Cisco Systems WUSB300N User Manual

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USER GUIDE

Wireless-N USB

Network Adapter

Model: WUSB300N

About This Guide

Icon Descriptions

While reading through the User Guide you may see various icons that call attention to specific items. Below is a description of these icons:

NOTE: This check mark indicates that there is a note of interest and is something that you should pay special attention to while using the product.

WARNING: This exclamation point indicates that there is a caution or warning and it is something that could damage your property or product.

WEB: This globe icon indicates a noteworthy website address or e-mail address.

Online Resources

Website addresses in this document are listed without http:// in front of the address because most current web browsers do not require it. If you use an older web browser, you may have to add http:// in front of the web address.

Resource	Website

Linksys	www.linksys.com

Linksys International	www.linksys.com/international

Glossary	www.linksys.com/glossary

Network Security	www.linksys.com/security

Linksys, Cisco and the Cisco Logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Wireless-N USB Network Adapter

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Product Overview			4
Front Panel			4
USB Extension Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	. 4
Chapter 2: Wireless Security Checklist			5
General Network Security Guidelines			5
Additional Security Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	. 5
Chapter 3: Configuration			6
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor			6
Using the Wireless Network Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	. .	6
Link Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	. 6
Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	. .	7
Appendix A: Troubleshooting			17
Appendix B: Specifications			18
Appendix C: Warranty Information			19
Limited Warranty			19
Appendix D: Regulatory Information			21
FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	21
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	.21
Safety Notices			21
Industry Canada Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	. .	22
Règlement d’Industry Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	.22
Wireless Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	22
Avis de non-responsabilité concernant les appareils sans fil . .	. . . . . . . .	. .	22
User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste
Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)			23
Appendix E: Software License Agreement			27
Software in Linksys Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	.	27
Software Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . .	. .	27

Wireless-N USB Network Adapter

Table of Contents

Wireless-N USB Network Adapter

iii

Chapter 1

Product Overview

Chapter 1:

Product Overview

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N USB Network Adapter. Setting up your network and your Wireless-N USB Network Adapter is easier than ever.

How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network, especially with the Wireless-N (802.11n) standard. Expect excellent range and mobility with the Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) standard as well.

Front Panel

Power (Green) The Power LED lights up and will stay on while the Adapter is powered on.

Link/Act (Green) The Link/Act LED lights up when the Adapter has an active connection.

USB Extension Base

A USB Extension Base is provided for easy access to the USB port. The USB Extension Base is connected to the USB port in your PC, then the Adapter is connected to the Base.

NOTE: Do not restore the factory defaults unless you are having difficulties with the Adapter and have exhausted all other troubleshooting measures. Once the Adapter is reset, you will have to re-enter all of your configuration settings.

Wireless-N USB Network Adapter

Chapter 2

Wireless Security Checklist

Chapter 2:

Wireless Security Checklist

Wireless networks are convenient and easy to install, so homes with high-speed Internet access are adopting them at a rapid pace. Because wireless networking operates by sending information over radio waves, it can be more vulnerable to intruders than a traditional wired network. Like signals from your cellular or cordless phones, signals from your wireless network can also be intercepted. Since you cannot physically prevent someone from connecting to your wireless network, you need to take some additional steps to keep your network secure.

1.Change the default wireless network name or SSID

Wireless devices have a default wireless network name or Service Set Identifier (SSID) set by the factory. This is the name of your wireless network, and can be up to 32 characters in length. Linksys wireless products use linksys as the default wireless network name. You should change the wireless network name to something unique to distinguish your wireless network from other wireless networks that may exist around you, but do not use personal information (such as your Social Security number) because this information may be available for anyone to see when browsing for wireless networks.

2. Change the default password

For wireless products such as access points, routers, and gateways, you will be asked for a password when you want to change their settings. These devices have a default password set by the factory. The Linksys default password is admin. Hackers know these defaults and may try to use them to access your wireless device and change your network settings. To thwart any unauthorized changes, customize the device’s password so it will be hard to guess.

3. Enable MAC address filtering

Linksys routers and gateways give you the ability to enable Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering. The MAC address is a unique series of numbers and letters assigned to every networking device. With MAC address filtering enabled, wireless network access is provided solely for wireless devices with specific MAC addresses. For example, you can specify the MAC address of each computer in your home so that only those computers can access your wireless network.

4. Enable encryption

Encryption protects data transmitted over a wireless network. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) and Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) offer different levels of security for wireless communication.

A network encrypted with WPA/WPA2 is more secure than a network encrypted with WEP, because WPA/WPA2 uses dynamic key encryption. To protect the information as it passes over the airwaves, you should enable the highest level of encryption supported by your network equipment.

WEP is an older encryption standard and may be the only option available on some older devices that do not support WPA.

General Network Security Guidelines

Wireless network security is useless if the underlying network is not secure.

•• Password protect all computers on the network and individually password protect sensitive files.

•• Change passwords on a regular basis.

•• Install anti-virus software and personal firewall software.

•• Disable file sharing (peer-to-peer). Some applications may open file sharing without your consent and/or knowledge.

Additional Security Tips

•• Keep wireless routers, access points, or gateways away from exterior walls and windows.

•• Turn wireless routers, access points, or gateways off when they are not being used (at night, during vacations).

•• Usestrongpassphrasesthatareatleasteightcharacters in length. Combine letters and numbers to avoid using standard words that can be found in the dictionary.

WEB: For more information on wireless security, visit www.linksys.com/security

Wireless-N USB Network Adapter

Chapter 3

Configuration

Chapter 3:

Configuration

Configuration is done through the Wireless Network Monitor (the Monitor).You can use the Monitor to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or create profiles that hold different configuration settings.

Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor

After installing the Adapter, the Wireless Network Monitor icon appears in the system tray of your computer. If the Wireless Network Monitor is enabled, the icon is green. If the Wireless Network Monitor is disabled or the Adapter is not connected, the icon is gray.

Using the Wireless Network Monitor

The opening screen of the Wireless Network Monitor is the Link Information screen. From this screen, you can find out how strong the current wireless signal is and how good the connection’s quality is. You can also click More Information to view additional status information about the current wireless connection. To search for available wireless networks, click the Connect tab. To perform configuration changes or create connection profiles, click the Profiles tab.

Link Information

The Link Information screen displays network mode, signal strength, and link quality information about the current connection. It also provides a More Information button to click for additional status information.

Link Information

Ad-Hoc Mode or Infrastructure Mode The screen indicates whether the Adapter is currently working in ad hoc or infrastructure mode.

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength.

Link Quality The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.

Click More Information to view additional information about the wireless network connection on the Wireless Network Status screen.

Wireless Network Status

The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings.

Wireless Network Status

Radio Band This shows the radio band used on the network.

Wireless Network Name This is the unique name (SSID) of the wireless network.

Wireless Mode This is the mode of the wireless network currently in use.

Wide Channel This displays the Wireless-N primary channel used with a 40 MHz radio band network.

Standard Channel This displays the channel used by your wireless network.

Security This is the status of the wireless security feature.

Authentication This is your wireless network’s authentication method.

IP Address This is the IP Address of the Adapter. Subnet Mask This is the Adapter’s Subnet Mask. Default Gateway This is the Default Gateway address. DNS1 This is the DNS address of the Adapter.

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Chapter 3

Configuration

MAC Address This is the MAC address of the wireless network’s access point or wireless router.

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates the signal strength.

Link Quality The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.

Click Statistics to go to the Wireless Network Statistics screen. Click Back to return to the initial Link Information screen. Click Save to Profile to save the currently active connection settings to a profile.

Wireless Network Statistics

The Wireless Network Statistics screen provides statistics on your current network settings.

Wireless Network Statistics

Transmit Rate This is the data transfer rate of the current connection. (In Auto mode, the Adapter dynamically shifts to the fastest data transfer rate at any given time.)

Receive Rate This is the rate that the Adapter receives data.

Packets Received This shows the packets that the Adapter receives, in real time, after connecting to the wireless network or after clicking Refresh.

Packets Transmitted This shows the packets that the Adapter transmits, in real time, after connecting to the wireless network or after clicking Refresh.

Bytes Received This shows the bytes that the Adapter receives, in real time, after connecting to the wireless network or after clicking Refresh.

Bytes Transmitted This shows the bytes that the Adapter transmits, in real time, after connecting to the wireless network or after clicking Refresh.

Driver Version This shows the Adapter’s driver version.

Signal Strength This is the intensity of the wireless signal that the Adapter receives.

Transmit Power This is the power output at which the Adapter transmits.

Up Time This indicates the length of the most recent connection to a wireless network.

Total Up Time This indicates the cumulative total of the Adapter’s connection time.

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates the signal strength.

Link Quality The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.

Click Back to return to the initial Link Information screen. Click Status to go to the Wireless Network Status screen. Click Save to Profile to save the currently active connection settings to a profile. Click Refresh to reset the statistics.

Connect

The Connect screen displays a list of available networks in the table on the left. The table shows each network’s wireless network name, channel, and the quality of the wireless signal the Adapter receives. You may click Wireless Network Name, CH (Channel), or Signal, to sort by that field.

Connect

Wireless Network Name The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here.

CH This is the channel that the network uses.

Signal This is the percentage of signal strength, from 0 to 100%.

Site Information

For each network selected, the following settings are listed:

Wireless Mode This is the SSID or unique name of the Wireless Network.

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Chapter 3

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Network Type This is the network type used by your wireless network.

Radio Band This is the radio band used by your wireless network.

Security This is the status of the wireless security feature.

MAC Address This is the MAC address of the wireless network’s access point.

Refresh Click Refresh to perform a new search for wireless devices.

Connect To connect to one of the networks on the list, select the wireless network, and click Connect. If the network’s wireless security is enabled, then one of these wireless security screens appears:

WEP

If the network has WEP encryption enabled, then you see the WEP Key Needed for Connection screen. Select the appropriate level of WEP encryption, 64-Bit or 128-Bit. Then enter the network’s Passphrase or WEP Key. Click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

WEP Security

WPA

If the network has the WPA Personal security enabled, then you see the WPA Personal Needed for Connection screen. Select the appropriate encryption type, TKIP or AES. Enter the network’s Pre-shared Key in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

WPA-Personal Security

WPA2 Personal

If the network hasWPA2 Personal wireless security enabled, then you will see the WPA2 Personal Needed for Connection screen. Enter the network’s Passphrase or pre-shared key in the Passphrase field. To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

WPA2 Personal Security

Profiles

The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. The table on the left displays a list of available profiles with their profile names and wireless network names.

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Profiles

Profile This is the name of the profile.

Wireless Network Name This is the SSID or unique name of the wireless network.

Profile Information

For each profile selected, the following are listed:

Wireless Mode This is the mode of the wireless network currently in use.

Wide Channel This displays the Wireless-N primary channel used with a 40 MHz radio band network.

Standard Channel This displays the channel used by your wireless network.

Security This is the status of the wireless security.

Authentication This is the authentication setting for the network.

Connect To connect to a wireless network using a specific profile, select the profile, and click Connect.

New Click New to create a new profile. See the next section, “Creating a New Profile,” for instructions.

Edit Select the profile you want to change and click Edit.

Import Click Import to import a profile that is saved in another location. Select the appropriate file, and click

Open.

Export Select the profile you want to save in a different location, and click Export. Direct Windows to the appropriate folder, and click Save.

Delete Select the profile you want to delete and click

Delete.

NOTE: If you want to export more than one profile, you must export them one at a time.

Create a New Profile

The next screen is the Available Wireless Networks screen.

Available Wireless Networks

This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter.

Available Wireless Networks (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up. The networks available to this Adapter are listed on this screen. You can choose one of these networks and click Connect to connect to it. Click Refresh to update the Available Wireless Networks list.

Advanced Setup If your network is not listed on this screen, select Advanced Setup to set up the adapter manually. This method of setting up the Adapter is intended for Advanced Users only.

The setup for each option is described, step by step, under the appropriate heading on the following pages.

Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard and set up the Adapter later.

Available Wireless Networks

The available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by Wireless Network Name. Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click Connect. (If you do not see your network listed, you can click Refresh to bring the list up again.) If the network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter. If not, you will be taken directly to the Congratulations screen.

1.If you have wireless security enabled on your network, continue to step 2. If you don’t have wireless security enabled, continue to step 3.

2.If your network hasWEP,WPA, orWPA2 wireless security enabled, then that security screen appears. Continue to the screen for your wireless security.

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WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

If you have WEP enabled, this screen appears. Select 64 Bit or 128-Bit. Then enter a passphrase or WEP key.

WEP Security

Passphrase Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. The passphrase is case sensitive and must be 31 or fewer alphanumeric characters. It must match the passphrase of your other wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (For non-Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key manually.)

WEP Key The WEP key must match the WEP key of your wireless network. For 64-Bit encryption, enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters (“0”to“9”and“A”to“F”.) For 128 Bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.

Click Connect and proceed to Step 3.

WPA Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

If your network has WPA Personal enabled, this screen appears.

WPA Personal Security

Encryption Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.

Pre-shared Key Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field.

Click Connect and proceed to Step 3.

WPA2 Personal

If the network has WPA2-Personal wireless security enabled, then you will see the WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection screen. Enter the network’s Passphrase or pre-shared key in the Passphrase field. To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click

Cancel.

WPA2 Personal Security

Passphrase Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field. The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.

Click Connect and proceed to Step 3.

3.After the profile installs, the Congratulations screen appears. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings immediately and return to the Link Information screen. Click Return to Profiles Screen to keep the current settings active and return to the

Profiles screen.

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Congratulations

Congratulations! The profile is successfully configured.

Advanced Setup

If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Advanced Setup.

Available Wireless Networks

1.Click Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless Networks screen to set up the adapter manually.

2.The Network Settings screen appears.

Network Settings

If your network has a router or other DHCP server, select

Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP).

If your network does not have a DHCP server or router, select Specify network settings. Enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS addresses appropriate for your network. You must specify the IP Address and Subnet Mask on this screen. If you are unsure about the Default Gateway and DNS addresses, leave these fields empty.

IP Address This IP Address must be unique to your network.

Subnet Mask The Adapter’s Subnet Mask must be the same as your wired network’s Subnet Mask.

Default Gateway Enter the IP address of your network’s Gateway here.

DNS 1 and DNS 2 Enter the DNS address of your wired Ethernet network here.

Click Next to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.

3.The Wireless Mode screen shows a choice of two wireless modes. Select Infrastructure Mode if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point. Select Ad-Hoc Mode if you want to connect to another wireless device directly without using a wireless router or access point. Enter the Wireless Network Name for your network.

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