WAN and System Configuration 2-31
region. The widest range available is from 1 to 14. However, in North America only 1 to 11 may be
selected. Europe, France, Spain and Japan will differ. Channel selection can have a significant impact on
performance, depending on other wireless activity close to this Gateway. Channel selection is not
necessary at the client computers; the clients will scan the available channels seeking access points using
the same ESSID as the client.
• Closed System: If you toggle Closed System to Closed, the wireless network is hidden from the scanning
features of wireless client computers. Unless both the wireless clients and the Router share the same
SSID in Closed System mode, the Router’s wireless LAN will not appear as an available network when
scanned for by wireless-enabled computers. Members of the Closed System WLAN must log onto the
Router’s wireless network with the identical SSID as that configured in the router.
Closed System mode is an ideal way to increase wireless security and to prevent casual detection by
unwanted neighbors, office users, or malicious users such as hackers.
If you toggle it to Open, it is more convenient, but potentially less secure, for clients to access your WLAN
by scanning available access points. You must decide based on your own network requirements.
Note: Enabling Closed System Mode on your wireless Gateway provides another level of security, since your
wireless LAN will no longer appear as an available access point to client PCs that are casually scanning for one.
Your own wireless network clients, however, must log into the wireless LAN by using the exact SSID of the
Netopia Gateway.
In addition, if you have enabled WEP encryption on the Netopia Gateway, your network clients must also have
WEP encryption enabled, and must have the same WEP encryption key as the Netopia Gateway.
Once the Netopia Gateway is located by a client computer, by setting the client to a matching SSID, the client
can connect immediately if WEP is not enabled. If WEP is enabled then the client must also have WEP enabled
and a matching WEP key.
Wireless client cards from different manufacturers and different operating systems accomplish connecting to a
wireless LAN and enabling WEP in a variety of ways. Consult the documentation for your particular wireless card
and/or operating system.
Enable Privacy
By default, Enable Privacy is set to Off. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ENABLE PRIVACY.
• WPA-PSK: (Wi-Fi Protected Access) The easiest way to enable Privacy on your Wireless network is by
selecting WPA-PSK - (Pre-Shared Key) from the pop-up menu.
