Cisco Systems WAP54G User Manual

USER GUIDE

Wireless-G Access Point

Model: WAP54G

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.

About This Guide

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-G Access Point

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Product Overview 4

Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 2: Wireless Security Checklist 5

General Network Security Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Additional Security Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service 6

Client Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Network Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Your Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3: Conguring the Wireless-G Access Point 12

How to Access the Web-Based Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

How to Navigate within the Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

The Setup Tab > Network Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

The Setup Tab > AP Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

The Wireless Tab > Basic Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

The Wireless Tab > Wireless Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

The Wireless Tab > Wireless MAC Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

The Wireless Tab > Advanced Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

The Administration Tab > Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

The Administration Tab > SNMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

The Administration Tab > Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

The Administration Tab > Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

The Administration Tab > Firmware Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

The Status Tab > Local Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

The Status Tab > Wireless Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Wireless-G Access Point

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 23

Appendix B: Specications 24

Appendix C: Warranty Information 25

Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Appendix D: Regulatory Information 27

FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Safety Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Industry Canada Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Avis d’Industrie Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Wireless Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Avis de non-responsabilité concernant les appareils sans ﬁl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste

Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Table of Contents

Appendix E: Software License Agreement 33

Software in Linksys Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Software Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Wireless-G Access Point

iii

Chapter 1

Powe r

Act

Link

Product Overview

Chapter 1: Product Overview

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Access Point. Use the instructions in this User Guide to help you connect the Access Point, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Access Point.

Front Panel

Cisco logo (Orange/White) The Cisco logo

is the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup button. It lights up when the Access Point is powered on. The Cisco logo is orange when the SecureEasySetup feature is not used, while the color white indicates that the SecureEasySetup feature is being used. When the Access Point enters SecureEasySetup mode, the Cisco logo will turn white and start flashing. Then the Access Point will generate its SSID (network name) and WPA-Personal (also called WPA-PSK) key. If the Access Point successfully associates with a client using SecureEasySetup, the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay white. If the association is unsuccessful, then the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay orange.

To clear the SSID and WPA-Personal key, press and hold down the Cisco logo for ten seconds. The Cisco logo will turn orange to indicate a successful reset.

NOTE: SecureEasySetup is a feature

that makes it easy to set up your wireless network. If you have SecureEasySetup devices, run the Setup Wizard on the Access Point’s Setup Wizard CD-ROM. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Act (Green) The Activity LED lights up when

the Access Point is ready for wireless use. It flashes when the Access Point is transmitting or receiving data wirelessly.

Link (Orange) The Link LED lights up when

the Access Point is successfully connected to a device through the Ethernet network port. The LED flashes when the Access Point is transmitting or receiving data through the Ethernet network port.

Back Panel

LAN The Ethernet network port connects to

an Ethernet network device, such as a switch or router.

RESET There are two ways to reset the Access

Point’s factory defaults. Either press the Reset button for approximately ten seconds, or use the Administration > Factory Defaults screen of the Access Point’s Web-based Utility.

NOTE: Resetting the Access Point will

erase all of your settings (including wireless security, IP address, and power output) and replace them with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Access Point if you want to retain these settings.

POWER The Power port connects to the Access

Point’s power adapter.

Power (Red) The Power LED lights up when the

Access Point is powered on.

Wireless-G Access Point

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.

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).

Use strong passphrases that are at least eight characters • in length. Combine letters and numbers to avoid using standard words that can be found in the dictionary.

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.

Wireless-G Access Point

WEB: For more information on wireless

security, visit www.linksys.com/security

Chapter 2

Configuration

Chapter 2: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service

This chapter is only for users who have signed up for Linksys Wireless Guard to secure their network and have configured the Access Point for Linksys Wireless Guard. (For information on configuring the Access Point for Linksys Wireless Guard, refer to the Quick Installation Guide.)

You will now install the client software needed to securely connect a PC to the Access Point that is protected by Linksys Wireless Guard. This chapter will also show you how to access your protected network and manage your account.

Client Software Installation

If you haven’t already done so, on the Welcome screen 1. of the Setup Wizard on the CD-ROM, click Linksys Wireless Guard Client. The Note screen shown below will appear. To install the software on this PC, click Continue. Click Cancel to cancel the installation.

The next screen will tell you to close all other 3. applications before continuing. If no other applications are open, click Next to continue. If you want to exit to close your other applications, click Cancel.

Exit Other Applications

A license agreement will appear next. Scroll down or 4. press PAGE DOWN to read the entire agreement. To accept the terms and continue the installation, click Yes. To quit the installation, click No.

Note

A screen will appear to notify you that the setup is in 2. process. Wait until the next screen appears. If you want to end the installation process, click Cancel.

Configuring Windows Installer

Wireless-G Access Point

License Agreement

Chapter 2

Configuration

On this screen, you will be informed where the 5. Linksys Wireless Guard client software will be installed. To install to this folder, click Next. If you want to choose a different location for the folder, click Browse and select the location.

Click Back to return to the previous screen. Click Cancel to cancel the installation.

Destination Location

The InstallShield Wizard will start copying 6. program files. Click Next to continue.

Click Back to return to the previous screen. Click Cancel to cancel the installation.

The Linksys Wireless Guard client software is 7. successfully installed. Before you can use the program, you must restart your computer. Select Yes to restart your computer now. Select No to restart your computer at a later time. Remove any disks that are in their drives, and then click Finish.

Restart Your Computer

After the Linksys Wireless Guard client software is 8. installed, a key icon will be displayed on the right side of the system tray at the bottom of your screen. The color of the key will change according to the status of the network connection. The most common colors are described below.

Wireless-G Access Point

Key Icon

Green - Connected. • Green with Red X - Connected, but waiting for •

authentication. Gray - Not connected. • Red - Connected to a network that is not •

protected by Linksys Wireless Guard.

Copying Files

Chapter 2

Configuration

Network Access

After Linksys Wireless Guard is installed, any time you access a Linksys Wireless Guard protected network, the Wireless Guard Login screen will appear. To access your network, click Login as a Wireless Guard Member, or if you are a guest, click Login as a Wireless Guard Guest. Enter your user name and password, and then click Login.

Your Account

This section explains how to access your account, how to add a guest, how to add another member to your account, and how to secure and unprotect the Linksys Wireless Guard network.

For more detailed information on your account and the website, click your computer’s Start button, select the

Linksys Wireless Guard folder, and then click Linksys Wireless Guard Help. For further information on Linksys

Wireless Guard only, you can contact Linksys Wireless Guard Technical Support at 888 231-5506 or send an e-mail to wirelessguard@linksys.com.

Accessing Your Account

Right-click on the green Wireless Guard Network key icon, and then click View Membership and Network Administration Website to log in to the Linksys Wireless Guard website.

You can also click on your computer’s Start button, select the Linksys Wireless Guard folder, then click Membership and Network Administration Website.

The 1. Member Login screen will appear. Enter the administrator’s user name and password in the fields provided. Click Login.

Wireless Guard Login Screen

you are a registered member.

you are a registered guest member. The guest must first be added as a guest at the Membership and Network Administration Website. Refer to Add a Guest, page 9.

Save Password Select this if you want the system to

remember your password so you don’t have to enter it when you log in.

Enable Auto Login Select this if you want the system to

bypass the login.

Click Cancel to cancel the login, or if you forget your password, click Lost Password.

Member Login Screen

The Wireless Guard Member Website home screen 2. will appear. Through this website, you can modify your member or billing profile, view information about your account or subscription, add or remove members, modify access privileges of members and guests, change network settings, and download updates and documentation. There is a Help tab with extensive information to help you with everything on the website. The instructions for adding a guest or member, as well as securing and unprotecting your network, are also explained below.

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 2

Configuration

Add a Guest

On the Wireless Guard Member Website home screen, 1. click the Network Admin tab.

Home

The 2. Network Administration screen will appear. Under Network Administration, click Modify Access Control.

The 4. Add Guest screen will appear. Enter the Guest User Name, Guest First Name, Guest Last Name, Password, Password Verify, and Access Duration. Then click Submit.

Add Guest

Guest User Name Enter a user name of the guest you

want to add.

Guest First Name Enter the first name of the guest

you want to add.

Network Administration

The 3. Modify Access Control screen will appear. Under Guests, click Add Guest.

Guest Last Name Enter the last name of the guest

you want to add.

Password Enter a password that’s at least six

characters long for the guest you want to add.

Password Verify Enter the password again.

Access Duration Enter the length of time (in hours)

that the guest will be on the network.

The guest will need to install the Linksys Wireless 5. Guard Client software on his or her PC. The software can be downloaded from the Setup CD-ROM or from

www.linksys.com/support. Refer to Client Software Installation, page 6.

Wireless-G Access Point

Modify Access Control

Chapter 2

Configuration

Add a Member

To add a member, follow the instructions in steps 1 through 3 of Add a Guest, page 9, except in step 3, click Add Member.

The Add Member screen will appear. Registered members can enter their e-mail address in the field provided and select the duration for access from the drop-down menu. If you want this network member to have the authority to put the network in Fallback Mode in case network security is lost, select Permission to Initiate Network Fallback. When finished, click Submit.

Add Member

To register as a member for Linksys Wireless Guard, refer to the following instructions, and then when you are finished with the registration process, return to this screen.

The member will need to install the Linksys Wireless Guard Client software on his or her PC. The software can be downloaded from the Setup CD-ROM or from linksys.com/ support. Refer to Client Software Installation, page 6.

When the 3. Subscriber information screen appears, enter the first and last names, phone number, if desired, and then e-mail address of the new member. Click Next.

Click Back to return to the previous screen. Click Cancel to cancel the member registration.

Subscriber Information

When the next screen appears, choose who will be 4. paying for the account. If the new member will be paying for the account, click I will pay for my own

subscription. I will enter my billing information on the web site later. If the administrator will be paying for the account, click Another member will be paying for my subscription. Click Next.

Click Back to return to the previous screen. Click Cancel to cancel the member registration.

Member Registration

Right-click on the green Wireless Guard Network key 1. icon, and then click Register Member.

The 2. Welcome screen will appear. Click Next.

Welcome

Wireless-G Access Point

Account Finances

Chapter 2

Configuration

When this screen appears, enter the information you 5. will be using with the account. Enter a user name and password, and then enter the password again. Also select a security question and answer in case you forget your password in the future. Click Next to continue.

Click Back to return to the previous screen. Click Cancel to cancel the member registration.

Credentials Information

Securing or Unprotecting Your Wireless Guard Network

There may be some instances when you would want to completely unprotect your network connection so it is not using the Wireless Guard security. For example, if you take your laptop to another location to give a presentation, and connect to a network that is running 802.1x security, the Linksys Wireless Guard software on your laptop will block you from logging in to another network. You will need to manually unprotect your network connection so you can log in. When you come back to your own network, you won’t have to manually re-secure the network connection. Linksys Wireless Guard will recognize it and automatically reinstate security.

To unprotect a network

Right-click the green Wireless Guard Network key icon on the right-side of the system tray at the bottom of your screen. Select Unprotect this Network Connection from the menu.

When the screen asks if you’re sure you want to unprotect the network, click Yes.

When the 6. Congratulations screen appears, you will be successfully registered for Linksys Wireless Guard. Click Finish.

Congratulations

You should now ask the administrator to add you to 7. his or her Wireless Guard Protected Network’s Access Control List. To do so, the network administrator needs to return to the Add Member screen (refer to Add a Member, page 10).

To secure an unprotected network

Right-click the green Wireless Guard Network key icon. Select Secure this Network Connection from the menu.

When the screen asks if you’re sure you want to secure the network, click Yes.

NOTE: For more detailed information on your

account and the website, click your computer’s

Start button, select the Linksys Wireless Guard folder, and then click Linksys Wireless Guard Help.

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 3

Configuration

Chapter 3: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point

The Access Point has been designed to be functional right out of the box, with the default settings in the Setup Wizard. However, if you want to change these settings, the Access Point can be configured through your web browser with the Web-based Utility. This chapter explains how to use the Utility.

The Utility can be accessed via a web browser through use of a computer that is networked with the Access Point.

For a basic network setup, most users only have to use the following screens of the Utility:

Setup • On the Setup > Network Setup screen, enter

your basic network settings here.

Management • Click the Administration tab and then

select the Management screen. To secure the Access Point, change the password from the default value (admin). Enter a new password in the Password and Re-enter to confirm fields.

How to Navigate within the Utility

There are four main tabs: Setup, Wireless, Administration, and Status. When you select a main tab, the screens for that tab are listed below the main tab. To display a screen, click its name in the list.

The Setup Tab > Network Setup

The first screen that appears is the Network Setup screen. This allows you to change the Access Point’s general settings.

Setup > Network Setup (Automatic Configuration - DHCP)

How to Access the Web-Based Utility

To access the web-based utility of the Access Point, launch your web browser. In the Address field, enter the Access Point’s default IP address, 192.168.1.245, or the IP address you entered during the Setup Wizard. (Should you need to learn what IP address the Access Point presently uses, run the Setup Wizard again. It will scan the Access Point and give you its IP address.) Press Enter.

Internet Explorer Address Bar

The login screen will appear. Leave the User Name field blank. The first time you open the Web-based Utility, use the default password, admin. (You can set a new password from the Administration > Management screen.) Then click OK.

Setup > Network Setup (Static IP)

Network Setup

Device Name

You may assign any Device Name to the Access Point. Unique, memorable names are helpful, especially if you are employing multiple access points on the same network.

Configuration Type

Select Automatic Configuration - DHCP if your network router will assign an IP address to the Access Point. The Access Point’s IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway address will then be displayed.

Wireless-G Access Point

Select Static IP if you want to assign a static or fixed IP address to the Access Point. Then complete the following:

Chapter 3

Configuration

IP Address The IP address must be unique to your

network. It is recommended to use the default IP address of 192.168.1.245.

Subnet Mask The Subnet Mask must be the same as that

set on your Ethernet network.

Default Gateway Enter the IP address of your network’s

gateway. The gateway is the device that enables communication between your computers and the Internet. In most cases, your router acts as your gateway.

Change these settings as described here and click

Save Settings to apply your changes, or click Cancel Changes to cancel your changes. Click Help for

more information.

The Setup Tab > AP Mode

On this screen you can change the Access Point’s mode of operation. In most cases, you can keep the default, Access Point. You may wish to change the Access Point’s mode of operation if you want to use the Access Point as a wireless repeater to extend the range of your wireless network. You may also wish to change the Access Point’s mode of operation if you want to use the Access Point as a wireless bridge; for example, you can use two Access Points in Wireless Bridge mode to connect two wired networks that are in two different buildings.

AP Mode

The Access Point offers four modes of operation: Access Point, AP Client, Wireless Repeater, and Wireless Bridge. For the Repeater and Bridge modes, make sure the SSID, channel, and security settings are the same for the other wireless access points/devices.

LAN MAC Address

The MAC address of the Access Point is displayed here.

Access Point The AP Mode is set to Access Point by

default. This connects your wireless PCs to a wired network. In most cases, no change is necessary.

AP (Access Point) Client When set to AP Client mode, the

AP Client is able to talk to one remote access point within its range. This feature only works with another Wireless-G Access Point (model number: WAP54G).

This mode allows the AP Client to act as a client of a remote access point. The AP Client cannot communicate directly with any wireless clients. A separate network attached to the AP Client can then be wirelessly bridged to the remote access point.

To use this mode, select AP Client and enter the LAN MAC address of the remote access point in the Remote Access Point’s LAN MAC Address field. If you do not know the remote access point’s MAC address, click Site Survey. Select the access point you want to use and click Close. If you do not see the access point you want, click Refresh to search for access points again.

NOTE: For the AP Client and Wireless Bridge

modes, the remote access point must be a second Linksys Wireless-G Access Point (model number: WAP54G). For the Wireless Repeater mode, the remote wireless bridge must be a second Linksys Wireless-G Access Point (model number: WAP54G) or Wireless-G Router (model number: WRT54G).

Wireless-G Access Point

Setup > AP Mode

Site Survey

Wireless Repeater When set to Wireless Repeater mode,

the Wireless Repeater is able to talk to up a remote access point within its range and retransmit its signal. This feature only works with the Linksys Wireless-G Router (model number: WRT54G) or another Wireless-G Access Point (model number: WAP54G).

To configure a Wireless Repeater environment, select Wireless Repeater and enter the MAC address of the remote access point in the Remote Access Point’s LAN MAC Address field.

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