NETGEAR ME103 - Manual (Page 22)

Basic Installation and Configuration 3-1
August 2003
Chapter 3
Basic Installation and Configuration
This chapter describes how to set up your ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point for
wireless connectivity to your LAN. This basic configuration will enable computers with 802.11b
or 802.11g wireless adapters to do such things as connect to the Internet, or access printers and
files on your LAN.
You need to prepare these three things before you can establish a connection through your wireless
access point:
• A location for the ME103 that conforms to the Observing Placement and Range Guidelines
below.
• The wireless access point connected to your LAN through a device such as a hub, switch,
router, or Cable/DSL gateway.
• One or more computers with properly configured 802.11b or 802.11g wireless adapters.
Observing Placement and Range Guidelines
The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the
physical placement of the wireless access point. The latency, data throughput performance, and
notebook power consumption of wireless adapters also vary depending on your configuration
choices.
Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11b wireless networks at ranges
of several hundred feet or more. This distance can allow for others outside your area
to access your network. It is important to take appropriate steps to secure your network
from unauthorized access. The ME103 Access Point provides highly effective security
features which are covered in detail in
Chapter 3, “Configuring Your Wireless Network .
Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.