Cisco WEC600N User Manual

USER GUIDE

Dual-Band Wireless-N

ExpressCard

Model: WEC600N

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 is a registered trademark or trademark 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.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3

LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Wireless Security Checklist 4

General Network Security Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Additional Security Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 3: Advanced Conguration 5

How to Access the Wireless Network Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

How to Use the Wireless Network Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Proﬁles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 25

Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Conguration 26

Windows XP Wireless Zero Conﬁguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Appendix C: Specications 28

Appendix D: Warranty Information 29

Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Appendix E: Regulatory Information 31

FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Safety Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Wireless Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Industry Canada Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Restrictions in the 5 GHz Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Avis d’Industrie Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Avis de non-responsabilité concernant les appareils sans ﬁl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

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

Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Appendix F: Software License Agreement 37

Software in Linksys Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Software Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Product Overview

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard. Using the latest wireless networking technology, Wireless-N (draft 802.11n), the ExpressCard adds or upgrades wireless connectivity on your notebook computer. Because the ExpressCard can work in both the 5 and 2.4 GHz radio bands, it can connect to Wireless-A, Wireless-N, Wireless-G, or Wireless-B networks. To help protect your data and privacy, your wireless connection is protected by industrial-strength WPA2 encryption. The included Setup Wizard will walk you through configuring the ExpressCard to your network’s settings, step by step.

LEDs

Product Overview

Power (Blue) The Power LED lights up when

the ExpressCard is powered on.

Link/Act (Blue) The Link/Act LED flashes when

there is network activity.

NOTE: This User Guide uses the terms

ExpressCard and Adapter synonymously to refer to the Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

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.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

WEB: For more information on wireless

security, visit www.linksys.com/security

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Advanced Configuration

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

How to Access the Wireless Network Monitor

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

Wireless Network Monitor icon

How to Use the Wireless Network Monitor

The opening screen of the Wireless Network Monitor is the Status 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 the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button to connect to a router that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

Configuration

Status

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates signal

strength.

Link Quality The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of

the wireless network connection.

More Information Click More Information to view

additional information about the wireless network connection on the Wireless Network Status screen.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Click the Wi-Fi Protected Setup

button to connect to a router that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Proceed to the “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” section.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup

NOTE: The Adapter supports Wi-Fi Protected

Setup, which is a feature that makes it easy to set up your wireless network.

Click More Information to view additional status information about the current connection. To search for available wireless networks, click the Connect tab. To perform configuration changes or create connection profiles, click the Profiles tab.

Status

The Status screen displays network mode, signal strength, and link quality information about the current connection. It also displays the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button. Click More Information for additional status information.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Button

NOTE: Make sure the router supports Wi-Fi

Protected Setup.

Before you begin, make sure the router and the computer with the Adapter are in the same room. Then select the method that is most convenient for you.

Select a Method

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Chapter 3

Configuration

Push Button (Recommended) Select this option to use

the push button method.

Use Adapter’s PIN number Select this option to enter

the Adapter’s PIN number on the router.

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

Proceed to the instructions for the method you selected.

Use the Push Button

Click 4. Print to print out your wireless network settings. Then click Finish to return to the Status screen, or click Exit to exit the Monitor.

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to

the network.

Enter the Adapter’s PIN Number

Use the Push Button

Press the1. Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the router.

Within two minutes, click the 2. Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

The Adapter connects to the network.3.

on this screen.

Access the web-based utility of the router. (Refer to the 1. router’s documentation for instructions.)

On the router’s 2. Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen, enter the Adapter’s PIN number in the PIN field. Then click Register.

On the Adapter’s PIN number screen, click 3. Next.

Enter the PIN Number

Connecting to the Network

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Chapter 3

Configuration

The Adapter connects to the network.4.

Connecting to the Network

Click 5. Print to print out your wireless network settings. Then click Finish to return to the Status screen, or click Exit to exit the Monitor.

Wireless Network Status

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

Wireless Network Status

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

Wireless Network Name This is the unique name (SSID)

of the wireless network.

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to the

network.

Wireless Mode This is the mode of the wireless network

currently in use.

Wide Channel This is the Wireless-N primary channel

used with a 40 MHz radio band network.

Standard Channel This is 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.

Network Type This is the wireless network type.

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 address of the DNS server used by the

Adapter.

MAC Address This is the MAC address of the wireless

network’s wireless router or access point.

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates the

signal strength.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

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 Status screen. Click Save to Profile to save the currently active connection settings to a profile.

Chapter 3

Configuration

Wireless Network Statistics

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

Wireless Network Statistics

Transmit Rate This is the data transmission rate of

the current connection. (In Auto mode, the Adapter dynamically shifts to the fastest data transmission rate at any given 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 Status 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. The table shows each network’s wireless network name, radio band, signal strength, and security method. You may click the column heading (Wireless Network Name, GHz, Signal strength, or Security method) to sort by that field.

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.

Noise Level This shows the level of background noise

that affects the wireless signal. A lower reading translates into a higher quality signal.

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.

Connect

Wireless Network Name This is the SSID or unique name

of the wireless network.

GHz This is the radio band used on the network. The

number 2.4 indicates Wireless-B, -G, or -N (2.4 GHz). The number 5 indicates Wireless-A or -N (5 GHz). (TBD - Is this still displayed? Not needed since only band is 2.4 GHz)

Signal The Signal bar indicates the signal strength.

Security This is the security method used by the

network.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Click the Wi-Fi Protected Setup

button to connect to a router that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Refer to the “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” instructions in the “Status” section at the beginning of this chapter.

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.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Chapter 3

Configuration

If the router does not support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, proceed to the section, “No Wi-Fi Protected Setup”. If the router supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup , proceed to the section, “Wi-Fi Protected Setup”.

No Wi-Fi Protected Setup

If the router does not use Wi-Fi Protected Setup, proceed to the appropriate section, “Wireless Security Disabled” or “Wireless Security Enabled”.

Wireless Security Disabled

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is disabled, then you will view this screen:

Click Connect Anyway

If the network uses WPA2 Personal security, then the WPA2-Personal Key Needed for Connection screen appears.

WPA2-Personal Security

Passphrase Enter the network’s Passphrase (also

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters.

To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

Click 1. Connect Anyway. Click 2. Finish.

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to

the network.

Wireless Security Enabled

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is enabled, then you will view one of three screens.

Proceed to the appropriate instructions.1.

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

If the network uses WPA Personal security, then the WPA-Personal Key Needed for Connection screen appears.

WPA-Personal Security

Passphrase Enter the network’s Passphrase (also

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters.

To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

If the network uses WEP encryption, then the WEP Key or Passphrase Needed for Connection screen appears.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Chapter 3

WEP Security

Passphrase Enter the Passphrase or WEP key.

The passphrase is case-sensitive and must be 16 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.)

If you enter the network’s WEP key, enter the appropriate number of hexadecimal characters (“0” to “9” and “A” to “F”). For 64-bit encryption, enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. For 128 -bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.

To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

Click 2. Finish.

Configuration

Wi-Fi Protected Setup

If you connect to a router that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, then you will view this screen:

Select a Method

Before you begin, make sure the router and the computer with the Adapter are in the same room. Then select the method that is most convenient for you.

Push Button (Recommended) Select this option to use

the push button method.

Use Adapter’s PIN number Select this option to enter

the Adapter’s PIN number on the router.

Enter Key Manually Select this option to manually enter

the security key.

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

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to

the network.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Proceed to the instructions for the method you selected.

Use the Push Button

Press the1. Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the router. Within two minutes, click the 2. Wi-Fi Protected Setup

button on this screen.

Use the Push Button

Chapter 3

Configuration

The Adapter connects to the network.3.

Connecting to the Network

Click 4. Print to print out your wireless network settings. Then click Finish to return to the Status screen, or click Exit to exit the Monitor.

On the Adapter’s PIN number screen, click 3. Next.

Enter the PIN Number

The Adapter connects to the network.4.

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to the network.

Enter the Adapter’s PIN Number

Access the web-based utility of the router. (Refer to the 1. router’s documentation for instructions.)

On the router’s 2. Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen, enter the Adapter’s PIN number in the PIN field. Then click

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Connecting to the Network

Click 5. Print to print out your wireless network settings. Then click Finish to return to the Status screen, or click Exit to exit the Monitor.

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to the network.

Chapter 3

Enter Key Manually

Proceed to the appropriate section, “Wireless Security Disabled” or “Wireless Security Enabled”.

Wireless Security Disabled

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is disabled, then you will view this screen:

Click Connect Anyway

Click 1. Connect Anyway. Click 2. Finish.

Configuration

WPA2-Personal Security

Passphrase Enter the network’s Passphrase (also

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters.

To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to

the network.

Wireless Security Enabled

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is enabled, then you will view one of three screens.

Proceed to the appropriate instructions.1.

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)

If the network uses WPA2 Personal security, then the WPA2-Personal Key Needed for Connection screen appears.

If the network uses WPA Personal security, then the WPA-Personal Key Needed for Connection screen.

WPA-Personal Security

Passphrase Enter the network’s Passphrase (also

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters.

To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

If the network uses WEP encryption, then the WEP Key or Passphrase Needed for Connection screen appears.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Chapter 3

WEP Security

Passphrase Enter the Passphrase or WEP key.

To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

Click 2. Finish.

Configuration

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.

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.

Standard Channel This is the channel used by your

wireless network.

Congratulations

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to

the network.

Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard

Security This is the status of the wireless security.

Authentication This is the authentication setting for the

network.

IP Address This is the method used by the network to

assign IP addresses.

Connect To connect to a wireless network using a specific

profile, select the profile, and click Connect.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Click the Wi-Fi Protected Setup

button to connect to a router that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Refer to the “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” instructions in the “Status” section at the beginning of this chapter.

New Click New to create a new profile. See the next

section, “Create 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.

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Cisco WEC600N User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual