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Wi-Fi and Wireless Networking Products Reviews




NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Access Point

Binding: Electronics
Manufacturer: Netgear
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Features: 802.11g access point offers an easy way to set up a wireless network, Delivers up to 54 Mbps of wireless throughput, Supports 128-bit WEP for enhanced security, Backwards compatible with 802.11b wireless networks, Device measures 6.9 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches (WxHxD)
Average Rating: 3.0
Total Customer Reviews: 49
List Price: $84.00
Our Price: Too low to display
Sales Rank: 2717




Product Description
NETGEAR's WG602 Wireless Access Point lets you add IEEE 802.11g wireless access to your network. With its high-speed data transmission of up to 54 Mbps network users can share a broadband Internet connection, access e-mail, download large files, videoconference, and distribute and play digital images, videos, and MP3 files. Easy to set up and use, NETGEAR's Smart Wizard install assistant makes installations a cinch. And with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK) security, you can rest assured that your wireless network communications are private.NETGEAR's WG602 Wireless Access Point simultaneously supports both IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g standard devices and networks. This dual mode capability protects your 802.11b wireless investment and, at the same time, has you ready for the up to five times faster 802.11g. Provides connectivity to a wired or wireless network for expanded bandwidth. Higher speeds expedite large file downloads and facilitate videoconferencing and the distribution and playing of high-quality multimedia content.
Amazon.com Product Description
The NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Access Point offers:
  • 802.11g wireless network access point for home and office.
  • Security options including WPA and 128-bit WEP encryption.
  • A removable antenna for maximum flexibility.
The NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Access Point lets you easily set up a wireless network in your home so you can share a single internet connection with everyone in your household at speeds up to 54 Mbps. Note that to share an internet connection you will need a router into which you can plug the WG602 access point. If you do not have a router, consider NETGEAR?s Wireless-G Router WGR614."



The WG602 offers speeds up to 54 Mbps with the 802.11g wireless standard. View larger. View back.
Easy Setup
The WG602 makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network: just plug the included Ethernet cable from your LAN into the device and insert the included CD into any computer on the network, which will provide step-by-step instructions. The WG602 offers a myriad of placement options by including a stand for vertical placement and slots on the bottom for mounting on a wall or ceiling. The default 2 dBi omnidirectional antenna can be removed and you can install an external antenna most suited for your needs onto the standard SMA connector.

The WG602 employs a web-based interface for configuration, allowing you to adjust settings such as the beacon interval, RTS threshold, and DTIM interval. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your access point will always be up-to-date.

Fast and Secure
Supporting the 802.11g standard, the NETGEAR WG602 offers data speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it possible to share a broadband internet connection, stream music without hiccups, watch videos with less load time, and videoconference without problems. Downloading files is up to five times faster than it was with 802.11b. If you still have computers that use 802.11b, don't fret as the access point is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network and the WG602 will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.

The WG602 offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Both 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption is available, as well as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network.

Bridge and Repeater Mode
In addition to functioning as an access point, the WG602 can also be used as a bridge and as a repeater. Used as a bridge, the device allows you to connect two LANS wirelessly; as a repeater, your wireless signal's range is extended so even the remote corners of your home or office can be covered.

The NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is backed by a 1-year warranty.

What's in the Box
WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point, vertical stand, power adapter, Ethernet cable, resource CD, user's guide, warranty/support information card.


User Reviews:
Wifi for my IPod Touch
I purchased this unit so I could connect to the internet with my IPod Touch. I wanted to keep my wired router for security reasons, so I needed something that could plug into my router, and act as a access point. I read that you could attach a wireless router to a wired router, but the instructions were long and complicated. Since I'm not an expert in networking, and since I do not want to spend hours trying to make it work, I decided the extra cost is worth it. This unit was easy to install. The only problem I had was the instruction manual, or lack of it. I had to hunt down all the PDF files on the web. There are different manuals for different versions, so look on the bottom of the unit to see which rev you have (v1, v2, v3, etc). The installation guide was the most important, but the other manuals covered the security settings in depth.

I recommend you first leave it in default mode, then try to connect to it with your device. If everything works, and your device can see the network, then you are ready to customize the AP. Go back and plug it in to your PC, and change the network name, and enable security encryption. You could read the manual, and learn about all the different encryption options, but all you really need to know is which standard your wifi device is capable of using. Then, you just set it to the most advanced method it can handle. I used the WPA/WPA2 setting, and it was easy and straight forward to set up, because there are only a few things to enter. After I was done, I hooked it back to my router, and waited a few minutes for the AP to initialize. My IPod connected easily after I entered the password. I can't stress how important it is to enable the encryption. One of my neighbor's wifi is wide open to eavesdropping, and hacking, because they did not enable this security feature.

Overall, this was easy to install, and it works great. I did not test the max range, but I can connect while in the backyard, and that's far enough for my needs. I can't say much about it's reliability, or performace, since I only use it occasionally with my IPod. I've owned Netgear products in the past, and they have always been a quality brand.
A great "G" Wireless router
I have several other Wireless-G routers, This one has the best
signal level and compatibily of any of them. Setup was a cinch
and the unit works extremely well.
WG602 WAP
My laptop built-in wireless picks up more networks then this AP. I purchased this so that I could pick up MORE not LESS. LAME.
Extremely bad performance
My title is my way of being kind. What I really wanted to say is that fits the term "POS" to a "T".

It will not perform well in an environment with more than 2 or 3 other access points - like in residential multi-dwelling units (apartments/condominiums) and/or office suites/towers for those brave enough to even try this unit in such an environment.

Yes, it's easy to install, and yes, it **should** perform well if you are the only one in your neighborhood who has discovered the beauty of wireless networking as of 2008. If this is your environment, then I guess this will work for you and at a great price.

However, if you are in more metro areas, where cordless phones exist, microwave ovens, etc., litter the landscape, and have neighbors as wired as you are, please stay clear of this unit. You are not saving money and only gaining aggravation. Spend wisely and go for newer units, costs more, but will be worth every penny.

Issues:
=======

- constant disconnects/reconnects

- it seems to have the weakest radio in the market, it will disconnect you even if you are literally 3 feet away if the channel is "packed" (re: other access points in the vicinity use the same channel)

- it will not automatically adjust/change the channel for best reception, which isn't a fault, its the way it is (re: it doesn't have that feature)

- if you need to change the channel, pray that you have a laptop, to access the unit directly (plug directly via Ethernet). As stated, auto channel selection isn't a feature of this unit, you'll have to change channels manually. The only way to do that is to connect directly - why? the only reason you'll have to is if you can't connect to it wirelessly (so if you can't connect wirelessly, you can't do anything).
Works great with two bridging to one another
I've had two WG602v3's bridging between each other (through 3 walls and about 30 feet) for about 2 years. They are rock solid ALL the time, except when the power goes out. When the power goes out, it sometimes takes some finessing to get them to see each other properly again, but I just noticed there is new firmware released about 6 months back that appears (by the description) may fix this issue. Unlike some reports on here that state they need to power cycle it daily, I at least have never had an ounce of problems with my two v3 units (running firmware Version 1.2.2), other than than when the power goes out. I use WPA2-PSK AES for my security.

I think these could be a little bit of a challenge for someone not fairly comfortable with networking, especially if they use them in bridge mode; but this could probably be said of any networking gear with a similar use.

Great product in my eyes. Thanks Netgear!




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