NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Wireless Access Point

WAC720 X3 - Wireless Access Point NETGEAR - Free user manual and instructions

Find the device manual for free WAC720 X3 NETGEAR in PDF.

📄 108 pages English EN Download 💬 AI Question 10 questions ⚙️ Specs
Notice NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - page 6
View the manual : Français FR English EN
Pick your language and provide your email: we'll send you a specifically translated version.
Product Type Professional Wireless Access Point
Brand NETGEAR
Model WAC720 X3
Wi-Fi Standard 802.11ac Wave 2, backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n
Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneous
Maximum Data Rate Up to 2.2 Gbps (800 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 1733 Mbps on 5 GHz)
MU-MIMO Technology Yes, 4x4
Network Interfaces 1 Gigabit Ethernet port with PoE+ support (802.3at)
Power Supply PoE+ (802.3at) or 12 V DC power adapter (not included)
Power Consumption 12 V, 1.5 A max
Dimensions (L x W x H) 210 x 210 x 35 mm
Weight 540 g
Mounting Wall or ceiling mount (mounting kit included)
Antennas 4 internal antennas
Wireless Security WPA2-PSK, WPA3-PSK, WPA-Enterprise, MAC filtering, client isolation
Management Web interface, CLI, SNMP, NETGEAR Insight cloud
VLAN 802.1Q support, up to 32 VLANs
Maximum Number of Users Up to 256 simultaneous clients
Operating Temperature 0 °C to 50 °C
Operating Humidity 10% to 90% non-condensing
Maintenance and Cleaning Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid products.
Spare Parts and Repairability No spare parts available. The device contains no user-serviceable parts.
Package Contents WAC720 access point, mounting kit, quick installation guide

Frequently Asked Questions - WAC720 X3 NETGEAR

How do I reset the WAC720 X3 access point to factory settings?
To reset, press and hold the Reset button on the back of the device for about 10 seconds until the LEDs flash. The settings will return to default values.
How do I configure the WAC720 X3 for the first time?
Connect the access point to your network via the Ethernet port and power it using PoE or the power adapter. Use a browser to access the default IP address (192.168.1.100) and follow the setup wizard.
What is the maximum range of the WAC720 X3?
The range depends on the environment. Indoors, expect about 30 meters for the 5 GHz band and 70 meters for the 2.4 GHz band. Obstacles may reduce range.
Does the WAC720 X3 support PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
Yes, the WAC720 X3 supports PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at). It can be powered via a PoE switch or PoE injector.
Can I use the WAC720 X3 with a non-NETGEAR router?
Yes, the access point is compatible with any router with an Ethernet port. It operates in standalone access point mode.
How do I update the firmware of the WAC720 X3?
Download the latest firmware from the NETGEAR website. Log in to the web interface, go to Administration > Firmware Update and select the downloaded file.
Does the WAC720 X3 support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?
No, the WAC720 X3 is an 802.11ac Wave 2 (Wi-Fi 5) access point. It is not Wi-Fi 6 compatible.
How many users can connect simultaneously to the WAC720 X3?
The WAC720 X3 can handle up to 256 clients simultaneously, thanks to 4x4 MU-MIMO technology.
How do I secure my wireless network on the WAC720 X3?
In the management interface, go to Wireless Configuration > Security. Choose WPA3-PSK or WPA2-PSK mode and set a strong passphrase.
What to do if the access point does not power on?
Check the power: ensure the Ethernet cable is properly connected and the PoE source or power adapter is working. If the problem persists, try another port or cable.

User questions about WAC720 X3 NETGEAR

0 question about this device. Answer the ones you know or ask your own.

Ask a new question about this device

The email remains private: it is only used to notify you if someone responds to your question.

No questions yet. Be the first to ask one.

Download the instructions for your Wireless Access Point in PDF format for free! Find your manual WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR and take your electronic device back in hand. On this page are published all the documents necessary for the use of your device. WAC720 X3 by NETGEAR.

USER MANUAL WAC720 X3 NETGEAR

ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730

Reference Manual

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730 - 1

February 2016

202-11624-02

350 East Plumeria Drive

San Jose, CA 95134

USA

Support

Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR support resources.

Conformity

For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621.

Compliance

For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.

See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Trademarks

© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.

Revision History

Publication Part NumberPublish DateComments
202-11624-02February 2016Revised Configure Wireless Bridging.
202-11624-01December 2015Revised Mount the Wireless Access Point.
202-11607-01October 2015First publication.

Contents

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Access Point 7

Hardware Description 7

Top Panel 7

Rear Panel 8

Bottom Panel With Product Label 9

Chapter 2 Initial Setup

What You Need Before You Begin 11

System Requirements. 11

Wireless Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines 11

Ethernet Cabling Requirements 12

LAN Configuration Requirements 12

Hardware Requirements for Computers on Your LAN. 12

Operating Frequency Guidelines. 12

Requirements for Entering IP Addresses 13

Install and Configure the Wireless Access Point 13

Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Computer 14

Log In to the Wireless Access Point 15

Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings. 16

Configure the IPv4 Settings 18

Configure the Basic Wireless Settings 19

Test Basic Wireless Connectivity. 24

Mount the Wireless Access Point 25

Package Content of the Ceiling and Wall Installation Kit. 25

Drop Ceiling Installation 25

Wall Installation 28

Chapter 3 Wireless Configuration and Security

Wireless Data Security Options. 32

Security Profiles 33

Configure and Enable Security Profiles 35

Change the QoS Policy for a Wireless Security Profile 39

Configure Legacy 802.1X 39

Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS 39

Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK 40

Configure RADIUS Server Settings. 41

Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address 43

Enable Rogue AP Detection 44

Schedule the Wireless Radios to Be Turned Off 46

Configure Basic Wireless Quality of Service 46

Chapter 4 Management and Monitoring

Enable Remote Management. 49

SNMP Management 49

Secure Shell and Telnet Management 50

Manage the Wireless Access Point over a Telnet Connection 50

Upgrade the Wireless Access Point Software 51

Upgrade the Firmware Over a Web Browser 52

Upgrade the Firmware Over a TFTP Server 53

Manage the Configuration File or Reset to Factory Defaults 54

Save the Configuration 54

Restore the Configuration 55

Restore the Wireless Access Point to the Factory Default Settings 55

Reboot the Wireless Access Point Without Restoring the

Default Configuration 57

Change the Administrator Password 57

Manage User Accounts 58

Add a New User Account 58

Change the Name for a User Account 59

Change the Privilege for a User Account. 59

Reset the Password for a User Account. 60

Delete a User Account 60

Enable the Syslog Server 61

Monitor the Wireless Access Point 61

View System Information 62

Monitor Wireless Stations 64

View the Activity Log 66

View the Traffic Statistics 67

Enable and Configure Ensemble Mode 68

Configure Ensemble Mode 69

Manage an Ensemble 69

Monitor an Ensemble 71

Chapter 5 Advanced Configuration

ConfigureIPv6 Settings 74

Configure Spanning Tree Protocol, 802.1Q VLAN, and

Link Layer Discovery Protocol. 75

Configure STP and VLANs 75

Configure Ethernet LLDP 77

Configure Advanced Quality of Service Settings 81

Configure and Manage Quality of Service Policies 83

Configure a New QoS Policy 84

Modify a QoS Policy 88

Delete a QoS Policy 88

Manage a Captive Portal 89

Configure a Captive Portal 89

Add Users to a Captive Portal 90

Enable a Captive Portal 90

Configure Wireless Bridging. 91

Point-to-Point Bridge and Point-to-Multipoint Bridge 91

Configure a Wireless Bridge 92

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot the Basic Functions 96

Verify the Correct Sequence of Events at Startup 96

No LEDs Are Lit on the Wireless Access Point. 96

The Active LED or the LAN LED Is Not Lit. 97

The WLAN LED Does Not Light. 97

You Cannot Access the Internet or the LAN from a

Wireless-Capable Computer 97

You Cannot Configure the Wireless Access Point from a Browser 98

When You Enter a URL or IP Address a Time-Out Error Occurs 99

Troubleshoot a TCP/IP Network Using the Ping Utility 99

Test the LAN Path to Your Wireless Access Point 99

Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device 100

Problems With Date and Time 101

Use the Packet Capture Tool 101

Appendix A Supplemental Information

Technical Specifications 103

Factory Default Settings 105

This chapter covers the following topics:

Unpack Your Access Point
Hardware Description

Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at support.netgear.com.

Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some products can regularly check the site and download new firmware, or you can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.

Unpack Your Access Point

Your package contains the following items:

ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Point
Straight-through Category 5 Ethernet cable
Ceiling and wall installation kit
Installation guide

Contact your reseller or customer support in your area if any parts are missing or damaged.

Visit the NETGEAR website at support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx for the telephone number of customer support in your area.

Hardware Description

The following sections describe the top and rear hardware functions of the wireless access point.

Top Panel
Rear Panel
Bottom Panel With Product Label

Top Panel

The LEDs of the wireless access point are described in the following figure and table:

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Top Panel - 1
Figure 1. Top panel

Table 1. Top panel LEDs

ItemLEDDescription
1Power/TestOffPower is off.
On (green)Power is on.
Amber, then blinking greenA self-test is running or software is being loaded. During startup, the LED is first steady amber, then goes off, and then blinks green before turning steady green after about 45 seconds. If after one minute the LED remains amber or continues to blink green, it indicates a system fault.
2ActiveOffNo Ethernet traffic is detected, or no link is detected.
On or blinking (green)Ethernet traffic is detected.
3LANOffA 10 Mbps or no link is detected on LAN port.
AmberA 100 Mbps link is detected on LAN port.
GreenA 1000 Mbps link is detected on LAN port.
42.4 Ghz2.4 GHz WLANOffThe wireless 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) LAN is not ready, or no wireless activity is detected.
On or blinking (green)The wireless 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) LAN is ready, or wireless activity is detected.
55 Ghz5 GHz WLANOffThe wireless 802.11n/a (5 GHz) LAN is not ready, or no wireless activity is detected.
On or blinking (green)The wireless 802.11n/a (5 GHz) LAN is ready, or wireless activity is detected.

Rear Panel

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Rear Panel - 1
Figure 2. Rear panel

The rear panel components of the wireless access point, from left to right, are described in the following list:

  1. Cable security lock receptacle for an optional lock.
  2. Console port for connecting to an optional console terminal. The port provides an RJ-45 connector and supports the following settings: 115200 K default baud rate, 8 data bits, no (N) parity bit, and one (1) stop bit.
  3. Factory default Reset button. Using a sharp object, press and hold this button for about five seconds to reset the wireless access point to factory defaults settings. All configuration settings are lost, and the default password is restored. For more information, see Restore the Wireless Access Point to the Factory Default Settings on page 55.
  4. 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) port with Auto Uplink (Auto MDI-X) with IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) support for connection to a switch or router.
  5. Power socket for an optional 12 VDC, 2.5A power adapter.

Note: The WAC720 access point can support up to two optional 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual-band antennas. The WAC730 access point can support up to three optional 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual-band antennas.

Bottom Panel With Product Label

The product label on the bottom of the wireless access point's enclosure displays factory default settings, regulatory compliance, and other information.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Bottom Panel With Product Label - 1

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Bottom Panel With Product Label - 2
Figure 3. Product labels

This chapter covers the following topics:

What You Need Before You Begin
Install and Configure the Wireless Access Point
Test Basic Wireless Connectivity
Mount the Wireless Access Point

What You Need Before You Begin

You must consider the following guidelines and requirements before you can set up your wireless access point.

System Requirements

Before installing the access point, make sure that your system includes the following:

  • A 10/100/1000 Mbps local area network device such as a hub or switch
  • The Category 5 UTP straight-through Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connector included in the package, or one like it
  • A PoE switch or a 12V, 2.5A, DC power source
    A web browser for configuration
  • At least one computer with the TCP/IP protocol installed
    802.11bg/ng/bgn-compliant or 802.11a/a-na-ac-compliant devices

Wireless Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines

The range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the location of the wireless access point. The latency, data throughput performance, and 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 connect wirelessly to the wireless access point. For complete performance specifications, see Appendix A, Supplemental Information.

Note: Before you position and mount the wireless access point at its permanent position, first configure the wireless access point and test the computers on your LAN for wireless connectivity as explained in this chapter.

For best results, place your wireless access point according to the following general guidelines:

Near the center of the area in which the wireless devices will operate.
- In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected devices are in a line-of-sight (even if through walls).
- Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves ovens, and 2.4 GHz cordless phones.

  • Away from large metal surfaces or water.
  • Placing an external antenna in a vertical position provides best side-to-side coverage. Placing an external antenna in a horizontal position provides best up-and-down coverage. (An external antenna does not come standard with the wireless access point.)

If you are using multiple wireless access points, it is better if adjacent wireless access points use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between adjacent wireless access points is five channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11, or 1 and 11).

The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security settings and placement.

Ethernet Cabling Requirements

The wireless access point connects to your LAN using twisted-pair Category 5 Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors.

LAN Configuration Requirements

For the initial configuration of your wireless access point, you must connect a computer to the wireless access point.

Hardware Requirements for Computers on Your LAN

To connect to the wireless access point on your network, an 802.11bg/ng/bgn or 802.11a/a-na-ac wireless adapter must be installed on each computer. We recommend using the wireless access point with computers with the NETGEAR A6210 WiFi USB Adapter installed.

Operating Frequency Guidelines

You do not need to change the operating frequency (channel) unless you notice interference problems or you place the wireless access point near another wireless access point. If you do change the operating frequency, observe the following guidelines:

  • Wireless access points use a fixed channel. You can select a channel that provides the least interference and best performance. In the United States and Canada, 11 channels are available.
  • If you use multiple wireless access points, it is better if adjacent wireless access points use different channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between adjacent wireless access points is five channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).
  • In infrastructure mode (which is the default mode for the wireless access point), wireless stations normally scan all channels, looking for a wireless access point. If more than one wireless access point can be used, the one with the strongest signal is used. This is possible only if the wireless access points use the same SSID.

Requirements for Entering IP Addresses

IP addresses assigned to the access points must follow the following requirements for IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

IPv4

The fourth octet of an IP address must be between 0 and 255 (both inclusive). This requirement applies to any IP address that you enter on the wireless access point's web management interface.

IPv6

IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated by colons. Any four-digit group of zeroes within an IPv6 address can be reduced to a single zero or altogether omitted.

The following errors invalidate an IPv6 address:

More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets
More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet
More than two colons in a row

Install and Configure the Wireless Access Point

Install and configure your wireless access point in the order of the following sections:

  1. Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Computer
  2. Log In to the Wireless Access Point
  3. Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings
  4. Configure the IPv4 Settings
  5. Configure the Basic Wireless Settings

Before installing the wireless access point, make sure that your Ethernet network functions. After you connect the wireless access point to the Ethernet network, computers with 802.11b/g/a/n/ac wireless adapters are able to communicate with the Ethernet network.

For this to work correctly, verify that you meet all the system requirements, shown in Hardware Description on page 7.

Connect the Wireless Access Point to a Computer

Tip: Before you place the wireless access point in an elevated position that is difficult to reach, first set up and test the wireless access point to verify wireless network connectivity.

To set up the wireless access point:

  1. Unpack the box and verify the contents.
  2. Prepare a computer with an Ethernet adapter.

If this computer is already part of your network, record its TCP/IP configuration settings. Configure the computer with a static IP address of 192.168.0.210 and 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask.

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the wireless access point to the computer.
  2. Securely insert the other end of the cable into the wireless access point's Ethernet port.
  3. Turn on your computer.
  4. Connect the wireless access point to a PoE switch or power adapter.

Tip: The wireless access point supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) with power redundancy. If you are using a switch that provides PoE, you do not need to use a power adapter to power the wireless access point. Using PoE can be especially convenient when the wireless access point is installed in a high location far away from a power outlet.

  1. Verify the following:

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To set up the wireless access point: - 1

Power/Test LED. The Power/Test LED blinks when the wireless access point is first turned on. (To be exact, during startup, the LED is first steady amber, then goes off, and then blinks green.) After about 45 seconds, the LED stays lit (steady green). If after one minute the Power/Test LED is not lit or is still blinking, check the connections and see if the power outlet is controlled by a wall switch that is turned off.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To set up the wireless access point: - 2

Active LED. The Active LED is lit or blinks green when Ethernet traffic is detected.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To set up the wireless access point: - 3

LAN LED. The LAN LED indicates the LAN speed for LAN port 1: green for 1000 Mbps, amber for 100 Mbps, and no light for 10 Mbps. If the LAN LED is not lit, make sure that the Ethernet cable is securely attached at both ends.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To set up the wireless access point: - 4

2.4 GHz WLAN LED. The 2.4 GHz WLAN LED is lit or blinks green when the wireless LAN (WLAN) is ready.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To set up the wireless access point: - 5

5 GHz WLAN LED. The 5 GHz WLAN LED is lit or blinks green when the wireless LAN (WLAN) is ready.

Log In to the Wireless Access Point

The default IP address of your wireless access point is 192.168.0.100. By default, the DHCP client on the wireless access point is enabled. If your network includes a DHCP server but you want to access the access point using the default IP address, you must remove the DHCP server from the network.

To log in to the wireless access point:

  1. Open a web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 or later.
  2. Connect to the wireless access point by entering its default address of 192.168.0.100 in your browser (use http and not https).

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To log in to the wireless access point: - 1

  1. Enter the default user name of admin and the default password of password.
  2. Click the Login button.

The web browser displays the basic General system settings page under the Configuration tab of the main menu.

Web Management Interface

The navigation tabs across the top of the web management interface provide access to all the configuration functions of the wireless access point and remain constant. The menu items in the blue bar change according to the navigation tab that is selected.

The top right corner of all pages that allow you to make configuration changes show the Apply and Cancel buttons, and on several pages the Edit button.

These buttons provide the following functions:

  • Edit. Allows you to edit the existing configuration.
  • Cancel. Cancels all configuration changes that you made on the page.
  • Apply. Saves and applies all configuration changes that you made on the page.

Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings

Note: After you successfully log in to the wireless access point, the basic General system settings page displays.

To configure basic system settings:

1. Select Configuration > System > Basic > General.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > System > Basic > General. - 1

2. Configure the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
Access Point NameThis unique name is the wireless access point NetBIOS name. The name is printed on the rear label of the wireless access point. The default is netgearxxxxxx, in which xxxxxx represents the last 6 digits of the wireless access point MAC address. You can replace the default name with a unique name up to 15 characters long. The access point name can be retrieved through SNMP.
Country / RegionFrom the Country / Region menu, select the country where the wireless access point is installed. Note: It might not be legal to operate this wireless access point in a region other than one of those identified in this field.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

To configure time settings:

1. Select Configuration > System > Basic > Time.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > System > Basic > Time. - 1

2. Configure the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
Time ZoneSelect the time zone to match your location.
Current TimeThis is a nonconfigurable field that displays the current date and time.
NTP ClientEnable the Network Time Protocol (NTP) client to synchronize the time of the wireless access point with an NTP server. By default the Enable radio button is selected.
Use Custom NTP ServerSelect this check box if you want to use a custom NTP server.Note: You need an Internet connection to use an NTP server that is not on your local network.
Hostname / IP AddressEnter the host name or IP address of the custom NTP server. The default is time-b.netgear.com. Note: If you use a host name, make sure that you configured a DNS server.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure the IPv4 Settings

Note: For information about how to configure the IPv6 settings, see Configure IPv6 Settings on page 74.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Configure the IPv4 Settings - 1

WARNING:

If you enable the DHCP client, the IP address of the wireless access point changes when you click the Apply button, causing you to lose your connection to the wireless access point. You must use the new IP address to reconnect to the wireless access point.

Tip: If you enable the DHCP client on the wireless access point, you can discover the new IP address of the wireless access point by accessing the DHCP server on your LAN, or by using a network IP address scanner application.

To configure the IPv4 settings:

1. Select Configuration > IP > IP Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > IP > IP Settings. - 1

2. Configure the IPv4 settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
DHCP ClientBy default, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) client is enabled. The wireless access point receives its IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway settings automatically from the DHCP server on your network when you connect the wireless access point to your LAN.
IP AddressEnter the IP address of your wireless access point. The default IP address is 192.168.0.100. To change the address, enter an unused IP address from the address range used on your LAN, or enable DHCP the server.
IP Subnet MaskEnter the network number portion of an IP address. Unless you are implementing subnetting, enter 255.255.0.0 as the subnet mask.
Default GatewayEnter the IP address of the ISP gateway to which the wireless access point connects.
Primary DNS ServerEnter the IP address of the primary and secondary DNS servers.A DNS server is a host on the Internet that translates Internet names (such as www.netgear.com) to numeric IP addresses. Typically your ISP transfers the IP address of one or two DNS servers to your wireless access point during login. If the ISP does not transfer an address, you must obtain it from the ISP and enter it manually in this field.
Secondary DNS Server
Network Integrity CheckSelect this check box to validate that the upstream link is active before allowing wireless associations. Ensure that the default gateway is configured.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure the Basic Wireless Settings

For proper compliance and compatibility between similar products in your coverage area, you must configure the 802.11bg/ng/bgn and 802.11a/a-na-ac wireless adapter settings correctly, including the operating channel and country. You also must configure the basic wireless network settings for wireless devices to connect to your network. For other wireless features, including wireless security, see Chapter 3, Wireless Configuration and Security.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Configure the Basic Wireless Settings - 1

WARNING:

If you configure the wireless access point from a wireless computer and you change the wireless access point's SSID, channel, or wireless security settings, you lose your wireless connection when you click the Apply button. You then must change the wireless settings of your computer to match the wireless access point's new settings.

Configure 802.11bg/ng/bgn Wireless Settings

To configure the 802.11bg/ng/bgn wireless settings:

  1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > Wireless Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To configure the 802.11bg/ng/bgn wireless settings: - 1

  1. Select the wireless mode in the 2.4 GHz band:

11bg. 802.11b-compliant devices and 802.11g-compliant devices can connect to the access point.
11ng. 802.11n-compliant devices and 802.11g-compliant devices can connect to the access point
- 11bgn. This is the default setting. 802.11b-compliant devices, 802.11n-compliant devices and 802.11g-compliant devices can connect to the access point. If you keep the default setting, go to Step 5.

When you change the wireless mode, the Turn Radio On check box is automatically cleared, and all fields, buttons, and menus on the page are masked out.

  1. Turn on the radio by selecting the Turn Radio On check box.

A pop-up window opens.

Note: Under normal conditions, you want the radio to be turned on. Turning off the radio disables access through the wireless access point, which can be helpful for configuration, network tuning, or troubleshooting activities.

  1. Click the OK button to confirm the change of wireless mode. The change does not take effect until you click the Apply button after you complete the wireless configuration.

  2. Specify the remaining wireless settings as explained the following table:

SettingDescriptions
Wireless Network Name(SSID)Enter a 32-character (maximum) service set identifier (SSID); the characters are case-sensitive. The default is NETGEAR_11ng. The SSID assigned to a wireless device must match the wireless access point's SSID for the wireless device to communicate with the wireless access point. If the SSIDs do not match, you do not get a wireless connection to the wireless access point.
Broadcast WirelessNetwork Name(SSID)Select the Yes radio button to enable the wireless access point to broadcast its SSID, allowing wireless stations with a null (blank) SSID to adopt the wireless access point's SSID. Yes is the default setting. To prevent the SSID from being broadcast, select the No radio button.
Channel / FrequencyFrom the menu, select the channel you want to use for your wireless LAN. The wireless channels and frequencies depend on the country and wireless mode. The default setting is Auto.Note: You do not need to change the wireless channel unless you experience interference (indicated by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens, you might want to experiment with different channels to see which is the best. For more information, see Operating Frequency Guidelines on page 12.Note: For more information about available channels and frequencies, see Technical Specifications on page 103.
11ng and 11bgn modes onlyNote: For most networks, the default settings work fine.MCS Index / Data RateFrom the menu, select a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) index and transmit data rate for the wireless network. The default setting is Best. For a list of all options that you can select from in 11ng and 11bgn modes, see Factory Default Settings on page 105.
Channel WidthFrom the menu, select a channel width. The options are 20 MHz and 40 MHz. The default is 40 MHz.
Guard IntervalFrom the menu, select the guard interval to protect transmissions from interference. The default is Auto, or you can select Long - 800 ns. Some legacy devices can operate only with a long guard interval.
11bg modes onlyData RateFrom the menu, select the transmit data rate of the wireless network. The default setting is Best. For a list of all options that you can select from in 11bg mode, see Factory Default Settings on page 105.
Output PowerFrom the menu, select the transmission power of the wireless access point: Full, Half, Quarter, Eighth, Minimum. The default is Full.Note: Increasing the power improves performance, but if two or more wireless access points are operating in the same area and on the same channel, interference can occur.Note: Make sure that you comply with the regulatory requirements for total radio frequency (RF) output power in your country.
  1. Click the Apply button.
    Your settings are saved.

Note: For information about how to configure advanced wireless settings, see Configure Advanced Wireless Settings on page 78.

Configure 802.11a/a-na-ac Wireless Settings

To configure the 802.11a/a-na-ac wireless settings:

1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > Wireless Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > Wireless Settings. - 1

  1. Select the wireless mode in the 5 GHz band:

11a. 802.11n-compliant devices can connect to the access point because they are backward compatible.
11a-na-ac. This is the default setting. If you keep the default setting, go to Step 5.

When you change the wireless mode, the Turn Radio On check box is automatically cleared, and all fields, buttons, and menus on the page are masked out.

  1. Turn on the radio by selecting the Turn Radio On check box.

A pop-up window opens.

Note: Under normal conditions, you want the radio to be turned on. Turning off the radio disables access through the wireless access point, which can be helpful for configuration, network tuning, or troubleshooting activities.

  1. Click the OK button to confirm the change of wireless mode.

The change does not take effect until you click the Apply button after you complete the wireless configuration.

  1. Specify the remaining wireless settings as explained the following table:
SettingDescriptions
Wireless Network Name (SSID)Enter a 32-character (maximum) service set identifier (SSID); the characters are case-sensitive. The default is NETGEAR_11ac. TheSSID assigned to a wireless device must match the wireless access point'sSSID for the wireless device to communicate with the wireless access point. If the SSIDs do not match, you do not get a wireless connection to the wireless access point.
Broadcast Wireless Network Name (SSID)Select the Yes radio button to enable the wireless access point to broadcast itsSSID, allowing wireless stations with a null (blank)SSID to adopt the wireless access point'sSSID. Yes is the default setting. To prevent theSSID from being broadcast, select the No radio button.
Channel / FrequencyFrom the menu, select the channel you wish to use on your wireless LAN. The wireless channels and frequencies depend on the country and wireless mode. The default setting is Auto.Note: You do not need to change the wireless channel unless you experience interference (indicated by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens, you might want to experiment with different channels to see which is the best. For more information, see the guidelines following this table.Note: For more information about available channels and frequencies, see Technical Specifications on page 103.
11a-na-ac mode onlyNote: For most networks, the default settings work fine.MCS Index / Data RateFrom the menu, select a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) index and transmit data rate for the wireless network. The default setting is Best. For a list of all options that you can select from in 11a-na-ac mode, see Factory Default Settings on page 105.
Channel WidthFrom the menu, select a channel width. The options are 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz. The default is 80 MHz.
Guard IntervalFrom the menu, select the guard interval to protect transmissions from interference. The default is Auto, or you can select Long - 800 ns. Some legacy devices can operate only with a long guard interval.
11a mode onlyData RateFrom the menu, select the transmit data rate of the wireless network. The default setting is Best. For a list of all options that you can select from in 11a mode, see Factory Default Settings on page 105.
Output PowerFrom the menu, select the transmission power of the wireless access point: Full, Half, Quarter, Eighth, Minimum. The default is Full. Note: Increasing the power improves performance, but if two or more wireless access points are operating in the same area and on the same channel, interference can occur. Note: Make sure that you comply with the regulatory requirements for total radio frequency (RF) output power in your country.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Note: For information about how to configure advanced wireless settings, see Configure Advanced Wireless Settings on page 78.

Test Basic Wireless Connectivity

After you configure the wireless access point, test the computers on your LAN for wireless connectivity before you position and mount the wireless access point at its permanent position.

To test for wireless connectivity:

  1. Configure the wireless adapters of your computers so that they all use the same SSID and channel that you configured on the wireless access point.
  2. Verify that your computers acquired a wireless link to the wireless access point.
  3. Verify network connectivity by using a browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome to browse the Internet, or check for file and printer access on your network.

Note: If you experience trouble connecting to the wireless access point, see Chapter 6, Troubleshooting.

We recommend that you complete the following tasks before you deploy the wireless access point in your network:

  • Configure wireless security and other wireless features as described in Chapter 3, Wireless Configuration and Security.
  • Configure any additional features that you might need as described in Chapter 4, Management and Monitoring, and Chapter 5, Advanced Configuration.

After you complete the configuration of the wireless access point, you can reconfigure the computer that you used for this process back to its original TCP/IP settings.

Mount the Wireless Access Point

The following sections explain how to mount your wireless access point. We recommend that you review the information in Wireless Equipment Placement and Range Guidelines on page 11 before you mount the wireless access point at its permanent position.

Package Content of the Ceiling and Wall Installation Kit
- Drop Ceiling Installation
- Wall Installation

Package Content of the Ceiling and Wall Installation Kit

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Package Content of the Ceiling and Wall Installation Kit - 1
Figure 4. Ceiling and wall installation kit

The ceiling and wall installation kit contains the following components:

One access point mounting bracket (1)
One wall mounting bracket (2)
Six mounting screws with integrated washers for the access point mounting bracket (3)
One T-bar screw for the access point mounting bracket (4)
Four wall screws for the wall mounting bracket (5)
Four wall anchors for the wall mounting bracket (6)

Drop Ceiling Installation

The best location for ceiling installation is at the center of your wireless coverage area, and within line of sight of all mobile devices. Make sure that the top (the dome side) of the wireless access point is directed toward the users and not the ceiling.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Drop Ceiling Installation - 1

Before mounting the access point in a high location, first set up and test the access point to verify WiFi network connectivity.

If you are mounting the access point on a hard ceiling, use the wall installation instructions.

Note: Do not place the wireless access point in a false ceiling space facing up.

To mount your access point to a drop ceiling:

  1. Attach the access point mounting bracket to the access point using the six mounting screws.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a drop ceiling: - 1

  1. Place the access point so that the ceiling rail is between the two tabs on the access point mounting bracket.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a drop ceiling: - 2

  1. Twist the access point to hang it from the ceiling rail.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a drop ceiling: - 3

  1. Secure the access point to the ceiling rail using the T-bar screw.

Wall Installation

The best location for wall installation is at the center of your wireless coverage area, and within line of sight of all mobile devices. Make sure that the top (the dome side) of the wireless access point is directed toward the users and not the wall.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Wall Installation - 1

To mount your access point to a wall:

  1. Place the wall mounting bracket on the wall where you want to mount the access point.
  2. Mark the wall where the two mounting holes are (see the figure in Step 5).
  3. Attach the access point mounting bracket to the access point using the six mounting screws as shown.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a wall: - 1

  1. So you can see how the brackets fit together, attach the wall mounting bracket to the access point mounting bracket as shown in the following figure. The three hooks on the wall mounting bracket fit into the three holes on the access point mounting bracket. The handle on the wall mounting bracket also fits into a hole on the access point bracket. Release the wall mounting bracket by moving the handle.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a wall: - 2

  1. Using the wall anchors and screws, attach the wall mounting bracket to the wall where you previously marked. The following figures show a side view of the wall. The left figure includes a schematic view of the wall mounting bracket.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a wall: - 3

Note: Although the product package includes four wall anchors and screws, two screws are sufficient to attach the wall mounting bracket as shown in the previous figure. However, if you prefer, you can use four screws and insert them through the mounting holes in the corners of the wall mounting bracket.

  1. Align the three holes on the access point bracket with the three hooks on the wall mounting bracket and slide the access point down until it click-attaches to the wall mounting bracket and is secured. The following figures show a side view of the wall.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a wall: - 4

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To mount your access point to a wall: - 5

Wireless Configuration and Security

3

This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of the wireless access point. The chapter includes the following sections:

  • Wireless Data Security Options
    Security Profiles
  • Configure and Enable Security Profiles
  • Configure RADIUS Server Settings
  • Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address
  • Enable Rogue AP Detection
    Schedule the Wireless Radios to Be Turned Off
  • Configure Basic Wireless Quality of Service

Before you set up wireless security and additional wireless features that are described in this chapter, connect the wireless access point, get the Internet connection working, and configure the 802.11bg/ng/bgn and 802.11a/a-na-ac wireless settings as described in Chapter 2, Initial Setup. The wireless access point functions with an Ethernet LAN connection. Make sure that you verify wireless connectivity before you set up wireless security and additional wireless features.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - 3 - 1

WARNING:

If you are configuring the wireless access point from a wireless computer and you change the wireless access point's SSID, channel, or wireless security settings, you lose your wireless connection when you click the Apply button. You must then change the wireless settings of your computer to match the wireless access point's new settings.

Wireless Data Security Options

Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11ac wireless networks at a maximum range of 300 feet. Typically, a wireless access point inside a building works best with devices within a 100-foot radius. Such distances can allow for others outside your immediate area to access your network.

Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can extend beyond your walls and can be received by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of your wireless equipment. The wireless access point provides highly effective security features that are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Wireless Data Security Options - 1
Figure 5. Wireless data security options

You can enhance the security of your wireless network in several ways:

  • Use multiple BSSIDs combined with VLANs. You can configure combinations of VLANs and BSSIDs (security profiles) with stronger or less restrictive access security according to your requirements. For example, visitors could be given wireless Internet access but be excluded from any access to your internal network. For information about how to configure BSSIDs, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35.
  • Restrict access based on MAC address. You can allow only trusted devices to connect so that unknown devices cannot wirelessly connect to the wireless access point. Restricting access by MAC address adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the wireless link is fully exposed. For information about how to restrict access by MAC address, see Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address on page 43.
  • Turn off the broadcast of the wireless network name (SSID). If you disable broadcast of the SSID, only devices with the correct SSID can connect. This nullifies the wireless network discovery feature of some products, such as Windows XP, but the data is still exposed. For information about how to turn off broadcast of the SSID, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35.

  • Legacy 802.1X. Legacy 802.1X uses RADIUS-based 802.1x authentication but no data encryption. For information about how to configure Legacy 802.1X, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35 and Configure Legacy 802.1X on page 39.

  • WPA and WPA-PSK (TKIP). Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption provides strong data security with Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) encryption. The very strong authentication along with dynamic per-frame rekeying of WPA makes it virtually impossible to compromise.

WPA uses RADIUS-based 802.1x authentication. For more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35 and Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS on page 39.

WPA-PSK uses a pre-shared key (PSK) for authentication. For more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35 and Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK on page 40.

  • WPA2 and WPA2-PSK (AES). Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2 (WPA2) data encryption provides strong data security with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. The very strong authentication along with dynamic per-frame rekeying of WPA2 makes it virtually impossible to compromise.

WPA2 uses RADIUS-based 802.1x authentication. For more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35 and Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS on page 39.

WPA2-PSK uses a pre-shared key (PSK) for authentication. For more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35 and Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK on page 40.

  • WPA & WPA2 and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK mixed modes. These modes support data encryption either with both WPA and WPA2 clients or with both WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK clients and provide the most reliable security.

WPA & WPA2 uses RADIUS-based 802.1x authentication. For more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35 and Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS on page 39.

WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK uses a pre-shared key (PSK) for authentication; for more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35 and Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK on page 40.

Security Profiles

Security profiles let you configure unique security settings for each SSID on each radio of the wireless access point. For each radio, the wireless access point supports up to eight security profiles (BSSIDs) that you can configure on the individual Edit Wireless Network pages that are accessible from the Edit Security Profile page (see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35).

To set up a security profile, select its network authentication type, data encryption, wireless client security separation, and VLAN ID:

Network authentication

The wireless access point is set by default as an open system with no authentication. When you configure network authentication, bear in mind that not all wireless adapters support WPA or WPA2. Windows XP, Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3, and Windows Vista do include the client software that supports WPA. However, client software is required on the client. Consult the product documentation for your wireless adapter and WPA or WPA2 client software for instructions about how to configure WPA2 settings.

For information about the types of network authentication that the wireless access point supports, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35.

Data encryption

Select the data encryption that you want to use. The available options depend on the network authentication setting (otherwise, the default is None). The data encryption settings are explained in Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35.

- Wireless client security separation

If this feature is enabled, the associated wireless clients (using the same SSID) are not able to communicate with each other. This feature is useful for hotspots and other public access situations. By default, wireless client separation is disabled. For more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35.

VLANID

If this feature is enabled and if the network devices (hubs and switches) on your LAN support the VLAN (802.1Q) standard, the default VLAN ID for the wireless access point is associated with each profile. The default VLAN ID must match the IDs that are used by the other network devices. For more information, see Configure and Enable Security Profiles on page 35.

Some concepts and guidelines regarding the SSID are explained in the following list:

  • A basic service set (BSS) is a group of wireless stations and a single wireless access point, all using the same security profile or service set identifier (BSSID). The actual identifier in the BSSID is the MAC address of the wireless radio. (A wireless radio can be assigned multiple MAC addresses, one for each security profile.)
  • An extended service set (ESS) is a group of wireless stations and multiple wireless access points, all using the same identifier (ESSID).
  • Different wireless access points within an ESS can use different channels. To reduce interference, specify that adjacent wireless access points use different channels.
  • Roaming is the ability of wireless stations to connect wirelessly when they physically move from one BSS to another one within the same ESS. The wireless station automatically changes to the wireless access point with the least interference or best performance.

Configure and Enable Security Profiles

To configure and enable a security profile, you must enable the associated radio:

  • For 802.11bg/ng/bgn modes, the 2.4 GHz radio must be enabled (see Configure 802.11bg/ng/bgn Wireless Settings on page 20).
  • For 802.11a/a-na-ac modes, the 5 GHz radio must be enabled. (see Configure 802.11a/a-na-ac Wireless Settings on page 22).

Both radios can function concurrently.

To configure and enable a security profile:

1. Select Configuration > Security > Profile Settings.

The Profile Settings page for the 802.11bg/ng/bgn and 802.11a/a-na-ac modes shows eight wireless security profiles for each mode. (If the 2.4 GHz radio is disabled, the Enable column is masked out.)

NETGEAR

WAC720 ProSAFE Dual Band Wireless AC Access Point

Welcome admin

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 1

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 2

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 3

Advanced

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 4

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 5

The following table explains the fields of the Profile Settings page:

SettingDescription
Profile NameThe unique name of the wireless security profile that makes it easy to recognize the profile.
SSIDThe wireless network name (SSID) for the wireless security profile.
SecurityThe configured wireless authentication method for the wireless security profile.
VLANThe default VLAN ID that is associated with the wireless security profile.
WMF EnableThe check box that lets you select the wireless security profile so that you can enable it by clicking the Apply button.
  1. To configure a wireless security profile, select the corresponding radio button to the left of the wireless security profile.
  2. Click the Edit button.

The Edit Security Profile page displays. This page contains three sections:

  • Profile Definition (see Step 4)
    Authentication Settings (see Step 5)
    QoS Policies (see Step 6)

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 6

  1. Specify the settings of the Profile Definition section as explained in the following table:
SettingDescription
Profile NameEnter a unique name of the wireless security profile that makes it easy to recognize the profile. The default names are NETGEAR, NETGEAR-1, NETGEAR-2, and so on, through NETGEAR-7. You can enter a value of up to 32 alphanumeric characters.
Wireless Network Name (SSID)The wireless network name (SSID) for the wireless security profile. The default names depend on the selected radio band:802.11bg/ng/bgn. The default names are NETGEAR_11ng, NETGEAR_11ng-1, NETGEAR_11ng-2, and so on, through NETGEAR_11ng-7 for the eighth profile.802.11a/na. The default names are NETGEAR_11ac, NETGEAR_11ac-1, NETGEAR_11ac-2, and so on, through NETGEAR_11ac-7 for the eighth profile.
Broadcast Wireless Network Name (SSID)Select the Yes radio button to enable the wireless access point to broadcast itsSSID, allowing wireless stations with a null (blank)SSID to adopt the wireless access point'sSSID. Yes is the default setting. To prevent theSSID from being broadcast, select the No radio button.
  1. Specify the settings of the Authentication Settings section as explained in the following table. The wireless access point is set by default as an open system with no authentication. When you configure network authentication, bear in mind the following:

  2. If you are using access point mode (which is the default mode if you did not enable wireless bridging), then all options are available. In other modes such as bridge mode, some options might be unavailable.

  3. Not all wireless adapters support WPA or WPA2. Windows XP, Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3, and Windows Vista do include the client software that supports WPA. However, client software is required on the client. Consult the product documentation for your wireless adapter and WPA or WPA2 client software for instructions about how to configure WPA2 settings.
SettingDescription
Network Authentication and Data Encryption Note: The data encryption fields that display on the page depend on your selection from the Network Authentication menu.Open SystemThis is the default setting. Use an open system without any encryption.See Configure Legacy 802.1X on page 39.
Legacy 802.1XConfigure the RADIUS server settings. Encryption is not supported.See Configure Legacy 802.1X on page 39.
WPA with RADIUSConfigure the RADIUS server settings and select TKIP or TKIP + AES encryption.See Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS on page 39.
Network Authentication and Data Encryption (continued)WPA2 with RADIUSConfigure the RADIUS server settings and select AES or TKIP + AES encryption.See Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS on page 39.Note: Select this setting only if all clients support WPA2.
WPA & WPA2 with RADIUSConfigure the RADIUS server setting. TKIP + AES encryption is the default encryption.See Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS on page 39.Note: This setting allows clients to connect through either WPA with TKIP or WPA2 with AES.
WPA-PSKEnter a WPA passphrase and select TKIP or TKIP + AES encryption.See Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK on page 40.
WPA2-PSKEnter a WPA passphrase and select AES or TKIP + AES encryption.See Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK on page 40.Note: Select this setting only if all clients support WPA2.
WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSKEnter a WPA passphrase. TKIP + AES encryption is the default encryption.See Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK on page 40.Note: This setting allows clients to connect through either WPA with TKIP or WPA2 with AES.
Wireless Client Security SeparationIf you enable wireless client security separation by selecting Enable from the menu, the associated wireless clients cannot communicate with each other. By default, Disable is selected from the menu. This feature is intended for hotspots and other public access situations.
VLAN IDEnter the VLAN ID to be associated with this wireless security profile. The default VLAN ID is 1. The VLAN ID must match the VLAN ID that is used by the other devices in your network.
  1. (Optional) In the QoS Policies section, select a QoS policy from the Incoming menu, Outgoing menu, or both. Depending on your selection, the policy is applied to incoming packets, outgoing packets, or both incoming and outgoing packets, and is displayed in the Policy Details fields.

Note: To be able to select a QoS policy, you must first configure one or more policies (see Configure and Manage Quality of Service Policies on page 83).

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 7

WARNING:

If you use a wireless computer to configure wireless security settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button.

Reconfigure your wireless computer to match the new settings, or access the wireless access point from a wired computer to make further changes.

Change the QoS Policy for a Wireless Security Profile

To change the QoS policy for a wireless security profile:

  1. Select Configuration > Security > Profile Settings.

The Profile Settings page displays.

  1. Select the radio button the left of the wireless security profile.
  2. Click the Edit button.

The Edit Security Profile page displays.

  1. From the menu from which you can select another QoS policy, select None.
  2. Click the Apply button.

The old policy is removed from the security profile.

  1. Select the new QoS policy from the same menu.
  2. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure Legacy 802.1X

To use legacy 802.1X security, you must define RADIUS server settings. For information about RADIUS servers, see Configure RADIUS Server Settings on page 41.

When you select Legacy 802.1X from the Network Authentication menu, the Data Encryption menu is automatically set to None. To use legacy 802.1X security, you must define the RADIUS servers only.

Configure WPA With RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 With RADIUS

WPA and WPA & WPA2 security require RADIUS-based 802.1x authentication, so you also must define RADIUS server settings. For information about RADIUS servers, see Configure RADIUS Server Settings on page 41.

The selections that are available from the Data Encryption menu depend on the type of WPA authentication that you select from the Network Authentication menu and are shown in the following table.

Table 2. Encryption options for WPA with RADIUS and WPA & WPA2 with RADIUS

SettingDescriptions
AESAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the standard encryption method used with WPA2.Note: Although some wireless clients might support AES with WPA, the WAC720 and WAC730 wireless access points do not support WPA with AES.
TKIP + AESThe TKIP + AES encryption method is supported both for WPA and WPA2. Broadcast packets use TKIP. For unicast (point-to-point) transmissions, WPA clients use TKIP, and WPA2 clients use AES. For the WPA & WPA2 mixed mode, TKIP + AES is the only supported data encryption method.

Configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK

WPA-PSK, WPA-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK authentication use a pre-shared key (PSK, also called a passphrase or a network key) and do not require authentication from a RADIUS server.

The selections that are available from the Data Encryption menu depend on the type of WPA-PSK authentication that you select from the Network Authentication menu and are shown in the following table.

Table 3. Security and encryption options for WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK

SettingDescriptions
Data EncryptionAESAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the standard encryption method used with WPA2.Note: Although some wireless clients might support AES with WPA, the WAC720 and WAC730 wireless access points do not support WPA with AES.
TKIP + AESTKIP + AES supports both WPA and WPA2. Broadcast packets use TKIP. For unicast (point-to-point) transmissions, WPA clients use TKIP, and WPA2 clients use AES.For the WPA & WPA2 mixed mode, TKIP + AES is the only supported data encryption method.
PassphraseEnter a passphrase. The passphrase length must be between 8 and 63 characters (inclusive). The default passphrase is sharedsecret.You can display the actual passphrase by selecting the Show Passphrase in Clear Text Yes radio button.
Show Passphrase in Clear TextSelect the Yes radio button to display the actual passphrase in the Passphrase field. The default setting is No.

Configure RADIUS Server Settings

For authentication, accounting, or both authentication and accounting using RADIUS, you must configure primary servers and optional secondary servers. These RADIUS server settings can apply to all devices that are connected to the wireless access point.

You can configure both IPv4 and IPv6 servers. In the IPv4 RADIUS Server Settings section, enter IPv4 addresses only. In the IPv6 RADIUS Server Settings section, enter IPv6 addresses only.

To configure the RADIUS server settings:

  1. Select Configuration > Security > Advanced > RADIUS Server Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To configure the RADIUS server settings: - 1

  1. Specify the settings as explained in the following table:
SettingDescriptions
RADIUS Server Settings
PrimaryAuthentication ServerIPv4 Address or IPv6 AddressEnter the IP address of the primary RADIUS server for authentication.
PortEnter the number of the UDP port on the wireless access point that is used to access the primary RADIUS server for authentication. The default port number is 1812.
Shared SecretEnter the shared key that is used between the wireless access point and the primary RADIUS server during authentication.
SecondaryAuthentication ServerIPv4 Address or IPv6 AddressEnter the IP address of the secondary RADIUS server for authentication. The secondary RADIUS server is used when the primary RADIUS server is not available.
PortEnter the number of the UDP port on the wireless access point that is used to access the secondary RADIUS server for authentication. The default port number is 1812.
Shared SecretEnter the shared key that is used between the wireless access point and the secondary RADIUS server during authentication.
PrimaryAccounting ServerIPv4 Address or IPv6 AddressEnter the IP address of the primary RADIUS server for accounting.
PortEnter the number of the UDP port on the wireless access point that is used to access the primary RADIUS server for accounting. The default port number is 1813.
Shared SecretEnter the shared key that is used between the wireless access point and the primary RADIUS server during the accounting process.
SecondaryAccounting ServerIPv4 Address or IPv6 AddressEnter the IP address of the secondary RADIUS server for accounting. The secondary RADIUS server is used when the primary RADIUS server is not available.
PortEnter the number of the UDP port on the wireless access point that is used to access the secondary RADIUS server for accounting. The default port number is 1813.
Shared SecretEnter the shared key that is used between the wireless access point and the secondary RADIUS server during the accounting process.
Authentication Settings
ReauthenticationTime (Seconds)The interval in seconds after which the supplicant is reauthorized with the RADIUS server. The default interval is 3600 seconds (1 hour). Enter 0 to disable reauthentication.
Update Global KeyEvery (Seconds)Select the check box to allow the global key update, and enter the interval in seconds. The check box is selected by default, and the default interval is 1800 seconds (30 minutes). Clear the check box to prevent the global key update.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address

For increased security, you can restrict access to an SSID by allowing access to only specific computers or wireless stations based on their MAC addresses. You can restrict access to only trusted computers so that unknown computers cannot connect wirelessly to the wireless access point. MAC address filtering adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the wireless link is fully exposed.

Note: For wireless adapters, you can usually find the MAC address printed on the wireless adapter.

To restrict access based on MAC addresses:

  1. Select Configuration > Security > Advanced > MAC Authentication.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To restrict access based on MAC addresses: - 1

  1. Select the Turn Access Control On check box to enable the access control feature.
  2. From the Select Access Control Database menu, select a database option:

  3. Local MAC Address Database. The wireless access point uses the local MAC address database for access control. This is the default setting.

  4. Remote MAC Address Database. The wireless access point uses the MAC address database on an external RADIUS server on the LAN for access control. If you select this database, you first must configure the RADIUS server settings (see Configure RADIUS Server Settings on page 41).

  5. Click the Refresh button to refresh the Available Wireless Stations table.

The wireless access point places the MAC addresses of the attached wireless stations in this table.

  1. Populate the Trusted Wireless Stations table by one of the following methods:

  2. Select MAC addresses from the Available Wireless Stations table:

a. Select individual check boxes for MAC addresses, or select all MAC addresses by selecting the check box in the heading.
b. Click the Move button to transfer the MAC addresses from the Available Wireless Stations table to the Trusted Wireless Stations table.

  • Enter MAC addresses manually:

a. Enter a MAC address directly in the Trusted Wireless Stations table.
b. Click the Add button.

To delete a MAC address from the Trusted Wireless Stations table, select individual check boxes for MAC addresses, or select all MAC addresses by selecting the check box in the heading, and then click the Delete button.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Now, only devices in the Trusted Wireless Stations table are allowed to connect to the wireless access point over a wireless connection.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To restrict access based on MAC addresses: - 2

WARNING:

When configuring the wireless access point from a wireless computer whose MAC address is not on the access control list, you lose your wireless connection when you click the Apply button. You then must access the wireless access point from a wired computer or from a wireless computer that is on the access control list to make any further changes.

Enable Rogue AP Detection

Unidentified access points that use the SSID of a legitimate network can present a serious security threat. Detecting rogue access points involves scanning the wireless environment on all available channels, looking for unidentified access points.

When rogue AP detection is enabled, the access point will interact only with devices in the Known AP list.

To enable rogue AP detection:

1. Select Configuration > Security > Advanced > Rogue AP.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > Security > Advanced > Rogue AP. - 1

  1. Select the Turn Rogue AP Detection On check box.
  2. Select a detection policy from the Rogue AP Detection Policy menu:

Mild. The AP scans for unknown APs every 180 seconds.
- Moderate. The AP scans for unknown APs every 60 seconds.
- Aggressive. The AP scans for unknown APs every 10 seconds.

  1. To import a list of known APs, click the Choose File button.

The file you import must be a plain-text file with a .txt or .cfg extension. Entries in the file are MAC addresses in hexadecimal format with each octet separated by colons, for example 00:11:22:33:44:55. Separate entries with a single space. For the AP to accept the file, it must contain only MAC addresses.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Schedule the Wireless Radios to Be Turned Off

Scheduling the wireless radios to be turned off is a green feature that allows you to turn off the wireless radios during scheduled vacations, office shutdowns, on evenings, or on weekends.

To schedule the radios to be turned on and off:

  1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > Wireless Scheduling.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To schedule the radios to be turned on and off: - 1

  1. Specify the settings as explained in the following table:
SettingDescription
Wireless SchedulingSelect the Enable radio button to enable the timer. By default, the Disable radio button is selected.
Radio Off ScheduleSelect check boxes to specify the days when you want to schedule the radios to be turned off. By default, Saturday and Sunday are selected.
Radio On TimeEnter the time that you want the radios to be turned back on. Use 24-hour time format.
Radio Off TimeEnter the time that you want the radios to be turned off. Use 24-hour time format.
  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure Basic Wireless Quality of Service

Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) is a subset of the 802.11e standard. WMM allows you to specify a range of priorities, depending on the type of data. Time-dependent information, such as video or audio, is given a higher priority than normal traffic. For WMM to function correctly, wireless clients must also support WMM.

By enabling WMM, you allow Quality of Service (QoS) control for upstream traffic flowing from a wireless station to the wireless access point and for downstream traffic flowing from the wireless access point to a wireless station.

WMM defines the following four queues in decreasing order of priority:

  • Voice. The highest priority queue with minimum delay, which makes it ideal for applications like VoIP and streaming media.
    Video. The second highest priority queue with low delay is given to this queue. Video applications are routed to this queue.
  • Best Effort. The medium priority queue with medium delay is given to this queue. Most standard IP applications use this queue.
  • Background. Low priority queue with high throughput. Applications, such as FTP, that are not time-sensitive but require high throughput can use this queue.

The WMM Powersave feature saves power for battery-powered equipment by increasing the efficiency and flexibility of data transmission.

Note: For information about how to configure advanced wireless QoS, that is, to configure specific Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) settings, see Configure Advanced Quality of Service Settings on page 81.

To configure basic wireless QoS:

  1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Basic > QoS Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To configure basic wireless QoS: - 1

  1. Enable or disable the WMM features:

  2. Enable Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM). To enable this feature, select the Enable radio button, which is the default setting. Select the Disable radio button to disable the feature.

  3. WMM Powersave. To enable this feature, select the Enable radio button, which is the default setting. Select the Disable radio button to disable the feature.

  4. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

This chapter describes how to use the management and monitoring features of the wireless access point. The chapter includes the following sections:

  • Enable Remote Management
  • Upgrade the Wireless Access Point Software
  • Manage the Configuration File or Reset to Factory Defaults
  • Change the Administrator Password
  • Manage User Accounts
  • Enable the Syslog Server
    Monitor the Wireless Access Point
    View the Activity Log
    View the Traffic Statistics
  • Enable and Configure Ensemble Mode

Enable Remote Management

Both Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and the remote console Secure Shell (SSH) are enabled by default, which allows for remote management of the wireless access point from a client running SNMP management software, as well as from an SSH client. The Telnet console is disabled by default.

The following sections describe the remote management options:

SNMP Management
- Secure Shell and Telnet Management

SNMP Management

To set up an SNMP management interface:

1. Select Maintenance > Remote Management > SNMP.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Maintenance > Remote Management > SNMP. - 1

2. Specify the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
SNMPSelect the Enable radio button to allow the SNMP network management software, such as HP OpenView, to manage the wireless access point through SNMPv1/v2 protocol. By default, the Disable radio button is selected.
Read-Only Community NameEnter the community string to allow the SNMP manager to read the wireless access point's Management Information Base (MIB) objects. The default is public.
Read-Write Community NameEnter the community string to allow the SNMP manager to read and write the wireless access point's MIB objects. The default is private.
Trap Community NameEnter the community string to allow the SNMP manager to send traps. The default is trap.
IP Address to Receive TrapsEnter the IP address of the SNMP manager to receive traps sent from the wireless access point.
Trap PortEnter the number of the SNMP manager port to receive traps sent from the wireless access point. The default is 162.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Secure Shell and Telnet Management

To configure remote console features:

1. Select Maintenance > Remote Management > Remote Console.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Maintenance > Remote Management > Remote Console. - 1

  1. Enable or disable the remote console features:

  2. Secure Shell (SSH). To enable this feature, select the Enable radio button, which is the default setting. Select the Disable button to disable the feature.

  3. Telnet. To enable this feature, select the Enable radio button. Select the Disable button to disable the feature, which is the default setting.

  4. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage the Wireless Access Point over a Telnet Connection

To manage the wireless access point over a Telnet connection:

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the console port of the wireless access point.
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to a VT100/ANSI terminal or a computer.

If you attach a computer that is running a Windows, Apple, or Linux operating system, start a secure terminal emulation program, and configure the terminal emulation program to use the following settings:

Baud rate. 9600 bps
Data bits. 8
- Parity. None
- Stop bit. 1
- Flow control. None

  1. Start a secure Telnet session from the terminal or workstation to the wireless access point. A page similar to the following displays:

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To manage the wireless access point over a Telnet connection: - 1

  1. Enter the login name and password.

The default login name is admin and the default password is password.

After successful login, the > prompt appears, preceded by the name of the wireless access point. In this example, the prompt is netgear334408.

  1. Enter the CLI commands that you want to use.

You can enter show configuration to display the available CLI commands.

Note: You can also access the wireless access point remotely over a Telnet or SSH session using an application such as PuTTY, if such an encryption application is allowed by law in your country. After you connect to the wireless access point, enter the login name and password to access the CLI.

Upgrade the Wireless Access Point Software

The software of the wireless access point is stored in flash memory and can be upgraded as NETGEAR releases new software. You can download upgrade files from the NETGEAR website. If the upgrade file is compressed (.zip file), you first must extract the image (.rmt) file before sending it to the wireless access point. You can send the upgrade file using your browser. Two methods are available to perform a software upgrade, which are described in the following sections:

  • Upgrade the Firmware Over a Web Browser
  • Upgrade the Firmware Over a TFTP Server

Note: The web browser that you use to upload new firmware into the wireless access point must support HTTP uploads. Use a browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome.

Note: You cannot perform the software upgrade from a computer that is connected to the wireless access point over a wireless link. You must use a computer that is connected to the wireless access point over an Ethernet cable.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Upgrade the Wireless Access Point Software - 1

WARNING:

When uploading software to the wireless access point, do not interrupt the web browser by closing the page, clicking a link, or loading a new page. If the browser is interrupted, the upload might fail, corrupt the software, and render the wireless access point inoperable.

IMPORTANT:

In some cases, such as a major upgrade, you might need to erase the configuration and manually reconfigure your wireless access point after upgrading it. See the release notes included with the software to find out if you must reconfigure the wireless access point.

Upgrade the Firmware Over a Web Browser

To use a web browser to upgrade the wireless access point firmware:

  1. Download the new software file from the NETGEAR website and save it to your hard disk.
  2. If necessary, unzip the new software file.
  3. If available, read the release notes before upgrading the software.
  4. Select Maintenance > Upgrade > Firmware Upgrade.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To use a web browser to upgrade the wireless access point firmware: - 1

  1. Click the Browse button and locate the image (.tar) upgrade file.
  2. Click the Apply button to initiate the upgrade process.

During the upgrade process, the wireless access point automatically restarts. The upgrade process typically takes several minutes. When the Test LED turns off, wait a few more seconds before doing anything with the wireless access point.

  1. Verify that the new software file was installed by selecting Monitoring > System.

The System page displays. The firmware version is shown in the Access Point Information section of the page.

Upgrade the Firmware Over a TFTP Server

To use this method, you need access to a TFTP server.

To use a TFTP server to upgrade the wireless access point firmware:

  1. Download the new software file from the NETGEAR website and save it to your hard disk.
  2. Place the software file in your TFTP server location.
  3. If available, read the release notes before upgrading the software.
  4. Select Maintenance > Upgrade > Firmware Upgrade TFTP.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To use a TFTP server to upgrade the wireless access point firmware: - 1

  1. Specify the following information:

  2. Firmware File Name. The name of the software file.
    TFTP Server IP. The IP address of your TFTP server.

  3. Click the Apply button to initiate the upgrade process.

During the upgrade process, the wireless access point automatically restarts. The upgrade process typically takes several minutes. When the Test LED turns off, wait a few more seconds before doing anything with the wireless access point.

  1. Verify that the new software file was installed by selecting Monitoring > System.

The System page displays. The firmware version is shown in the Access Point Information section of the page.

Manage the Configuration File or Reset to Factory Defaults

The wireless access point settings are stored in the configuration file. You can save this file (back it up) to a computer, restore it from a computer, or reset it to factory default settings, as described in the following sections:

  • Save the Configuration
  • Restore the Configuration
  • Restore the Wireless Access Point to the Factory Default Settings
    Reboot the Wireless Access Point Without Restoring the Default Configuration

Save the Configuration

To save your settings:

1. Select Maintenance > Upgrade > Backup Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Maintenance > Upgrade > Backup Settings. - 1

2. Click the Backup button.

Your browser extracts the configuration file (the file name is config) from the wireless access point and prompts you for a location on your computer to store the file.

3. Follow the instructions of your browser to save the file.

Restore the Configuration

To restore your settings from a saved configuration file:

1. Select Maintenance > Upgrade > Restore Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Maintenance > Upgrade > Restore Settings. - 1

  1. Click the Browse button and locate the backup configuration file (the file name is config).

IMPORTANT:

During the restoration process, do not try to go online, turn off the wireless access point, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the wireless access point until it finishes restarting!

  1. Click the Apply button to initiate the restoration process.

During the restoration process, the wireless access point automatically restarts. The restoration process typically takes about one minute. When the Test LED turns off, wait a few more seconds before doing anything with the wireless access point.

Restore the Wireless Access Point to the Factory Default Settings

You can restore the wireless access point to the factory default settings by two methods that are described in the following sections:

Use the Web Management Interface to Restore Factory Default Settings
Use the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings

Note: After you restore the factory default settings on the wireless access point, the following occurs:

  • All custom configurations are lost.
  • The login password is password.
  • The default LAN IP address is 192.168.0.100.
  • The DHCP client is disabled.
  • The Access Point Name field is reset to the name printed on the label on the bottom of the unit.

Use the Web Management Interface to Restore Factory Default Settings

To restore the factory default settings using the web management interface:

1. Select Maintenance > Reset > Restore Defaults.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Maintenance > Reset > Restore Defaults. - 1

2. Select the Yes radio button.

By default, the No radio button is selected.

IMPORTANT:

During the restoration process, do not try to go online, turn off the wireless access point, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the wireless access point until it finishes restarting!

3. Click the Apply button.

The wireless access point is reset to the factory default settings.

During the restoration process, the wireless access point automatically restarts. The restoration process typically takes about one minute. When the Test LED turns off, wait a few more seconds before doing anything with the wireless access point.

Use the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings

To restore the factory default settings when you do not know the login user name, login password, or IP address, you must use the Reset button on the rear panel of the wireless access point (see Figure 2 on page 8).

To restore the factory default settings using the Reset button:

  1. Using a sharp object, press and hold the Reset button for about five seconds (until the Test LED blinks rapidly) to reset the wireless access point to factory defaults settings.

Pressing the Reset button for a shorter time simply causes the wireless access point to reboot.

  1. Release the Reset button.

During the restoration process, the wireless access point automatically restarts. The restoration process typically takes about one minute. When the Test LED turns off, wait a few more seconds before doing anything with the wireless access point.

Reboot the Wireless Access Point Without Restoring the Default Configuration

If you cannot physically access the wireless access point to turn it off and on again, you can use the software to reboot the wireless access point.

To reboot the wireless access point:

1. Select Maintenance > Reset > Reboot AP.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Maintenance > Reset > Reboot AP. - 1

  1. Select the Yes radio button.

By default, the No radio button is selected.

  1. Click the Apply button to reboot the wireless access point.

The reboot process typically takes about one minute. When the Test LED turns off, wait a few more seconds before doing anything with the wireless access point.

Change the Administrator Password

The default password is password. We recommend that you change this password to a more secure password. You cannot change the administrator login name (admin).

The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and is a mixture of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. Your password can be up to 30 characters.

To change the administrator password:

1. Select Maintenance > Password > Change Password.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Maintenance > Password > Change Password. - 1

  1. Take one of the following actions:

  2. Enter a new password twice, once in the New Password field and again in the Repeat New Password field.

  3. Next to Restore Default Password, select the Yes radio button to restore the default password. By default, the No radio button is selected.

  4. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

If you restored the default password, the login password is password. If you configured a new password, write it down in a secure place.

Manage User Accounts

The admin user account is the default user account, which you cannot delete. However, you can add other user accounts, modify them, and delete them. Users for whom you set up an account can access the web management interface with read-only or read/write privileges.

Note: Only the administrator can create, change, and delete user accounts.

Add a New User Account

To add a new user account:

  1. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > User Accounts.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Add a New User Account - 1

  1. Configure the settings in the upper part of the page as explained in the following table:
SettingDescription
User NameEnter a new user name.
PasswordEnter a password between 4 and 12 characters in length.
PrivilegeFrom the Privilege menu, select Read Write or Read Only.
  1. Click the Add button.

The user account is added.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Change the Name for a User Account

To change the name for a user account:

  1. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > User Accounts.

The User Accounts page displays.

  1. In the Update User Accounts section, select a user from the Existing Users menu.
  2. In the User Name field, modify the name.
  3. Click the Modify button.

The user name is changed.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Change the Privilege for a User Account

To change the privilege for a user account:

  1. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > User Accounts.

The User Accounts page displays.

  1. In the Update User Accounts section, select a user from the Existing Users menu.
  2. From the Privilege menu, select another privilege.
  3. Click the Reset Password button.

The password is reset to the default password, which is password.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Reset the Password for a User Account

To reset the password for a user account:

  1. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > User Accounts.

The User Accounts page displays.

  1. In the Update User Accounts section, select a user from the Existing Users menu.
  2. Click the Reset Password button.

The password is reset to the default password, which is password.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Note: If you want to modify a password, delete the user account, and then recreate the user account with the password of your choice.

Delete a User Account

To delete a user account:

  1. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > User Accounts.

The User Accounts page displays.

  1. In the Update User Accounts section, select a user from the Existing Users menu.
  2. Click the Delete button.
  3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Enable the Syslog Server

You can enable the syslog option if your LAN includes a syslog server. If syslog is enabled, the wireless access point sends its syslog files to the syslog server.

To enable a syslog server:

  1. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > Syslog.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To enable a syslog server: - 1

Specify the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
Enable SyslogSelect the check box to enable the syslog option. By default, the syslog option is disabled.
Syslog Server IP AddressEnter the IP address of the syslog server to which the wireless access point sends the syslog files.
Port NumberEnter the port number that is configured on the syslog server. The default port number is 514.
  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Monitor the Wireless Access Point

The following sections describe how you can monitor the wireless access point:

View System Information
Monitor Wireless Stations
View the Activity Log
View the Traffic Statistics

View System Information

You can view a summary of the current wireless access point configuration settings, including current IP settings and current wireless settings. This information is read only, so any changes must be made on other pages.

To view the System page:

Select Monitoring > System.

NETGEAR

WAC720 ProSAFE Dual Band Wireless AC Access Point

Welcome admin

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 1

The following table explains the fields of the System page:

SettingDescription
Access Point Information
Access Point NameThe NetBIOS name. For information about how to change the default name, see Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings on page 16.
Ethernet MAC AddressThe MAC address of the wireless access point's Ethernet port.
Wireless MAC Address for 2.4 GHzThe MAC address of the wireless access point's wireless card when operating at 2.4 GHz.
Wireless MAC Address for 5 GHzThe MAC address of the wireless access point's wireless card when operating at 5 GHz.
Ethernet LLDPEnabled indicates that LLDP is enabled. Disabled indicates that it is not.
Country/RegionThe country or region for which the wireless access point is licensed for use. For information about how to change the country or region, see Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings on page 16.Note: It might not be legal to operate this wireless access point in a country or region other than one of those identified in this field.
Firmware VersionThe version of the firmware that is currently installed.
Serial NumberThe serial number of the wireless access point.
Current TimeThe current time. For information about how to change the time settings, see Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings on page 16.
AP UptimeThe length of time since the access point became active.
Current IPv4 SettingsFor information about how to change any of these IP settings, see Configure the IPv4 Settings on page 18.
IP AddressThe IPv4 address of the wireless access point.
Subnet MaskThe subnet mask for the address of the wireless access point.
Default GatewayThe default IPv4 gateway for the wireless access point communication.
DHCP ClientEnabled indicates that the current IP address was obtained from a DHCPv4 server on your LAN network. Disabled indicates a static IP configuration.
Current IPv6 SettingsFor information about how to change any of these IP settings, see Configure IPv6 Settings on page 74.
IPv6 AddressThe default IPv6 address of the wireless access point.
Prefix LengthThe prefix length for the address of the wireless access point.
Dynamic IPv6 AddressThe dynamically assigned IPv6 address if the DHCPv6 server has the stateful option enabled.
Default GatewayThe default IPv6 gateway for the wireless access point communication.
LAN IPv6 Link-Local AddressThis is an automatically generated IPv6 address that uses the IPv4 address in the interface portion of its address.
DHCP ClientEnabled indicates that the current IP address was obtained from a DHCPv6 server on your LAN network. Disabled indicates a static IP configuration.
Current Wireless Settings for 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11ng and Current Wireless Settings for 802.11a or 802.11na Note: The section heading depends on the configured wireless mode.
Access Point ModeThe operating mode of the wireless access point. One of the following modes is indicated: Access Point Point-to-Point Bridge Point-to-Point Bridge with Access Point Multi-Point Bridge with/without client association For information about how to change the mode, see Configure Wireless Bridging on page 91.
Channel / FrequencyThe channel that the wireless port is using. For information about how to change the channel and frequency, see Configure 802.11bg/ng/bgn Wireless Settings on page 20 and Configure 802.11a/a-na-ac Wireless Settings on page 22.
Rogue AP DetectionEnabled indicates that rogue AP detection is enabled. Disabled indicates that it is not.

Monitor Wireless Stations

The Wireless Stations page contains the Available Wireless Stations table. This table shows all IP devices that are associated with the wireless access point in the wireless network that is defined by the wireless network name (SSID). The table headings indicate the wireless modes (802.11bg, 802.11ng, or 802.11bgn for the 2.4 GHz band and 802.11a, 802.11na or 802.11ac for the 5 GHz band).

Note: A wireless network can include multiple wireless access points, all using the same network name (SSID). This uniformity extends the reach of the wireless network and allows users to roam from one wireless access point to another, providing seamless network connectivity. Under these circumstances, be aware that the Available Wireless Stations table includes only the stations associated with this wireless access point.

To view the attached wireless stations, and to view details for a wireless station:

1. Select Monitoring > Wireless Stations.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Monitoring > Wireless Stations. - 1

The Available Wireless Stations table shows the MAC address, BSSID, SSID, channel, rate, state, type, AID, mode, and status for each device. For information about these and more fields, see the following table.

2. To update the list, click the Refresh button.

If the wireless access point is rebooted, the wireless station data is lost until the wireless access point rediscovers the devices. To force the wireless access point to look for associated devices, click the Refresh button.

3. To view details of a wireless station, select the corresponding radio button, and then click the Details button.

The Wireless Stations Details page displays.

The following table explains the fields of the Wireless Stations Details page:

SettingDescription
MAC AddressThe MAC address of the wireless station.
BSSIDThe BSSID that the wireless station is using.
SSIDThe SSID that the wireless station is using.
ChannelThe channel that the wireless station is using.
RateThe transmit data rate in Mbps of the wireless station.
StateThe features that are enabled on the wireless station.
TypeThe authentication and encryption type that the wireless station is using.
AIDThe associated identifier (AID) of the wireless station.
ModeThe wireless mode in which the wireless station is operating.
StatusThe wireless status of the wireless station (Associated).
RSSIThe received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the wireless station.
Idle TimeThe time since the last frame was received from the wireless station.
Tx SequenceThe sequence number of the last frame that was transmitted to the wireless station.
Rx SequenceThe sequence number of the last frame that was received from the wireless station.
CapabilityThe summary of the capability of the wireless station that was detected during association.
CipherThe cipher that the wireless station is using and that defines the type of encryption.
SNRThe signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that indicates how much the signal of the wireless station has been corrupted by noise.
Recv. BytesThe number of bytes received on the wireless station since it last started.
Trans. bytesThe number of bytes transmitted by the wireless station since it last started.
Assoc. Time StampThe time when these details of the wireless station were retrieved.
IP AddressThe IP address of the wireless station.
Channel WidthThe channel width at which the wireless station operates.

View the Activity Log

You can view the wireless access point's activity logs and save the logs.

To display the activity log and save it:

1. Select Monitoring > Logs.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Monitoring > Logs. - 1

  1. Click the Save As button to save the log contents to a file on your computer or to a disk drive.
  2. To update the display, click the Refresh button.
  3. To clear the log content, click the Clear button.

View the Traffic Statistics

The Statistics page displays information for both wired (LAN) and wireless (WLAN) network traffic.

To display the Statistics page:

1. Select Monitoring > Statistics.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Monitoring > Statistics. - 1

2. To update the statistics information, click the Refresh button.

The following table explains the fields of the Statistics page:

SettingDescription
Wired Ethernet
PacketsThe number of packets received and transmitted over the Ethernet connection since the wireless access point was restarted.
BytesThe number of bytes received and transmitted over the Ethernet connection since the wireless access point was restarted.
Wireless 802.11bgn and Wireless 802.11a-na-ac Note: The section heading depends on the configured wireless mode.
Unicast PacketsThe number of unicast packets received and transmitted over the wireless connection since the wireless access point was restarted.
Broadcast PacketsThe number of broadcast packets received and transmitted over the wireless connection since the wireless access point was restarted.
Multicast PacketsThe number of multicast packets received and transmitted over the wireless connection since the wireless access point was restarted.
Total PacketsThe total number of packets received and transmitted over the wireless connection since the wireless access point was restarted.
Total BytesThe total number of bytes received and transmitted over the wireless connection since the wireless access point was restarted.
Client Association
802.11bgn Radio, 802.11a-na-ac RadioThe number of associated clients connected to the radio in the configured wireless modes.

Enable and Configure Ensemble Mode

An access point (AP) ensemble is a dynamic, configuration-aware group of APs in the same subnet of a network. Each ensemble can include up to 10 members, which must be of the same model. Only one ensemble per wireless network is supported. However, a network subnet can include multiple ensembles. Ensembles allow APs to share various configuration information, such as VAP settings and QoS queue parameters.

Ensemble members share the configuration of the dominant AP.

An ensemble can be formed between two APs if the following conditions are met:

  • The APs are of the same model.
    The APs use the same radio mode.
  • The APs are connected on the same bridged segment.
    The ensemble names of the APs that are joining are the same.
  • Ensemble mode is enabled on both APs.

Configure Ensemble Mode

To configure Ensemble mode on the access point:

1. Select Configuration > Ensemble General.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > Ensemble General. - 1

  1. To enable Ensemble mode, select the Start radio button.
  2. In the Ensemble Name field, enter the ensemble name.
  3. Set the access point's priority in the ensemble.

The lowest-numbered AP becomes the dominant AP.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage an Ensemble

An ensemble can be managed through the dominant access point's web management interface, or through a configured IP address of the ensemble. You can manage an ensemble's channel assignment settings, upgrade settings, and security settings.

Manage an Ensemble's Channel Assignment Settings

To manage an ensemble's channel assignment settings:

  1. Select Configuration > Ensemble > Advanced > Channel Assignment Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To manage an ensemble's channel assignment settings: - 1

  1. From the Channel Interference Limit menu, select an interference limit percentage.
  2. Select a channel selection interval from the Channel Selection Interval menu.
  3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

You can monitor the channel's that are used by the access points in the ensemble by selecting Configuration > Ensemble > Advanced > Channel Assignment.

Manage an Ensemble's Firmware Versions

To manage an ensemble's firmware versions:

  1. Select Maintenance > Ensemble Upgrade > Firmware Upgrade.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To manage an ensemble's firmware versions: - 1

  1. Click the Choose File button.

A pop-up window opens.

  1. Navigate to and select a firmware file to upload.
  2. Select the members of the ensemble that you want to upgrade.
  3. Click the Upgrade button.

You can also use a TFTP server to upgrade the firmware by selecting Maintenance > Ensemble Upgrade > Firmware Upgrade TFTP.

Manage an Ensemble's Password

To manage an ensemble's password:

  1. Select Configuration > Ensemble > Secured Ensemble.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To manage an ensemble's password: - 1

  1. Select the Enabled radio button.
  2. Enter a passphrase between 8 and 63 characters in the passphrase field.
  3. Enter a time-out period between 300 and 86400 seconds.
  4. Click the Apply button.

Monitor an Ensemble

You can monitor the status of an ensemble from the ensemble dashboard. You can also monitor the devices connected to members of the ensemble as well as monitor networks neighboring the ensemble.

Monitor the Status of the Ensemble

To monitor the status of the ensemble:

  1. Select Monitor > Ensemble > Access Point.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To monitor the status of the ensemble: - 1

  1. Click the Refresh button.

The information on the page refreshes.

Monitor the Devices Connected to the Ensemble

To monitor the devices connected to the ensemble:

  1. Select Monitor > Ensemble > Wireless Stations.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To monitor the devices connected to the ensemble: - 1

  1. Click the Refresh button.

The devices connected to the ensemble display, listed by MAC address.

Monitor the Networks Neighboring the Ensemble

To monitor the networks neighboring the ensemble:

1. Select Monitor > Ensemble > Wireless Neighborhood.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Monitor > Ensemble > Wireless Neighborhood. - 1

  1. Select the kind of neighboring APs to display from the Neighbor APs menu. You can select either APs in the ensemble, APs not in the ensemble, or both. The APs display in the Wireless Neighborhood table.

This chapter describes how to configure the advanced features of the wireless access point. The chapter includes the following sections:

  • Configure IPv6 Settings
  • Configure Spanning Tree Protocol, 802.1Q VLAN, and Link Layer Discovery Protocol
  • Configure Bonjour
  • Configure Advanced Wireless Settings
  • Configure Advanced Quality of Service Settings
  • Configure and Manage Quality of Service Policies
    Manage a Captive Portal
  • Configure Wireless Bridging

Configure IPv6 Settings

The wireless access point supports IPv6. You can manage the wireless access point from an IPv6 address. The wireless access point can also function as an IPv6 DHCP client.

Note: For information about how to configure the IPv4 settings, see Configure the IPv4 Settings on page 18.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Configure IPv6 Settings - 1

WARNING:

If you enable the DHCP client, the IP address of the wireless access point changes when you click the Apply button, causing you to lose your connection to the wireless access point. You then must use the new IP address to reconnect to the wireless access point.

Tip: If you enable the DHCP client on the wireless access point, you can discover the new IP address of the wireless access point by accessing the DHCP server on your LAN, or by using a network IP address scanner application.

To configure the IPv6 settings:

1. Select Configuration > IP > IPv6 Settings.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > IP > IPv6 Settings. - 1

2. Configure the IPv6 settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
DHCP ClientBy default, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) client is disabled. If your LAN includes a DHCPv6 server and you select the Enable radio button, the wireless access point receives its dynamic IPv6 address, prefix length, and default gateway settings automatically from the DHCPv6 server on your network when you connect the wireless access point to your LAN.
IPv6 AddressEnter the IP address of your wireless access point. The default IP address is 2001::21c:c0ff:fe69. To change the address, enter an unused IPv6 address from the address range used on your LAN.
Prefix LengthEnter the prefix length for the IPv6 address. The default prefix length us 64.
Default GatewayEnter the IPv6 address of the ISP gateway to which the wireless access point connects.
Dynamic IPv6 AddressThe dynamic IPv6 address that is assigned by the DHCPv6 server on your network. This address does not overwrite the address in the IPv6 Address field.
Primary DNS ServerEnter the IP address of the primary and secondary DNS servers.A DNS server is a host on the Internet that translates Internet names (such as www.netgear.com) to numeric IP addresses. Typically your ISP transfers the IP address of one or two DNS servers to your wireless access point during login. If the ISP does not transfer an address, you must obtain it from the ISP and enter it manually in this field.
Secondary DNS Server
Network Integrity CheckSelect this check box to validate that the upstream link is active before allowing wireless associations. Ensure that the default gateway is configured.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

As part of the advanced system configuration, you can enable the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), configure the VLANs, and enable Ethernet Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) as described in the following sections:

  • Configure STP and VLANs
  • Configure Ethernet LLDP

Configure STP and VLANs

STP provides network traffic optimization in locations where multiple wireless access points are active by preventing path redundancy. If your location includes more than one active wireless access point, we recommend that you enable STP.

The 802.1Q VLAN protocol on the wireless access point logically separates traffic on the same physical network. The wireless access point supports the following types of VLANs:

  • Untagged VLAN. When the wireless access point sends frames that are associated with the untagged VLAN from its Ethernet interface, those frames are untagged. When the wireless access point receives untagged frames over its Ethernet interface, those frames are assigned to the untagged VLAN.

Note: Select the Untagged VLAN check box only if the hubs and switches on your LAN support the 802.1Q VLAN protocol. Likewise, change the untagged VLAN value only if the hubs and switches on your LAN support the 802.1Q VLAN protocol.

  • Tagged VLAN. When you clear the Untagged VLAN check box, the wireless access point tags all frames that are sent from its Ethernet interface. Only incoming frames that are tagged with known VLAN IDs are accepted.
  • Management VLAN. The management VLAN can be active only when the wireless access point functions as a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint bridge (see Configure Wireless Bridging on page 91). The management VLAN is used for managing traffic (Telnet, SNMP, and HTTP) to and from the wireless access point.

Frames belonging to the management VLAN are not given any 802.1Q header when they are sent over the trunk. If a port is in a single VLAN, it can be untagged. However, if the port is a member of multiple VLANs, it must be tagged.

To configure STP and VLANs:

1. Select Configuring > System > Advanced > General.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuring > System > Advanced > General. - 1

2. Specify the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
Spanning Tree Protocol
Spanning Tree ProtocolSelect the Enable radio button to enable STP to prevent path redundancy. By default, the Disable radio button is selected.
802.1Q VLAN
Untagged VLANSelect the Untagged VLAN check box to configure one VLAN as an untagged VLAN. By default, the Untagged VLAN check box is selected. Specify a VLAN ID. The default VLAN ID is 1.
Management VLANSpecify an ID for the VLAN from which the wireless access point can be managed. The default VLAN ID is 1. Note: If you configure the management VLAN ID as 0 (zero), the wireless access point can be managed over any VLAN, and frames that belong to the management VLAN are not tagged with an 802.1Q header when sent over the trunk.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Specify the settings as explained in the following table: - 1

WARNING:

Selecting the Untagged VLAN check box or changing the untagged VLAN value causes loss of IP connectivity if the hubs and switches on your LAN are not yet configured with the corresponding VLAN.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure Ethernet LLDP

Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP), IEEE 802.1ab, is a management tool that delivers link-layer messages to adjacent network devices. For example, LLDP messages enable networking devices such as switches and management tools to discover the wireless access point in the network, and might indicate whether the wireless access point receives power through a PoE connection. LLDP is inter-vendor compatible.

By default, LLDP is enabled on the wireless access point.

To turn off LLDP:

  1. Select Configuring > System > Advanced > Ethernet LLDP.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To turn off LLDP: - 1

  1. Select the Disable radio button.

By default, the Enable radio button is selected.

  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure Bonjour

Bonjour allows computers on the network to discover the access point more easily after it connects to a LAN that includes a DHCP server.

To enable Bonjour:

  1. Select Configuration > System > Advanced > Bonjour.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To enable Bonjour: - 1

  1. Select the Enable radio button.
  2. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure Advanced Wireless Settings

You can enable various WLAN features and configure WLAN settings for the 802.11b/bg/ng and 802.11a/na modes. Band steering is an advanced wireless feature that reduces the client density in the 2.4 GHz band and increases the wireless network capacity.

The default WLAN settings normally work well. However, you can use the advanced settings to fine-tune the overall performance of the wireless access point for your specific environment.

To configure advanced wireless settings:

1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > Wireless Settings.

NETGEAR

WAC720 ProSAFE Dual Band Wireless AC Access Point

Welcome admin

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 1

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - NETGEAR - 2

2. Specify the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
RTS Threshold (0–2347)Enter the Request to Send (RTS) threshold. The default setting is 2347. If the packet size is equal to or less than the RTS threshold, the wireless access point uses the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) mechanism, and the data frame is transmitted immediately after the silence period. If the packet size is larger than the RTS threshold, the wireless access point uses the CSMA with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) mechanism. In this situation, the transmitting station sends an RTS packet to the receiving station and waits for the receiving station to return a Clear to Send (CTS) packet before sending the actual packet data.
Fragmentation Length (256–2346)Enter the maximum packet size that is used for the fragmentation of data packets. Packets that are larger than the specified fragmentation length are broken up into smaller packets before being transmitted. The fragmentation length must be an even number. The default setting is 2346.
Beacon Interval (100–1000)Enter the interval between 100 ms and 1000 ms for each beacon transmission, which allows the wireless access point to synchronize the wireless network. The default setting is 100.
AMPDUSelect the Enable radio button to allow the aggregation of several MAC frames into a single large frame to achieve higher throughput. Enabling the aggregated MAC protocol data unit (A-MPDU) could lead to better network performance. By default, the Enable radio button is selected.
RIFS TransmissionSelect the Enable radio button to allow transmission of successive frames at different transmit powers. Enabling reduced interframe space (RIFS) could lead to better network performance. By default, the Disable radio button is selected.
DTIM Interval (1–255)Enter the delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) interval, also referred to as the data beacon rate, which indicates the beacon delivery traffic indication message period in multiples of beacon intervals. This value must be between 1 and 255. The default setting is 3.
AntennaSelect one of the following radio buttons to specify the antenna:· Internal. Enables the internal antenna. This is the default setting.· External. Enables an optional external antenna or antennas.
802.11dNote: This setting does not apply to the 802.11a/a-na-ac modes.Select this check box to enable support for additional regulatory domains that are not in the current standard; support includes the addition of a country information element to beacons, probe requests, and probe responses. This check box is selected by default.
Wireless Client Security SeparationFrom the menu, select one of the following options:· Enable. Communication between wireless clients that are associated to different virtual access points (VAPs) is blocked.· Disable. Communication between wireless clients that are associated to different VAPs is allowed. This is the default setting.
Max. Wireless ClientsEnter the maximum number of wireless clients that can simultaneously connect to the wireless access point at one time. The default setting is 128 clients.
Frame BurstFrame-burst support boosts the downstream throughput. It is disabled by default.
Fixed Multicast RateSelect the multicast traffic transmission rate you want the AP to support. The default value is Auto. For the 2.4 GHz radio, the Auto value is 1 Mbps. For the 5 GHz radio, the Auto value is 6 Mbps.
Broadcast/Multicast RateEnabling multicast and broadcast rate limiting may improve overall network performance by limiting the number of packets transmitted across the network. By default the Multicast/Broadcast Rate Limiting option is disabled. The default and maximum rate limit setting is 50 packets per second. The default and maximum rate limit burst setting is 75 packets per second.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure Advanced Quality of Service Settings

For most networks, the default Quality of Service (QoS) queue settings work well. For information about how to configure basic QoS, see Configure Basic Wireless Quality of Service on page 46.

You can specify the settings on multiple queues for increased throughput and better performance of differentiated wireless traffic such as Voice over IP (VoIP), other types of audio, video, and streaming media, as well as traditional IP data.

The advanced QoS options on the wireless access point are as follows:

  • AP EDCA parameters. Specify the access point (AP) Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) settings for different types of data transmitted from the wireless access point to wireless clients.
  • Station EDCA parameters. Specify the station EDCA parameters for different types of data transmitted from the wireless clients to the wireless access point. If WMM is disabled, you cannot configure the Station EDCA parameters. (For information about how to enable WMM, see Configure Basic Wireless Quality of Service on page 46.)

When you configure the EDCA settings, the wireless access point can leverage existing information in the IP packet header that is related to the Type of Service (ToS). The wireless access point examines the ToS field in the headers of all packets that it processes. Based on the value in a packet's ToS field, the wireless access point prioritizes the packet for transmission by assigning it to one of the queues. A different type of data is associated with each queue. You can configure how the wireless access point treats each queue.

The queues defined for different types of data transmitted from AP-to-station and station-to-AP are as follows:

  • Data 0 (Best Effort). Medium priority queue, medium throughput and delay. Most traditional IP data is sent to this queue.
  • Data 1 (Background). Lowest priority queue, high throughput. Bulk data that requires maximum throughput and is not time-sensitive is sent to this queue (FTP data, for example).
  • Data 2 (Video). Highest priority queue, minimum delay. Time-sensitive video data is automatically sent to this queue.
  • Data 3 (Voice). Highest priority queue, minimum delay. Time-sensitive data such as VoIP and streaming media are automatically sent to this queue.

To configure advanced QoS:

1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > QoS Settings.

The advanced QoS Settings page displays:

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > QoS Settings. - 1

2. Specify the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
AP EDCA parameters
AIFSEnter the Arbitration Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS) interval that specifies the wait time (in milliseconds) between data frames. A higher AIFS value means a higher priority for a queue. Valid values for AIFS are 0 through 8. The default values are Data 0: 3; Data 1: 7; Data 2: 1; Data 3: 1.
cwMinEnter the minimum contention window (cwMin) value that specifies the upper limit (in milliseconds) of a range from which the initial random back-off wait time is determined. Decreasing this value increases the priority of the queue. The value for cwMin must be lower than the value for cwMax. Valid values are 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 127, 255, 511, and 1023. The default values are Data 0: 15; Data 1: 15; Data 2: 7; Data 3: 3.
cwMaxEnter the maximum contention window (cwMax) value that specifies the upper limit (in milliseconds) for the doubling of the random back-off value. Decreasing this value increases the priority of the queue. The value for cwMax must be higher than the value for cwMin. Valid values are 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 127, 255, 511, and 1023. The default values are Data 0: 63; Data 1: 1023; Data 2: 15; Data 3: 7.
Max. BurstEnter the maximum burst value that specifies the maximum burst length (in microseconds) allowed for packet bursts on the wireless network. A packet burst is a collection of multiple frames transmitted without header information. Decreasing this value increases the priority of the queue. Valid values for maximum burst length are all multiples of 32 between 0 and 8192, inclusive of 0 and 8192.The default values are Data 0: 0; Data 1: 0; Data 2: 3008; Data 3: 1504.
Station EDCA parameters
AIFSEnter the Arbitration Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS) interval that specifies the wait time (in milliseconds) between data frames. A higher AIFS value means a higher priority for a queue. Valid values for AIFS are 0 through 8.The default values are Data 0: 3; Data 1: 7; Data 2: 2; Data 3: 2.
cwMinEnter the minimum contention window (cwMin) value that specifies the upper limit (in milliseconds) of a range from which the initial random back-off wait time is determined.Decreasing this value increases the priority of the queue. The value for cwMin must be lower than the value for cwMax. Valid values are 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 127, 255, 511, and 1023.The default values are Data 0: 15; Data 1: 15; Data 2: 7; Data 3: 3.
cwMaxEnter the maximum contention window (cwMax) value that specifies the upper limit (in milliseconds) for the doubling of the random back-off value. Decreasing this value increases the priority of the queue. The value for cwMax must be higher than the value for cwMin. Valid values are 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 127, 255, 511, and 1023.The default values are Data 0: 1023; Data 1: 1023; Data 2: 15; Data 3: 7.
TXOP LimitEnter the transmission opportunity (TXOP) value that specifies the time interval (in microseconds) in which a client station can initiate transmissions on the wireless medium (WM). Decreasing this value increases the priority of the queue. Valid values for TXOP Limit are all multiples of 32 between 0 and 8192, inclusive of 0 and 8192.The default values are Data 0: 0; Data 1: 0; Data 2: 3008; Data 3: 1504.

3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Configure and Manage Quality of Service Policies

The wireless access point lets you configure and apply QoS policies to wireless clients. In each QoS policy, you can specify multiple classifications (match clauses) and apply traffic to eight priority queues based on the following information in the Layer 2, Layer 3, Layer 3 IP headers, and Layer 4:

IP precedence. Indicates the IP Type of Service (ToS) or precedence in the IP headers.
- IP DSCP. Indicates the Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) marking in the IP header.
IP protocol 119. Indicates the IP protocol field in the IP header with value 119.
802.1P. Indicates the 3-bit Class of Service (CoS) field in the class header.

  • IP protocol. Indicates the protocol field in the IP header.
  • EtherType. Indicates the EtherType field in Ethernet-II frame header.
  • Source MAC. Indicates the source MAC address in Ethernet-II frame header.
  • Destination MAC. Indicates the destination MAC address in Ethernet-II frame header.
  • Source IP. Indicates the source IP address in the IP header.
  • Destination IP. Indicates the destination IP address in the IP header.
  • Source port. Indicates the source port number in the port header.
  • Destination port. Indicates the destination port number in the port header.

For each classification in a QoS policy, you can configure rate limiting by specifying the maximum bit rate and maximum burst rate. Packets that exceed the maximum bit rate are retained in the traffic queue and are processed when transmission falls again below the maximum bit rate. You can also configure the overall maximum bit rate and maximum burst rate for the entire wireless interface.

Configure a New QoS Policy

You can configure up to eight QoS policies.

To configure a new QoS policy:

  1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > QoS Policies.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To configure a new QoS policy: - 1

  1. From the Create Policy menu, select NEW.

If you did not yet set up any QoS policies, NEW is the only selection possible.

  1. In the Policy Name field, enter a name for the new QoS policy.
  2. Specify a classification for the QoS policy as explained in the following table.

Note: Depending on your selection from the Match Frame Fields menu, Match Classifications appears either as a menu from which you must make a selection or as a field in which you must enter information.

SettingDescription
Match Frame Fields and Match ClassificationsIP DCSPFrom the Match Classifications menu, select the DSCP traffic class against which the information in the IP header must be matched:Routine(0)Priority(1)Immediate(2)Flash(3)Flash Override(4)Critical/CCP(5)Inter Control(6)Network Control(7)
IP PrecedenceFrom the Match Classifications menu, select the DSCP marking against which the information in the IP header must be matched:Best EffortAssured Forwarding - Class 1 LowAssured Forwarding - Class 1 MediumAssured Forwarding - Class 1 HighAssured Forwarding - Class 2 LowAssured Forwarding - Class 2 MediumAssured Forwarding - Class 2 HighAssured Forwarding - Class 3 LowAssured Forwarding - Class 3 MediumAssured Forwarding - Class 3 HighAssured Forwarding - Class 4 LowAssured Forwarding - Class 4 MediumAssured Forwarding - Class 4 HighClass Selector 1Class Selector 2Class Selector 3Class Selector 4Class Selector 5Class Selector 6Class Selector 7 Expedited Forwarding
IP Protocol119Traffic is matched against value 119 in the IP protocol field in the IP header.
Match Frame Fields and Match Classifications (continued)802.1PFrom the Match Classifications menu, select the CoS priority value against which the information in the IP header must be matched:Routine(0)Priority(1)Immediate(2)Flash(3)Flash Override(4)Critical/CCP(5)Inter Control(6)Network Control(7)
IP ProtocolIn the Match Classifications field, enter the IP protocol value against which the information in the IP header must be matched. A list of protocol values is available athttp://www.iana.org/assignments/protocol-numbers/protocol-numbers.xml.
Ether TypeIn the Match Classifications field, enter the Ether type value against which the information in the IP header must be matched. A list of Ether type values is available athttp://standards.ieee.org/develop/regauth/ethertype/eth.txt.
Source MACIn the Match Classifications field, select or enter the source MAC address against which the information in the IP header must be matched.To select the MAC address of a wireless client that is connected to the wireless access point:1. Select the radio button to the left of the Match Classifications menu.2. From the menu, select a MAC address.To enter a MAC address:1. Select the radio button to the right of the Match Classifications menu.2. In the field to the right of the radio button, enter a MAC address.
Destination MACIn the Match Classifications field, select or enter the destination MAC address against which the information in the IP header must be matched.To select the MAC address of a wireless client that is connected to the wireless access point:1. Select the radio button to the left of the Match Classifications menu.2. From the menu, select a MAC address.To enter a MAC address:1. Select the radio button to the right of the Match Classifications menu.2. In the field to the right of the radio button, enter a MAC address.
Match Frame Fields and Match Classifications (continued)Source IPIn the Match Classifications field, enter the source IP address against which the information in the IP header must be matched.
Destination IPIn the Match Classifications field, enter the destination IP address against which the information in the IP header must be matched.
Source PortThe Match Classifications field is separated into two sections. In the left section, enter the source port number, and optionally, in the right section, enter the associated IP address against which the information in the IP header must be matched.
Destination PortThe Match Classifications field is separated into two sections. In the left section, enter the destination port number, and optionally, in the right section, enter the associated IP address against which the information in the IP header must be matched.
Apply ClassificationFrom the Apply Classification menu, select the traffic class that must be applied to the packets that match the selection in the Match Classifications field: • Best Effort(0) • Background(1) • Spare(2) • Excellent(3) • Control Load(4) • Video < 100 ms Latency(5) • Voice < 10 ms Latency(6) • Network Control(7)
  1. (Optional) Specify rate limiting for the classification as explained in the following table:
SettingDescription
Classification Rate LimitingBasic RateEnter a value between 1 and 1,000,000 Kbytes/sec to specify the maximum data rate up to which packets that match the classification are queued for transmission and sent immediately over the wireless interface. This value applies only to traffic that matches the classification. Note: When the maximum rate is exceeded, packets are retained in the queue and sent when the transmission falls again below the maximum rate.
Burst RateEnter a value between 1 and 204,800,000 bytes to specify the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in a burst for packets that match the classification. This value applies only to traffic that matches the classification.
  1. Click the Add button.

The classification is added to the Classifications field.

  1. To add another classification to the QoS policy, repeat Step 4, Step 5, and Step 6.
  2. Click the Apply button.

The QoS policy is saved.

Note: Rate limiting for the wireless interface is an optional setting that applies to all traffic on the wireless interface. Unlike classification rate limiting, which you can specify for each classification, rate limiting for the wireless interface you must specify only once.

Modify a QoS Policy

To modify a QoS policy:

  1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > QoS Policies.

The QoS Policies page displays.

  1. From the Create Policy menu, select the policy that you want to modify.
  2. To modify a classification, you must delete the classification and add a new classification:

a. In the Classification field, select the old classification.
b. Click the Delete Classification button.
c. Add a new classification.

For information about how to add a classification, see Step 4 through Step 6 in the procedure to configure a new QoS policy.

  1. To change the name of the policy, in the Policy Name field, enter a new name for the QoS policy.
  2. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Delete a QoS Policy

To delete a QoS policy:

  1. Select Configuration > Wireless > Advanced > QoS Policies.

The QoS Policies page displays.

  1. From the Create Policy menu, select the policy that you want to delete.
  2. Click the Delete Policy button.
  3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage a Captive Portal

A captive portal allows you to set up a login page so that only users with a valid user name and password can access the Internet through the access point. You must first configure the captive portal and add users before enabling it on the access point.

Configure a Captive Portal

To configure a captive portal:

  1. Select Configuration > Captive Portal > Web Customization.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To configure a captive portal: - 1

  1. Select Create from the Captive Portal Web Locale menu.
  2. Enter a name for the web locale in the Web Local Name field.
  3. Select an instance for the captive portal from the Captive Portal Instances menu. You can edit the look of the captive portal login page using the following fields:
FieldDescription
Logo Image NameThis menu displays the names of image files that were uploaded to the AP for use with a captive portal. An image must be no larger than 5 Kb in size. You can upload logo images on the Upload Logo page.
Browser TitleThe browser title appears in the title bar of the browser.
Browser ContentThis is the text that will appear on the body of the page.
ContentYou can enter instructions for logging in to the portal here.
Acceptance Use PolicyText entered here will display in a user agreement.
Welcome TitleThis is the title of the welcome page that displays after the user successfully logs in.
Welcome ContentThis is the content of the welcome page that displays after the user successfully logs in.
  1. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Add Users to a Captive Portal

To add users to a captive portal:

  1. Select Configuration > Captive Portal > User Configuration.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To add users to a captive portal: - 1

  1. Enter the name of the user in the Captive Portal User Name field.
  2. Click the Apply button.

The user is added.

  1. Select the user from the user list.
  2. Click the Edit button.
  3. Enter the user's password in the User Password field.
  4. Enter an away time between 0 and 1440 minutes.

The user is logged out if they are idle longer than the time you enter.

  1. Enter the maximum upstream bandwidth allowed to the user, in megabits per second, in the Max Bandwidth Upstream field.
  2. Enter the maximum downstream bandwidth allowed to the user, in megabits per second, in the Max Bandwidth Downstream field.
  3. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Enable a Captive Portal

To enable a captive portal:

  1. Select Configuration > Captive Portal > Captive Portal.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To enable a captive portal: - 1

  1. Select the Enable radio button.

  2. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

  1. Select Configuration > Security > Profile Settings.

The Profile Settings page displays.

  1. Select the radio button the left of the wireless security profile (SSID) with which you want to associate a captive portal.
  2. Click the Edit button.

The Edit Security Profile page displays.

  1. From the menu in the Captive Portal section, select the profile name of the captive portal that you want to associate with the SSID.
  2. Click the Apply button.

The captive portal is enabled on the SSID.

Configure Wireless Bridging

The wireless access point supports a wireless distributing system (WDS) that lets you build large bridged wireless networks.

Point-to-Point Bridge and Point-to-Multipoint Bridge

You can set up a single point-to-point bridge or create a point-to-multipoint bridge by setting up to four point-to-point bridges with your wireless access point functioning as the master:

  • Wireless point-to-point bridge. The wireless access point communicates with another bridge-mode wireless access point and with wireless clients. You can use WPA2-PSK to secure the communication. The following figure shows an example in which two wireless access points (APs) function in point-to-point bridge mode.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Point-to-Point Bridge and Point-to-Multipoint Bridge - 1

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Point-to-Point Bridge and Point-to-Multipoint Bridge - 2
Figure 6. Point-to-point wireless network

  • Wireless point-to-multipoint bridge. The wireless access point is the master for a group of bridge-mode wireless access points. You can configure up to four wireless bridges.

The other bridge-mode wireless stations must be set to point-to-point bridge mode, using the MAC address of the your wireless access point (that is, the master). Rather than communicating directly with each other, all other bridge-mode wireless access points send their traffic to the master wireless access point. You can use WPA2-PSK to secure the communication.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - Point-to-Point Bridge and Point-to-Multipoint Bridge - 3
Figure 7. Point-to-multipoint wireless network

Configure a Wireless Bridge

In bridge mode, the wireless access point communicates with one or more other bridge-mode wireless access points. By default, the connection is an open system but you can use WPA2-PSK security to protect this communication.

Note: You cannot configure wireless bridging when automatic channel selection is enabled. On the basic Wireless Settings page, make sure that Auto is not selected from the Channel / Frequency menu (see Configure the Basic Wireless Settings on page 19).

To configure a wireless bridge:

  1. Configure the wireless access point (AP1 on LAN Segment 1 in the previous figures) as a point-to-point bridge:

a. Select Configuration > Wireless Bridge.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To configure a wireless bridge: - 1

b. Select the Enable Wireless Bridging check box.
c. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved and the wireless bridging feature is enabled. However, you still must configure one or more wireless bridges and enable them.

You can configure up to four profiles. By default, a profile does not provide security (it is an open system), but you can configure WPA2-PSK. The Local MAC Address field is a nonconfigurable field that shows the MAC address of the wireless access point.

d. Select the radio button for a profile.
e. From the Radio menu, select the WiFi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) on which the bridge must be established.

Note: Both sides of the bridge must use the same WiFi band and the same channel. If differences exist, the bridge cannot be established.

f. Click Edit button.

The Edit Security Profile page displays.

g. Specify the settings as explained in the following table:

SettingDescription
Profile Definition
Profile NameAs an option, enter a profile name that is easy to remember. The default name is NETGEAR-WDS-1.
Remote MAC AddressEnter the MAC address of the remote wireless access point (in the previous figures, this can be the MAC address of AP2 or AP3). Without this MAC address, the wireless bridge cannot function.
Authentication Settings
Network Authentication and Data EncryptionIf you want to secure the bridge (which is what we recommend), from the Network Authentication menu, select WPA2-PSK, This selection automatically sets the selection from the Data Encryption menu to AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).In the WPA Passphrase (Network Key) field, enter a passphrase. The passphrase length must be between 8 and 63 characters (inclusive).

h. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

i. Click the Back button.

The Bridging page displays again.

  1. Configure another wireless access point in point-to-point bridge mode.

Your access point must include the MAC address of the other wireless access point in its Remote MAC Address field, and the other way around, the other wireless access point must include the MAC address of your access point in its Remote MAC Address field.

Note: Both sides of the bridge must use the same WiFi band and the same channel. If differences exist, the bridge cannot be established.

  1. Verify the following settings for both wireless access points:

  2. Both wireless access points must operate in the same LAN network address range as the LAN devices.

  3. Both wireless access points must use the same channel, authentication mode, and security settings.

  4. Go back to the Bridging page on your wireless access point and select the Enable check box for the profile.

  5. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

  1. Enable bridging on the other wireless access point.
  2. Verify connectivity across the LAN segments.

A computer on either LAN segment must be able to connect to the Internet and share files and printers of any other computers or servers on the other LAN segment.

  1. To set up a point-to-multipoint WiFi network, repeat Step 1 through Step 7 for another profile and another wireless access point.

In point-to-multipoint WiFi network, your wireless access point becomes the master for all wireless bridges. For each wireless access point that you want the master to be able to connect to, you must configure a security profile with a unique name and the MAC address of the wireless access point. You can configure up to four such security profiles (NETGEAR-WDS-1, NETGEAR-WDS-2, and so on).

Note: You can extend the range of a wireless bridge with NETGEAR wireless antenna accessories.

This chapter provides information about troubleshooting the wireless access point. After each problem description, instructions are given to help you diagnose and solve the problem. For the common problems listed, go to the section indicated.

Is the wireless access point on?

Go to Troubleshooting the Basic Functions on page 96.

  • Did I connected the wireless access point correctly?

Go to Troubleshooting the Basic Functions on page 96.

  • I cannot access the Internet or the LAN.

Go to You Cannot Access the Internet or the LAN from a Wireless-Capable Computer on page 97.

  • I cannot access the wireless access point from a browser.

Go to You Cannot Configure the Wireless Access Point from a Browser on page 98.

A time-out occurs.

Go to When You Enter a URL or IP Address a Time-Out Error Occurs on page 99.

  • Problems with the LAN connection occur.

Go to Troubleshooting a TCP/IP Network Using the Ping Utility on page 99.

  • I cannot remember the wireless access point's configuration password.

Go to Change the Administrator Password on page 57.

I want to clear the configuration and start over again.

Go to Restore the Wireless Access Point to the Factory Default Settings on page 55.

The date or time is not correct.

Go to Problems With Date and Time on page 101.

The wireless access point provides a packet capture tool that enables you to perform problem diagnoses. For information about how to use this tool, see Use the Packet Capture Tool on page 101.

Troubleshoot the Basic Functions

The following sections describe how you can troubleshoot the basic functions of the wireless access point:

  • Verify the Correct Sequence of Events at Startup
  • No LEDs Are Lit on the Wireless Access Point
  • The Active LED or the LAN LED Is Not Lit
  • The WLAN LED Does Not Light

Note: For descriptions of the LEDs, see Top Panel on page 7.

Verify the Correct Sequence of Events at Startup

After you turn on power to the wireless access point, check that the following sequence of events occurs:

  • The Power/Test LED is first steady amber, then goes off, and then blinks green before turning steady green after about 45 seconds.
  • The Active LED is lit or blinks green when Ethernet traffic is detected.
  • The LAN LED indicates the LAN speed: green for 1000 Mbps, amber for 100 Mbps, and no light for 10 Mbps.
  • The WLAN LED is lit or blinks green when the wireless LAN (WLAN) is ready.

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

No LEDs Are Lit on the Wireless Access Point

It takes a few seconds for the Power LED to light. Wait a minute and check the Power LED status on the wireless access point. If the wireless access point is not receiving power, do the following:

  • If you use one or more PoE switches to provide power to the wireless access point, check these items:

  • Make sure that the Ethernet cables between the wireless access point and the PoE switches are correctly connected at both ends.

  • Make sure that the power cords of the PoE switches are plugged into working power outlets or power strips.
  • Make sure that the PoE switches are functioning normally.

  • If you use a power cord to provide power to the wireless access point, check these items:

  • Make sure that the power cord is connected to the wireless access point.

  • Make sure that the power adapter is connected to a functioning power outlet. If it is in a power strip, make sure that the power strip is turned on. If it is plugged directly into the wall, verify that it is not a switched outlet.
  • Make sure that you are using the correct NETGEAR power adapter that is supplied with your wireless access point.

The Active LED or the LAN LED Is Not Lit

A hardware connection problem occurs. Check these items:

  • Make sure that the cable connectors are securely plugged in at the wireless access point and the network device—hub. (PoE) switches, or router.
  • Make sure that the connected device is turned on.
  • Make sure that the correct cable is used. Use a standard Category 5 Ethernet patch cable. If the network device has Auto Uplink (MDI/MDIX) ports, you can use either a crossover cable or a normal patch cable.

The WLAN LED Does Not Light

The wireless access point's antenna is not working. Check these items:

  • If the WLAN LED remains off, either disconnect the cables to the PoE switches and then reconnect them again, or disconnect the adapter from its power source and then plug it in again.
  • Make sure that optional external antennas are tightly connected to the wireless access point.

Contact NETGEAR technical support if the WLAN LED remains off.

You Cannot Access the Internet or the LAN from a Wireless-Capable Computer

A configuration problem occurred. Check these items:

  • Maybe you did not restart the computer with the wireless adapter to allow TCP/IP changes take effect. If so, restart the computer.
  • The computer with the wireless adapter might not include the correct TCP/IP settings to communicate with the network. Restart the computer and check that TCP/IP is set up correctly for that network. In Windows, the usual setting for Network Properties is to obtain an IP address automatically.
  • The wireless access point's default values might not work with your network. Check the wireless access point's default configuration against the configuration of other devices in your network.

  • Make sure that the SSID, network authentication, and data encryption settings of the computer with the wireless adapter are the same as those of the wireless access point.

  • Ping the IP address of the wireless access point to verify that a wireless connection exists between the computer with the wireless adapter and the wireless access point. If the ping fails, check the network configuration (for the wireless access point, see Configure the IPv4 Settings on page 18).
  • Ping the default gateway to verify that a path exists from the computer with the wireless adapter to the default gateway. If the ping fails, check the network configuration or call the Internet service provider (ISP).

You Cannot Configure the Wireless Access Point from a Browser

Check these items:

  • The wireless access point is correctly installed, it is powered on, and LAN connections are okay. Check to see that the Active LED and LAN LED are on to verify that the Ethernet connection is okay.
  • If your computer uses a fixed (static) IP address, ensure that it is using an IP address in the range of the wireless access point. The wireless access point's default IP address is 192.168.0.100, and its subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, with DHCP disabled. Make sure that your network configuration settings are correct.
  • If you are using the NetBIOS name of the wireless access point to connect, ensure that your computer and the wireless access point are on the same network segment or that your network includes a WINS server.
    If your computer is set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP client), restart it.
  • Make sure that Java, JavaScript, or ActiveX is enabled in your browser. If you are using Internet Explorer, click the Refresh button to be sure that the Java applet is loaded.
  • Try quitting the browser, clearing the cache, deleting the cookies, and launching the browser again.
  • Make sure that 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 wireless access point does not save changes that you made in the web management interface, check the following:

  • When entering configuration settings, be sure to click the Apply button before moving to another page or tab, or your changes are lost.
  • Click the Refresh or Reload button in the web browser. The changes might occur, but the web browser might be caching the old configuration.

When You Enter a URL or IP Address a Time-Out Error Occurs

A number of things could be causing this situation. Try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check to see whether other computers on the LAN work correctly. If they do, ensure that your computer's TCP/IP settings are correct. If you use a fixed (static) IP address, check the subnet mask, default gateway, DNS, and IP addresses of the wireless access point (see Configure the IPv4 Settings on page 18).
  • If the computer is configured correctly but still not working, ensure that the wireless access point is connected and turned on. Access it and check its settings. If you cannot connect to the wireless access point, check the LAN and power connections.
  • If the wireless access point is configured correctly, check your Internet connection (for example, your cable modem) to make sure that it is working correctly.

Troubleshoot a TCP/IP Network Using the 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. You can easily troubleshoot a TCP/IP network by using the ping utility in your computer, as described in the following sections:

Test the LAN Path to Your Wireless Access Point
Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device

Test the LAN Path to Your Wireless Access Point

You can ping the wireless access point from your computer to verify that the LAN path to your wireless access point is set up correctly.

To ping the wireless access point from a computer running Windows:

  1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button, and select Run.
  2. In the field provided, type ping followed by the IP address of the wireless access point, as in this example:

ping 192.168.0.100

  1. Click the OK button.

A message like the following one displays:

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, one of the following problems could be occurring:

  • Make sure that the Active LED and LAN LED are on. If one or both of these LEDs are off, follow the instructions in The Active LED or the LAN LED Is Not Lit on page 97.
  • Check to see 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 wireless access point.

  • 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 wireless access point and your workstation are correct and that the addresses are on the same subnet.

Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device

After verifying that the LAN path works correctly, test the path from your computer to a remote device.

  1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button, and select Run.
  2. In the Windows Run window, type

ping -n 10

where IP address is the IP address of a remote device such as the DNS server of your ISP.

If the path is functioning correctly, replies as in Test the LAN Path to Your Wireless Access Point on page 99 display. If you do not receive replies, do the following:

  • Check to see that the IP address of your wireless access point is listed as the IP address of the default router in your computer. If the IP configuration of your computer is assigned by DHCP, this information is not visible in your computer's Network Control Panel. Verify that the IP address of the wireless access point is listed as the IP address of the default router.
  • Check to see that the network address of your computer (the portion of the IP address specified by the netmask) is different from the network address of the remote device.
  • Check to see that your cable or DSL modem is connected and functioning.
  • If your ISP assigned a host name to your computer, enter that host name as the account name on the basis General system settings page (see Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings on page 16).

Problems With Date and Time

The Time Settings page that is accessible through the Configuration > System > Basic > Time menu choices displays the current date and time of day. The wireless access point uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to obtain the current time from a network time server on the Internet that you specify in the Time Settings page (see Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings on page 16). Each entry on the Logs page is stamped with the date and time of day. Problems with the date and time function can include the following:

  • Date and time shown is Fri Dec 31 00:00:00 1999 or a similar incorrect date and time. Cause: The wireless access point did not yet successfully reach the network time server. Check to see that your Internet access settings are configured correctly. If you just completed configuring the wireless access point, wait at least 5 minutes and check the date and time again.
  • The day is correct or one day ahead or behind, and the hours are ahead or behind. Cause: You selected an incorrect time zone for your area. Specify the correct time zone on the basic General system settings page (see Configure Basic General System Settings and Time Settings on page 16).

Use the Packet Capture Tool

You can capture wireless packets to analyze traffic patterns with a network traffic analyzer tool. The captured packet flow can show if traffic is flowing correctly to its destinations or if packets are dropped. The size of the packet flow that you can capture in a file is limited.

To capture packets:

  1. Select Monitoring > Packet Capture.

NETGEAR WAC720 X3 - To capture packets: - 1

  1. Click the Start button to start capturing wireless packets leaving or entering the wireless access point on the active operating channel.

Packets on the 2.4 GHz interface and 5 GHz interface are captured. Normal functioning of the wireless access point is not affected during the packet capture process.

If any previously captured packets exist, you are prompted to delete them, and only then can you capture new packets.

  1. Click the Stop button to stop capturing packets.
  2. Click the Save as button to save the pacture.pcap file on your computer or to a disk drive.

This appendix provides factory default settings and technical specifications for the ProSAFE Dual-Band Wireless AC Access Points WAC720 and WAC730. The appendix includes the following sections:

Technical Specifications
Factory Default Settings

Technical Specifications

Table 4. Technical specifications

FeatureDescription
802.11bg/ng/bgn wireless specifications
802.11b data rates1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
802.11bg data rates1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
802.11bgn MCS index and data ratesData rates for a 20 MHz channel width and an automatic guard interval: 0 / 7.2 Mbps, 1 / 14.4 Mbps, 2 / 21.7 Mbps, 3 / 28.9 Mbps, 4 / 43.3 Mbps, 5 / 57.8 Mbps, 6 / 65 Mbps, 7 / 72.2 Mbps, 8 / 14.44 Mbps, 9 / 28.88 Mbps, 10 / 43.33 Mbps, 11 / 57.77 Mbps, 12 / 86.66 Mbps, 13 / 115.56 Mbps, 14 / 130 Mbps, 15 / 144.44 Mbps, 16 / 21.7 Mbps, 17 / 43.3 Mbps, 18 / 65 Mbps, 19 / 86.7 Mbps, 20 / 130.7 Mbps, 21 / 173.3 Mbps, 22 / 195 Mbps, 23 / 216.7 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
Data rates for a 20 MHz channel width and a long guard interval (800 ms): 0 / 6.5 Mbps, 1 / 13 Mbps, 2 / 19.5 Mbps, 3 / 26 Mbps, 4 / 39 Mbps, 5 / 52 Mbps, 6 / 58.5 Mbps, 7 / 65 Mbps, 8 / 13 Mbps, 9 / 26 Mbps, 10 / 39 Mbps, 11 / 52 Mbps, 12 / 78 Mbps, 13 / 104 Mbps, 14 / 117 Mbps, 15 / 130 Mbps, 16 / 19.5 Mbps, 17 / 39 Mbps, 18 / 58.5 Mbps, 19 / 78 Mbps, 20 / 117 Mbps, 21 / 156 Mbps, 22 / 175.5 Mbps, 23 / 195 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
Data rates for a 40 MHz channel width and an automatic guard interval: 0 / 15 Mbps, 1 / 30 Mbps, 2 / 45 Mbps, 3 / 60 Mbps, 4 / 90 Mbps, 5 / 120 Mbps, 6 / 135 Mbps, 7 / 150 Mbps, 8 / 30 Mbps, 9 / 60 Mbps, 10 / 90 Mbps, 11 / 120 Mbps, 12 / 180 Mbps, 13 / 240 Mbps, 14 / 270 Mbps, 15 / 300 Mbps, 16 / 45 Mbps, 17 / 90 Mbps, 18 / 135 Mbps, 19 / 180 Mbps, 20 / 270 Mbps, 21 / 360 Mbps, 22 / 405 Mbps, 23 / 450 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
Data rates for a 40 MHz channel width and a long guard interval (800 ms): 0 / 13.5 Mbps, 1 / 27 Mbps, 2 / 40.5 Mbps, 3 / 54 Mbps, 4 / 81 Mbps, 5 / 108 Mbps, 6 / 121.5 Mbps, 7 / 135 Mbps, 8 / 27 Mbps, 9 / 54 Mbps, 10 / 81 Mbps, 11 / 108 Mbps, 12 / 162 Mbps, 13 / 216 Mbps, 14 / 243 Mbps, 15 / 270 Mbps, 16 / 40.5 Mbps, 17 / 81 Mbps, 18 / 121.5 Mbps, 19 / 162 Mbps, 20 / 243 Mbps, 21 / 324 Mbps, 22 / 364.5 Mbps, 23 / 405 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
802.11bg/ng/bgn operating frequencies• 2.412-2.462 GHz (US) • 2.457-2.462 GHz (Spain) • 2.410-2.484 GHz (Japan 11b) • 2.410-2.472 GHz (Japan 11ng) • 2.457-2.472 GHz (France) • 2.412-2.472 GHz (Europe ETSI) • 2.412-2.472 GHz (China)
802.11 bg/ng/bgn encryption• WPA-PSK & WPA2-PSK • AES • TKIP
802.11a/a-na-ac wireless specifications
802.11a data rates6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
802.11a/a-na-ac data ratesData rates for a 20 MHz channel width and an automatic guard interval:0 / 7.2 Mbps, 1 / 14.4 Mbps, 2 / 21.7 Mbps, 3 / 28.9 Mbps, 4 / 43.3 Mbps,5 / 57.8 Mbps, 6 / 65 Mbps, 7 / 72.2 Mbps, 8 / 14.44 Mbps, 9 / 28.88 Mbps,10 / 43.33 Mbps, 11 / 57.77 Mbps, 12 / 86.66 Mbps, 13 / 115.56 Mbps,14 / 130 Mbps, 15 / 144.44 Mbps, 16 / 21.7 Mbps, 17 / 43.3 Mbps, 18 / 65 Mbps,19 / 86.7 Mbps, 20 / 130.7 Mbps, 21 / 173.3 Mbps, 22 / 195 Mbps, 23 / 216.7 Mbps,and auto-rate capable
Data rates for a 20 MHz channel width and a long guard interval (800 ms):0 / 6.5 Mbps, 1 / 13 Mbps, 2 / 19.5 Mbps, 3 / 26 Mbps, 4 / 39 Mbps, 5 / 52 Mbps,6 / 58.5 Mbps, 7 / 65 Mbps, 8 / 13 Mbps, 9 / 26 Mbps, 10 / 39 Mbps, 11 / 52 Mbps,12 / 78 Mbps, 13 / 104 Mbps, 14 / 117 Mbps, 15 / 130 Mbps, 16 / 19.5 Mbps,17 / 39 Mbps, 18 / 58.5 Mbps, 19 / 78 Mbps, 20 / 117 Mbps, 21 / 156 Mbps,22 / 175.5 Mbps, 23 / 195 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
Data rates for a 40 MHz channel width and an automatic guard interval:0 / 15 Mbps, 1 / 30 Mbps, 2 / 45 Mbps, 3 / 60 Mbps, 4 / 90 Mbps, 5 / 120 Mbps,6 / 135 Mbps, 7 / 150 Mbps, 8 / 30 Mbps, 9 / 60 Mbps, 10 / 90 Mbps, 11 / 120 Mbps,12 / 180 Mbps, 13 / 240 Mbps, 14 / 270 Mbps, 15 / 300 Mbps, 16 / 45 Mbps,17 / 90 Mbps, 18 / 135 Mbps, 19 / 180 Mbps, 20 / 270 Mbps, 21 / 360 Mbps,22 / 405 Mbps, 23 / 450 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
Data rates for a 40 MHz channel width and a long guard interval (800 ms):0 / 13.5 Mbps, 1 / 27 Mbps, 2 / 40.5 Mbps, 3 / 54 Mbps, 4 / 81 Mbps, 5 / 108 Mbps,6 / 121.5 Mbps, 7 / 135 Mbps, 8 / 27 Mbps, 9 / 54 Mbps, 10 / 81 Mbps,11 / 108 Mbps, 12 / 162 Mbps, 13 / 216 Mbps, 14 / 243 Mbps, 15 / 270 Mbps,16 / 40.5 Mbps, 17 / 81 Mbps, 18 / 121.5 Mbps, 19 / 162 Mbps, 20 / 243 Mbps,21 / 324 Mbps, 22 / 364.5 Mbps, 23 / 405 Mbps, and auto-rate capable
802.11a/a-naoperating frequencies5.180-5.240 GHz (US, lower frequencies)5.260-5.320 GHz (US, middle frequencies)5.180-5240 GHz (CE [EU], lower frequencies)5.260-5.320 GHz (CE [EU], middle frequencies)5.500-5.680 GHz (CE [EU], upper frequencies)
802.11 a/a-na encryptionWPA-PSK & WPA2-PSKAESTKIP
Management and Other Specifications
Network managementRemote configuration and management through the web managementinterface, through SNMP, or through Telnet or SSH with the command-lineinterface (CLI).SNMP management supports SNMP MIB II, 802.11 MIB and proprietaryconfiguration MIB.
Maximum clientsLimited by the amount of wireless network traffic generated by each node; amaximum of 400 clients is supported.
Status LEDs• Power/Test LED • Activity LED • Ethernet LAN • Wireless LAN (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Electrical and Physical Specifications
Power adapter12 VDC, 2.5A; plug is localized to country of sale
Physical specifications• Dimensions (h x w x d): 197.3 x 197.3 x 40 mm (7.76 x 7.76 x 1.57 in.) • Weight: 762 g (1.6 lb)
Environmental specificationsOperating temperature: 0 to 40°C (32 to 131°F) Operating humidity: 10–90%, noncondensing
Electromagnetic compliance• FCC Part 15 SubPart B • FCC Part 15 SubPart C • FCC Part 15 SubPart E • CE • C-TICK

Factory Default Settings

You can use the Reset button located on the rear of the wireless access point to reset all settings to their factory defaults. This is called a hard reset.

To perform a hard reset, use a sharp object to press and hold the Reset button for approximately five seconds (until the Test LED blinks rapidly). This returns the wireless access point to the factory configuration settings that are shown in the following table.

Note: Pressing the Reset button for a shorter period of time simply causes the wireless access point to reboot.

Table 5. Default configuration settings

FeatureDescription
Login for management and configuration
LAN IPv4 management address192.168.0.100
Subnet mask for IPv4 management address255.255.255.0
LAN IPv6 management address2001::21c:c0ff:fe69
User name (case-sensitive) for loginadmin
Login password (case-sensitive) for loginpassword
LAN and management features
DHCPv4 clientEnabled
DHCPv6 clientDisabled
Untagged VLANEnabled, VLAN ID 1
Management VLANVLAN ID 1
SNMPEnabled
SyslogDisabled
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)Disabled
Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)Enabled
Secure Shell (SSH)Enabled
TelnetDisabled
Time zoneUSA-Pacific
NTP clientEnabled
Custom NTP serverDisabled
Port speed10/100/1000
Ethernet MAC addressSee bottom label
Radio and wireless settings
Operating modeAccess point, infrastructure mode
Wireless access point namenetgearxxxxxx, where xxxx are the last 6 digits of the wireless access point MAC address
Country and regionVaries by region
Wireless communication2.4 GHz radio enabled 5 GHz radio enabled
Wireless modes11bg/ng/bgn 11a/a-na-ac
Wireless network names (SSIDs)NETGEAR_11ng NETGEAR_11ac
Broadcast network names (SSIDs)Enabled
Radio frequency channels11ng: Auto 11ac: Auto
MCS index/data rate (transmission speed)Best Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.
Channel width11ng: 20 MHz 11ac: Dynamic 20/40 MHz
Guard intervalAuto
Output powerFull
Wireless on/off (radio scheduling)Disabled
RTS threshold2347
Fragmentation length2346
Beacon interval100
Aggregation length65535
A-MPDUEnabled
RIFS transmissionDisabled
DTIM interval3
Preamble typeAuto
AntennaInternal
802.11dEnabled
Maximum wireless clients400
Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM)Enabled
WMM powersaveEnabled
AP EDCA parameters (QoS settings)See Configure and Manage Quality of Service Policies on page 83.
Station EDCA parameters (QoS settings)
QoS policiesNone
Wireless bridgingDisabled
Default wireless profile and profile security
Profile nameNETGEAR
Profile stateEnabled
Wireless network names (SSIDs)NETGEAR_11ng NETGEAR_11ac
Broadcast wireless network names (SSIDs)Enabled
Network authenticationOpen system (no authentication)
Data encryptionNone
Wireless client security separationDisabled
VLAN ID1
Wireless security features
Rogue AP detectionDisabled
Rogue AP detection policyModerate
MAC authenticationDisabled
RADIUS serversNone
RADIUS authentication port number1812
RADIUS shared secretsharedsecret
RADIUS accounting port number1813
RADIUS reauthentication time3600 seconds
RADIUS update of the global key1800 seconds
Table of contents Click a title to access it
Manual assistant
Powered by Anthropic
Waiting for your message
Product information

Brand : NETGEAR

Model : WAC720 X3

Category : Wireless Access Point