b standard

I purchased this for two reasons: one, to bridge an ethernet desktop to an 11b network for now; and two, to use as an 11g AP later. Unfortunately, although the product description clearly states it can be used as an access point, bridge, or repeater, I couldn't configure it as anything other than an AP. The user manual shows "advanced" configuration screens that I simply couldn't find at all. I also couldn't get my changes to the wireless settings to "stick" (they'd go back to the defaults no matter how many times I clicked Apply).

It would behoove you to read the user manual before purchasing this product because its compatibility is limited: it can only act as a bridge or repeater in conjunction with another WG602v2 or a WG302 (and you still can't do WPA). Also, the product ships with a bright yellow note saying it's incompatible with the MA101.

I've used several other Netgear products. If you're looking for something attractive, simple, and built well, Netgear's great. But if you actually know a thing or two about wireless networking you might be disappointed in Netgear due to limited configurability, expandability, compatibility, interoperability, and performance.

I just bought the Netgear WG602 about a week ago, and I am very impressed. I also purchased the Netgear 54G Wireless PC Card. Both items work great. All I did was connect the ethernet cord (that comes with the access point) from my existing D-Link wired router and into the Netgear access point. Then I installed the PC Card software on my laptop and rebooted and done. It was up and running in 10 minutes. At about 1 foot I was connected at 100% out in the living room about 30 feet away through one wall it was between 78-86%. Then about 60 feet away through 4-5 walls it was 60%. Even at 60% the connection flew. It was just like I was connected through a wire. I then walked outside my house about 200 feet and was still connected. My dad has a Linksys 802.11b access point and can only go about 40 feet. It seems the 802.11g makes a big difference on signal strength. The access point is very stylish and the stand works great. You need to point the antenna in the right direction to make a stronger connection. Another plus is that you can replace the antenna with a more powerful one if needed. You need to secure the access point soon after you set it up. I went into the setup features of the access point and turned on authentication type to shared key. Then I turned on WEP and used the passcode feature by typing in a word. Then I turned on MAC security and added the PC card's MAC address (which I found in the About tab) to the allowed addresses. Then I rebooted the access point. At this point of course the laptop could not connect because it was not using WEP so I went to the PC card and told it to use WEP security and used the same passcode that I had used on the access point. And then told the Netgear Wireless PC card to re-scan. It found the access point and the entire setup including tight security was done.

Just got this today and had it up and running in 15 minutes.

I get 100% signal strength throughout my entire condo and the lowest throughput I've seen is 36 MBPS on rare occasions. Usually is 48+

Extremely pleased. I've been using Netgear products for the past 7 years and they have all been great.