................. C-16
MacOS X ............................................................................................................... C-16
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Macintosh Computers ......................................... C-17
Verifying the Readiness of Your Internet Account ....................................................... C-18
Are Login Protocols Used? ................................................................................... C-18
What Is Your Configuration Information? .............................................................. C-18
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Windows Computers ....................... C-19
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Macintosh Computers ..................... C-20
Restarting the Network ................................................................................................ C-21
Appendix D
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ...................................................................................... D-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. D-1
Ad Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ................................................................ D-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ D-2
Authentication and WEP Data Encryption ..................................................................... D-2
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. D-3
Open System Authentication ................................................................................... D-3
Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... D-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ D-5
Key Size .................................................................................................................. D-6
WEP Configuration Options .................................................................................... D-7
Wireless Channels ......................................................................................................... D-7
WPA Wireless Security .................................................................................................. D-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ D-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ D-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... D-10
WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS .................................................. D-12
x

Contents
April 2004, 202-10018-02

WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................ D-14
Is WPA Perfect? .................................................................................................... D-16
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... D-16
Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients is Discouraged ...... D-16
Changes to Wireless Access Points ............................................................... D-17
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters ......................................................... D-17
Changes to Wireless Client Programs ............................................................ D-18
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... G-1
Index

Contents

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Chapter 1
About This Manual

This chapter describes the intended audience, scope, conventions, and formats of this manual.

Audience, Scope, Conventions, and Formats
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic to intermediate computer and Internet
skills. However, basic computer network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies tutorial
information is provided in the Appendices and on the NETGEAR Web site.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
Table 1-1.

Typographical Conventions

italics

Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names

bold times roman

User input

courier font

Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses

This guide uses the following formats to highlight special messages:

Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
This manual is written for the WGT634U Wireless Media Router according to these
specifications.:
Table 1-2.

Manual Scope

Product Version

108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U

Manual Part Number

202-10018-02

Manual Publication Date

April 2004

Note: Product support information and updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc.
Web site at http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGT634U.asp.

About This Manual

1
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Reference Manual for the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U

How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes a variety of navigation features as well as links to PDF
versions of the full manual and individual chapters.

Figure 1-1: HTML version of this manual

1. Left pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites tabs.
To view the HTML version of the manual, you must use a Java-enabled browser that supports
HTTP uploads. For example, Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or above.
2. Toolbar buttons. Use the toolbar buttons across the top to navigate, print pages, and more.
The Show in Contents button locates the current topic in the Contents tab.
Previous/Next buttons display the previous or next topic.
The PDF button links to a PDF version of the full manual.
The Print button prints the current topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your
printer—you do not have to worry about specifying the correct range of
pages.
3. Right pane. Use the right pane to view the contents of the manual. Also, each page of the
manual includes a
link at the top right which links to a PDF file
containing just the currently selected chapter of the manual.

About This Manual
April 2004, 202-10018-02

Reference Manual for the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U

How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
•

Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button
on
the upper right of the toolbar to print the currently displayed topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your printer. You do not
have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.

•

Printing a Chapter. Use the
–

link at the top right of any page.

Click “PDF of This Chapter” link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
Note: Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view
and print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
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Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
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•

Printing the Full Manual. Use the PDF button in the toolbar at the top right of the browser
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–
–

Click the PDF button
on the upper right of the toolbar. The PDF version of the
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Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can save
paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

About This Manual

3
April 2004, 202-10018-02

Chapter 2
Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router
WGT634U. The WGT634U Wireless Media Router provides connection for multiple personal
computers (PCs) to the Internet through an external broadband access device (such as a cable
modem or DSL modem) that is normally intended for use by a single PC.
By connecting a storage device to the WGT634U through the integrated USB 2.0 interface, you
can store and share files and entertainment content for access from PC and Web applications on
computers connected on the home network as well as from the Internet. This chapter describes the
features of the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U.

Introduction to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router
The 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U with 4-port switch connects your local area
network (LAN) to the Internet through an external access device such as a cable modem or DSL
modem.
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router provides you with multiple Web content filtering options,
plus browsing activity reporting and instant alerts — both via e-mail. Parents and network
administrators can establish restricted access policies based on time-of-day, Web site addresses
and address keywords, and share high-speed cable/DSL Internet access for up to 253 personal
computers. In addition to the Network Address Translation (NAT) feature, the built-in firewall
protects you from hackers.
Home networks initially gained popularity for broadband Internet sharing through wired (first
generation) and wireless (second generation) routers. The addition of Internet-enabled appliances
is leading to the ‘third generation’ of performance and functionality from wireless routers. The
WGT634U is a third generation wireless router that allows router-attached storage and provides
fast wireless access. It enables you to store and stream files, audio, and video content from a
high-capacity USB-enabled disk drive. You can take advantage of advanced networking functions
such as application-level access to music, photo and other PC files as well as remote access to a
home portal.
With minimum setup, you can install and use the router within minutes.
Introduction

2-1
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Reference Manual for the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U

Key Features of the WGT634U Wireless Media Router
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router provides the following features:
•

ICSA (International Computer Security Association) standards-compliant 802.11g wireless
networking, with the ability to operate in 802.11g-only, 802.11-turbo-g-only, or 802.11b+g
modes

•
•

Built-in 4-port 10/100 Mbps switch
Ethernet connection to a wide area network (WAN) device, such as a cable modem or DSL
modem
Extensive protocol support
Enhanced security and privacy features:

•
•

•

•
•
•

•

Double firewall with both Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet
Inspection (SPI) support

•

64- and 128- WEP encryption

•

WPA PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) support

•

Multiple VPN pass-through support

•

Intrusion detection

•

Security logging with e-mail alerts

URL content filtering and site blocking security:
•

Guards against DOS (Denial of Service) attacks

•

Advanced access policy control based upon time window and user groups

Support for DMZ network
Flash memory for firmware upgrades
Integrated USB 2.0 port allows plug-in storage device with:
•

Data transfer speeds that are double that of 802.11g equipment

•

Long-range wireless transfer of bandwidth-intensive multimedia applications including
digital images, videos and MP3 files

Easy, Web-based setup for installation and management, including a Smart Wizard install
assistant, an interactive tutorial for ease of set-up, a Smart Wizard setup of the client devices
and the external USB disk, and an assisted firmware update feature

2-2

Introduction
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Reference Manual for the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U

USB Storage Device for File Sharing
The 802.11g-compliant WGT634U is a secure, easy-to-use wireless networking solution that takes
home networking to the next level. The fast wireless speeds and enhanced range enable the
WGT634U to stream video to distances of more than 200 feet.
Delivering data transfer speeds that are double that of 802.11g equipment, the WGT634U Super
Wireless Media Router provides multiple simultaneous users with high-speed, extended range
wireless connectivity to support the long-range wireless data transfer. In addition, the integration
of a USB 2.0-compliant interface makes the WGT634U the industry’s first home networking
product to enable the connection of an external storage device, such as a high-capacity disk drive
or other USB memory device, for centralized network backup or storage and sharing of files and
multimedia content.

DMZ Support
DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone. This feature allows one IP Address to be exposed to the
Internet. DMZ allows only one computer to be exposed when multiple TCP/IP ports need to be
open. If you want to use DMZ, it is recommended that you set up a computer with a static IP.
When DMZ is used, all specific requests are forwarded to the DMZ host. The exposed user’s
computer does not share the public IP with the router.

802.11g Wireless Networking
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router includes an 802.11g wireless access point, providing
continuous, high-speed 54 Mbps access between your wireless and Ethernet devices. The access
point provides:
•

802.11g wireless networking at up to 108 Mbps.

•

802.11g wireless networking, with the ability to operate in 802.11g-only, 802.11-turbo-g-only,
or 802.11b+g modes, providing backwards compatibility with 802.11b devices or dedicating
the wireless network to the higher bandwidth 802.11g devices.

•

64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption security.

•

WEP keys can be generated manually or by passphrase.

•

Wireless access can be restricted by MAC address.

•

Wireless network name broadcast can be turned off so that only devices that have the network
name (SSID) can connect.

Introduction

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Reference Manual for the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U

A Powerful, True Firewall with Content Filtering
Unlike simple Internet sharing NAT routers, the WGT634U is a true firewall, using stateful packet
inspection to defend against hacker attacks. Its firewall features include:
•

Denial of Service (DoS) protection. Automatically detects and thwarts DoS attacks such as
Ping of Death, SYN Flood, LAND Attack, and IP Spoofing.

•

Blocks unwanted traffic from the Internet to your LAN.

•

Blocks access from your LAN to Internet locations or services that you specify as off-limits.

•

The WGT634U blocks objectionable content from reaching your computers. The router allows
you to control access to Internet content by screening for keywords within Web addresses. You
can configure the router to log and report attempts to access objectionable Internet sites.

Security
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router is equipped with several features designed to maintain
security, as described in this section.
•

PCs Hidden by NAT
NAT opens a temporary path to the Internet for requests originating from the local network.
Requests originating from outside the LAN are discarded, preventing users outside the LAN
from finding and directly accessing the computers on the LAN.

•

Port Forwarding with NAT
Although NAT prevents Internet locations from directly accessing the computers on the LAN,
the router allows you to direct incoming traffic to specific computers based on the service port
number of the incoming request, or to one designated “DMZ” host computer. You can specify
forwarding of single ports or ranges of ports.

•

Logs security incidents.
The WGT634U will log security events such as blocked incoming traffic, port scans, attacks,
and administrator logins. You can configure the router to e-mail the log to you at specified
intervals. You can also configure the router to send immediate alert messages to your e-mail
address or e-mail pager whenever a significant event occurs.

Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
With its internal 8-port 10/100 switch, the WGT634U can connect to either a 10 Mbps standard
Ethernet network or a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network. Both the LAN and WAN interfaces are
autosensing and capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.
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The router incorporates Auto UplinkTM technology. Each Ethernet port will automatically sense
whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a ‘normal’ connection such as to a
computer or an ‘uplink’ connection such as to a switch or hub. That port will then configure itself
to the correct configuration. This feature also eliminates the need to worry about crossover cables,
as Auto Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right connection.

Extensive Protocol Support
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router supports the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol
(TCP/IP) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP). For further information about TCP/IP, refer to
Appendix B, “Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics” .
•

IP Address Sharing by NAT
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router allows several networked computers to share an
Internet account using only a single IP address, which may be statically or dynamically
assigned by your Internet service provider (ISP). This technique, known as NAT, allows the
use of an inexpensive single-user ISP account.

•

Automatic Configuration of Attached PCs by DHCP
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router dynamically assigns network configuration
information, including IP, gateway, and domain name server (DNS) addresses to attached PCs
on the LAN using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This feature greatly
simplifies configuration of computers on your local network.

•

DNS Proxy
When DHCP is enabled and no DNS addresses are specified, the router provides its own
address as a DNS server to the attached computers. The router obtains actual DNS addresses
from the ISP during connection setup and forwards DNS requests from the LAN.

•

PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)
PPPoE is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over a DSL connection by
simulating a dial-up connection. This feature eliminates the need to run a login program such
as Entersys or WinPOET on your PC.

Easy Installation and Management
You can install, configure and operate the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U within
minutes after connecting it to the network. The following features simplify installation and
management tasks:

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•

Browser-based management
Browser-based configuration allows you to easily configure your router from almost any type
of personal computer, such as Windows, Macintosh, or Linux. A user-friendly Setup Wizard is
provided and online help documentation is built into the browser-based Web Management
Interface.

•

Smart Wizard Internet Connection Setup
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router Smart Wizard automatically senses the type of Internet
connection, asking you only for the information required for your type of ISP account.

•

Smart Wizard External USB Disk Setup
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router Smart Wizard automatically senses the addition of a
plug-in USB device and assists in the configuration.

•

Firmware Auto-Update
When you log in to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router, the menu asks if you want to check
the Internet to see if a newer version of firmware is available. If so, the configuration screen
asks if you want to install the upgrade. This lets you take advantage of product enhancements
for your WGT634U as soon as they become available.

•

Visual monitoring
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router’s front panel LEDs provide an easy way to monitor its
status and activity.

Maintenance and Support
NETGEAR offers the following features to help you maximize your use of the WGT634U
Wireless Media Router:
•

Flash memory for firmware upgrades

•

Free technical support seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day

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Package Contents
The product package should contain the following items:
•
•
•
•
•

108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U.
AC power adapter.
Vertical stand.
Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet cable.
108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGRT634U Resource CD (230-10043-02), including:
— This guide.
— Application Notes and other helpful information.

•
•
•

108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634 Installation Guide.
Registration and Warranty Card.
Support Information Card.

If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the router for repair.

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The Router’s Front Panel
The front panel of the WGT634U Wireless Media Router contains the status LEDs described
below. There are 4 LAN ports on the router, with LAN port 4 highlighted in the figure below:

0OWER

)NTERNET0ORT

7IRELESS

,!.0ORT

Figure 2-1: WGT634U Front Panel

You can use some of the LEDs to verify connections. Viewed from left to right, Table 2-1
describes the LEDs on the front panel of the router. These LEDs are green when active.
Table 2-1.
Label

Power

LED Descriptions
Activity

Description

Power is supplied to the router.

Off

Power is not supplied to the router.

The Internet (Wide Area Network) port has detected a link with an
attached device.

Blink
Internet

Wireless

Local

Data is being transmitted or received by the Internet port.
On

Indicates that the Wireless feature is turned on.

Off

Indicates that the Wireless feature is turned off or not functioning.

On (Green)

The Local (LAN) port has detected link with a 100 Mbps device.

Blink (Green)

Data is being transmitted or received at 100 Mbps.

On (Amber)
(Port
number can Blink (Amber)
be 1-4)
Off

The Local port has detected link with a 10 Mbps device.
Data is being transmitted or received at 10 Mbps.
No link is detected on this port.

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The Router’s Rear Panel
The rear panel of the WGT634U contains the port connections listed below.

Figure 2-2: WGT634U Rear Panel

Viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following features:
•
•
•
•
•
•

AC power adapter outlet
Four Local (LAN) 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for connecting the router to the local
computers
Internet (WAN) Ethernet port for connecting the router to a cable or DSL modem
USB port for connecting a USB drive
Factory default Reset push button
Wireless antenna

A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’
The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Broadband
Internet service is considered so useful that more and more people want to set up networks in their
home to share a broadband connection. Wireless technology has removed one of the barriers to
networking—running wires. It allows more people to try networking while at the same time
exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking. General networking concepts, setup, and
maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition, wireless technology adds issues, such as
range, interference, signal quality, and security to the picture.
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To help overcome potential barriers to successfully using home networks, the table below
identifies how to accomplish such things as connecting to a wireless network, assuring appropriate
security measures are taken, browsing the Internet through your wireless connection, exchanging
files with other computers and using printers in the combined wireless and wired network.
Table 2-1.

A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...

If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do?

What’s Needed?

How Do I?

Set up a
wireless
network

• A wireless network

To set up the WGT634U, see
Chapter 3, “Connecting the
Router to the Internet” and
follow the instructions provided.

1. Set up the 108
Mbps Wireless
Media Router
WGT634U

• A computer within the
operating range of the
wireless network. For
guidelines about the range
2. Identify the wireless
of wireless networks, see
network name
“Observe Performance,
(SSID) and, if used,
Placement, and Range
the wireless
Guidelines” on page 4-1.
security settings.
3. Set up the wireless
computers with the
settings from step
1.

Protect my
wireless
connection
from snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.

• A wireless network WEP
security enabled.

1. Assure that the
wireless network
has security
features enabled.
2. Configure my
WGT634U with the
security settings of
the wireless
network.

• Wireless networking
equipment that supports
WEP, such as the
WGT634U and all
NETGEAR wireless
networking products.

3. Use Windows
security features.

To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix D, “Wireless
Networking Basics” for a
general introduction.

To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Authentication and WEP Data
Encryption” on page D-2.
To use WEP security features,
see “Implement Appropriate
Wireless Security” on page 4-2
and configure your WGT634U
accordingly.

Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encryption security built into browsers
like Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Any wireless networking security features you might
implement are in addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.

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Table 2-1.

A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...

If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do?
Share photos
and files with
friends and
family at home
and over the
Internet

What’s Needed?

1. Set up a USB drive • A compatible USB drive.
on the 108 Mbps
Wireless Media
Router WGT634U
according to the
instructions
creating accounts,
and sharing files in
“Connecting a USB
Drive to the Router”
on page 5-1.

How Do I?
For assistance with accessing
files on the shared USB drive,
please see Chapter 5,
“Connecting a USB Drive to the
Router” .

2. For people in your
home, show them
how to find the files
on the USB drive by
“Connecting to the
USB Drive from a
Local Web
Browser” on
page 5-11.
3. For people on the
Internet, show them
how to find the files
on the USB drive by
“Connecting to the
USB Drive from a
Remote Computer”
on page 5-11.

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Table 2-1.

A Road Map for How to Get There From Here ...

If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do?
Share printers
at home in a
combined
wireless and
wired network.

What’s Needed?

• The notebook computer I
1. Use the Windows
am using to connect to the
Printers and Fax
wireless network needs to
features to locate
be configured with the
available printers in
Windows Client and File
the combined
and Print Sharing.
wireless and wired
network in your
• The notebook computer I
home.
am using to connect to the
wireless network needs to
2. Use the Windows
be configured with the
Add a Printer
same Windows Workgroup
wizard to add
or Domain settings as the
access to a network
other Windows computers
printer from the
in the combined wireless
notebook PC you
and wired network.
are using to

How Do I?
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.

For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
108 Mbps Wireless Media
Router WGRT634U Resource
wirelessly connect • Any Windows networking
CD (230-10043-02) and the Help
to the network.
security access rights such
information provided in the
as login user name/
3. From the File menu
Windows system you are using.
password that have been
of an application
assigned in the Windows
such as Microsoft
network must be provided For assistance with setting up
Word, use the Print
when Windows prompts for printers in Windows, refer to the
Setup feature to
Help and Support information
such information.
direct your print
that comes with the version of
output to the printer • If so-called Windows ‘peer’
the Windows operating systems
in the network.
networking is being used,
you are using.
the printer needs to be
enabled for sharing.

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Chapter 3
Connecting the Router to the Internet

This chapter describes how to set up the router on your local area network (LAN) and connect to
the Internet. You will find out how to configure your 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U
for Internet access using the Setup Wizard, or how to manually configure your Internet connection.

What You Will Need Before You Begin
You need to prepare these three things before you begin:
Have active Internet service such as that provided by an cable or DSL broadband account.
2. Locate the Internet Service Provider (ISP) configuration information for your DSL account.
3. Connect the router to a cable or DSL modem and a computer as explained below.
1.

Cabling and Computer Hardware Requirements
To use the WGT634U Wireless Media Router on your network, each computer must have an
installed Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) and an Ethernet cable. If the computer will
connect to your network at 100 Mbps, you must use a Category 5 (Cat 5) cable such as the one
provided with your router. The cable or DSL broadband modem must provide a standard 10 Mbps
(10BASE-T) or 100 Mbps (100BASE-Tx) Ethernet interface.

Computer Network Configuration Requirements
The WGT634U includes a built-in Web Configuration Manager. To access the configuration
menus on the WGT634U, you must use a Java-enabled Web browser program which supports
HTTP uploads such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Use Internet Explorer
or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or above.
For the initial setup of your router, you will need to connect a computer to the router. This
computer has to be set to automatically get its TCP/IP configuration from the router via DHCP.
Note: For help with DHCP configuration, please use the Windows TCP/IP Configuration
Tutorials on the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGRT634U Resource CD (230-10043-02), or
refer to Appendix C, “Preparing Your Network”.
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Internet Configuration Requirements
Depending on how your ISP set up your Internet account, you will need one or more of these
configuration parameters to connect your router to the Internet:
• Host and Domain Names
• ISP Login Name and Password
• ISP Domain Name Server (DNS) Addresses
• Fixed IP Address which is also known as Static IP Address

Where Do I Get the Internet Configuration Parameters?
There are several ways you can gather the required Internet connection information.
• Your ISP provides all the information needed to connect to the Internet. If you cannot locate
this information, you can ask your ISP to provide it or you can try one of the options below.
• If you have a computer already connected using the active Internet access account, you can
gather the configuration information from that computer.
— For Windows 95/98/ME, open the Network control panel, select the TCP/IP entry for the
Ethernet adapter, and click Properties. Record all the settings for each tab page.
— For Windows 2000/XP, open the Local Area Network Connection, select the TCP/IP entry
for the Ethernet adapter, and click Properties. Record all the settings for each tab page.
— For Macintosh computers, open the TCP/IP or Network control panel. Record all the
settings for each section.
• You may also refer to the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGRT634U Resource CD
(230-10043-02) for the NETGEAR Router ISP Guide which provides Internet connection
information for many ISPs.
Once you locate your Internet configuration parameters, you may want to record them on the page
below.

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Record Your Internet Connection Information
Print this page. Fill in the configuration parameters from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ISP Login Name: The login name and password are case sensitive and must be entered exactly as
given by your ISP. Some ISPs use your full e-mail address as the login name. The Service Name is
not required by all ISPs. If you connect using a login name and password, then fill in the
following:
Login Name: ______________________________
Password: ____________________________
Service Name: _____________________________
Fixed or Static IP Address: If you have a static IP address, record the following information. For
example, 169.254.141.148 could be a valid IP address.
Fixed or Static Internet IP Address: ______ ______ ______ ______
Gateway IP Address: ______ ______ ______ ______
Subnet Mask: ______ ______ ______ ______
ISP DNS Server Addresses: If you were given DNS server addresses, fill in the following:
Primary DNS Server IP Address: ______ ______ ______ ______
Secondary DNS Server IP Address: ______ ______ ______ ______
Host and Domain Names: Some ISPs use a specific host or domain name like CCA7324-A or
home. If you haven’t been given host or domain names, you can use the following examples as a
guide:
• If your main e-mail account with your ISP is aaa@yyy.com, then use aaa as your host name.
Your ISP might call this your account, user, host, computer, or system name.
• If your ISP’s mail server is mail.xxx.yyy.com, then use xxx.yyy.com as the domain name.
ISP Host Name: _________________________ ISP Domain Name: _______________________
For Wireless Access: For configuration of the wireless network, record the following:
Wireless Network Name (SSID): __________________
Encryption (circle one): WEP 64, or WEP 128
WEP passphrase or key: ____________________

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First, Connect the WGT634U to the Internet
Follow the steps below to connect your WGT634U to the Internet.

1. CONNECT THE WIRELESS ROUTER BETWEEN YOUR COMPUTER & MODEM
Turn off your computer and broadband modem (cable or DSL).
b. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your computer (point A in the diagram below).
a.

A
Broadband modem

Figure 3-1: Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your computer
c.

Securely insert the Ethernet cable into the Internet port (B) on the WGT634U. Your cable
or DSM modem is now connected directly to the WAN port of the WGT634U Wireless
Media Router.

Internet Port

B
Broadband modem

Figure 3-2: Connect the Ethernet cable to the router

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d.

Securely insert one end of the Ethernet cable that came with your wireless router into a
LAN port on the router such as LAN port 4 (C), and the other end into the Ethernet port of
your computer (D).

D
C

BROADANDMODEM

/$13RUW
Figure 3-3: Connect the computers on your network to the router

Note: It is best to use the vertical stand that comes with your router. Be sure to set up
your router so that it has adequate ventilation. Do not stack it on a device that produces a
lot of heat such as a large USB drive.

2. RESTART YOUR NETWORK IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE
Warning: Failure to restart your network in the correct sequence could prevent you from
connecting to the Internet.
First, turn on the cable or DSL modem and wait 2 minutes.
b. Now, turn on your wireless router by plugging in the power cord, and then wait 30
seconds.
c. Last, turn on your computer.
Note: If a dialup or network connection usually logs you in to the Internet on startup, do
not run that software or cancel it if it starts automatically.
a.

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Power

Internet

Wireless

LAN Port 4

Check the status lights and verify the following:
•

Power: Verify that the power light is on. When you first turn on the router, the power light
blinks while the router performs a diagnostic self test. When the test completes, the power
light turns solid green. If after 2 minutes the power light continues to blink, reset the unit
using the factory Reset button according to the instructions in “Restoring the Default
Configuration and Password” on page 9-7.

•

Internet: Verify that the Internet light on the wireless router is lit. If not, make sure the
Ethernet cable is securely attached to the wireless router Internet port and the powered on
modem.

•

Wireless: Verify that the Wireless light is lit. The factory default setting is for the wireless
feature to be turned on. If you turn off the wireless feature, the Wireless light will go off. If
the wireless feature is turned on but the Wireless light is off, reset the unit using the
factory Reset button according to the instructions in “Restoring the Default Configuration
and Password” on page 9-7.

•

LAN: A LAN light is lit. Green indicates your computer is operating at 100 Mbps speed.
Amber indicates 10 Mbps speed. If no LAN lights are lit, check that the Ethernet cable
connecting the powered on computer to the router is securely attached at both ends.

3. LOG IN TO THE WIRELESS ROUTER
a.

3-6

From your computer, launch a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape® Navigator.
Connect to the wireless router by typing http://192.168.1.1 in the address field of your
browser.

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A login window like the one shown below opens:

Figure 3-4: Login window
b.

Enter admin for the router user name and password for the router password, both in
lower case letters.
Note: The router user name and password are not the same as any user name or password
you may use to log in to your Internet connection.

After logging in to the router, you will see a Firmware Upgrade prompt. Skip the upgrade
this time by clicking the No button. Use the Setup Wizard first to connect to the Internet.

4. RUN THE SETUP WIZARD TO CONNECT TO THE INTERNET

Figure 3-5: Setup Wizard
a.

You are now connected to the router. If you do not see the wizard above, click the Setup
Wizard link on the upper left of the main menu.

Leave the Yes option selected to have the setup program automatically detect your Internet
connection type. Click Next to proceed. Follow the screen prompts and input your ISP
settings, as needed.

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If prompted with the message that new software is available, click Yes and follow the
on-screen prompts to update your router with the latest software enhancements.
If you choose not to use the auto-update feature, you can check for new firmware by
following the procedure in Step 5 or the section “Upgrading the Router Software” on
page 7-5.
d. The Setup Smart Wizard will report the type of connection it finds. The options are:
• Connections which require a login using protocols such as
PPPoE, PPTP, Telstra, or Bigpond broadband connections.
• Connections which use dynamic IP address assignment.
• Connections which use fixed IP address assignment.
Instructions for filling in the configuration menu for each type of connection are presented
later in this chapter.
e. At the end of the Setup Wizard, click the Test button which saves your settings and
connects to the NETGEAR Web site. Register your product.
Note: If you do not see the Test button, click the Basic Settings link in the left navigator and then
click the Test button to verify your Internet connection. If you have trouble connecting to the
Internet, use the Troubleshooting Tips below to correct basic problems.
c.

Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at
http://www.netgear.com/support/main.asp.
You are now connected to the Internet!

5. CHECK FOR THE LATEST VERSION OF THE FIRMWARE
After you have established your connection, the first thing you should do is check for the latest
version of the firmware. New features and options may have been added to assist you in your
router configuration.
From the main menu of the browser interface, under the Maintenance heading, select the
Router Upgrade heading. See “Upgrading the Router Software” on page 7-5 for more
information.
Note: When uploading software to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router, it is important not to
interrupt the Web browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new page. If the
browser is interrupted, it may corrupt the software. When the upload is complete, your router will
automatically restart. The upgrade process will typically take about one minute.

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Now, Set Up Basic Wireless Connectivity
Now that you are connected to the Internet, follow the Smart Setup Wizard prompts to set up basic
wireless connectivity.

1. CONFIGURE THE WGT634U WIRELESS SETTINGS
Select a Region. Do not change the other settings at this time.

Figure 3-6: Select the wireless region only

2. CONFIGURE THE WIRELESS ADAPTER SETTINGS
WIRELESS FEATURE

DEFAULT SETTING

Network Name (SSID)

NETGEAR

WEP Security

Disabled

Configure the wireless adapter of your computer to match these settings exactly.
Warning: The Network Name (SSID) is case sensitive. That is, it you must enter NETGEAR
in your computer’s wireless settings. Entering nETgear will not work.

3. VERIFY WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
Verify wireless connectivity by connecting to the Internet or by logging in to the wireless
router from a computer with a wireless adapter. For wireless connectivity problems, see the
Troubleshooting Tips below.
You are now wirelessly connected to the Internet! Implement wireless security according to
the instructions in Chapter 4.

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Basic Setup Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some tips for correcting simple problems that may prevent you from connecting to the
Internet or connecting to the wireless router.
Make sure the wireless settings in the computer and router match exactly.
The Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP settings of the router and wireless computer
must match exactly.
Be sure to restart your network in the correct sequence.
Follow this sequence. Turn off the modem, wireless router, and computer. Turn on the modem
first and wait two minutes. Next turn on the wireless router, and finally the computers.
Make sure the Ethernet cables are securely plugged in.
• For each powered on computer connected to the wireless router with a securely plugged in
Ethernet cable, the corresponding router LAN port status light will be lit. The label on the
bottom of the wireless router identifies the number of each LAN port.
• The Internet port status light on the wireless router will be lit if the Ethernet cable from the
wireless router to the modem is plugged in securely and the modem and wireless router are
both turned on.
Make sure the network settings are correct.
• LAN and wirelessly connected computers must be configured to obtain an IP address
automatically via DHCP. For instructions on how to do this, please see the animated tutorials
on the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGRT634U Resource CD (230-10043-02) or
Appendix C, “Preparing Your Network”.
•

Some cable modem ISPs require you to set the router to use the MAC address of the computer
registered on the account. If so, in the Basic Settings menu Wireless Router MAC Address
section, select “Use this Computer’s MAC address”. The router will then capture and use the
MAC address of the computer that you are now using. You must be using the computer that is
registered with the ISP. Click Apply to save your settings. Restart the network in the correct
sequence.

Understanding the Setup Wizard Options
The topics below describe each of the various options the Setup Wizard can detect. Use this
information as a reference for filling in the Setup Wizard menus.

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PPPoE Smart Wizard-Detected Option
If the Setup Smart Wizard discovers that your ISP uses PPPoE, you will see this menu:

Figure 3-7: Setup Smart Wizard menu for PPPoE accounts

•

•
•

Enter the Account Name, Domain Name, Login, and Password as provided by your ISP. These
fields are case sensitive. The router will try to discover the domain automatically if you leave
the Domain Name blank. Otherwise, you may need to enter it manually.
To change the login timeout, enter a new value in minutes. This determines how long the
router keeps the Internet connection active after there is no Internet activity from the LAN.
Entering a timeout value of zero means never log out.
Note: You no longer need to run the ISP’s login program on your computer in order to access
the Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router will automatically log you in.
If you know that your ISP does not automatically transmit DNS addresses to the router during
login, select “Use these DNS servers” and enter the IP address of your ISP’s Primary DNS
Server. If a Secondary DNS Server address is available, enter it also.
Note: If you enter DNS addresses, restart your computers so that these settings take effect.
Click Apply to save your settings.
Click Test to verify that your Internet connection works. If the NETGEAR Web site does not
appear within one minute, refer to Chapter 9, “Troubleshooting”.

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Telstra Bigpond Cable Smart Wizard-Detected Option
If the Setup Wizard discovers Telstra Bigpond Cable is your ISP, you will see this menu:

Figure 3-8: Setup Smart Wizard menu for Telstra Bigpond Cable accounts

•

Enter your Login, Password and Authentication Server. These fields are case sensitive.
Note: You will no longer need to launch the ISP’s login program on your computer in order to
access the Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router will automatically log
you in.
The Domain Name Server (DNS) Address parameters may be necessary to access your ISP’s
services such as mail or news servers.
Note: If you enter DNS addresses, restart your computers so that these settings take effect.
Wireless Router MAC Address. This section determines the Ethernet MAC Address that will
be used by the router on the Internet port. Some ISPs will register the Ethernet MAC address
of the network interface card in your computer when your account is first opened. They will
then only accept traffic from the MAC address of that computer. This feature allows your
router to masquerade as that computer.
To change the MAC address, select “Use this Computer’s MAC address.” The router will then
capture and use the MAC address of the computer that you are now using. You must be using
the one computer that is allowed by the ISP. Or, select “Use this MAC address” and enter it.

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•
•

Click Apply to save your settings.
Click Test to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR Web site does not appear within
one minute, refer to Chapter 9, “Troubleshooting”.

Dynamic IP Smart Wizard-Detected Option
If the Setup Wizard discovers that your ISP uses Dynamic IP assignment, you will see this menu:

Figure 3-9: Setup Smart Wizard menu for Dynamic IP address accounts

•

•
•

Enter your Account Name (may also be called Host Name) and Domain Name. These
parameters may be necessary to access your ISP’s services such as mail or news servers. If you
leave the Domain Name field blank, the router try to discover the domain. Otherwise, you may
need to enter it manually.
If you know that your ISP does not automatically transmit DNS addresses to the router during
login, select Use these DNS servers and enter the IP address of your ISP’s Primary DNS
Server. If a Secondary DNS Server address is available, enter it also.
Note: If you enter DNS addresses, restart your computers so that these settings take effect.
Click Apply to save your settings.
Click Test to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR Web site does not appear within
one minute, refer to Chapter 9, “Troubleshooting”.

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Fixed IP Account Smart Wizard-Detected Option
If the Setup Wizard discovers that your ISP uses Fixed IP assignment, you will see this menu:

Figure 3-10: Setup Smart Wizard menu for Fixed IP address accounts

•

•
•
•

Fixed IP is also called Static IP. Enter your assigned IP Address, Subnet Mask, and the IP
Address of your ISP’s gateway router. This information should have been provided to you by
your ISP. Refer to the configuration parameters from your ISP you recorded in “Record Your
Internet Connection Information” on page 3-3.
Enter the IP address of your ISP’s Primary and Secondary DNS Server addresses.
Note: Restart the computers on your network so that these settings take effect.
Click Apply to save the settings.
Click Test to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR Web site does not appear within
one minute, refer to Chapter 9, “Troubleshooting”.

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How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection
You can manually configure your router using the menu below, or you can allow the Setup Wizard
to determine your configuration as described in the previous section.
ISP Does Not Require Login
ISP Does Require Login

Figure 3-11: Browser-based configuration Basic Settings menus

You can manually configure the router using the Basic Settings menu shown in Figure 3-11 using
these steps:

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1.

Click the Basic Settings link on the Setup menu.

If your Internet connection does not require a login, click No at the top of the Basic Settings
menu and fill in the settings according to the instructions below. If your Internet connection
does require a login, click Yes, and skip to step 3.
a.

Enter your Account Name (may also be called Host Name) and Domain Name.
These parameters may be necessary to access your ISP’s services such as mail or news
servers.

Internet IP Address:
If your ISP has assigned you a permanent, fixed (static) IP address for your computer,
select “Use static IP address”. Enter the IP address that your ISP assigned. Also enter the
netmask and the Gateway IP address. The Gateway is the ISP’s router to which your router
will connect.

Domain Name Server (DNS) Address:
If you know that your ISP does not automatically transmit DNS addresses to the router
during login, select “Use these DNS servers” and enter the IP address of your ISP’s
Primary DNS Server. If a Secondary DNS Server address is available, enter it also.
Note: If you enter an address here, restart the computers on your network so that these
settings take effect.

Gateway’s MAC Address:
This section determines the Ethernet MAC address that will be used by the router on the
Internet port. Some ISPs will register the Ethernet MAC address of the network interface
card in your computer when your account is first opened. They will then only accept
traffic from the MAC address of that computer. This feature allows your router to
masquerade as that computer by “cloning” its MAC address.
To change the MAC address, select “Use this Computer’s MAC address.” The router will
then capture and use the MAC address of the computer that you are now using. You must
be using the one computer that is allowed by the ISP. Or, select “Use this MAC address”
and enter it.

e.
3.

Click Apply to save your settings.

If your Internet connection does require a login, fill in the settings according to the instructions
below. Select Yes if you normally must launch a login program such as Enternet or WinPOET
in order to access the Internet.
Note: After you finish setting up your router, you will no longer need to launch the ISP’s login
program on your computer in order to access the Internet. When you start an Internet
application, your router will automatically log you in.

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a.

Select your Internet service provider from the drop-down list.

Figure 3-12: Basic Settings ISP list
b.

The screen will change according to the ISP settings requirements of the ISP you select.

Fill in the parameters for your ISP according to the Wizard-detected procedures starting on
page 3-3.

Click Apply to save your settings.

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Chapter 4
Wireless Configuration

This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your WGT634U Wireless Media
Router. In planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You
should also select the physical placement of your router in order to maximize the network speed.
For further information on wireless networking, refer to in Appendix D, “Wireless Networking
Basics”.

Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the
physical placement of the wireless router. The latency, data throughput performance, and notebook
power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration choices.
Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance
degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router. For complete range/
performance specifications, please see Appendix A, “Technical Specifications”.

For best results, place your router:
•
•
•
•

Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate
In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers have
line-of-sight access (even if through walls)
Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and 2.4 GHz cordless
phones
Away from large metal surfaces

The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP
encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.

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Implement Appropriate Wireless Security
Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11b/g wireless networks at

ranges of up to 300 feet. Such distances can allow for others outside of your
immediate area to access your network.
Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can be received well beyond your
walls by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of your
wireless equipment. The WGT634U Wireless Media Router provides highly effective security
features which are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to
your needs.

WGT634U

Wireless Data
Security Options
Range: Up to 300 Foot Radius
/PEN%ASYBUTNOSECURITY
-!#!CCESS,IST.ODATASECURITY
7%03ECURITYBUTSOMEVULNERABILITY

Figure 4-1: WGT634U wireless data security options

There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network.
•

•

Restrict Access Based on MAC Address. You can restrict access to only trusted computers
so that unknown computers cannot wirelessly connect to the WGT634U. MAC address
filtering adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over
the wireless link is fully exposed.
Turn Off the Broadcast of the Wireless Network Name SSID. If you disable broadcast of
the SSID, only devices that have the correct SSID can connect. This nullifies the wireless
network ‘discovery’ feature of some products such as Windows XP, but the data is still fully
exposed to a determined snoop using specialized test equipment like wireless sniffers.
WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security. WEP Shared
Key authentication and WEP data encryption will block all but the most determined
eavesdropper.

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•

Turn Off the Wireless LAN. If you disable the wireless LAN, wireless devices cannot
communicate with the router at all. You might choose to turn off the wireless LAN when you
are away and the others in the household all use wired connections.

Understanding Wireless Settings
To configure the Wireless settings of your router, click the Wireless link in the main menu of the
browser interface. The Wireless Settings menu appears, as shown below.

Figure 4-2: Wireless Settings menu

The 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networking protocols are configured in exactly the same
fashion.

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•

Name (SSID). The SSID is also known as the wireless network name. Enter a value of up to
32 alphanumeric characters. In a setting where there is more than one wireless network,
different wireless network names provide a means for separating the traffic. Any device you
want to participate in a particular wireless network will need to use this SSID for that network.
The WGT634U default SSID is NETGEAR.

•

Region. This field identifies the region where the WGT634U can be used. It may not be legal
to operate the wireless features of the wireless router in a region other than one of those
identified in this field.

•

Mode. This field determines which data communications protocol will be used. You can select
“g and b”, “b only,” “g only”, or “108 Mbps Turbo g only”. “g only” dedicates the WGT634U
to communicating with the higher bandwidth 802.11g wireless devices exclusively. The “g and
b” mode provides backward compatibility with the slower 802.11b wireless devices while still
enabling 802.11g communications. The 108 Mbps Turbo mode only works with other 802.11g
turbo devices that support this turbo mode.

•

Channel. This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It should not be
necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another
nearby access point. For more information on the wireless channel frequencies please refer to
“Wireless Channels” on page D-7.

Understanding WEP Authentication and Encryption
Restricting wireless access to your network prevents intruders from connecting to your network.
However, the wireless data transmissions are still vulnerable to snooping. Using the WEP data
encryption settings described below will prevent a determined intruder from eavesdropping on
your wireless data communications. Also, if you are using the Internet for such activities as
purchases or banking, those Internet sites use another level of highly secure encryption called SSL.
You can tell if a Web site is using SSL because the Web address begins with HTTPS rather than
HTTP.
Authentication Scheme Selection

Figure 4-3: Encryption Strength
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The WGT634U lets you select the following wireless authentication schemes.
•
•

•

Automatic — the router detects the authentication scheme.
Open System — allows any device to join the network, assuming that the device SSID
matches the access point SSID. Alternatively, the device can use the “ANY” SSID option to
associate with any available Access Point within range, regardless of its SSID.
Shared Key — only those computers that possess the correct authentication key can join the
network.

Note: The authentication scheme is separate from the data encryption. You can

choose an authentication scheme which requires a shared key, but still leave the
data transmissions unencrypted. If you require strong security, use both the
Shared Key authentication scheme and WEP encryption settings.
Be sure to set your wireless adapter according to the authentication scheme you choose for the
WGT634U Wireless Media Router. Please refer to “Authentication and WEP Data Encryption” on
page D-2 for a full explanation of each of these options, as defined by the IEEE 802.11 wireless
communication standard.
Encryption Strength Choices
Choose the encryption strength from the drop-down list. Please refer to “Overview of WEP
Parameters” on page D-5 for a full explanation of each of these options, as defined by the IEEE
802.11 wireless communication standard.
•

Disable. No encryption will be applied. This setting is useful for troubleshooting your wireless
connection, but leaves your wireless data fully exposed.

•

64-bit or 128-bit WEP. When 64-bit or 128-bit is selected, WEP encryption will be applied.

•

WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key). Uses WPA-PSK standard encryption.

If WEP is enabled, you can manually or automatically program the four data encryption keys.
These values must be identical on all computers and access points in your network.
There are two methods for creating WEP encryption keys:
•

Passphrase. Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box and click the
Generate button. These characters are case sensitive.

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•

Manual. For 64-bit WEP, enter 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, a-f, or A-F).
For 128-bit WEP, enter 26 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, a-f, or A-F). These
values are not case sensitive.

Default Factory Settings
When you first receive your WGT634U, the default factory settings are enabled, as shown below.
You can restore these defaults with the Factory Default Restore button on the rear panel. After you
install the WGT634U Wireless Media Router, use the procedures below to customize any of the
settings to better meet your networking needs.

FEATURE
Wireless Access Point
Wireless Access List (MAC Filtering)
SSID broadcast
SSID
11b/g RF Channel
Mode
Authentication Type
WEP

DEFAULT FACTORY SETTINGS
Enabled
All wireless stations allowed
Enabled
NETGEAR
11
g and b
Automatic
Disabled

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Before You Change the SSID and Encryption Settings
Before customizing your wireless settings, print this form and record the following information. If
you are working with an existing wireless network, the person who set up or is responsible for the
network will be able to provide this information. Otherwise, you will choose the settings for your
wireless network. Either way, record the settings for your wireless network in the spaces below.
•

Network Name (SSID): The Service Set Identification (SSID), called the wireless network
name in Windows XP, identifies the wireless network. You can use up to 32 alphanumeric
characters. Record your customized SSID on the line below.
Name (SSID):______________________________
Note: The SSID in the wireless router is the SSID you configure in the wireless adapter card.
For the access point and wireless nodes to communicate with each other, all must be
configured with the same SSID.

•

Authentication. The authentication setting, “Automatic”, “Open System”, or “Shared Key,” is
unrelated to encryption of transmissions. Choose “Shared Key” for more security, circle one:
Open System or Shared Key
Note: If you select shared key, the other devices in the network will not connect unless they
are set to Shared Key as well.

•

WEP Encryption Strength. Choose the key size. Circle one: 64 or 128 bit.

•

WEP Encryption Keys. The WGT634U provides two methods for creating WEP encryption
keys:
–

Passphrase. ______________________________ Enter a word or group of printable
characters. These characters are case sensitive. When you enter the Passphrase and click
the Generate button on the WGT634U, the keys will be generated.

–

Manual. For 64-bit WEP, enter 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9 or a-f).
These values are not case sensitive. For 128-bit WEP, enter 26 hexadecimal digits.

Whichever method you use, record the key values in the spaces below.
Key 1: ___________________________________
Key 2: ___________________________________
Key 3: ___________________________________
Key 4: ___________________________________
Use the procedures described in the following sections to configure the WGT634U. Store this
information in a safe place.
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How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity
Follow the instructions below to set up and test basic wireless connectivity. Once you have
established basic wireless connectivity, you can enable security settings appropriate to your needs.
1.

Click the Wireless Settings link in the Settings section of the WGT634U router’s main menu.

Figure 4-4: Wireless Settings menu
3.

Choose a suitable descriptive name for the wireless network name (SSID). In the SSID box,
enter a value of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. The default SSID is NETGEAR.
Note: The SSID of any wireless access adapters must match the SSID you configure in the
108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U. If they do not match, you will not get a wireless
connection to the WGT634U.

Set the Region. Select the region in which the wireless interface will operate.

Select the Mode. The default is g and b. If your network cards are only capable of connecting
in 802.11b mode, you can change this value to b only. 802.11g wireless stations can still be
used if they can operate in 802.11b mode.

Set the Channel. The default channel is 11.
This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It should not be necessary to
change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another nearby
wireless router or access point. Select a channel that is not being used by any other wireless
networks within several hundred feet of your router. For more information on the wireless
channel frequencies please refer to “Wireless Channels” on page D-7.

For initial configuration and testing, leave the Security Options set to “Disable.” Also leave
the Wireless Card Access List set to “Everyone” on the Advanced Wireless Settings screen.

Click Apply to save your changes.

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Note: If you are configuring the router from a wireless computer and you change the
router’s SSID, channel, or security settings, you will lose your wireless connection when
you click Apply. You must then change the wireless settings of your computer to match
the router’s new settings.
9.

Configure and test your computers for wireless connectivity.
Program the wireless adapter of your computers to have the same SSID that you configured in
the router. Check that they have a wireless link and are able to obtain an IP address by DHCP
from the router.

Once your computers have basic wireless connectivity to the router, then you can configure the
advanced wireless security functions of the router.

Understanding Advanced Wireless Settings
After you have configured your basic wireless settings, you can set up the advanced security
features and Wireless Card Access List.
1.

Under the Advanced Section of the main menu of the WGT634U router, click the Wireless
Settings link to display the Advanced Wireless Settings screen.

Figure 4-5: Advanced Wireless Settings screen
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•

Enable Wireless Router Radio. The wireless icon on the front of the router also displays the
current status of the Wireless Access Point to let you know if it is disabled or enabled. If
enabled, wireless stations will be able to access the WGT634U. If disabled, wireless stations
will not be able to access the WGT634U.

•

Allow Broadcast of Name (SSID). If you disable broadcast of the SSID, only devices that
have the correct SSID can connect. Disabling SSID broadcast nullifies the wireless network
‘discovery’ feature of some products such as Windows XP.
Fragmentation Threshold, CTS/RTS Threshold, Preamble Mode — These settings are
reserved for wireless testing and advanced configuration only. Do not change these settings.

•

108 Mbps Settings. If disabled, the Wireless Router will disable data compression, packet
bursting and large frame support.

•

Wireless Card Access List. When the Trusted PCs Only radio button is selected, the
WGT634U checks the MAC address of the wireless station and only allows connections to
computers identified on the Trusted PCs list.

How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address
To restrict access based on MAC Addresses, follow these steps:
1.

Note: When configuring the router from a wireless computer whose MAC address is
not in the Trusted PC list, if you select Turn Access Control On, you will lose your
wireless connection when you click Apply. You must then access the wireless router
from a wired computer or from a wireless computer which is on the access control list to
make any further changes.
2.

Under the Advanced section, click the Wireless Settings link in the main menu of the
WGT634U router.

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3.

From the Wireless Settings menu, click the Setup Access List button to display the Wireless
Access menu shown below.

Figure 4-6: Wireless Card Access List Setup
4.

Click Add to add a wireless device to the wireless access control list. The Available Wireless
Cards list displays.

Select the Turn Access Control On check box.

Then, either select from the list of available wireless cards the WGT634U has found in your
area, or enter the MAC address and device name for a device you plan to use. You can usually
find the MAC address printed on the wireless adapter.
Note: You can copy and paste the MAC addresses from the Attached Devices menu into the
MAC Address box of this menu. To do this, configure each wireless computer to obtain a
wireless link to the router. The computer should then appear in the Attached Devices menu.

Click Add to add this wireless device to the Wireless Card Access List. The screen changes
back to the list screen. Repeat these steps for each additional device you want to add to the list.

Be sure to click Apply to save your wireless access control list settings.

Now, only devices on this list will be allowed to wirelessly connect to the WGT634U.
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How to Configure WEP Encryption
To configure WEP data encryption, follow these steps:
Note: If you use a wireless computer to configure the WEP settings, you will be
disconnected when you click Apply. You must then either configure your wireless
adapter to match the wireless router WEP settings or access the wireless router from a
wired computer to make any further changes.

Log in to the WGT634U router at its default LAN address of http://192.168.1.1 with its default
user name of admin and default password of password, or using whatever LAN address and
password you have set up.
2. Click the Wireless Settings link in the Setup section of the main menu.
3. Under Security Options, select WEP.
4. From the Security Encryption menu drop-down list, select the WEP encryption strength you
will use.
1.

Figure 4-7.

Wireless Settings encryption menu

You can manually or automatically program the four data encryption keys. These values must
be identical on all computers and Access Points in your network.
• Automatic — enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box and click
the Generate button. The four key boxes will be automatically populated with key values.
• Manual — enter ten hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, a-f, or A-F)
Select which of the four keys will be active.
Please refer to “Overview of WEP Parameters” on page D-5 for a full explanation of each of
these options, as defined by the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard.
6. Click Apply to save your settings.
5.

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Chapter 5
Connecting a USB Drive to the Router

This chapter describes how to configure a USB disk drive attached to the WGT634U Wireless
Media Router. In planning your network, you should consider the level of security required for
local and remote users of the USB drive.
You can connect either a USB flash drive or a USB hard drive to the WGT634U. USB drive
applications may include:
•

Sharing files with offsite coworkers — sharing files such as Word documents, PowerPoint
presentations, and text files with remote users.

•

Sharing multimedia with friends and family — sharing MP3 files, pictures, and other
multimedia with local and remote users.

•

Sharing resources on your network — storing files in a central location so that you do not have
to power up a computer to perform local sharing. In addition, you can share files between
Macintosh, Linux, and PC computers by using the USB drive as a go-between the systems.

Note: As soon as you plug the USB drive in the router, local users have read and write access to
the drive using Microsoft Networking.

Users from the Internet can access the USB drive using FTP. The USB Drive Wizard will guide
you through the FTP setup process.

File Sharing Scenarios
You can share files on the USB drive for a wide variety of business and recreational purposes. The
files can be any PC, Mac, or Linux file type including text files, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MP3,
pictures, and multimedia.
A few of the common uses are shown below.

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Sharing Photos with Friends and Family
The 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U allows you to create your own central storage
location for photos and multimedia. This eliminates the need to log in to (and pay for) an external
photo sharing site.

Sharing Photos With Friends and Family
Home Network
Grandma
Friend

Son

Dad

WGT634U

Computers

Wireless Notebook
Computer

Computers Connected to the
USB Drive Over the Internet

Mom

USB Drive

Printer

Figure 5-1: Sharing photos with friends and family

Sharing files with your friends and family involves the following steps:
1.

Using the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U configuration utility, assign a user
name and password for each friend or family member.

Specify a share folder that the account can access.

Decide whether the account should have read only or read and write privileges. You can assign
read only access of the shared folder on the USB drive to remote friends and family members
such as Grandma.

Local family members (Mom, Dad, and Son) can use a Web browser or Microsoft Networking
to access files on the USB drive. Local users have read and write privileges.

For more information on sharing photos with friends and family who are at another location, see
“Connecting to the USB Drive from a Remote Computer” on page 5-11.
For more information on sharing photos with family on your local network, see “Connecting to the
USB Drive from a Local Web Browser” on page 5-11 and “Connecting to the USB Drive From
Your Home/Office Network” on page 5-12.

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Storing Files in a Central Location for Playing or Printing
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router enables you to move files so that a private resource can act
as a network resource. The WGT634U allows centralized storage for easy access from other
computers that have local printers, CD burners, speakers, or specialized software.
For example, the following scenario may occur in a typical family that has one high quality color
printer directly attached to a computer, but not shared on the LAN:
•

The daughter has some photos on her Macintosh computer that she wants to print.

•

The mother has a photo-capable color printer directly attached to her PC, but not shared on the
network.

•

The mother and daughter’s computers are not visible to each other on the network.

Storing Files in a Central Location
Home Network
Daughter

Dad

WGT634U

Computers

Mom

USB Drive

Wireless Notebook
Computer

Printer

Figure 5-2: Storing files in a central location for printing

How can you send the photos from the daughter’s Mac to a printer attached to the mother’s PC?
This is where the USB drive on the Wireless Router can save you time and effort.
1.

Copy the photos from the daughter’s Mac to the USB drive using a Web browser. See
“Connecting to the USB Drive from a Local Web Browser” on page 5-11 for more
information.

Use the mother’s PC to retrieve the files for printing. You can use a Web browser or Microsoft
Networking to transfer the files from the USB drive to a PC. For more information on using
Microsoft Networking to transfer the files, see “Connecting to the USB Drive From Your
Home/Office Network” on page 5-12.

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Sharing Large Files with Colleagues
Sending files that are larger than 5 MB can pose a problem for many mail systems. The WGT634U
Wireless Media Router allows you to share very large files such as PowerPoint presentations or
ZIP files with colleagues at another site. Rather than tying up their mail systems will large files,
your colleagues can use FTP to easily download shared files from the WGT634U.

Sharing Large Files With Colleagues
Home Network
Remote Colleague
WGT634U

Computers

Wireless Notebook
Computer

Computer Connected to the
USB Drive Over the Internet
Printer
USB Drive

Figure 5-3: Sharing files with remote users

Sharing files with a remote colleague involves the following steps:
1.

Using the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U configuration utility, assign a user
name and password for your colleague.

Specify a share folder on the USB drive that the colleague can access.

The remote colleague can use FTP from a Web browser or another FTP program to access the
shared folder on the USB drive. Access can be read only or read/write for remote users.

For more information, see “Connecting to the USB Drive from a Remote Computer” on page 5-11.

Understanding the USB Configuration Settings
To configure the USB disk drive settings, click the USB Drive Settings link in the main menu of
the browser interface. The USB Drive Settings screen appears, as shown below.

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Figure 5-4: USB Drive Settings screen

The USB Drive Settings screen shows which login accounts are enabled and the share folders each
account has access to. The following fields are displayed:
Network Access
•

Host Name. The host name you can use to access the USB drive from your network.

•

Workgroup. If you are using a Windows Workgroup rather than a Domain, the
Workgroup name will be displayed here.

FTP Access
•

Status. Access is enabled or disabled for the login account listed.

•

Password. For security purposes, the password for each login account is not displayed.

•

Share Folder. The top directory of the USB drive the login account has access to.

•

Access Rights. Read Only or Read & Write access to the top directory designated as the
share, and all directories below the share.

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Attached Device
•

Partitions. The partition number on the USB drive.

•

Share Folder. The top or root directory of the USB drive.

•

File System Type. The file system on the partition can be FAT, FAT32, NTFS (read only),
or Linux.

Connecting a USB Drive to the WGT634U
Unlike local network data, your router’s USB drive can be accessed beyond your
network by anyone with the proper credentials. This is especially true for the wireless
network in your home. For this reason, use the security features of your router.
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router provides highly effective security features which are
covered in detail in Chapter 4, “Wireless Configuration” and Chapter 8, “Advanced
Configuration”. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
The USB port of the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U is a standard USB connector.

USB Port
Figure 5-5: Router USB Port

You can connect a USB drive to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router in the following ways:
•

Connect a USB “flash drive”, also known as a “flash memory stick”, directly to the port.

•

Connect an external USB disk drive using a standard USB cable.

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USB Drive Requirements
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router conforms to the USB 1.0 and 1.1 (USB Full Speed) and
2.0 (USB High Speed) standards. The approximate USB bus speeds are shown below.
Table 5-1.

USB Bus Speeds

Bus Name

Speed/Second

USB 1.1

12 Mbits

USB 2.0

480 Mbits

Actual bus speeds will vary, depending on the CPU speed, memory, speed of the network, and
other variables.
The 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U should work with all USB-compliant external
flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB drives supported by the WGT634U
Router, go to:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101300.asp
The USB port on the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U can only be used to connect
USB storage class devices like hard drives. USB modems, printers, CD ROM drives, and DVD
drives cannot be connected to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router.
Note: The USB port on the WGT634U can be used with one USB hard drive at a time. Do not
attempt to use a USB hub attached to the USB port.

The WGT634U supports FAT, FAT32, NTFS (read only) and Linux file systems. As soon as a USB
hard disk or flash memory is attached to WGT634U USB port, users on the local area network can
access the USB drive with full read and write access.

Using the USB Drive Setup Wizard to Allow Remote Access
from the Internet
You can use the USB Drive Wizard to quickly and easily share directories on the USB drive after
you have attached it to the router.
1.

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2.

Select USB Drive Wizard in the left navigator to display the screen shown below:

Figure 5-6: Select the folder to share
3.

Type the folder name to share. To share the whole USB drive, type \. To share a specific folder
on the USB drive, type:
\
where is replaced with the name of your folder. All files and subfolders below \
or \ will be accessible.
Click Continue.

Type the user login name you want to give FTP access to the drive:

Figure 5-7: Type the user login name

Click Continue.
5.

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Type the password the user will use for FTP access.

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6.

Select the FTP access rights:

Figure 5-8: Select Read Only or Read & Write

Users can have either Read Only or Read & Write access.
7.

Click Continue to view the list of shared folders.

Click Finish.

Using the USB Drive Menu to Grant FTP Access Rights
You can also use the USB Drive menu to share directories on the USB drive after you have
attached it to the router.

Granting Users Access to the USB Drive
To give a login account access to the USB disk drive:
1.

Select the USB Drive Settings link in the left navigator.

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2.

Click Add to view the screen shown below.

Figure 5-9: Granting an account access to the USB Device
3.

Select Enabled to give access to the USB drive.

Type the login account name that you want to give access to the USB drive.

Type the password for the account and repeat it.

For the Share Folder, type the name of the USB drive’s top directory you want the account to
have access to.

Select the access rights to give to the root directory and all directories below it — Read Only
or Read & Write.

Click OK to save your settings.

Unmounting a USB Drive
To unmount a USB disk drive so that no users can access it, from the USB Drive Settings screen,
click the Eject Disk button. This takes the drive offline.
Note: You should unmount the USB drive first before physically unplugging it from the router. If
the USB disk is removed or a cable is pulled while data is being written to the disk, it may result in
file or disk corruption.

Understanding the USB Drive Access Methods
There are three ways you can allow users to connect to the USB drive:

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1.

Local Web browser — users on the local area network can use the USB drive’s local IP
address from a Web browser. LAN access rights are read/write unless you restrict access on a
file or directory basis. See “Connecting to the USB Drive from a Local Web Browser” on
page 5-11.

Remote Web browser — users outside your local network can access files on the USB drive
from a Web browser at its WAN IP address. WAN access is by FTP and is read only or read/
write according to the user access rights you set. See “Connecting to the USB Drive from a
Remote Computer” on page 5-11.

Microsoft Network access — allows users on the local area network to access files on the USB
drive from Windows Explorer. Windows Explorer rights are read/write unless you restrict
access on a file or directory basis. See “Connecting to the USB Drive From Your Home/Office
Network” on page 5-12.

Connecting to the USB Drive from a Local Web Browser
You can connect to the USB drive from local computers using a Web browser.
1.

Type \\ followed by the router’s IP address:
\\192.168.1.1

Type the account name and password that has access rights to the USB drive.

The root directories of the USB drive that the login account has access to will be displayed, for
example:
\\192.168.1.1\share\partition1

You can now read and copy files from the USB directory. If the account has write access, you
can also post files to the USB drive directory.

Connecting to the USB Drive from a Remote Computer
To connect to the USB drive from remote computers using a Web browser, you must use the
router’s Internet port IP address rather than the local IP address.

Locating the Internet Port IP Address
The Router Status screen shows the Internet port IP address:
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1.

Under the Maintenance section in the left navigator, click Router Status.

Record the IP address that is listed for the Internet Port. This is the IP address you can use to
connect to the router remotely.

Accessing the Router’s USB Drive Remotely Using FTP
You can connect to the router’s USB drive using a Web browser:
1.

Connect to the router by typing ftp:// and the Internet port IP address in the address field of
Internet Explorer or Netscape® Navigator, for example:
ftp://10.1.65.4
If you are using dynamic DNS, you can type the DNS name rather than the IP address.

Type the account name and password that has access rights to the USB drive.

The directories of the USB drive that your account has access to will be displayed, for
example, share/partition1/directory1. You can now read and copy files from the USB
directory.

Connecting to the USB Drive From Your Home/Office
Network
You can access the USB drive from local computers on your home or office network using
Microsoft network settings. You must be running Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, or older versions
of Windows with Microsoft networking enabled. You can use normal Explorer operations such as
drag and drop, file open, or cut/paste files from:
•

Microsoft Windows Start Menu, Run option

•

Windows Explorer

•

Network Neighborhood or My Network Places

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Enabling File and Printer Sharing
Each computer’s network properties must be set to enable network communication with the USB
drive. File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks must be enabled, as described below.
Note: In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, File and Printer Sharing is enabled by default.

Configuring Windows 98SE and Windows ME
The easiest way to get to your network properties is to go to your desktop, right click on ‘Network
Neighborhood’ and click Properties.
File and printer sharing for Microsoft Windows should be listed. If not, click Add and follow the
installation prompts.
Note: If you have any questions on File and Printer Sharing, please contact Microsoft for
assistance.

Configuring Windows 2000 and Windows XP
Right click on the network connection for your local area network. File and Printer Sharing for
Microsoft Windows should be listed. If not, click Install and follow the installation prompts.

Accessing the USB Drive from the Windows Start Menu
To access the USB Drive using Microsoft network connections, click Windows Start > Run and
type:
\\ipaddress
The ipaddress entered is the local IP address or name of the router, for example, \\192.168.1.1 or
\\WGT634U. A new Explorer window will pop up displaying the root folders your account has
access to.

Accessing the USB Drive from Windows Explorer
Typing \\ipaddress or \\hostname in Windows Explorer will display the root folders granted access
to on the USB drive. The hostname entered is the Host Name specified in the USB Drive Settings
screen of the WGT634U administrator console, for example, WGT634U.

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Accessing the USB Drive from My Network Places
You can use Windows Network Neighborhood or Network Connections to view files on the USB
drive locally. For example, to connect to the USB drive from local computers using Windows XP:
1.

From the Start Menu, open My Network Places.

Open the folder containing the files to access, for example:
share/partition1/folder1

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Chapter 6
Content Filtering

This chapter describes how to use the content filtering features of the 108 Mbps Wireless Media
Router WGT634U to protect your network. These features can be found in the Content Filtering
section in the main menu of the browser interface.
The 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U provides you with Web content filtering options,
plus browsing activity reporting and instant alerts via e-mail. Parents and network administrators
can establish restricted access policies based on time of day, Web addresses and Web address
keywords. You can also block Internet access by applications and services, such as chat or games.

Blocking Access to Internet Sites
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router allows you to restrict access based on Web addresses and
Web address keywords. Up to 255 entries are supported in the Keyword list. The Block Sites menu
is shown below:

Figure 6-1: Block Sites menu

To enable keyword blocking, select either “Per Schedule” or “Always”, then click Apply. If you
want to block by schedule, be sure that a time period is specified in the Schedule menu.
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To add a keyword or domain, type it in the Keyword box, click Add Keyword, then click Apply.
To delete a keyword or domain, select it from the list, click Delete Keyword, then click Apply.
Keyword application examples:
•

If the keyword "XXX" is specified, the URL is blocked.

•

If the keyword “.com” is specified, only Web sites with other domain suffixes (such as .edu or
.gov) can be viewed.

•

If you want to block all Internet browsing access during a scheduled period, enter the keyword
“.” and set the schedule in the Schedule menu.

To specify a Trusted User, enter that computer’s IP address in the Trusted User box and click
Apply. You may specify one Trusted User, which is a computer that will be exempt from blocking
and logging. Since the Trusted User will be identified by an IP address, you should configure that
computer with a fixed IP address.

Blocking Access to Internet Services
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router allows you to block the use of certain Internet services by
computers on your network. This is called service blocking or port filtering. The Block Services
menu is shown below:

Figure 6-2: Block Services menu

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Services are functions performed by server computers at the request of client computers. For
example, Web servers serve Web pages, time servers serve time and date information, and game
hosts serve data about other players’ moves. When a computer on your network sends a request for
service to a server computer on the Internet, the requested service is identified by a service or port
number. This number appears as the destination port number in the transmitted IP packets. For
example, a packet that is sent with destination port number 80 is an HTTP (Web server) request.
To enable service blocking, select either Per Schedule or Always, then click Apply. If you want to
block by schedule, be sure that a time period is specified in the Schedule menu.
To specify a service for blocking, click Add. The Add Services menu will appear, as shown below:

Figure 6-3: Add Services menu

From the Service Type list, select the application or service to be allowed or blocked. The list
already displays several common services, but you are not limited to these choices. To add any
additional services or applications that do not already appear, select User Defined.
•

Configuring a User Defined Service

To define a service, first you must determine which port number or range of numbers is used by
the application. The service numbers for many common protocols are defined by the Internet
Engineering Task Force (IETF) and published in RFC1700, “Assigned Numbers”. Service
numbers for other applications are typically chosen from the range 1024 to 65534 by the authors of

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the application. This information can usually be determined by contacting the publisher of the
application or from user groups of newsgroups.
Enter the Starting Port and Ending Port numbers. If the application uses a single port number, enter
that number in both boxes.
If you know that the application uses either TCP or UDP, select the appropriate protocol. If you are
not sure, select Both.
•

Configuring Service Blocking by IP Address Range

Under “Filter IP by”, you can block the specified service for a single computer, a range of
computers (having consecutive IP addresses), or all computers on your network.

Scheduling When Blocking Will Be Enforced
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router allows you to specify when blocking will be enforced. The
Schedule menu is shown below:

Figure 6-4: Schedule menu

Use this check boxes on this menu to create a schedule for blocking content. Click Apply.
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•

Days to Block. Select days to block by checking the appropriate boxes. Select Every day to
check the boxes for all days. Click Apply.

•

Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time in 23:59 format. Select All day for 24 hour
blocking. Click Apply.
Note: Be sure to select your time zone in the E-Mail menu.

Viewing Logs of Web Access or Attempted Web Access
The log is a detailed record of what Web sites you have accessed or attempted to access. Up to 128
entries are stored in the log. Log entries will only appear when keyword blocking is enabled, and
no log entries will be made for the Trusted User. An example is shown below:

Figure 6-5: Logs menu

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Log entries are described in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1.

Log entry descriptions

Field

Description

Number

The index number of the content filter log entries. 128 entries
are available, numbered from 0 to 127. The log will keep the
record of the latest 128 entries.

Date and Time

The date and time the log entry was recorded.

Source IP

The IP address of the initiating device for this log entry.

Action

This field displays whether the access was blocked or allowed.

Site

The name or IP address of the Web site or newsgroup visited or
attempted to access.

Log action buttons are described in Table 6-2.
Table 6-2.

Log action buttons

Field

Description

Refresh

Click this button to refresh the log screen.

Clear Log

Click this button to clear the log entries.

Send Log

Click this button to e-mail the log immediately.

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Configuring E-Mail Alert and Web Access Log Notifications
In order to receive logs and alerts by e-mail, you must provide your e-mail information in the
E-mail menu, shown below:

Figure 6-6: E-mail menu

•
•

Turn e-mail notification on
Select this check box if you want to receive e-mail logs and alerts from the router.
Your outgoing mail server
Enter the name of your ISP’s outgoing (SMTP) mail server (such as smtp.myISP.com). You
may be able to find this information in the configuration menu of your e-mail program. If you
leave this box blank, log and alert messages will not be sent via e-mail.

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•

Send to this e-mail address
Enter the e-mail address to which logs and alerts will be sent. This e-mail address will also be
used as the From address. If you leave this box blank, log and alert messages will not be sent
via e-mail.
You can specify that logs are to be automatically sent to the specified e-mail address with these
options:
• Send alert immediately
Select this check box if you would like immediate notification of attempted access to a
blocked site.
• Send logs according to this schedule
Specifies how often to send the logs: None, Hourly, Daily, Weekly, or When Log is Full.
– Day for sending log. Specifies which day of the week to send the log. Relevant when the
log is sent weekly or daily.
– Time for sending log. Specifies the time of day to send the log. Relevant when the log is
sent daily or weekly.
If the Weekly, Daily or Hourly option is selected and the log fills up before the specified
period, the log is automatically e-mailed to the specified e-mail address. After the log is sent,
the log is cleared from the router’s memory. If the router cannot e-mail the log file, the log
buffer may fill up. In this case, the router overwrites the log and discards its contents. If you do
not want logs sent, select None from the list in the Send Logs According To This Schedule
section. Alerts will be sent, but not the logs.
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router can use the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to obtain the
current time and date from one of several Network Time Servers on the Internet. Select whether to
enable NTP.
In order to localize the time for your log entries, you must specify your Time Zone:
• Time Zone. Select your local time zone. This setting will be used for the blocking schedule
and for time-stamping log entries.
• Daylight Savings Time. Check this box if your time zone is currently under daylight savings
time.
Note: If your region uses Daylight Savings Time, you must manually select Adjust for Daylight
Savings Time on the first day of Daylight Savings Time, and clear this check box at the end.
Enabling Daylight Savings Time will cause one hour to be added to the standard time.

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Chapter 7
Maintenance

This chapter describes how to use the maintenance features of your 108 Mbps Wireless Media
Router WGT634U. These features can be found by clicking on the Maintenance heading in the
main menu of the browser interface.

Viewing Wireless Router Status Information
The Router Status menu provides a limited amount of status and usage information. From the main
menu of the browser interface, click on Maintenance, then select Router Status to view the Router
Status screen, shown below.

Figure 7-1: Router Status screen
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This screen shows the following parameters:
Table 7-1.

Menu 3.2 - Wireless Router Status Fields

Field

Description

Account Name

Displays the Host Name assigned to the router.

Firmware Version

Displays the router firmware version.

Internet Port

These parameters apply to the Internet (WAN) port of the router.

MAC Address

Displays the Media Access Control address being used by the Internet
(WAN) port of the router.

IP Address

Displays the IP address being used by the Internet (WAN) port of the
router. If no address is shown, the router cannot connect to the Internet.

DHCP

If set to None, the router is configured to use a fixed IP address on the
WAN. If set to Client, the router is configured to obtain an IP address
dynamically from the ISP.

IP Subnet Mask

Displays the IP Subnet Mask being used by the Internet (WAN) port of
the router.

Domain Name Server

Displays the Domain Name Servers (DNS) mapping descriptive names
of network resources to IP addresses.

LAN Port

These parameters apply to the Local (WAN) port of the router.

MAC Address

Displays the Media Access Control address being used by the LAN port
of the router.

IP Address

Displays the IP address being used by the Local (LAN) port of the router.
The default is 192.168.1.1

DHCP

Identifies if the router’s built-in DHCP server is active for the LAN
attached devices.

IP Subnet Mask

Displays the IP Subnet Mask being used by the Local (LAN) port of the
router. The default is 255.255.255.0

Wireless Port

These parameters apply to the Wireless port of the router.

Name (SSID)

Displays the wireless network name (SSID) being used by the wireless
port of the router. The default is Wireless.

Region

Displays the geographic region where the router is being used.

Channel

Identifies if the channel the wireless port is using. See “Wireless
Channels” on page D-7 for the frequencies used on each channel.

Mode

Indicates the current mode — g and b, g only, or b only.

Broadcast Name

Indicates whether the router is broadcasting its SSID.

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Click the “Show WAN Status” button to display the WAN status, as shown below.

Figure 7-2: Connection Status screen

This screen shows the following statistics:
Table 7-1.

Connection Status Fields

Field

Description

Connection Time

The length of time the router has been connected to your Internet service provider’s
network.

Connection Method The method used to obtain an IP address from your Internet service provider.
IP Address

The WAN (Internet) IP Address assigned to the router.

Network Mask

The WAN (Internet) Subnet Mask assigned to the router.

Default Gateway

The WAN (Internet) default gateway the router communicates with.

WAN Status action buttons are described in Table 7-2.
Table 7-2.

Show WAN Status action buttons

Field

Description

Renew

Click the Renew button to renew the DHCP lease.

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Click the “Show Statistics” button to display router usage statistics, as shown below.

Figure 7-3: Router Statistics screen

This screen shows the following statistics:
Table 7-1.

Router Statistics Fields

Field

Description

Port

The statistics for the WAN (Internet) and LAN (local) ports. For each port, the screen
displays:

Status

The link status of the port.

TxPkts

The number of packets transmitted on this port since reset or manual clear.

RxPkts

The number of packets received on this port since reset or manual clear.

Collisions

The number of collisions on this port since reset or manual clear.

Tx B/s

The current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

Rx B/s

The current reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

Up Time

The time elapsed since this port acquired the link.

Show Statistics action buttons are described in Table 7-2.
Table 7-2.

Show Statistics action buttons

Field

Description

Set Interval

Enter a time and click the button to set the polling frequency.

Stop

Click the Stop button to freeze the polling information.

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Viewing a List of Attached Devices
The Attached Devices menu contains a table of all IP devices that the router has discovered on the
local network. From the main menu of the browser interface, under the Maintenance heading,
select Attached Devices to view the table, shown below.

Figure 7-4: Attached Devices menu

For each device, the table shows the IP address, Device Name (if available), and Ethernet MAC
address. Note that if the router is rebooted, the table data is lost until the router rediscovers the
devices. To force the router to look for attached devices, click the Refresh button.

Upgrading the Router Software
The routing software of the WGT634U Wireless Media Router is stored in FLASH memory, and
can be upgraded as new software is released by NETGEAR. You can start the router firmware
upgrade in one of two ways:
•

Using the Firmware Assistant Upgrade prompt that appears when you first log in to the router

•

Using the Maintenance > Router Upgrade menu

Note: Product support information and updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc.
Web site at http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGT634U.asp.

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Warning: Do Not Interrupt the Firmware Upgrade Process
The router upgrade process only takes a few minutes. It is important that you do not interrupt the
upgrade process once it has started.
•

Do not use your Web browser until the upgrade process has completed.

•

Do not interrupt the Web browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new
page.

•

Do not interrupt the upload by turning off your computer.

•

Do not interrupt the upload by turning off the router. When the upload is complete, your router
will automatically restart.

Note: If the Web browser, computer, or router is interrupted, it may corrupt the software. It is good
idea to make a backup of the firmware before performing a router upgrade. See “Backing Up and
Restoring the Configuration” on page 7-9 for more information.

Firmware Upgrade Requirements
•

Use a wired LAN connection directly attached to the router. Do not use a wireless connection
to upgrade the firmware.

•

The Web browser used to upload new firmware into the WGT634U Wireless Media Router
must support HTTP uploads. Use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or
above.

Checking for a Firmware Upgrade Upon Login
When you first log in to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router, you are prompted to check for a
new version of the firmware by the menu shown below.

Figure 7-5: Firmware Upgrade Prompt
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To check for new firmware using the Firmware Assistant:
1.

Click Yes.

If the WGT634U finds new firmware is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download
and install the new firmware.

Performing a Firmware Upgrade from the Router Upgrade Menu
From the Maintenance section of the router main menu, select Router Upgrade to view this menu.

Figure 7-6: Router Upgrade menu

To check for new firmware from the Router Upgrade menu:
1.

Before you upgrade, save the current settings as you need to restore them after upgrading. For
instructions on how to save the current settings, please see “Backing Up and Restoring the
Configuration” on page 7-9. Note the current router firmware version by viewing the screen
discussed in “Viewing Wireless Router Status Information” on page 7-1.

Click Auto Upgrade.
If the WGT634U finds new firmware is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download
and install the new firmware.
Alternatively, you can download the firmware upgrade file from the NETGEAR Web site at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGT634U.asp. Then, in the Router Upgrade menu, click
Browse to locate the upgrade file, select it, and click Upload.

Open your browser and access the router at the address of http://192.168.1.1.

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5.

Wait for the router to reboot. This may take up to 3 minutes.

Verify that the router firmware has been upgraded by viewing the screen discussed in
“Viewing Wireless Router Status Information” on page 7-1.

Reset router to factory defaults. This step will erase all the existing configuration settings.

Wait for the router to reboot. This may take up to 3 minutes.

Using the instructions at “Backing Up and Restoring the Configuration” on page 7-9, restore
the settings you backed up down before upgrading.

Configuration File Management
The configuration settings of the WGT634U Wireless Media Router are stored within the router in
a configuration file. This file can be saved (backed up) to a user’s PC, retrieved (restored) from the
user’s PC, or cleared to the factory default settings.
From the main menu of the browser interface, under the Maintenance heading, select the Settings
Backup heading to bring up the menu shown below.

Figure 7-7: Settings Backup menu

Three options are available, and are described in the following sections.

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Backing Up and Restoring the Configuration
The Backup and Restore options in the Settings Backup menu allow you to save and retrieve a file
containing your router’s configuration settings.
To save your settings, select the Backup tab. Click the Backup button. Your browser will extract
the configuration file from the router and will prompt you for a location on your PC to store the
file. You can give the file a meaningful name at this time, such as pacbell.cfg.
To restore your settings from a saved configuration file, enter the full path to the file on your PC or
click the Browse button to browse to the file. When you have located it, click the Restore button to
send the file to the router.
Note: When restoring software to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router, it is important not to
interrupt the Web browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new page. If the
browser is interrupted, it may corrupt the software. When the restore is complete, your router will
automatically restart. The restore process typically takes about one minute.

Erasing the Configuration
It is sometimes desirable to restore the router to the factory default settings. This can be done by
using the Erase function, which will restore all factory settings. After an erase, the router's
password will be password, the LAN IP address will be 192.168.1.1, and the router's DHCP client
will be enabled.
To erase the configuration, click the Erase button.
To restore the factory default configuration settings without knowing the login password or IP
address, you must use the Reset button on the rear panel of the router. See “Restoring the Default
Configuration and Password” on page 9-7.

Changing the Administrator Password
The default password for the router’s Web Configuration Manager is password. NETGEAR
recommends that you change this password to a more secure password.

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From the main menu of the browser interface, under the Maintenance heading, select Set Password
to bring up the menu shown below.

Figure 7-8: Set Password menu

To change the password, first enter the old password, and then enter the new password twice. Click
Apply.

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Chapter 8
Advanced Configuration

This chapter describes how to configure the advanced features of your 108 Mbps Wireless Media
Router WGT634U. These features can be found under the Advanced heading in the main menu of
the browser interface.

Configuring Port Forwarding to Local Servers
Although the router causes your entire local network to appear as a single machine to the Internet,
you can make a local server (for example, a Web server or game server) visible and available to the
Internet. This is done using the Port Forwarding menu. From the main menu of the browser
interface, under the Advanced heading, select Port Forwarding to view the port forwarding menu,
shown below.

Figure 8-1: Port Forwarding Menu
.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with networking and routing, refer to Appendix B,
“Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics”, to become more familiar with the terms and
procedures used in this manual.

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Use the Port Forwarding menu to configure the router to forward incoming protocols to computers
on your local network. In addition to servers for specific applications, you can also specify a
Default DMZ Server to which all other incoming protocols are forwarded. The DMZ Server is
configured in the Security Menu.
Before starting, you will need to determine which type of service, application or game you will
provide and the IP address of the computer that will provide each service. Be sure the computer’s
IP address never changes. To configure port forwarding to a local server:
1.

From the Service Name box, select the service or game that you will host on your network.
If the service does not appear in the list, refer to the following section, “Adding a Port
Forwarding Custom Service”.

Enter the IP address of the local server in the corresponding Server IP Address box.

Click the Add button.

Adding a Port Forwarding Custom Service
To define a service, game or application that does not appear in the Service Name list, you must
determine what port numbers are used by the service. For this information, you may need to
contact the manufacturer of the program that you want to use. When you have the port number
information, follow these steps:
1.

Click the Add Custom Service button.

Type a name for the service.

Enter the first port number in an unused Starting Port box.

To forward only one port, enter it again in the Ending Port box. To specify a range of ports,
enter the last port to be forwarded in the End Port box.

Enter the IP address of the local server in the corresponding Server IP Address box.

Click Apply at the bottom of the menu.

Editing or Deleting a Port Forwarding Entry
To edit or delete a Port Forwarding entry, follow these steps.
1.

In the table, select the button next to the service name.

Click Edit Service or Delete Service.

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Local Web and FTP Server Example
If a local PC with a private IP address of 192.168.0.33 acts as a Web and FTP server, configure the
Ports menu to forward HTTP (port 80) and FTP (port 21) to local address 192.168.0.33.
In order for a remote user to access this server from the Internet, the remote user must know the IP
address that has been assigned by your ISP. If this address is 172.16.1.23, for example, an Internet
user can access your Web server by directing the browser to http://172.16.1.23. The assigned IP
address can be found in the Router Status screen, where it is shown as the Internet Port IP Address.
Some considerations for this application are:
•

If your account’s IP address is assigned dynamically by your ISP, the IP address may change
periodically as the DHCP lease expires.

•

If the IP address of the local PC is assigned by DHCP, it may change when the PC is rebooted.
To avoid this, you can manually configure the PC to use a fixed address.

•

Local PCs must access the local server using the PC’s local LAN address (192.168.0.33 in this
example). Attempts by local PCs to access the server using the external IP address
(172.16.1.23 in this example) will fail.

Multiple Computers for Counter-Strike, Unreal Tournament, or
Quake III Example
To set up an additional computer to play Counter-Strike, Unreal Tournament, or Quake III:
1.

Click the button of an unused port in the table.

Select the game again from the Service Name list.

Change the beginning port number in the Start Port box.
For these games, use the supplied number in the default listing and add +1 for each additional
computer. For example, if you have already configured one computer to play Counter-Strike
(using port 26900), the second computer's port number would be 26901, and the third
computer would be 26902.

Type the same port number in the End Port box that you typed in the Start Port box.

Type the IP address of the additional computer in the Server IP Address box.

Click Apply.

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Some online games and videoconferencing applications are incompatible with NAT. The
WGT634U Wireless Media Router is programmed to recognize some of these applications and to
work properly with them, but there are other applications that may not function well. In some
cases, one local computer can run the application properly if that computer’s IP address is entered
as the default in the Port Forwarding menu. If one local computer acts as a game or
videoconferencing host, enter its IP address as the default.

Configuring WAN Setup Options
The WAN Setup options let you configure a DMZ server, change the MTU size and enable the
wireless router to respond to a Ping on the WAN port. These options are discussed below.

Figure 8-2: WAN Setup Menu

•

Connect Automatically, as Required
Normally, this option should be enabled. An Internet connection will be made automatically
after each timeout, whenever Internet-bound traffic is detected. This provides connection on
demand and is potentially cost-saving.
If disabled, you must connect manually, using the Connection Status button on the Router
Status screen. This manual connection will stay up all the time without time-outs.

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•

Disable SPI Firewall
Normally, this option should be Enabled, so that your local network will be protected by the
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall included in the WGT634U. However, certain
communications functions like VPN may require turning off the SPI feature.

•

Setting Up a Default DMZ Server
The default DMZ server feature is helpful when using some online games and
videoconferencing applications that are incompatible with NAT. The router is programmed to
recognize some of these applications and to work properly with them, but there are other
applications that may not function well. In some cases, one local PC can run the application
properly if that PC’s IP address is entered as the default DMZ server.

Note: DMZ servers pose a security risk. A computer designated as the default DMZ
server loses much of the protection of the firewall, and is exposed to exploits from the
Internet. If compromised, the DMZ server can be used to attack your network.

Incoming traffic from the Internet is normally discarded by the router unless the traffic is a
response to one of your local computers or a service that you have configured in the Ports menu.
Instead of discarding this traffic, you can have it forwarded to one computer on your network. This
computer is called the Default DMZ Server.
The WAN Setup menu lets you configure a Default DMZ Server.
To assign a computer or server to be a Default DMZ server, follow these steps:
Click WAN Setup link on the Advanced section of the main menu.
Type the IP address for that server. To remove the default DMZ server, replace the IP address
numbers with all zeros.
3. Click Apply.
1.
2.

•

Respond to Ping on Internet WAN Port
If you want the router to respond to a 'ping' from the Internet, select the ‘Respond to Ping on
Internet WAN Port’ check box. This should only be used as a diagnostic tool, since it allows
your router to be discovered. Do not check this box unless you have a specific reason to do so.

•

Setting the MTU Size
The default MTU size is usually fine. The normal MTU (Maximum Transmit Unit) value for
most Ethernet networks is 1500 Bytes. For some ISPs, particularly some using PPPoE, you
may need to reduce the MTU. This should not be done unless you are sure it is necessary for
your ISP.

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Any packets sent through the router that are larger than the configured MTU size will be
repackaged into smaller packets to meet the MTU requirement. To change the MTU size:
Under MTU Size, enter a new size between 64 and 1500, for example, 1400. Then, click
Apply to save the new configuration.

Using a Dynamic DNS Service
If your network has a permanently assigned IP address, you can register a domain name and have
that name linked with your IP address by public Domain Name Servers (DNS). However, if your
Internet account uses a dynamically assigned IP address, you will not know in advance what your
IP address will be, and the address can change frequently. In this case, you can use a commercial
dynamic DNS service which will allow you to register your domain to their IP address, and will
forward traffic directed at your domain to whatever your current IP address happens to be.

Note: If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x),
the dynamic DNS service will not work because private addresses will not be routed on
the Internet.

The router contains a client that can connect to many popular dynamic DNS services. You can
select one of these services and obtain an account with them. Then, whenever your ISP-assigned
IP address changes, your router will automatically contact your dynamic DNS service provider,
log in to your account, and register your new IP address.
From the main menu of the browser interface, under Advanced, click on Dynamic DNS. To
configure Dynamic DNS:
1.

Register for an account with one of the dynamic DNS service providers whose names appear
in the ‘Select Service Provider’ box. For example, for dyndns.org, go to www.dyndns.org.

Select the Use a Dynamic DNS service check box.

Select the name of your dynamic DNS Service Provider.

Type the Host Name (or domain name) that your dynamic DNS service provider gave you.

Type the User Name for your dynamic DNS account.

Type the Password (or key) for your dynamic DNS account.

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7.

If your dynamic DNS provider allows the use of wildcards in resolving your URL, you can
select the Use wildcards check box to activate this feature. For example, the wildcard feature
will cause *.yourhost.dyndns.org to be aliased to the same IP address as yourhost.dyndns.org

Click Apply to save your configuration.

Using LAN IP Setup Options
The LAN IP Setup feature is under the Advanced heading of the main menu. This feature allows
configuration of LAN IP services such as DHCP and RIP. From the main menu of the browser
interface, under Advanced, click LAN IP Setup to view the LAN IP Setup menu, shown below.

Figure 8-3: LAN IP Setup Menu

The router is shipped preconfigured to use private IP addresses on the LAN side, and to act as a
DHCP server. The router’s default LAN IP configuration is:
•
•

LAN IP addresses — 192.168.1.1
Subnet mask — 255.255.255.0

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These addresses are part of the IETF-designated private address range for use in private networks,
and should be suitable in most applications. If your network has a requirement to use a different IP
addressing scheme, you can make those changes in this menu.
The LAN IP parameters are:
•

IP Address
This is the LAN IP address of the router.

•

IP Subnet Mask
This is the LAN Subnet Mask of the router. Combined with the IP address, the IP Subnet Mask
allows a device to know which other addresses are local to it, and which must be reached
through a gateway or router.

•

RIP Direction
RIP (Router Information Protocol) allows a router to exchange routing information with other
routers. The RIP Direction selection controls how the router sends and receives RIP packets.
Both is the default.
— When set to Both or Out Only, the router will broadcast its routing table periodically.
— When set to Both or In Only, it will incorporate the RIP information that it receives.
— When set to None, it will not send any RIP packets and will ignore any RIP packets
received.

•

RIP Version
This controls the format and the broadcasting method of the RIP packets that the router sends.
(It recognizes both formats when receiving.) By default, this is set for RIP-1.
— RIP-1 is universally supported. RIP-1 is probably adequate for most networks, unless you
have an unusual network setup.
— RIP-2 carries more information. RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting.

Note: If you change the LAN IP address of the router while connected through the
browser, you will be disconnected. You may need to restart your computer for the new IP
address setting to take effect.

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Using the Router as a DHCP server
By default, the router will function as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server,
allowing it to assign IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected to
the router's LAN. The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router. IP
addresses will be assigned to the attached computers from a pool of addresses specified in this
menu. Each pool address is tested before it is assigned to avoid duplicate addresses on the LAN.
For most applications, the default DHCP and TCP/IP settings of the router are satisfactory. See “IP
Configuration by DHCP” on page B-10 for an explanation of DHCP and information about how to
assign IP addresses for your network.
If another device on your network will be the DHCP server, or if you will manually configure the
network settings of all of your computers, clear the ‘Use router as DHCP server’ check box.
Otherwise, leave it selected.
Specify the pool of IP addresses to be assigned by setting the Starting IP Address and Ending IP
Address. These addresses should be part of the same IP address subnet as the router’s LAN IP
address. Using the default addressing scheme, you should define a range between 192.168.0.2 and
192.168.0.253, although you may want to save part of the range for devices with fixed addresses.
The router will deliver the following parameters to any LAN device that requests DHCP:
•

An IP Address from the range you have defined

•

Subnet Mask

•

Gateway IP Address (the router’s LAN IP address)

•

Primary DNS Server (if you entered a Primary DNS address in the Basic Settings menu;
otherwise, the router’s LAN IP address)

•

Secondary DNS Server (if you entered a Secondary DNS address in the Basic Settings menu)

Using Address Reservation
When you specify a reserved IP address for a computer on the LAN, that computer will always
receive the same IP address each time it access the router’s DHCP server. Reserved IP addresses
should be assigned to servers that require permanent IP settings.
To reserve an IP address:
1.

Click the Add button.

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2.

In the IP Address box, type the IP address to assign to the computer or server
(choose an IP address from the router’s LAN subnet, such as 192.168.0.X).

Type the MAC Address of the computer or server.
(Tip: If the computer is already present on your network, you can copy its MAC address from
the Attached Devices menu and paste it here.)

Click Apply to enter the reserved address into the table.

Note: The reserved address will not be assigned until the next time the computer contacts the
router's DHCP server. Reboot the computer or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP
release and renew.
To edit or delete a reserved address entry:
1.

Click the button next to the reserved address you want to edit or delete.

Click Edit or Delete.

How to Configure Static Routes
Static Routes provide additional routing information to your router. Under normal circumstances,
the router has adequate routing information after it has been configured for Internet access, and
you do not need to configure additional static routes. You must configure static routes only for
unusual cases such as multiple routers or multiple IP subnets located on your network.
From the main menu of the browser interface, under Advanced, select Static Routes to view the
Static Route menu, shown below.

Figure 8-4.

Static Route Summary Table

To add or edit a Static Route:

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1.

Click the Add button to open the Add/Edit Menu, shown below.

Figure 8-5.

Static Route Entry and Edit Menu

Type a route name for this static route in the Route Name (This is for identification purposes
only).

Select Private if you want to limit access to the LAN only. The static route will not be reported
in RIP.

Select Active to make this route effective.

Type the Destination IP Address of the final destination.

Type the IP Subnet Mask for this destination.
If the destination is a single host, type 255.255.255.255.

Type the Gateway IP Address, which must be a router on the same LAN segment as the router.

Type a number between 1 and 15 as the Metric value.
This represents the number of routers between your network and the destination. Usually, a
setting of 2 or 3 works, but if this is a direct connection, set it to 1.

Click Apply to have the static route entered into the table.

As an example of when a static route is needed, consider the following case:
•

Your primary Internet access is through a cable modem to an ISP.

•

You have an ISDN router on your home network for connecting to the company where
you are employed. This router’s address on your LAN is 192.168.0.100.

•

Your company’s network is 134.177.0.0.

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When you first configured your router, two implicit static routes were created. A default route was
created with your ISP as the gateway, and a second static route was created to your local network
for all 192.168.0.x addresses. With this configuration, if you attempt to access a device on the
134.177.0.0 network, your router will forward your request to the ISP. The ISP forwards your
request to the company where you are employed, and the request will likely be denied by the
company’s firewall.
In this case you must define a static route, telling your router that 134.177.0.0 should be accessed
through the ISDN router at 192.168.0.100. The static route would look like Figure 8-5.
In this example:
•

The Destination IP Address and IP Subnet Mask fields specify that this static route applies to
all 134.177.0.x addresses.

•

The Gateway IP Address fields specifies that all traffic for these addresses should be
forwarded to the ISDN router at 192.168.0.100.

•

A Metric value of 1 will work since the ISDN router is on the LAN.

•

Private is selected only as a precautionary security measure in case RIP is activated.

Enabling Remote Management Access
Using the Remote Management page, you can allow a user or users on the Internet to configure,
upgrade and check the status of your WGT634U Wireless Media Router.

Note: Be sure to change the router's default configuration password to a very secure
password. The ideal password should contain no dictionary words from any language,
and should be a mixture of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols.
Your password can be up to 30 characters.

To configure your router for Remote Management:
1.

Select the Turn Remote Management On check box.

Specify what external addresses will be allowed to access the router’s remote management.
Note: For enhanced security, restrict access to as few external IP addresses as practical.
a.

To allow access from any IP address on the Internet, select Everyone.

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To allow access from a range of IP addresses on the Internet, select IP Address Range.
Enter a beginning and ending IP address to define the allowed range.

To allow access from a single IP address on the Internet, select Only This Computer.
Enter the IP address that will be allowed access.

Specify the Port Number that will be used for accessing the management interface.
Web browser access normally uses the standard HTTP service port 80. For greater security,
you can change the remote management Web interface to a custom port by entering that
number in the box provided. Choose a number between 1024 and 65535, but do not use the
number of any common service port. The default is 8080, which is a common alternate for
HTTP.

Click Apply to have your changes take effect.

Note: When accessing your router from the Internet, you will type your router's WAN IP address
into your browser's Address (in IE) or Location (in Netscape) box, followed by a colon (:) and the
custom port number. For example, if your external address is 134.177.0.123 and you use port
number 8080, you must enter http://134.177.0.123:8080 in your browser.

Using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) helps devices, such as Internet appliances and computers,
access the network and connect to other devices as needed. UPnP devices can
automatically discover the services from other registered UPnP devices on the network.

Figure 8-6.

UPnP Menu

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Turn UPnP On: UPnP can be enabled or disabled for automatic device configuration. The default
setting for UPnP is enabled. If disabled, the router will not allow any device to automatically
control the resources, such as port forwarding (mapping), of the router.
Advertisement Period: The Advertisement Period is how often the router will broadcast its UPnP
information. This value can range from 1 to 1440 minutes. The default period is 30 minutes.
Shorter durations will ensure that control points have current device status at the expense of
additional network traffic. Longer durations may compromise the freshness of the device status but
can significantly reduce network traffic.
Advertisement Time To Live: The time to live for the advertisement is measured in hops (steps)
for each UPnP packet sent. The time to live hop count is the number of steps a broadcast packet is
allowed to propagate for each UPnP advertisement before it disappears. The number of hops can
range from 1 to 255. The default value for the advertisement time to live is 4 hops, which should
be fine for most home networks. If you notice that some devices are not being updated or reached
correctly, then it may be necessary to increase this value a little.
UPnP Portmap Table: The UPnP Portmap Table displays the IP address of each UPnP device that
is currently accessing the router and which ports (Internal and External) that device has opened.
The UPnP Portmap Table also displays what type of port is opened and if that port is still active for
each IP address.

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Chapter 9
Troubleshooting

This chapter gives information about troubleshooting your 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router
WGT634U. After each problem description, instructions are provided to help you diagnose and
solve the problem.

Note: Product support information and updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc.
Web site at http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WGT634U.asp.

Basic Functioning
After you turn on power to the router, the following sequence of events should occur:
1.

When power is first applied, verify that the Power LED is on.

After approximately 10 seconds, verify that:
a.

The Local port LEDs are lit for any local ports that are connected.
If a port’s LED is lit, a link has been established to the connected device. If a LAN port is
connected to a 100 Mbps device, verify that the port’s LED is green. If the port is 10
Mbps, the LED will be amber.

The Wireless port LED is lit.

The Internet port LED is lit.

If any of these conditions does not occur, refer to the appropriate following section.

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Power LED Not On
If the Power and other LEDs are off when your router is turned on:
•

Make sure that the power cord is properly connected to your router and that the power supply
adapter is properly connected to a functioning power outlet.

•

Check that you are using the 12 V DC 800mA power adapter supplied by NETGEAR for this
product.

If the error persists, you have a hardware problem and should contact technical support.

LEDs Never Turn Off
When the router is turned on, the LEDs turns on for about 10 seconds and then turn off. If all the
LEDs stay on, there is a fault within the router.
If all LEDs are still on one minute after power up:
•

Cycle the power to see if the router recovers.

•

Clear the router’s configuration to factory defaults. This will set the router’s IP address to
192.168.1.1. This procedure is explained in “Restoring the Default Configuration and
Password” on page 9-7.

If the error persists, you might have a hardware problem and should contact technical support.

Local or Internet Port LEDs Not On
If either the LAN LEDs or WAN LED do not light when the Ethernet connection is made, check
the following:
•

Make sure that the Ethernet cable connections are secure at the router and at the hub or
workstation.

•

Make sure that power is turned on to the connected hub or workstation.

•

Be sure you are using the correct cable:
When connecting the router’s WAN port to a cable or DSL modem, use the cable that was
supplied with the cable or DSL modem. This cable could be a standard straight-through
Ethernet cable or an Ethernet crossover cable.

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Troubleshooting Connection to the Web Configuration
Interface
If you are unable to access the router’s Web Configuration interface from a computer on your local
network, check the following:
•

Check the Ethernet connection between the computer and the router as described in the
previous section.

•

Make sure your computer’s IP address is on the same subnet as the router. If you are using the
recommended addressing scheme, your computer’s address should be in the range of
192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254. Refer to “Verifying TCP/IP Properties” on page C-6 or
“Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Macintosh Computers” on page C-17 to find your
computer’s IP address. Follow the instructions in Appendix C to configure your computer.
Note: If your computer’s IP address is shown as 169.254.x.x: Recent versions of Windows
and MacOS 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 router and reboot your computer.

•

If your router’s IP address has been changed and you don’t know the current IP address, clear
the router’s configuration to factory defaults. This will set the router’s IP address to
192.168.1.1. This procedure is explained in “Restoring the Default Configuration and
Password” on page 9-7.

•

Make sure your browser has Java, JavaScript, or ActiveX enabled. If you are using Internet
Explorer, click Refresh to be sure the Java applet is loaded.

•

Try quitting the browser and launching it again.

•

Make sure you are using the correct login information. The factory default login name is
admin and the password is password. Make sure that CAPS LOCK is off when entering this
information.

If the router does not save changes you have made in the Web Configuration Interface, check the
following:
•

When entering configuration settings, be sure to click the APPLY button before moving to
another menu or tab, or your changes are lost.

•

Click the Refresh or Reload button in the Web browser. The changes may have occurred, but
the Web browser may be caching the old configuration.

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Troubleshooting the ISP Connection
If your router is unable to access the Internet, you should first determine whether the router is able
to obtain a WAN IP address from the ISP. Unless you have been assigned a static IP address, your
router must request an IP address from the ISP. You can determine whether the request was
successful using the Web Configuration Manager.
To check the WAN IP address:
1.

Launch your browser and select an external site such as www.netgear.com

Access the main menu of the router’s configuration at http://192.168.1.1

Under the Maintenance heading, select Router Status

Check that an IP address is shown for the WAN Port
If 0.0.0.0 is shown, your router has not obtained an IP address from your ISP.

If your router is unable to obtain an IP address from the ISP, you may need to force your cable or
DSL modem to recognize your new router by performing the following procedure:
1.

Turn off power to the cable or DSL modem.

Turn off power to your router.

Wait five minutes and reapply power to the cable or DSL modem.

When the modem’s LEDs indicate that it has reacquired sync with the ISP, reapply power to
your router.

If your router is still unable to obtain an IP address from the ISP, the problem may be one of the
following:
•

Your ISP may require a login program.
Ask your ISP whether they require PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) or some other type of login.

•

If your ISP requires a login, you may have incorrectly set the login name and password.

•

Your ISP may check for your computer's host name.
Assign the computer Host Name of your ISP account as the Account Name in the Basic
Settings menu.

•

Your ISP only allows one Ethernet MAC address to connect to Internet, and may check for
your computer’s MAC address. In this case:
Inform your ISP that you have bought a new network device, and ask them to use the router’s
MAC address.

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OR
Configure your router to spoof your computer’s MAC address. This can be done in the Basic
Settings menu. Refer to “How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection” on
page 3-15.
If your router can obtain an IP address, but your computer is unable to load any Web pages from
the Internet:
•

Your computer may not recognize any DNS server addresses.
A DNS server is a host on the Internet that translates Internet names (such as www addresses)
to numeric IP addresses. Typically your ISP will provide the addresses of one or two DNS
servers for your use. If you entered a DNS address during the router’s configuration, reboot
your computer and verify the DNS address as described in “Verifying TCP/IP Properties” on
page C-6. Alternatively, you may configure your computer manually with DNS addresses, as
explained in your operating system documentation.

•

Your computer may not have the router configured as its TCP/IP gateway.
If your computer obtains its information from the router by DHCP, reboot the computer and
verify the gateway address as described in “Verifying TCP/IP Properties” on page C-6.

Troubleshooting a TCP/IP Network Using a Ping Utility
Most TCP/IP terminal devices and routers contain a ping utility that sends an echo request packet
to the designated device. The device then responds with an echo reply. Troubleshooting a TCP/IP
network is made very easy by using the ping utility on your computer.

Testing the LAN Path to Your Router
You can ping the router from your PC to verify that the LAN path to your router is set up correctly.
To ping the router from a PC running Windows 95 or later:
1.

From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run.

In the field provided, type Ping followed by the IP address of the router, as in this example:
ping 192.168.1.1

Click on OK.
You should see a message like this one:

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Pinging with 32 bytes of data

If the path is working, you see this message:
Reply from < IP address >: bytes=32 time=NN ms TTL=xxx

If the path is not working, you see this message:
Request timed out

If the path is not functioning correctly, you could have one of the following problems:
•

Wrong physical connections
— Make sure the LAN port LED is on. If the LED is off, follow the instructions in
“Local or Internet Port LEDs Not On” on page 9-2.
— Check that the corresponding Link LEDs are on for your network interface card and
for the hub ports (if any) that are connected to your workstation and router.

•

Wrong network configuration
— Verify that the Ethernet card driver software and TCP/IP software are both installed
and configured on your computer.
— Verify that the IP address for your router and your computer are correct and that the
addresses are on the same subnet.

Testing the Path from Your PC to a Remote Device
After verifying that the LAN path works correctly, test the path from your PC to a remote device.
From the Windows run menu, type:
PING -n 10

where is the IP address of a remote device such as your ISP’s DNS server.
If the path is functioning correctly, replies as in the previous section are displayed. If you do not
receive replies:
— Check that your PC has the IP address of your router listed as the default gateway. If the IP
configuration of your PC is assigned by DHCP, this information will not be visible in your
PC’s Network Control Panel. Verify that the IP address of the router is listed as the default
gateway as described in “Verifying TCP/IP Properties” on page C-6.
— Check to see that the network address of your PC (the portion of the IP address specified
by the netmask) is different from the network address of the remote device.
— Check that your cable or DSL modem is connected and functioning.
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— If your ISP assigned a host name to your PC, enter that host name as the Account Name in
the Basic Settings menu.
— Your ISP could be rejecting the Ethernet MAC addresses of all but one of your PCs. Many
broadband ISPs restrict access by only allowing traffic from the MAC address of your
broadband modem, but some ISPs additionally restrict access to the MAC address of a
single PC connected to that modem. If this is the case, you must configure your router to
“clone” or “spoof” the MAC address from the authorized PC. Refer to “How to Manually
Configure Your Internet Connection” on page 3-15.

Restoring the Default Configuration and Password
This section explains how to restore the factory default configuration settings, changing the
router’s administration password to password and the IP address to 192.168.1.1. You can erase the
current configuration and restore factory defaults in two ways:
•

Use the Erase function of the router (see “Erasing the Configuration” on page 7-9).

•

Use the factory Reset button on the rear panel of the router. Use this method for cases when the
administration password or IP address is not known.

To restore the factory default configuration settings without knowing the administration password
or IP address, you must use the Reset button on the rear panel of the router.
1.

Press and hold the Reset button (about 1.5 to 2 minutes to ensure reset).

Release the Reset button and wait for the router to reboot.

Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface
The Web Configuration Interface contains an online Help system that provides information on
each configuration screen. If you do not find the answer to your question in the online Help, refer
to the NETGEAR Knowledge Base at:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/main.asp
A few common issues are described below.

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Problems with Date and Time
The E-Mail menu in the Content Filtering section displays the current date and time of day. The
WGT634U Wireless Media Router uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to obtain the current
time from one of several Network Time Servers on the Internet. Each entry in the log is stamped
with the date and time of day. Problems with the date and time function can include:
•

Date shown is January 1, 2000. Cause: The router has not yet successfully reached a Network
Time Server. Check that your Internet access settings are configured correctly. If you have just
completed configuring the router, wait at least five minutes and check the date and time again.

•

Time is off by one hour. Cause: The router does not automatically sense Daylight Savings
Time. In the E-Mail menu, select or clear the check box marked “Adjust for Daylight Savings
Time”.

Problems with Saving Configuration Changes
When you click Apply to save your configuration changes, the Web Configuration Interface
sometimes does not feedback that the changes have been saved.
To make sure that your changes were saved, switch to a different configuration screen and then
switch back again. Your configuration changes should be displayed.

Troubleshooting the USB Drive
USB Hub Attached to the WGT634U is not Visible
Only one USB flash disk or external disk is supported at this time.

File Copy of Large Files to the USB Disk FAT32 File System Fails
The FAT32 file system only supports up to 4GB for an individual file. You cannot copy a 5GB file
from an NTFS system to a FAT32 file system.

Cannot Connect to the USB Drive Using Microsoft Networking
Make sure that Microsoft Networking is enabled. For more information, please contact Microsoft
for assistance.
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If you cannot connect to the USB drive using the host name, such as \\WGT634U, use the IP
address.
You can also connect to the USB drive from a Web browser. Type \\ followed by the router’s IP
address, for example:
\\192.168.1.1

Cannot Attach USB Drive to USB Port
If your USB flash drive is too wide to attach to the USB port, you can purchase a USB extension
cable to attach your drive. USB cables are not included with the WGT634U Wireless Media
Router.

Troubleshooting the Firmware Upgrade
You must upgrade the firmware periodically when you log in to the administrator console. You can
use the Firmware Upgrade Assistant that appears after login or use the Router Upgrade menu in
the Main ten ace section of the main menu.
Note: When performing a router upgrade, you should use a LAN wired connection directly
attached to the router. Do not use a wireless connection to upgrade the firmware.

When uploading software to the WGT634U Wireless Media Router, it is important not to:
•

Interrupt the upload by turning off your computer

•

Interrupt the Web browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new page.

•

Interrupt the upload by turning off the router. When the upload is complete, your router will
automatically restart.

Warning: If the Web browser, computer, or router is interrupted, it may corrupt the software.

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Appendix A
Technical Specifications

This appendix provides technical specifications for the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router
WGT634U.
Network Protocol and Standards Compatibility

Data and Routing Protocols:

TCP/IP, RIP-1, RIP-2, DHCP
PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)

Power Adapter

North America:

120V, 60 Hz, input

United Kingdom, Australia:

240V, 50 Hz, input

Europe:

230V, 50 Hz, input

Japan:

100V, 50/60 Hz, input

All regions (output):

12 V DC @ 1 A output, 22W maximum

Physical Specifications

Dimensions:

28 x 175 x 118 mm (1.1 x 6.89 x 4.65 in.)

Weight:

0.3 kg (0.66 lb)

Environmental Specifications

Operating temperature:

0° to 40° C

(32º to 104º F)

Operating humidity:

90% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing

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Electromagnetic Emissions

Meets requirements of:

FCC Part 15 Class B
VCCI Class B
EN 55 022 (CISPR 22), Class B

Interface Specifications

LAN:

10BASE-T or 100BASE-Tx, RJ-45

WAN:

10BASE-T, RJ-45

Wireless
Radio Data Rates

1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, and 108 Mbps
Auto Rate Sensing

Frequency

2.4-2.5 GHz

Data Encoding:

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

Maximum Computers Per
Wireless Network:

Limited by the amount of wireless network traffic generated
by each node. Typically 30-70 nodes.

Operating Frequency Ranges:

2.412~2.462 GHz (US)
2.457~2.462 GHz (Spain)
2.412~2.484 GHz (Japan)
2.457~2.472 GHz (France)
2.412~2.472 GHz (Europe ETSI)

Encryption:

40-bits (also called 64-bits), 128-bits WEP data encryption

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Appendix B
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics

This chapter provides an overview of IP networks, routing, and networking.

Related Publications
As you read this document, you may be directed to various RFC documents for further
information. An RFC is a Request For Comment (RFC) published by the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF), an open organization that defines the architecture and operation of the Internet.
The RFC documents outline and define the standard protocols and procedures for the Internet. The
documents are listed on the World Wide Web at www.ietf.org and are mirrored and indexed at
many other sites worldwide.

Basic Router Concepts
Large amounts of bandwidth can be provided easily and relatively inexpensively in a local area
network (LAN). However, providing high bandwidth between a local network and the Internet can
be very expensive. Because of this expense, Internet access is usually provided by a slower-speed
wide-area network (WAN) link such as a cable or DSL modem. In order to make the best use of the
slower WAN link, a mechanism must be in place for selecting and transmitting only the data traffic
meant for the Internet. The function of selecting and forwarding this data is performed by a router.

What is a Router?
A router is a device that forwards traffic between networks based on network layer information in
the data and on routing tables maintained by the router. In these routing tables, a router builds up a
logical picture of the overall network by gathering and exchanging information with other routers
in the network. Using this information, the router chooses the best path for forwarding network
traffic.
Routers vary in performance and scale, number of routing protocols supported, and types of
physical WAN connection they support. The 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U is a
small office router that routes the IP protocol over a single-user broadband connection.
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Routing Information Protocol
One of the protocols used by a router to build and maintain a picture of the network is the Routing
Information Protocol (RIP). Using RIP, routers periodically update one another and check for
changes to add to the routing table.
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router supports both the older RIP-1 and the newer RIP-2
protocols. Among other improvements, RIP-2 supports subnet and multicast protocols. RIP is not
required for most home applications.

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. Blocks of
addresses are assigned to organizations by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
Individual users and small organizations may obtain their addresses either from the IANA or from
an Internet service provider (ISP). You can contact IANA at www.iana.org.
The Internet Protocol (IP) uses a 32-bit address structure. The address is usually written in dot
notation (also called dotted-decimal notation), in which each group of eight bits is written in
decimal form, separated by decimal points.
For example, the following binary address:
11000011

00100010

00001100

00000111

is normally written as:
195.34.12.7

The latter version is easier to remember and easier to enter into your computer.
In addition, the 32 bits of the address are subdivided into two parts. The first part of the address
identifies the network, and the second part identifies the host node or station on the network. The
dividing point may vary depending on the address range and the application.
There are five standard classes of IP addresses. These address classes have different ways of
determining the network and host sections of the address, allowing for different numbers of hosts
on a network. Each address type begins with a unique bit pattern, which is used by the TCP/IP
software to identify the address class. After the address class has been determined, the software
can correctly identify the host section of the address. The follow figure shows the three main
address classes, including network and host sections of the address for each address type.
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Class A

Network

Node

Class B

Network

Node

Class C

Network

Node
7261

Figure 9-1: 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. A Class B address uses a 16-bit
network number and a 16-bit node number. Class B addresses are in this range:
128.1.x.x to 191.254.x.x.

•

Class C
Class C addresses can have 254 hosts on a network. Class C addresses use 24 bits for the
network address and eight bits for the node. They are in this range:
192.0.1.x to 223.255.254.x.

•

Class D
Class D addresses are used for multicasts (messages sent to many hosts). Class D addresses are
in this range:
224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255.

•

Class E
Class E addresses are for experimental use.

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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. Also,
the top address of the range (host address of all ones) is not assigned, but is used as the broadcast
address for simultaneously sending a packet to all hosts with the same network address.

Netmask
In each of the address classes previously described, the size of the two parts (network address and
host address) is implied by the class. This partitioning scheme can also be expressed by a netmask
associated with the IP address. A netmask is a 32-bit quantity that, when logically combined (using
an AND operator) with an IP address, yields the network address. For instance, the netmasks for
Class A, B, and C addresses are 255.0.0.0, 255.255.0.0, and 255.255.255.0, respectively.
For example, the address 192.168.170.237 is a Class C IP address whose network portion is the
upper 24 bits. When combined (using an AND operator) with the Class C netmask, as shown here,
only the network portion of the address remains:
11000000

10101000

10101010

11101101 (192.168.170.237)

11111111

00000000 (255.255.255.0)

10101000

10101010

00000000 (192.168.170.0)

combined with:
11111111

Equals:
11000000

As a shorter alternative to dotted-decimal notation, the netmask may also be expressed in terms of
the number of ones from the left. This number is appended to the IP address, following a backward
slash (/), as “/n.” In the example, the address could be written as 192.168.170.237/24, indicating
that the netmask is 24 ones followed by 8 zeros.

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.
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Subnet addressing allows us to split one IP network address into smaller multiple physical
networks known as subnetworks. Some of the node numbers are used as a subnet number instead.
A Class B address gives us 16 bits of node numbers translating to 64,000 nodes. Most
organizations do not use 64,000 nodes, so there are free bits that can be reassigned. Subnet
addressing makes use of those bits that are free, as shown below.
Class B

Network

Subnet

Node
7262

Figure 9-2: Example of Subnetting a Class B Address

A Class B address can be effectively translated into multiple Class C addresses. For example, the
IP address of 172.16.0.0 is assigned, but node addresses are limited to 255 maximum, allowing
eight extra bits to use as a subnet address. The IP address of 172.16.97.235 would be interpreted as
IP network address 172.16, subnet number 97, and node number 235. In addition to extending
the number of addresses available, subnet addressing provides other benefits. Subnet addressing
allows a network manager to construct an address scheme for the network by using different
subnets for other geographical locations in the network or for other departments in the
organization.
Although the preceding example uses the entire third octet for a subnet address, note that you are
not restricted to octet boundaries in subnetting. To create more network numbers, you need only
shift some bits from the host address to the network address. For instance, to partition a Class C
network number (192.68.135.0) into two, you shift one bit from the host address to the network
address. The new netmask (or subnet mask) is 255.255.255.128. The first subnet has network
number 192.68.135.0 with hosts 192.68.135.1 to 129.68.135.126, and the second subnet has
network number 192.68.135.128 with hosts 192.68.135.129 to 192.68.135.254.

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.

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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. For example, to partition your Class C network with subnet
mask 255.255.255.0 into 16 subnets (4 bits), the new subnet mask becomes 255.255.255.240.
Table 9-1.

Netmask Notation Translation Table for One Octet

Number of Bits Dotted-Decimal Value
1

128

192

224

240

248

252

254

255

The following table displays several common netmask values in both the dotted-decimal and the
masklength formats.
Table 9-2.

Netmask Formats

Dotted-Decimal

Masklength

255.0.0.0

255.255.0.0

/16

255.255.255.0

/24

255.255.255.128

/25

255.255.255.192

/26

255.255.255.224

/27

255.255.255.240

/28

255.255.255.248

/29

255.255.255.252

/30

255.255.255.254

/31

255.255.255.255

/32

Configure all hosts on a LAN segment to use the same netmask for the following reasons:
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•

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. In order for this scheme to work, all devices
on the segment must agree on which bits comprise the host address.

•

So that a local router or bridge recognizes which addresses are local and which are remote

Private IP Addresses
If your local network is isolated from the Internet (for example, when using NAT), you can assign
any IP addresses to the hosts without problems. However, the IANA has reserved the following
three blocks of IP addresses specifically for private networks:
10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255

Choose your private network number from this range. The DHCP server of the WGT634U
Wireless Media Router is preconfigured to automatically assign private addresses.
Regardless of your particular situation, do not create an arbitrary IP address; always follow the
guidelines explained here. For more information about address assignment, refer to RFC 1597,
Address Allocation for Private Internets, and RFC 1466, Guidelines for Management of IP
Address Space. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) publishes RFCs on its Web site at
www.ietf.org.

Single IP Address Operation Using NAT
In the past, if multiple PCs on a LAN needed to access the Internet simultaneously, you had to
obtain a range of IP addresses from the ISP. This type of Internet account is more costly than a
single-address account typically used by a single user with a modem, rather than a router. The
WGT634U Wireless Media Router employs an address-sharing method called Network Address
Translation (NAT). This method allows several networked PCs to share an Internet account using
only a single IP address, which may be statically or dynamically assigned by your ISP.
The router accomplishes this address sharing by translating the internal LAN IP addresses to a
single address that is globally unique on the Internet. The internal LAN IP addresses can be either
private addresses or registered addresses. For more information about IP address translation, refer
to RFC 1631, The IP Network Address Translator (NAT).

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The following figure illustrates a single IP address operation.
Private IP addresses
assigned by user

IP addresses
assigned by ISP
192.168.0.2

192.168.0.3

192.168.0.1

172.21.15.105
Internet

192.168.0.4

192.168.0.5

Figure 9-3: Single IP Address Operation Using NAT

This scheme offers the additional benefit of firewall-like protection because the internal LAN
addresses are not available to the Internet through the translated connection. All incoming
inquiries are filtered out by the router. This filtering can prevent intruders from probing your
system. However, using port forwarding, you can allow one PC (for example, a Web server) on
your local network to be accessible to outside users.

MAC Addresses and Address Resolution Protocol
An IP address alone cannot be used to deliver data from one LAN device to another. To send data
between LAN devices, 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 MAC address,
which is a 48-bit number assigned to each device by the manufacturer. The technique that
associates the IP address with a MAC address is known as address resolution. Internet Protocol
uses the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to resolve MAC addresses.

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If a device sends data to another station on the network and the destination MAC address is not yet
recorded, ARP is used. An ARP request is broadcast onto the network. All stations on the network
receive and read the request. The destination IP address for the chosen station is included as part of
the message so that only the station with this IP address responds to the ARP request. All other
stations discard the request.

Related Documents
The station with the correct IP address responds with its own MAC address directly to the sending
device. The receiving station provides the transmitting station with the required destination MAC
address. The IP address data and MAC address data for each station are held in an ARP table. The
next time data is sent, the address can be obtained from the address information in the table.
For more information about address assignment, refer to the IETF documents RFC 1597, Address
Allocation for Private Internets, and RFC 1466, Guidelines for Management of IP Address Space.
For more information about IP address translation, refer to RFC 1631, The IP Network Address
Translator (NAT).

Domain Name Server
Many of the resources on the Internet can be addressed by simple descriptive names such as
www.NETGEAR.com. This addressing is very helpful at the application level, but the descriptive
name must be translated to an IP address in order for a user to actually contact the resource. Just as
a telephone directory maps names to phone numbers, or as an ARP table maps IP addresses to
MAC addresses, a domain name system (DNS) server maps descriptive names of network
resources to IP addresses.
When a PC accesses a resource by its descriptive name, it first contacts a DNS server to obtain the
IP address of the resource. The PC sends the desired message using the IP address. Many large
organizations, such as ISPs, maintain their own DNS servers and allow their customers to use the
servers to look up addresses.

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IP Configuration by DHCP
When an IP-based local area network is installed, each PC must be configured with an IP address.
If the PCs need to access the Internet, they should also be configured with a gateway address and
one or more DNS server addresses. As an alternative to manual configuration, there is a method by
which each PC on the network can automatically obtain this configuration information. A device
on the network may act as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. The DHCP
server stores a list or pool of IP addresses, along with other information (such as gateway and DNS
addresses) that it may assign to the other devices on the network. The WGT634U Wireless Media
Router has the capacity to act as a DHCP server.
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router also functions as a DHCP client when connecting to the
ISP. The firewall can automatically obtain an IP address, subnet mask, DNS server addresses, and
a gateway address if the ISP provides this information by DHCP.

Internet Security and Firewalls
When your LAN connects to the Internet through a router, an opportunity is created for outsiders
to access or disrupt your network. A NAT router provides some protection because by the very
nature of the process, the network behind the router is shielded from access by outsiders on the
Internet. However, there are methods by which a determined hacker can possibly obtain
information about your network or at the least can disrupt your Internet access. A greater degree of
protection is provided by a firewall router.

What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a device that protects one network from another, while allowing communication
between the two. A firewall incorporates the functions of the NAT router, while adding features for
dealing with a hacker intrusion or attack. Several known types of intrusion or attack can be
recognized when they occur. When an incident is detected, the firewall can log details of the
attempt, and can optionally send email to an administrator notifying them of the incident. Using
information from the log, the administrator can take action with the ISP of the hacker. In some
types of intrusions, the firewall can fend off the hacker by discarding all further packets from the
hacker’s IP address for a period of time.

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Stateful Packet Inspection
Unlike simple Internet sharing routers, a firewall uses a process called stateful packet inspection to
ensure secure firewall filtering to protect your network from attacks and intrusions. Since
user-level applications such as FTP and Web browsers can create complex patterns of network
traffic, it is necessary for the firewall to analyze groups of network connection states. Using
Stateful Packet Inspection, an incoming packet is intercepted at the network layer and then
analyzed for state-related information associated with all network connections. A central cache
within the firewall keeps track of the state information associated with all network connections.
All traffic passing through the firewall is analyzed against the state of these connections in order to
determine whether or not it will be allowed to pass through or rejected.
Denial of Service Attack
A hacker may be able to prevent your network from operating or communicating by launching a
Denial of Service (DoS) attack. The method used for such an attack can be as simple as merely
flooding your site with more requests than it can handle. A more sophisticated attack may attempt
to exploit some weakness in the operating system used by your router or gateway. Some operating
systems can be disrupted by simply sending a packet with incorrect length information.

Ethernet Cabling
Most Ethernet networks now use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling. UTP cable has eight
wires arranged in four twisted pairs, and terminated with an RJ45 connector. Normal straightthrough UTP Ethernet cable follows the EIA568B standard as described in Table B-1.
Table B-1.

UTP Ethernet cable wiring, straight-through

Wire color

Signal

Orange/White

Transmit (Tx) +

Orange

Transmit (Tx) -

Green/White

Receive (Rx) +

Blue

Blue/White

Green

Brown/White

Brown

Receive (Rx) -

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Category 5 Cable Quality
Category 5 distributed cable that meets ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-A building wiring standards can be a
maximum of 328 feet (ft.) or 100 meters (m) in length, divided as follows:
20 ft. (6 m) between the hub and the patch panel (if used)
295 ft. (90 m) from the wiring closet to the wall outlet
10 ft. (3 m) from the wall outlet to the desktop device
The patch panel and other connecting hardware must meet the requirements for 100 Mbps
operation (Category 5). Only 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) of untwist in the wire pair is allowed at any
termination point.
A twisted pair Ethernet network operating at 10 Mbits/second (10BASE-T) will often tolerate low
quality cables, but at 100 Mbits/second (10BASE-Tx) the cable must be rated as Category 5, or
Cat 5, by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA). This rating will be printed on the cable jacket.
A Category 5 cable will meet specified requirements regarding loss and crosstalk. In addition,
there are restrictions on maximum cable length for both 10 and 100 Mbits/second networks.

Inside Twisted Pair Cables
For two devices to communicate, the transmitter of each device must be connected to the receiver
of the other device. The crossover function is usually implemented internally as part of the
circuitry in the device. Computers and workstation adapter cards are usually media-dependent
interface ports, called MDI or uplink ports. Most repeaters and switch ports are configured as
media-dependent interfaces with built-in crossover ports, called MDI-X or normal ports. Auto
Uplink technology automatically senses which connection, MDI or MDI-X, is needed and makes
the right connection.
Figure B-1 illustrates straight-through twisted pair cable.

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Figure B-1: Straight-Through Twisted-Pair Cable

Figure B-2 illustrates crossover twisted pair cable.

Figure B-2: Crossover Twisted-Pair Cable

Figure B-3: Category 5 UTP Cable with Male RJ-45 Plug at Each End
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Note: Flat “silver satin” telephone cable may have the same RJ-45 plug. However, using telephone
cable results in excessive collisions, causing the attached port to be partitioned or disconnected
from the network.

Uplink Switches, Crossover Cables, and MDI/MDIX Switching
In the wiring table above, the concept of transmit and receive are from the perspective of the PC,
which is wired as Media Dependant Interface (MDI). In this wiring, the PC transmits on pins 1 and
2. At the hub, the perspective is reversed, and the hub receives on pins 1 and 2. This wiring is
referred to as Media Dependant Interface - Crossover (MDI-X).
When connecting a PC to a PC, or a hub port to another hub port, the transmit pair must be
exchanged with the receive pair. This exchange is done by one of two mechanisms. Most hubs
provide an Uplink switch which will exchange the pairs on one port, allowing that port to be
connected to another hub using a normal Ethernet cable. The second method is to use a crossover
cable, which is a special cable in which the transmit and receive pairs are exchanged at one of the
two cable connectors. Crossover cables are often unmarked as such, and must be identified by
comparing the two connectors. Since the cable connectors are clear plastic, it is easy to place them
side by side and view the order of the wire colors on each. On a straight-through cable, the color
order will be the same on both connectors. On a crossover cable, the orange and blue pairs will be
exchanged from one connector to the other.
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router incorporates Auto UplinkTM technology (also called MDI/
MDIX). Each LOCAL Ethernet port will automatically sense whether the Ethernet cable plugged
into the port should have a normal connection (e.g. connecting to a PC) or an uplink connection
(e.g. connecting to a router, switch, or hub). That port will then configure itself to the correct
configuration. This feature also eliminates the need to worry about crossover cables, as Auto
UplinkTM will accommodate either type of cable to make the right connection.

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Appendix C
Preparing Your Network

This appendix describes how to prepare your network to connect to the Internet through the 108
Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U and how to verify the readiness of broadband Internet
service from an Internet service provider (ISP).

Note: If an ISP technician configured your computer during the installation of a
broadband modem, or if you configured it using instructions provided by your ISP, you
may need to copy the current configuration information for use in the configuration of
your firewall. Write down this information before reconfiguring your computers. Refer
to “Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Windows Computers” on page C-19 or
“Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Macintosh Computers” on page C-20 for
further information.

Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking
Computers access the Internet using a protocol called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/
Internet Protocol). Each computer on your network must have TCP/IP installed and selected as its
networking protocol. If a Network Interface Card (NIC) is already installed in your PC, then TCP/
IP is probably already installed as well.
Most operating systems include the software components you need for networking with TCP/IP:
•

Windows® 95 or later includes the software components for establishing a TCP/IP network.

•

Windows 3.1 does not include a TCP/IP component. You need to purchase a third-party TCP/
IP application package such as NetManage Chameleon.

•

Macintosh Operating System 7 or later includes the software components for establishing a
TCP/IP network.

•

All versions of UNIX or Linux include TCP/IP components. Follow the instructions provided
with your operating system or networking software to install TCP/IP on your computer.

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In your IP network, each PC and the firewall must be assigned a unique IP addresses. Each PC
must also have certain other IP configuration information such as a subnet mask (netmask), a
domain name server (DNS) address, and a default gateway address. In most cases, you should
install TCP/IP so that the PC obtains its specific network configuration information automatically
from a DHCP server during bootup. For a detailed explanation of the meaning and purpose of
these configuration items, refer to “Appendix B, “Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics”.
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router is shipped preconfigured as a DHCP server. The firewall
assigns the following TCP/IP configuration information automatically when the PCs are rebooted:
•
•
•

PC or workstation IP addresses—192.168.1.2 through 192.168.1.254
Subnet mask—255.255.255.0
Gateway address (the firewall)—192.168.1.1

These addresses are part of the IETF-designated private address range for use in private networks.

Configuring Windows 95, 98, and Me for TCP/IP Networking
As part of the PC preparation process, you need to manually install and configure TCP/IP on each
networked PC. Before starting, locate your Windows CD; you may need to insert it during the
TCP/IP installation process.

Install or Verify Windows Networking Components
To install or verify the necessary components for IP networking:
1.

On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click the Network icon.
The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components:

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You must have an Ethernet adapter, the TCP/IP protocol, and Client for Microsoft Networks.

Note: It is not necessary to remove any other network components shown in the
Network window in order to install the adapter, TCP/IP, or Client for Microsoft
Networks.

If you need to install a new adapter, follow these steps:
a.

Click the Add button.

Select Adapter, and then click Add.

Select the manufacturer and model of your Ethernet adapter, and then click OK.

If you need TCP/IP:
a.

Click the Add button.

Select Protocol, and then click Add.

Select Microsoft.

Select TCP/IP, and then click OK.

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If you need Client for Microsoft Networks:

Click the Add button.

Select Client, and then click Add.

Select Microsoft.

Select Client for Microsoft Networks, and then click OK.

Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings
After the TCP/IP protocol components are installed, each PC must be assigned specific
information about itself and resources that are available on its network. The simplest way to
configure this information is to allow the PC to obtain the information from a DHCP server in the
network.

You will find there are many similarities in the procedures for different Windows systems
when using DHCP to configure TCP/IP.
The following steps will walk you through the configuration process for each of these
versions of Windows.

Locate your Network Neighborhood icon.
•

If the Network Neighborhood icon is on the Windows desktop, position your mouse
pointer over it and right-click your mouse button.

•

If the icon is not on the desktop,
•

Click Start on the task bar located at the bottom left of the window.

•

Choose Settings, and then Control Panel.

•

Locate the Network Neighborhood icon and click on it. This will open the Network
panel as shown below.

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Verify the following settings as shown:
•

Client for Microsoft Network exists

•

Ethernet adapter is present

•

TCP/IP is present

•

Primary Network Logon is set to
Windows logon

Click on the Properties button. The
following TCP/IP Properties window will
display.

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• By default, the IP Address tab is open on
this window.
• Verify the following:
Obtain an IP address automatically is
selected. If not selected, click in the radio
button to the left of it to select it. This
setting is required to enable the DHCP server
to automatically assign an IP address.
• Click OK to continue.
Restart the PC.
Repeat these steps for each PC with this
version of Windows on your network.

Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method
1.

On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click the Internet Options icon.

Select “I want to set up my Internet connection manually” or “I want to connect through a
Local Area Network” and click Next.

Select “I want to connect through a Local Area Network” and click Next.

Uncheck all boxes in the LAN Internet Configuration screen and click Next.

Proceed to the end of the Wizard.

Verifying TCP/IP Properties
After your PC is configured and has rebooted, you can check the TCP/IP configuration using the
utility winipcfg.exe:
1.

On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, and then click Run.

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Type winipcfg, and then click OK.
The IP Configuration window opens, which lists (among other things), your IP address, subnet
mask, and default gateway.

From the drop-down box, select your Ethernet adapter.
The window is updated to show your settings, which should match the values below if you are
using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a
router or gateway:
•

The IP address is between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.254

•

The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0

•

The default gateway is 192.168.1.1

Configuring Windows NT4, 2000 or XP for IP Networking
As part of the PC preparation process, you may need to install and configure
TCP/IP on each networked PC. Before starting, locate your Windows CD; you may need to insert
it during the TCP/IP installation process.

Install or Verify Windows Networking Components
To install or verify the necessary components for IP networking:
1.

On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click the Network and Dialup Connections icon.

If an Ethernet adapter is present in your PC, you should see an entry for Local Area
Connection. Double-click that entry.

Select Properties.

Verify that ‘Client for Microsoft Networks’ and ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’ are present. If
not, select Install and add them.

Select ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’, click Properties, and verify that “Obtain an IP address
automatically is selected.

Click OK and close all Network and Dialup Connections windows.

Then, restart your PC.

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DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP, 2000, or NT4
You will find there are many similarities in the procedures for different Windows systems when
using DHCP to configure TCP/IP.
The following steps will walk you through the configuration process for each of these versions of
Windows.

DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP

Locate your Network Neighborhood icon.
•

Select Control Panel from the Windows XP new Start Menu.

•

Select the Network Connections icon on the Control Panel. This will take you to the next
step.

• Now the Network Connection window
displays.
The Connections List that shows all the
network connections set up on the PC,
located to the right of the window.
• Right-click on the Connection you will
use and choose Status.

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• Now you should be at the Local Area
Network Connection Status window. This
box displays the connection status, duration,
speed, and activity statistics.
• Administrator logon access rights are needed
to use this window.
• Click the Properties button to view details
about the connection.

• The TCP/IP details are presented on the
Support tab page.
• Select Internet Protocol, and click
Properties to view the configuration
information.

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• Verify that the Obtain an IP address
automatically radio button is selected.
• Verify that Obtain DNS server address
automatically radio button is selected.
• Click the OK button.
This completes the DHCP configuration of TCP/
IP in Windows XP.
Repeat these steps for each PC with this version
of Windows on your network.

DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000
Once again, after you have installed the network card, TCP/IP for Windows 2000 is configured.
TCP/IP should be added by default and set to DHCP without your having to configure it.
However, if there are problems, follow these steps to configure TCP/IP with DHCP for Windows
2000.

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• Click on the My Network Places icon on the Windows desktop. This will bring up a window
called Network and Dial-up Connections.
• Right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties.

• The Local Area Connection Properties
dialog box appears.
• Verify that you have the correct Ethernet
card selected in the Connect using: box.
• Verify that at least the following two items
are displayed and selected in the box of
“Components checked are used by this
connection:”
•

Client for Microsoft Networks and

•

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

• Click OK.

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• With Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) selected,
click on Properties to open the Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialogue box.
• Verify that
•

Obtain an IP address automatically is
selected.

•

Obtain DNS server address
automatically is selected.

• Click OK to return to Local Area
Connection Properties.

• Click OK again to complete the
configuration process for Windows 2000.
Restart the PC.
Repeat these steps for each PC with this version
of Windows on your network.

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DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows NT4
Once you have installed the network card, you need to configure the TCP/IP environment for
Windows NT 4.0. Follow this procedure to configure TCP/IP with DHCP in Windows NT 4.0.

• Choose Settings from the Start Menu, and then select Control Panel.
This will display Control Panel window.

• Double-click the Network icon in the
Control Panel window.
The Network panel will display.
• Select the Protocols tab to continue.

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• Highlight the TCP/IP Protocol in the
Network Protocols box, and click on the
Properties button.

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• The TCP/IP Properties dialog box now
displays.
• Click the IP Address tab.
• Select the radio button marked Obtain an IP
address from a DHCP server.
• Click OK. This completes the configuration
of TCP/IP in Windows NT.
Restart the PC.
Repeat these steps for each PC with this version
of Windows on your network.

Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP, 2000, and NT4
To check your PC’s TCP/IP configuration:
1.

On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, and then click Run.
The Run window opens.

Type cmd and then click OK.
A command window opens

Type ipconfig /all
Your IP Configuration information will be listed, and should match the values below if you are
using the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends for connecting through a
router or gateway:
•

The IP address is between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.254

•

The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0

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•
4.

The default gateway is 192.168.1.1

Type exit

Configuring the Macintosh for TCP/IP Networking
Beginning with Macintosh Operating System 7, TCP/IP is already installed on the Macintosh. On
each networked Macintosh, you will need to configure TCP/IP to use DHCP.

MacOS 8.6 or 9.x
1.

From the Apple menu, select Control Panels, then TCP/IP.
The TCP/IP Control Panel opens:

From the “Connect via” box, select your Macintosh’s Ethernet interface.

From the “Configure” box, select Using DHCP Server.
You can leave the DHCP Client ID box empty.

Close the TCP/IP Control Panel.

Repeat this for each Macintosh on your network.

MacOS X
1.

From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences, then Network.

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If not already selected, select Built-in Ethernet in the Configure list.

If not already selected, Select Using DHCP in the TCP/IP tab.

Click Save.

Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Macintosh Computers
After your Macintosh is configured and has rebooted, you can check the TCP/IP configuration by
returning to the TCP/IP Control Panel. From the Apple menu, select Control Panels, then TCP/IP.

The panel is updated to show your settings, which should match the values below if you are using
the default TCP/IP settings that NETGEAR recommends:
•

The IP Address is between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.254

•

The Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0

•

The Router address is 192.168.1.1

If you do not see these values, you may need to restart your Macintosh or you may need to switch
the “Configure” setting to a different option, then back again to “Using DHCP Server”.

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Verifying the Readiness of Your Internet Account
For broadband access to the Internet, you need to contract with an Internet service provider (ISP)
for a single-user Internet access account using a cable modem or DSL modem. This modem must
be a separate physical box (not a card) and must provide an Ethernet port intended for connection
to a Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer. Your firewall does not support a USB-connected
broadband modem.
For a single-user Internet account, your ISP supplies TCP/IP configuration information for one
computer. With a typical account, much of the configuration information is dynamically assigned
when your PC is first booted up while connected to the ISP, and you will not need to know that
dynamic information.
In order to share the Internet connection among several computers, your firewall takes the place of
the single PC, and you need to configure it with the TCP/IP information that the single PC would
normally use. When the firewall’s Internet port is connected to the broadband modem, the firewall
appears to be a single PC to the ISP. The firewall then allows the PCs on the local network to
masquerade as the single PC to access the Internet through the broadband modem. The method
used by the firewall to accomplish this is called Network Address Translation (NAT) or IP
masquerading.

Are Login Protocols Used?
Some ISPs require a special login protocol, in which you must enter a login name and password in
order to access the Internet. If you normally log in to your Internet account by running a program
such as WinPOET or EnterNet, then your account uses PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE).
When you configure your router, you will need to enter your login name and password in the
router’s configuration menus. After your network and firewall are configured, the firewall will
perform the login task when needed, and you will no longer need to run the login program from
your PC. It is not necessary to uninstall the login program.

What Is Your Configuration Information?
More and more, ISPs are dynamically assigning configuration information. However, if your ISP
does not dynamically assign configuration information but instead used fixed configurations, your
ISP should have given you the following basic information for your account:

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•

An IP address and subnet mask

•

A gateway IP address, which is the address of the ISP’s router

•

One or more domain name server (DNS) IP addresses

•

Host name and domain suffix
For example, your account’s full server names may look like this:
mail.xxx.yyy.com

In this example, the domain suffix is xxx.yyy.com.
If any of these items are dynamically supplied by the ISP, your firewall automatically acquires
them.
If an ISP technician configured your PC during the installation of the broadband modem, or if you
configured it using instructions provided by your ISP, you need to copy the configuration
information from your PC’s Network TCP/IP Properties window or Macintosh TCP/IP Control
Panel before reconfiguring your PC for use with the firewall. These procedures are described next.

Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Windows Computers
As mentioned above, you may need to collect configuration information from your PC so that you
can use this information when you configure the WGT634U Wireless Media Router. Following
this procedure is only necessary when your ISP does not dynamically supply the account
information.
To get the information you need to configure the firewall for Internet access:
1.

On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click the Network icon.
The Network window opens, which displays a list of installed components.

Select TCP/IP, and then click Properties.
The TCP/IP Properties dialog box opens.

Select the IP Address tab.
If an IP address and subnet mask are shown, write down the information. If an address is
present, your account uses a fixed (static) IP address. If no address is present, your account
uses a dynamically-assigned IP address. Click “Obtain an IP address automatically”.

Select the Gateway tab.

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If an IP address appears under Installed Gateways, write down the address. This is the ISP’s
gateway address. Select the address and then click Remove to remove the gateway address.
6.

Select the DNS Configuration tab.
If any DNS server addresses are shown, write down the addresses. If any information appears
in the Host or Domain information box, write it down. Click Disable DNS.

Click OK to save your changes and close the TCP/IP Properties dialog box.
You are returned to the Network window.

Click OK.

Reboot your PC at the prompt. You may also be prompted to insert your Windows CD.

Obtaining ISP Configuration Information for Macintosh
Computers
As mentioned above, you may need to collect configuration information from your Macintosh so
that you can use this information when you configure the WGT634U Wireless Media Router.
Following this procedure is only necessary when your ISP does not dynamically supply the
account information.
To get the information you need to configure the firewall for Internet access:
1.

From the Apple menu, select Control Panels, then TCP/IP.
The TCP/IP Control Panel opens, which displays a list of configuration settings. If the
“Configure” setting is “Using DHCP Server”, your account uses a dynamically-assigned IP
address. In this case, close the Control Panel and skip the rest of this section.

If an IP address and subnet mask are shown, write down the information.

If an IP address appears under Router address, write down the address. This is the ISP’s
gateway address.

If any Name Server addresses are shown, write down the addresses. These are your ISP’s DNS
addresses.

If any information appears in the Search domains information box, write it down.

Change the “Configure” setting to “Using DHCP Server”.

Close the TCP/IP Control Panel.

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Restarting the Network
Once you’ve set up your computers to work with the firewall, you must reset the network for the
devices to be able to communicate correctly. Restart any computer that is connected to the firewall.
After configuring all of your computers for TCP/IP networking and restarting them, and
connecting them to the local network of your WGT634U Wireless Media Router, you are ready to
access and configure the firewall.

Preparing Your Network

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Appendix D
Wireless Networking Basics

This chapter provides an overview of Wireless networking.

Wireless Networking Overview
The WGT634U Wireless Media Router conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b and 802.11g standards for wireless LANs (WLANs). 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 802.11b
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 802.11g auto rate sensing rates
are 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps.
The 802.11 standard is also called Wireless Ethernet or Wi-Fi by the Wireless Ethernet
Compatibility Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standard group promoting
interoperability among 802.11 devices. The 802.11 standard offers two methods for configuring a
wireless network - ad hoc and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Mode
With a wireless Access Point, you can operate the wireless LAN in the infrastructure mode. This
mode provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed range or
area of coverage, interacting with wireless nodes via an antenna.
In the infrastructure mode, the wireless access point converts airwave data into wired Ethernet
data, acting as a bridge between the wired LAN and wireless clients. Connecting multiple Access
Points via a wired Ethernet backbone can further extend 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 domain to another and
still maintain seamless network connection.

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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. This mode enables you to quickly set up a small
wireless workgroup and allows workgroup members to exchange data or share printers as
supported by Microsoft networking in the various Windows operating systems. Some vendors also
refer to ad hoc networking as peer-to-peer group networking.
In this configuration, network packets are directly sent and received by the intended transmitting
and receiving stations. As long as the stations are within range of one another, this is the easiest
and least expensive way to set up a wireless network.

Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID)
The Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) is one of two types of Service Set Identification
(SSID). In an ad hoc wireless network with no access points, the Basic Service Set Identification
(BSSID) is used. In an infrastructure wireless network that includes an access point, the ESSID is
used, but may still be referred to as SSID.
An SSID is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key identifying the name of the
wireless local area network. Some vendors refer to the SSID as network name. For the wireless
devices in a network to communicate with each other, all devices must be configured with the
same SSID.
The ESSID is usually broadcast in the air from an access point. The wireless station sometimes can
be configured with the ESSID ANY. This means the wireless station will try to associate with
whichever access point has the stronger radio frequency (RF) signal, providing that both the access
point and wireless station use Open System authentication.

Authentication and WEP Data Encryption
The absence of a physical connection between nodes makes the wireless links vulnerable to
eavesdropping and information theft. To provide a certain level of security, the IEEE 802.11
standard has defined these two types of authentication methods:
•

Open System. With Open System authentication, a wireless computer can join any network
and receive any messages that are not encrypted.

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•

Shared Key. With Shared Key authentication, only those PCs that possess the correct
authentication key can join the network. By default, IEEE 802.11 wireless devices operate in
an Open System network.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption is used when the wireless devices are configured
to operate in Shared Key authentication mode.

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 WGT634U:
1.

Turn on the wireless station.

The station listens for messages from any access points that are in range.

The station finds a message from an access point that has a matching SSID.

The station sends an authentication request to the access point.

The access point authenticates the station.

The station sends an association request to the access point.

The access point associates with the station.

The station can now communicate with the Ethernet network through the access point.

An access point must authenticate a station before the station can associate with the access point or
communicate with the network. The IEEE 802.11 standard defines two types of authentication:
Open System and Shared Key.
•

Open System Authentication allows any device to join the network, assuming that the device
SSID matches the access point SSID. Alternatively, the device can use the “ANY” SSID
option to associate with any available Access Point within range, regardless of its SSID.

•

Shared Key Authentication requires that the station and the access point have the same WEP
Key to authenticate. These two authentication procedures are described below.

Open System Authentication
The following steps occur when two devices use Open System Authentication:
1.

The station sends an authentication request to the access point.

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The access point authenticates the station.

The station associates with the access point and joins the network.

This process is illustrated below.

Open System
Authentication Steps
1) Authentication request sent to AP

Access Point (AP)

2) AP authenticates
IN TER N ET
Cable/DSL

ProSafeWirelessVPN Security Firewall
PWR

W LA N

MODEL

LO CA L

LNK

FVM318

100

TEST

ACT

Enable

LNK/ACT
1

3) Client connects to network
Client
attempting
to connect

Cable or
DLS modem

Figure D-1: Open system authentication

Shared Key Authentication
The following steps occur when two devices use Shared Key Authentication:
1.

The station sends an authentication request to the access point.

The access point sends challenge text to the station.

The station uses its configured 64-bit or 128-bit default key to encrypt the challenge text, and
sends the encrypted text to the access point.

The access point decrypts the encrypted text using its configured WEP Key that corresponds
to the station’s default key. The access point compares the decrypted text with the original
challenge text. If the decrypted text matches the original challenge text, then the access point
and the station share the same WEP Key and the access point authenticates the station.

The station connects to the network.

If the decrypted text does not match the original challenge text (the access point and station do not
share the same WEP Key), then the access point will refuse to authenticate the station and the
station will be unable to communicate with either the 802.11 network or Ethernet network.
This process is illustrated below.

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Shared Key
Authentication Steps
Access Point

1) Authentication
request sent to AP

IN TER N ET

2) AP sends challenge text

Cable/DSL

ProSafeWirelessVPN Security Firewall
PWR

W LA N

MODEL

LO CA L

LNK

FVM318

100

TEST

ACT

Enable

Client
3) Client encrypts
attempting
challenge text and
to connect
sends it back to AP

LNK/ACT
1

Cable or
DLS modem

4) AP decrypts, and if correct,
authenticates client
5) Client connects to network

Figure D-2: Shared key authentication

Overview of WEP Parameters
Before enabling WEP on an 802.11 network, you must first consider what type of encryption you
require and the key size you want to use. Typically, there are three WEP Encryption options
available for 802.11 products:
1. Do Not Use WEP: The 802.11 network does not encrypt data. For authentication purposes, the
network uses Open System Authentication.
2. Use WEP for Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data portion of every
packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving device decrypts the data using the
same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the network uses Open System Authentication.
3. Use WEP for Authentication and Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data
portion of every packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving device decrypts the
data using the same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the wireless network uses Shared Key
Authentication.
Note: Some 802.11 access points also support Use WEP for Authentication Only (Shared Key
Authentication without data encryption).

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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. Some vendors refer to the 64-bit WEP data encryption
as 40-bit WEP data encryption since the user-configurable portion of the encryption key is 40 bits
wide.
The 128-bit WEP data encryption method consists of 104 user-configurable bits. Similar to the
forty-bit WEP data encryption method, the remaining 24 bits are factory set and not user
configurable. Some vendors allow passphrases to be entered instead of the cryptic hexadecimal
characters to ease encryption key entry.
128-bit encryption is stronger than 40-bit encryption, but 128-bit encryption may not be available
outside of the United States due to U.S. export regulations.
When configured for 40-bit encryption, 802.11 products typically support up to four WEP Keys.
Each 40-bit WEP Key is expressed as 5 sets of two hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). For
example, “12 34 56 78 90” is a 40-bit WEP Key.
When configured for 128-bit encryption, 802.11 products typically support four WEP Keys but
some manufacturers support only one 128-bit key. The 128-bit WEP Key is expressed as 13 sets of
two hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). For example, “12 34 56 78 90 AB CD EF 12 34 56 78 90”
is a 128-bit WEP Key.
Table D-1:

Encryption Key Sizes

Encryption Key Size

# of Hexadecimal Digits

Example of Hexadecimal Key Content

64-bit (24+40)

4C72F08AE1

128-bit (24+104)

4C72F08AE19D57A3FF6B260037

Note: Typically, 802.11 access points can store up to four 128-bit WEP Keys but some 802.11
client adapters can only store one. Therefore, make sure that your 802.11 access and client
adapters’ configurations match.

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WEP Configuration Options
The WEP settings must match on all 802.11 devices that are within the same wireless network as
identified by the SSID. In general, if your mobile clients will roam between access points, then all
of the 802.11 access points and all of the 802.11 client adapters on the network must have the same
WEP settings.
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, and so on.
Note: The AP and the client adapters can have different default WEP Keys as long as the keys are
in the same order. In other words, the AP can use WEP key 2 as its default key to transmit while a
client adapter can use WEP key 3 as its default key to transmit. The two devices will communicate
as long as the AP’s WEP key 2 is the same as the client’s WEP key 2 and the AP’s WEP key 3 is
the same as the client’s WEP key 3.

Wireless Channels
The wireless frequencies used by 802.11b/g networks are discussed below.
IEEE 802.11b/g wireless nodes communicate with each other using radio frequency signals in the
ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. Neighboring
channels are 5 MHz apart. However, due to spread spectrum effect of the signals, a node sending
signals using a particular channel will utilize frequency spectrum 12.5 MHz above and below the
center channel frequency. As a result, two separate wireless networks using neighboring channels
(for example, channel 1 and channel 2) in the same general vicinity will interfere with each other.
Applying two channels that allow the maximum channel separation will decrease the amount of
channel cross-talk, and provide a noticeable performance increase over networks with minimal
channel separation.
The radio frequency channels used in 802.11b/g networks are listed in Table D-2:
Table D-2:
Channel

802.11b/g Radio Frequency Channels
Center Frequency

Frequency Spread

2412 MHz

2399.5 MHz - 2424.5 MHz

2417 MHz

2404.5 MHz - 2429.5 MHz

2422 MHz

2409.5 MHz - 2434.5 MHz

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Table D-2:
Channel

802.11b/g Radio Frequency Channels
Center Frequency

Frequency Spread

2427 MHz

2414.5 MHz - 2439.5 MHz

2432 MHz

2419.5 MHz - 2444.5 MHz

2437 MHz

2424.5 MHz - 2449.5 MHz

2442 MHz

2429.5 MHz - 2454.5 MHz

2447 MHz

2434.5 MHz - 2459.5 MHz

2452 MHz

2439.5 MHz - 2464.5 MHz

2457 MHz

2444.5 MHz - 2469.5 MHz

2462 MHz

2449.5 MHz - 2474.5 MHz

2467 MHz

2454.5 MHz - 2479.5 MHz

2472 MHz

2459.5 MHz - 2484.5 MHz

Note: The available channels supported by the wireless products in various countries are different.
For example, Channels 1 to 11 are supported in the U.S. and Canada, and Channels 1 to 13 are
supported in Europe and Australia.

The preferred channel separation between the channels in neighboring wireless networks is 25
MHz (5 channels). This means that you can apply up to three different channels within your
wireless network. There are only 11 usable wireless channels in the United States. It is
recommended that you start using channel 1 and grow to use channel 6, and 11 when necessary, as
these three channels do not overlap.

WPA Wireless Security
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a specification of standards-based, interoperable security
enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access control for existing and future
wireless LAN systems.
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 802.11i, the new
wireless security architecture being defined in the IEEE.
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WPA offers the following benefits:
•
•
•
•

Enhanced data privacy
Robust key management
Data origin authentication
Data integrity protection

The Wi-Fi Alliance is now performing interoperability certification testing on Wi-Fi Protected
Access products. Starting August of 2003, all new Wi-Fi certified products will have to support
WPA. NETGEAR will implement WPA on client and access point products and make this
available in the second half of 2003. Existing Wi-Fi certified products will have one year to add
WPA support or they will lose their Wi-Fi certification.
The 802.11i standard is currently in draft form, with ratification due at the end of 2003. While the
new IEEE 802.11i standard is being ratified, wireless vendors have agreed on WPA as an
interoperable interim standard.

How Does WPA Compare to WEP?
WEP is a data encryption method and is not intended as a user authentication mechanism. WPA
user authentication is implemented using 802.1x and the Extensible Authentication Protocol
(EAP). Support for 802.1x authentication is required in WPA. In the 802.11 standard, 802.1x
authentication was optional. For details on EAP specifically, refer to IETF's RFC 2284.
With 802.11 WEP, all access points and client wireless adapters on a particular wireless LAN must
use the same encryption key. A major problem with the 802.11 standard is that the keys are
cumbersome to change. If you do not update the WEP keys often, an unauthorized person with a
sniffing tool can monitor your network for less than a day and decode the encrypted messages.
Products based on the 802.11 standard alone offer system administrators no effective method to
update the keys.
For 802.11, WEP encryption is optional. For WPA, encryption using Temporal Key Integrity
Protocol (TKIP) is required. TKIP replaces WEP with a new encryption algorithm that is stronger
than the WEP algorithm, but that uses the calculation facilities present on existing wireless devices
to perform encryption operations. TKIP provides 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. Through
these enhancements, TKIP addresses all of known WEP vulnerabilities.

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How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i?
WPA will be forward compatible with the IEEE 802.11i security specification currently under
development. 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. These features are either not yet ready for market or will require hardware upgrades
to implement.

What are the Key Features of WPA Security?
The following security features are included in the WPA standard:
•
•

•

WPA Authentication
WPA Encryption Key Management
–

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)

–

Michael message integrity code (MIC)

–

AES Support (to be phased in)

Support for a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients, but mixing WEP and WPA is
discouraged

These features are discussed below.
WPA addresses most of the known WEP vulnerabilities and is primarily intended for wireless
infrastructure networks as found in the enterprise. This infrastructure includes stations, access
points, and authentication servers (typically RADIUS servers). The RADIUS server holds (or has
access to) user credentials (for example, user names and passwords) and authenticates wireless
users before they gain access to the network.
The strength of WPA comes from an integrated sequence of operations that encompass 802.1X/
EAP authentication and sophisticated key management and encryption techniques. Its major
operations include:
•

Network security capability determination. This occurs at the 802.11 level and is
communicated through WPA information elements in Beacon, Probe Response, and (Re)
Association Requests. Information in these elements includes the authentication method
(802.1X or Pre-shared key) and the preferred cipher suite (WEP, TKIP, or AES).

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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 pass phrase 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. Possible cipher
suites include: WEP, TKIP, and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). We talk more about
TKIP and AES when addressing data privacy below.
•

Authentication. EAP over 802.1X is used for authentication. Mutual authentication is gained
by choosing an EAP type supporting this feature and is required by WPA. 802.1X port access
control prevents full access to the network until authentication completes. 802.1X
EAPOL-Key packets are used by WPA to distribute per-session keys to those stations
successfully authenticated.
The supplicant in the station uses the authentication and cipher suite information contained in
the information elements to decide which authentication method and cipher suite to use. For
example, if the access point is using the pre-shared key method then the supplicant need not
authenticate using full-blown 802.1X. Rather, the supplicant must simply prove to the access
point that it is in possession of the pre-shared key. If the supplicant detects that the service set
does not contain a WPA information element then it knows it must use pre-WPA 802.1X
authentication and key management in order to access the network.

•

Key management. WPA features a robust key generation/management system that integrates
the authentication and data privacy functions. Keys are generated after successful
authentication and through a subsequent 4-way handshake between the station and Access
Point (AP).

•

Data Privacy (Encryption). Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) is used to wrap WEP in
sophisticated cryptographic and security techniques to overcome most of its weaknesses.

•

Data integrity. TKIP includes a message integrity code (MIC) at the end of each plaintext
message to ensure messages are not being spoofed.

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WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS

Wired Network with Optional
802.1x Port Based Network
Access Control

Wireless LAN

WPA
enabled
wireless
client with
“supplicant”

WPA enabled
Access Point
using
pre-shared key
or
802.1x

TCP/IP
Ports Closed
Until

TCP/IP
Ports Opened
After
Authenticated

RADIUS Server

Certificate
Authority
(for
example
Win Server,
VeriSign)

Figure D-3: WPA Overview

IEEE 802.1x offers an effective framework for authenticating and controlling user traffic to a
protected network, as well as providing a vehicle for dynamically varying data encryption keys via
EAP from a RADIUS server, for example. This framework enables using a central authentication
server, which employs mutual authentication so that a rogue wireless user does not join the
network.
It is important to note that 802.1x does not provide the actual authentication mechanisms. When
using 802.1x, the EAP type, such as Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS), or EAP Tunneled
Transport Layer Security (EAP-TTLS), defines how the authentication takes place.
Note: For environments with a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS)
infrastructure, WPA supports Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). For environments
without a RADIUS infrastructure, WPA supports the use of a pre-shared key.
Together, these technologies provide a framework for strong user authentication.
Windows XP implements 802.1x natively, and several NETGEAR switch and wireless access
point products support 802.1x.

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Client with a WPAenabled wireless
adapter and supplicant
(Win XP, Funk,
Meetinghouse)

For example, a
WPA-enabled AP

For example, a
RADIUS server

Figure D-4: 802.1x Authentication Sequence

The AP sends Beacon Frames with WPA information element 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). Probe Responses (AP to station) and Association
Requests (station to AP) also contain WPA information elements.
1.

Initial 802.1x communications begin with an unauthenticated supplicant (client device)
attempting to connect with an authenticator (802.11 access point). The client sends an
EAP-start message. This begins a series of message exchanges to authenticate the client.

The access point replies with an EAP-request identity message.

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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).

The authentication server uses a specific authentication algorithm to verify the client's identity.
This could be through the use of digital certificates or some other EAP authentication type.

The authentication server will either send an accept or reject message to the access point.

The access point sends an EAP-success packet (or reject packet) to the client.

If the authentication server accepts the client, then the access point will transition the client's
port to an authorized state and forward additional traffic.

The important part to know at this point is that the software supporting the specific EAP type
resides on the authentication server and within the operating system or application “supplicant”
software on the client devices. The access point acts as a “pass through” for 802.1x messages,
which means that you can specify any EAP type without needing to upgrade an 802.1x-compliant
access point. As a result, you can update the EAP authentication type to such devices as token
cards (Smart Cards), Kerberos, one-time passwords, certificates, and public key authentication, or
as newer types become available and your requirements for security change.
WPA Data Encryption Key Management
With 802.1x, the rekeying of unicast encryption keys is optional. Additionally, 802.11 and 802.1x
provide no mechanism to change the global encryption key used for multicast and broadcast
traffic. With WPA, rekeying of both unicast and global encryption keys is required.
For the unicast encryption key, the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) changes the key for
every frame, and the change is synchronized between the wireless client and the wireless access
point (AP). For the global encryption key, WPA includes a facility (the Information Element) for
the wireless AP to advertise the changed key to the connected wireless clients.
If configured to implement dynamic key exchange, the 802.1x authentication server can return
session keys to the access point along with the accept message. The access point uses the session
keys to build, sign and encrypt an EAP key message that is sent to the client immediately after
sending the success message. The client can then use contents of the key message to define
applicable encryption keys. In typical 802.1x implementations, the client can automatically change
encryption keys as often as necessary to minimize the possibility of eavesdroppers having enough
time to crack the key in current use.

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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.
The synchronized changing of the unicast encryption key for each frame.
The determination of a unique starting unicast encryption key for each preshared key
authentication.

Michael
With 802.11 and WEP, data integrity is provided by a 32-bit integrity check value (ICV) that is
appended to the 802.11 payload and encrypted with WEP. Although the ICV is encrypted, you can
use cryptanalysis to change bits in the encrypted payload and update the encrypted ICV without
being detected by the receiver.
With WPA, a method known as Michael specifies a new algorithm that calculates an 8-byte
message integrity check (MIC) using the calculation facilities available on existing wireless
devices. The MIC is placed between the data portion of the IEEE 802.11 frame and the 4-byte
ICV. The MIC field is encrypted together with the frame data and the ICV.
Michael also provides replay protection. A new frame counter in the IEEE 802.11 frame is used to
prevent replay attacks.
Optional AES Support to be Phased In
One of the encryption methods supported by WPA, besides TKIP, is the advanced encryption
standard (AES), although AES support will not be required initially for Wi-Fi certification. This is
viewed as the optimal choice for security conscience organizations, but the problem with AES is
that it requires a fundamental redesign of the NIC’s hardware in both the station and the access
point. TKIP is a pragmatic compromise that allows organizations to deploy better security while
AES capable equipment is being designed, manufactured, and incrementally deployed.

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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. This prevents an attacker from gleaning information about the encryption key and alerts
administrators, but it also causes users to lose network connectivity for 60 seconds. More than
anything else, this may just prove that no single security tactic is completely invulnerable. WPA is
a definite step forward in WLAN security over WEP and has to be thought of as a single part of an
end-to-end network security strategy.

Product Support for WPA
Starting in August, 2003, NETGEAR, Inc. wireless Wi-Fi certified products will support the WPA
standard. NETGEAR, Inc. wireless products that had their Wi-Fi certification approved before
August, 2003 will have one year to add WPA so as to maintain their Wi-Fi certification.
WPA requires software changes to the following:
•
•
•

Wireless access points
Wireless network adapters
Wireless client programs

Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients is Discouraged
To support the gradual transition of WEP-based wireless networks to WPA, a wireless AP can
support both WEP and WPA clients at the same time. During the association, the wireless AP
determines which clients use WEP and which clients use WPA. The disadvantage to supporting a
mixture of WEP and WPA clients is that the global encryption key is not dynamic. This is because
WEP-based clients cannot support it. All other benefits to the WPA clients, such as integrity, are
maintained.
However, a mixed mode supporting WPA and non-WPA clients would offer network security that
is no better than that obtained with a non-WPA network, and thus this mode of operation is
discouraged.

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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).
The WPA two-phase authentication
Open system, then 802.1x (EAP with RADIUS or preshared key).
TKIP
Michael
AES (optional)

To upgrade your wireless access points to support WPA, obtain a WPA firmware update from your
wireless AP vendor and upload it to your wireless AP.
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters
Wireless networking software in the adapter, and possibly in the OS or client application, must be
updated to support the following:
•

•
•
•
•

The new WPA information element
Wireless clients must be able to process the WPA information element and respond with a
specific security configuration.
The WPA two-phase authentication
Open system, then 802.1x supplicant (EAP or preshared key).
TKIP
Michael
AES (optional)

To upgrade your wireless network adapters to support WPA, obtain a WPA update from your
wireless network adapter vendor and update the wireless network adapter driver.
For Windows wireless clients, you must obtain an updated network adapter driver that supports
WPA. For wireless network adapter drivers that are compatible with Windows XP (Service Pack 1)
and Windows Server 2003, the updated network adapter driver must be able to pass the adapter's
WPA capabilities and security configuration to the Wireless Zero Configuration service.

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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.
Changes to Wireless Client Programs
Wireless client programs must be updated to permit the configuration of WPA authentication (and
preshared key) and the new WPA encryption algorithms (TKIP and the optional AES component).
To obtain the Microsoft WPA client program, visit the Microsoft Web site.

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Glossary
Use the list below to find definitions for technical terms used in this manual.

List of Glossary Terms
10BASE-T

IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring.
100BASE-Tx

IEEE 802.3 specification for 100 Mbps Ethernet over twisted pair wiring.
3DES

3DES (Triple DES) achieves a high level of security by encrypting the data three times using DES with three
different, unrelated keys.
802.1x

802.1x defines port-based, network access control used to provide authenticated network access and
automated data encryption key management.
The IEEE 802.1x draft standard offers an effective framework for authenticating and controlling user traffic
to a protected network, as well as dynamically varying encryption keys. 802.1x uses a protocol called EAP
(Extensible Authentication Protocol) and supports multiple authentication methods, such as token cards,
Kerberos, one-time passwords, certificates, and public key authentication. For details on EAP specifically,
refer to IETF's RFC 2284.
802.11a

IEEE specification for wireless networking at 54 Mbps operating in unlicensed radio bands over 5 GHz.
802.11b

IEEE specification for wireless networking at 11 Mbps using direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS)
technology and operating in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5 GHz.
802.11g

A soon to be ratified IEEE specification for wireless networking at 54 Mbps using direct-sequence
spread-spectrum (DSSS) technology and operating in the unlicensed radio spectrum at 2.5 GHz. 802.11g is
backwards compatible with 802.11b.

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ADSL

Short for asymmetric digital subscriber line, a technology that allows data to be sent over existing copper
telephone lines at data rates of from 1.5 to 9 Mbps when receiving data (known as the downstream rate) and
from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending data (known as the upstream rate).
ADSL requires a special ADSL modem. ADSL is growing in popularity as more areas around the world
gain access.
AES

Advanced Encryption Standard, a symmetric 128-bit block data encryption technique.
It is an iterated block cipher with a variable block length and a variable key length. The block length and the
key length can be independently specified to 128, 192 or 256 bits.The U.S government adopted the
algorithm as its encryption technique in October 2000, replacing the DES encryption it used. AES works at
multiple network layers simultaneously.
AH

Authentication Header.
ARP

Address Resolution Protocol, a TCP/IP protocol used to convert an IP address into a physical address (called
a DLC address), such as an Ethernet address.
A host wanting to obtain a physical address broadcasts an ARP request onto the TCP/IP network. The host
on the network that has the IP address in the request then replies with its physical hardware address. There is
also Reverse ARP (RARP) which can be used by a host to discover its IP address. In this case, the host
broadcasts its physical address and a RARP server replies with the host's IP address.
Auto Uplink

Auto UplinkTM technology (also called MDI/MDIX) eliminates the need to worry about crossover vs.
straight-through Ethernet cables. Auto UplinkTM will accommodate either type of cable to make the right
connection.
CA

A Certificate Authority is a trusted third-party organization or company that issues digital certificates used
to create digital signatures and public-private key pairs.
Cat 5

Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling. An Ethernet network operating at 10 Mbits/second
(10BASE-T) will often tolerate low quality cables, but at 100 Mbits/second (10BASE-Tx) the cable must be
rated as Category 5, or Cat 5 or Cat V, by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA).
This rating will be printed on the cable jacket. Cat 5 cable contains eight conductors, arranged in four
twisted pairs, and terminated with an RJ45 type connector. In addition, there are restrictions on maximum
cable length for both 10 and 100 Mbits/second networks.
Certificate Authority

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A Certificate Authority is a trusted third-party organization or company that issues digital certificates used
to create digital signatures and public-private key pairs.
The role of the CA in this process is to guarantee that the individual granted the unique certificate is, in fact,
who he or she claims to be. Usually, this means that the CA has an arrangement with a financial institution,
such as a credit card company, which provides it with information to confirm an individual's claimed
identity. CAs are a critical component in data security and electronic commerce because they guarantee that
the two parties exchanging information are really who they claim to be.
CRL

Certificate Revocation List. Each Certificate Authority (CA) maintains a revoked certificates list.
Denial of Service attack

DoS. A hacker attack designed to prevent your computer or network from operating or communicating.
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.
DMZ

A Demilitarized Zone is used by a company that wants to host its own Internet services without sacrificing
unauthorized access to its private network.
The DMZ sits between the Internet and an internal network's line of defense, usually some combination of
firewalls and bastion hosts. Typically, the DMZ contains devices accessible to Internet traffic, such as Web
(HTTP) servers, FTP servers, SMTP (e-mail) servers and DNS servers.
DNS

Short for Domain Name System (or Service), an Internet service that translates domain names into IP
addresses.
Because domain names are alphabetic, they're easier to remember. The Internet however, is really based on
IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the
corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name www.example.com might translate to
198.105.232.4. The DNS system is, in fact, its own network. If one DNS server doesn't know how to
translate a particular domain name, it asks another one, and so on, until the correct IP address is returned.
Domain Name

A descriptive name for an address or group of addresses on the Internet. Domain names are of the form of a
registered entity name plus one of a number of predefined top level suffixes such as .com, .edu, .uk, and so
forth. For example, in the address mail.NETGEAR.com, mail is a server name and NETGEAR.com is the
domain.
DoS

A hacker attack designed to prevent your computer or network from operating or communicating.
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DSL

Short for digital subscriber line, but is commonly used in reference to the asymmetric version of this
technology (ADSL) that allows data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at data rates of from 1.5
to 9 Mbps when receiving data (known as the downstream rate) and from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending data
(known as the upstream rate).
ADSL requires a special ADSL modem. ADSL is growing in popularity as more areas around the world
gain access.
DSLAM

DSL Access Multiplexor. The piece of equipment at the telephone company central office that provides the
ADSL signal.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

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.
EAP

Extensible Authentication Protocol is a general protocol for authentication that supports multiple
authentication methods.
EAP, an extension to PPP, supports such authentication methods as token cards, Kerberos, one-time
passwords, certificates, public key authentication and smart cards. In wireless communications using EAP, a
user requests connection to a WLAN through an AP, which then requests the identity of the user and
transmits that identity to an authentication server such as RADIUS. The server asks the AP for proof of
identity, which the AP gets from the user and then sends back to the server to complete the authentication.
EAP is defined by RFC 2284.
ESP

Encapsulating Security Payload.
ESSID

The Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key
identifying the wireless local area network.
Gateway

A local device, usually a router, that connects hosts on a local network to other networks.
IETF

Internet Engineering Task Force. Working groups of the IETF propose standard protocols and procedures for
the Internet, which are published as RFCs (Request for Comment) at www.ietf.org.
An open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with
the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet.

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IKE

Internet Key Exchange. An automated method for exchanging and managing encryption keys between two
VPN devices.
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.
IPSec

Internet Protocol Security. IPSec is a series of guidelines for securing private information transmitted over
public networks. IPSec is a VPN method providing a higher level of security than PPTP.
IPX

Short for Internetwork Packet Exchange, a networking protocol used by the Novell NetWare operating
systems.
Like UDP/IP, IPX is a datagram protocol used for connectionless communications. Higher-level protocols,
such as SPX and NCP, are used for additional error recovery services.
ISP

Internet service provider.
Internet Protocol

The main internetworking protocol used in the Internet. Used in conjunction with the Transfer Control
Protocol (TCP) to form TCP/IP.
LAN

A communications network serving users within a limited area, such as one floor of a building.
LDAP

A set of protocols for accessing information directories.
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol

LDAP. A set of protocols for accessing information directories.
LDAP is based on the standards contained within the X.500 standard, but is significantly simpler. And
unlike X.500, LDAP supports TCP/IP, which is necessary for any type of Internet access. Because it's a
simpler version of X.500, LDAP is sometimes called X.500-lite.
local area network

LAN. A communications network serving users within a limited area, such as one floor of a building.
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A LAN typically connects multiple personal computers and shared network devices such as storage and
printers. Although many technologies exist to implement a LAN, Ethernet is the most common for
connecting personal computers.
MAC address

The Media Access Control address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface
card. Usually written in the form 01:23:45:67:89:ab.
Mbps

Megabits per second.
MD5

MD5 creates digital signatures using a one-way hash function, meaning that it takes a message and converts
it into a fixed string of digits, also called a message digest.
When using a one-way hash function, one can compare a calculated message digest against the message
digest that is decrypted with a public key to verify that the message hasn't been tampered with. This
comparison is called a "hashcheck."
MDI/MDIX

In cable wiring, the concept of transmit and receive are from the perspective of the PC, which is wired as a
Media Dependant Interface (MDI). In MDI wiring, a PC transmits on pins 1 and 2. At the hub, switch,
router, or access point, the perspective is reversed, and the hub receives on pins 1 and 2. This wiring is
referred to as Media Dependant Interface - Crossover (MDI-X). See also AES.
Maximum Receive Unit

The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
Maximum Transmit Unit

The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
Most Significant Bit or Most Significant Byte

MSB. The portion of a number, address, or field that is farthest left when written as a single number in
conventional hexadecimal ordinary notation. The part of the number having the most value.
MRU

The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
MSB

MSB. The portion of a number, address, or field that is farthest left when written as a single number in
conventional hexadecimal ordinary notation. The part of the number having the most value.
MTU

The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.

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NAT

A technique by which several hosts share a single IP address for access to the Internet.
NetBIOS

The Network Basic Input Output System is an application programming interface (API) for sharing services
and information on local-area networks (LANs).
Provides for communication between stations of a network where each station is given a name. These names
are alphanumeric names, up to 16 characters in length.
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.
NID

Network Interface Device. The point of demarcation, where the telephone line comes into the house.
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.
Perfect Forward Secrecy

Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) provides additional security by means of a Diffie-Hellman shared secret
value. With PFS, if one key is compromised, previous and subsequent keys are secure because they are not
derived from previous keys.
PKIX

PKIX. The most widely used standard for defining digital certificates.
Point-to-Point Protocol

PPP. A protocol allowing a computer using TCP/IP to connect directly to the Internet.
PPP

A protocol allowing a computer using TCP/IP to connect directly to the Internet.
PPPoA

PPPoA. PPP over ATM is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over an always-on
connection by simulating a dial-up connection.
PPPoE

PPPoE. PPP over Ethernet is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over an always-on
connection by simulating a dial-up connection.
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PPP over ATM

PPPoA. PPP over ATM is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over an always-on
connection by simulating a dial-up connection.
PPP over Ethernet

PPPoE. PPP over Ethernet is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over an always-on
connection by simulating a dial-up connection.
PPTP

Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol. A method for establishing a virtual private network (VPN) by embedding
Microsoft’s network protocol into Internet packets.
PSTN

Public Switched Telephone Network.
Public Key Infrastructure

PKIX. The most widely used standard for defining digital certificates.
X.509 is actually an ITU Recommendation, which means that it has not yet been officially defined or
approved. As a result, companies have implemented the standard in different ways. For example, both
Netscape and Microsoft use X.509 certificates to implement SSL in their Web servers and browsers. But an
X.509 Certificate generated by Netscape may not be readable by Microsoft products, and vice versa.
RADIUS

Short for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, RADIUS is an authentication system.
Using RADIUS, you must enter your user name and password before gaining access to a network. This
information is passed to a RADIUS server, which checks that the information is correct, and then authorizes
access. Though not an official standard, the RADIUS specification is maintained by a working group of the
IETF.
RFC

Request For Comment. Refers to documents published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
proposing standard protocols and procedures for the Internet. RFCs can be found at www.ietf.org.
RIP

A protocol in which routers periodically exchange information with one another so that they can determine
minimum distance paths between sources and destinations.
router

A device that forwards data between networks. An IP router forwards data based on IP source and
destination addresses.
Routing Information Protocol

RIP. A protocol in which routers periodically exchange information with one another so that they can
determine minimum distance paths between sources and destinations.
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router

A device that forwards data between networks. An IP router forwards data based on IP source and
destination addresses.
SSID

A Service Set Identification is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key identifying a wireless
local area network. For the wireless devices in a network to communicate with each other, all devices must
be configured with the same SSID.
This is typically the configuration parameter for a wireless PC card. It corresponds to the ESSID in the
wireless Access Point and to the wireless network name. See also Wireless Network Name and ESSID.
Subnet Mask

A mask used to determine what subnet an IP address belongs to. Subnetting enables a network administrator
to further divide an IP address into two or more subnets.
An IP address has two components, the network address and the host address. For example, consider the IP
address 150.215.017.009. Assuming this is part of a Class B network, the first two numbers (150.215)
represent the Class B network address, and the second two numbers (017.009) identify a particular host on
this network.
Subnetting enables the network administrator to further divide the host part of the address into two or more
subnets. In this case, a part of the host address is reserved to identify the particular subnet. This is easier to
see if we show the IP address in binary format. The full address is: 10010110.11010111.00010001.00001001
The Class B network part is: 10010110.11010111
and the host address is 00010001.00001001
If this network is divided into 14 subnets, however, then the first 4 bits of the host address (0001) are
reserved for identifying the subnet.
The subnet mask is the network address plus the bits reserved for identifying the subnetwork. (By
convention, the bits for the network address are all set to 1, though it would also work if the bits were set
exactly as in the network address.) In this case, therefore, the subnet mask would be
11111111.11111111.11110000.00000000. It's called a mask because it can be used to identify the subnet to
which an IP address belongs by performing a bitwise AND operation on the mask and the IP address. The
result is the subnetwork address: Subnet Mask 255.255.240.000 11111111.11111111.11110000.00000000
IP Address 150.215.017.009 10010110.11010111.00010001.00001001
Subnet Address 150.215.016.000 10010110.11010111.00010000.00000000
The subnet address, therefore, is 150.215.016.000.
TCP/IP

The main internetworking protocols used in the Internet. The Internet Protocol (IP) used in conjunction with
the Transfer Control Protocol (TCP) form TCP/IP.
TLS

Short for Transport Layer Security, TLS is a protocol that guarantees privacy and data integrity between
client/server applications communicating over the Internet.
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The TLS protocol is made up of two layers. The TLS Record Protocol ensures that a connection is private by
using symmetric data encryption and ensures that the connection is reliable. The second TLS layer is the
TLS Handshake Protocol, which allows authentication between the server and client and the negotiation of
an encryption algorithm and cryptographic keys before data is transmitted or received. Based on Netscape’s
SSL 3.0, TLS supercedes and is an extension of SSL. TLS and SSL are not interoperable.
Universal Plug and Play

UPnP. A networking architecture that provides compatibility among networking technology. UPnP
compliant routers provide broadband users at home and small businesses with a seamless way to participate
in online games, videoconferencing and other peer-to-peer services.
USB Acronym for Universal Serial Bus. USB is a plug-and-play interface between a computer and add-on
devices (such as audio players, joysticks, keyboards, telephones, scanners, and printers). With USB, a new
device can be added to your computer without having to add an adapter card or even having to turn the
computer off.
USB adapter A device that connects to a USB port.
USB connector The plug end of the USB cable that is connected to a USB port. It is about half an inch wide,
rectangular, and somewhat flat.
USB port A rectangular slot in a computer into which a USB connector is inserted.
UTP Acronym for Unshielded Twisted Pair. A cable that contains one or more twisted pairs of wires without
additional shielding. It's more flexible and takes less space than a shielded twisted pair (STP) cable, but it
has less bandwidth.

UTP

Unshielded twisted pair is the cable used by 10BASE-T and 100BASE-Tx Ethernet networks.
VCI

Virtual Channel Identifier. Together with the VPI, defines a Virtual Channel through an ATM network. Used
by ATM switching equipment to route data through the network.
VPI

Virtual Path Identifier. Together with the VCI, defines a Virtual Channel through an ATM network. Used by
ATM switching equipment to route data through the network.
VPN

Virtual Private Network. A method for securely transporting data between two private networks by using a
public network such as the Internet as a connection.

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WAN

A long distance link used to extend or connect remotely located local area networks. The Internet is a large
WAN.
WEB Proxy Server

A Web proxy server is a specialized HTTP server that allows clients access to the Internet from behind a
firewall.
The proxy server listens for requests from clients within the firewall and forwards these requests to remote
Internet servers outside the firewall. The proxy server reads responses from the external servers and then
sends them to internal client clients.
WEP

Wired Equivalent Privacy is a data encryption protocol for 802.11b wireless networks.
All wireless nodes and access points on the network are configured with a 64-bit or 128-bit Shared Key for
data encryption.
wide area network

WAN. A long distance link used to extend or connect remotely located local area networks. The Internet is a
large WAN.
Wi-Fi

A trade name for the 802.11b wireless networking standard, given by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility
Alliance (WECA, see http://www.wi-fi.net), an industry standards group promoting interoperability among
802.11b devices.
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. Windows Internet Naming Service is a server process for resolving Windows-based computer names
to IP addresses.
Wireless Network Name (SSID)

Wireless Network Name (SSID) is the name assigned to a wireless network. This is the same as the SSID or
ESSID configuration parameter.

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Index

Numerics

64 or 128 bit WEP 4-5

date and time 9-8

802.11b D-1

Daylight Savings Time 9-8
daylight savings time 6-8

Default DMZ Server 8-5

Account Name 3-13, 3-16, 7-2

Denial of Service (DoS) protection 2-4

Address Resolution Protocol B-8

denial of service attack B-11

ad-hoc mode D-2

DHCP B-10

Authentication Server 3-12

DHCP Client ID C-16

Auto MDI/MDI-X B-14, G-2

DMZ 2-4, 8-2, 8-5

Auto Uplink 2-5, B-14, G-2

DMZ Server 8-5
DNS Proxy 2-5

B
backup configuration 7-9
Basic Wireless Connectivity 4-8, 5-11
BSSID D-2

DNS server 3-13, C-20
DNS, dynamic 8-6
domain C-20
Domain Name 3-13, 3-16
domain name server (DNS) B-9
DoS attack B-11
Dynamic DNS 8-6

Cabling B-11
Cat5 cable 3-1, B-12, G-2
configuration
automatic by DHCP 2-5
backup 7-9
erasing 7-9
restore 7-8
router, initial 3-1
content filtering 2-4, 6-1
conventions
typography 1-1

E
Encryption Strength 4-5
End Port 8-2
EnterNet C-18
erase configuration 7-9
ESSID 4-8, D-2
Ethernet 2-4
Ethernet cable B-11

Counter-Strike 8-3
crossover cable 2-5, 9-2, B-14, G-2

customer support 1-iv

factory settings, restoring 7-9

Index

firewall features 2-4
Flash memory, for firmware upgrade 2-2

log
sending 6-7

front panel 2-8, 2-9

log entries 6-5

fully qualified domain name (FQDN) 4-10

gateway address C-20

MAC address 9-7, B-8
spoofing 3-12, 3-16, 9-5

Macintosh C-19
configuring for IP networking C-16
DHCP Client ID C-16
Obtaining ISP Configuration Information C-20

host name 3-13, 3-16

masquerading C-18

IANA
contacting B-2

MDI/MDI-X wiring B-14, G-6

MDI/MDI-X B-14, G-2

IETF B-1
Web site address B-7

metric 8-11

infrastructure mode D-2

installation 2-5

NAT C-18

Internet account
address information C-18
establishing C-18

NAT. See Network Address Translation

Internet Service Provider 3-1
IP addresses C-19, C-20
and NAT B-7
and the Internet B-2
assigning B-2, B-9
auto-generated 9-3
private B-7
translating B-9

netmask
translation table B-6
Network Address Translation 2-5, B-7, C-18
Network Time Protocol 6-8, 9-8
NTP 6-8, 9-8

O
Open System authentication D-2

IP configuration by DHCP B-10
IP networking
for Macintosh C-16
for Windows C-2, C-7
ISP 3-1

L
LAN IP Setup Menu 8-7
LEDs
description 2-8
troubleshooting 9-2

P
package contents 2-7
Passphrase 4-5, 4-7, 4-12
passphrase 2-3
Password 3-12
password
restoring 9-7
PC, using to configure C-21
ping 8-5

Index

placement 4-1

Routing Information Protocol 2-5, B-2

port filtering 6-2
Port Forwarding 8-1

port forwarding behind NAT B-8

Scope of Document 1-1

Port Forwarding Menu 8-1

Secondary DNS Server 3-11, 3-13, 3-14, 3-16

port numbers 6-3

security 2-4

PPP over Ethernet 2-5, C-18

service numbers 6-3

PPPoE C-18

Setup Wizard 3-1

Primary DNS Server 3-11, 3-13, 3-14, 3-16

Shared Key authentication D-3

protocols
Address Resolution B-8
DHCP B-10
Routing Information 2-5, B-2
support 2-2

SMTP 6-7

publications, related B-1

stateful packet inspection 2-4, B-11

spoof MAC address 9-5
SSID 2-10, 4-4, 4-8, 4-9, D-2
Start Port 8-2
Static Routes 8-6

subnet addressing B-4

Quake III 8-3

subnet mask B-5, C-19, C-20

range 4-1

TCP/IP
configuring C-1
network, troubleshooting 9-5

range, port forwarding 8-2
rear panel 2-9
Remote Management 8-12
remote management 8-12

TCP/IP properties
verifying for Macintosh C-17
verifying for Windows C-6, C-15

requirements
hardware 3-1

time of day 9-8

reserved IP adresses 8-9

time-stamping 6-8

restore configuration 7-8

troubleshooting 9-1

restore factory settings 7-9

Trusted Host 6-2

time zone 6-8

Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address 4-10
RFC
1466 B-7, B-9
1597 B-7, B-9
1631 B-7, B-9
finding B-7

RIP (Router Information Protocol) 8-8

Uplink switch B-14

router concepts B-1

UPnP 8-13

Router Status 7-1

USB C-18

Index

Universal Plug and Play 8-13
Unmounting a USB Drive 5-10
Unreal Tournament 8-3

USB Configuration Settings 5-4
USB disk drive 5-1

W
WAN 8-4
WAN Setup 8-4
WEP 2-10, D-3
Wi-Fi D-1
Windows, configuring for IP routing C-2, C-7
winipcfg utility C-6
WinPOET C-18
Wired Equivalent Privacy. See WEP
Wireless Access 3-3
Wireless Authentication 4-4
wireless authentication scheme 4-5
Wireless Encryption 4-4
Wireless Ethernet D-1
wireless network name 2-10
Wireless Performance 4-1
Wireless Range Guidelines 4-1
Wireless Security 4-2
World Wide Web 1-iv

Index

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Netgear Wgt634U Quick Reference Guide FullManual

108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U manual-518

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