Cisco Systems WMA11B User Manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.

GHz

2.4

®

Model No.

802.11b

WIRELESS

WMA11B

Wireless-B

Media Adapter

User Guide

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Copyright and Trademarks

Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain
other countries. Copyright © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

How to Use this Guide

This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Adapter easier than ever. Look
for the following items when reading this Guide:

This checkmark means there is a Note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Adapter.

This exclamation point means there is a Caution or
Warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Adapter.

This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Adapter.

In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:

word: definition.

Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like
this:

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section in the “Table of Contents”.

WMA11B-UG-30912E JL

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Table of Content s

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 2

Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its

Remote Controller 4

Front Panel 4
Back Panel 4
Remote Controller 5

Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your Network for Setup7

Overview 7
Connection to a Wired Network for Setup 7
Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Using Windows XP Only 8

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter 9

Overview 9
Running the Setup Wizard 9
Using the Adapter Utility 16

Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your TV and Stereo 18

Overview 18
Instructions 18
Placement Options 21
Using the TV Setup 22

Chapter 6: Using the Media Navigator 26

Overview 26
Music Menus 26
Pictures Menu 29
Help 31

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 32

Common Problems and Solutions 32
Frequently Asked Questions 34

Appendix B: Wireless Security 37

A Brief Overview 37
What Are The Risks? 37

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Appendix C: Planning Your Use of the Wireless-B Media Adapter 44

Overview 44
Using the Adapter as Part of Your Wireless Network 44
Using the Adapter as Part of Your Wired Network 44

Appendix D: Creating a Playlist 45
Appendix E: Setting a Static IP Address on Your PC 46
Appendix F: Windows Help 48
Appendix G: Glossary 49
Appendix H: Specifications 55
Appendix I: Warranty Information 57
Appendix J: Regulatory Information 58
Appendix K: Contact Information 61

Wireless-B Media Adapter

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: Front Panel 4
Figure 2-2: Back Panel 4
Figure 2-3: Remote Controller 6
Figure 3-1: Example of a Connection to a Wired Computer for Setup 7
Figure 3-2: Example of a Connection to a Wireless-equipped Computer

for Setup 7
Figure 3-3: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 7
Figure 3-4: Connect the Power 8
Figure 4-1: Welcome Screen 9
Figure 4-2: Installing the Adapter Screen 9
Figure 4-3: Windows Installer Screen 10
Figure 4-4: Microsoft .NET Framework Screen 10
Figure 4-5: Microsoft .NET Framework Package Screen 10
Figure 4-6: License Agreement Screen 11
Figure 4-7: Select Music and Pictures Folders Screen 11
Figure 4-8: Connection for Setup Screen 12
Figure 4-9: Adapter Selection Screen 12
Figure 4-10: Connection after Setup Screen 13
Figure 4-11: Basic Settings Screen 13
Figure 4-12: Basic Wireless Settings Screen 14
Figure 4-13: Wireless Security Settings Screen 15
Figure 4-14: Confirmation Screen 15
Figure 4-15: Congratulations Screen 16
Figure 4-16: Utility Icon 16
Figure 4-17: Select Media Folder Manager 16
Figure 4-18: Media Folder Manager 17
Figure 4-19: Browse for Folder 17
Figure 4-20: Start Menu 17

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Figure 5-1: Unplug the Power 18
Figure 5-2: Connection to Your TV and Stereo 19
Figure 5-3: Connection to Your TV Only 20
Figure 5-4: Connect the Power 21
Figure 5-5: Vertical Position 21
Figure 5-6: Welcome Screen 22
Figure 5-7: Windows Installer Screen 22
Figure 5-8: Installing the Adapter Utility Screen 22
Figure 5-9: Microsoft .NET Framework Screen 23
Figure 5-10: Microsoft .NET Framework Package Screen 23
Figure 5-11: License Agreement Screen 23
Figure 5-12: Select Music and Pictures Folders Screen 24
Figure 5-13: Utility Congratulations 24
Figure 5-14: Media Adapter Setup 25
Figure 6-1: Main Menu Screen 26
Figure 6-2: Music Screen 26
Figure 6-3: Choose Music Screen 27
Figure 6-4: All Songs Screen 27
Figure 6-5: Choose Artists Screen 27
Figure 6-6: Now Playing Screen 28
Figure 6-7: Music Options Screen 28
Figure 6-8: Pictures Screen 29
Figure 6-9: Choose Pictures Screen 29
Figure 6-10: Now Showing Screen 29
Figure 6-11: Picture Options Screen 30
Figure 6-12: Help Screen 31
Figure 6-13: Music Help Screen 31
Figure B-1: Warchalking 37
Figure C-1: Example of a Wireless Network 44
Figure C-2: Example of a Wired Network 44

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Figure E-1: XP Default Interface 46
Figure E-2: XP Classic Interface 46
Figure E-3: Network Connection 46
Figure E-4: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) 47
Figure E-5: IP Address 47

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-B Media Adapter. This Media Adapter lets you bring the digital pictures and
music stored on your computer to your Home Entertainment Center, without running cables through the house.
Using a wireless connection, the Media Adapter displays your digital photographs on the TV for the whole family
to enjoy. And your digital music collection is finally freed from those little computer speakers and can play in full
glory through your stereo system.

How does the Media Adapter do all of this? The Wireless-B Media Adapter sits by your home stereo and television
and connects to them using standard consumer electronics cables. Then it connects to your home network by
Wireless-B (802.11b) wireless networking, or if you prefer, it can be connected via standard 10/100 Ethernet
cabling. Using the included remote control and the user-friendly menus on your TV, you can browse through the
digital pictures on your computer by folder , filename, or thumbnail. You can view pictures one at a time, or watch
an automatically created slideshow of all the pictures in a given folder. The Media Adapter supports four popular
picture formats: JPG, GIF, TIF and BMP. Use the remote control’s Zoom button to get a close-up of the details in
your pictures.

You can also use the remote to browse your MP3 or WMA formatted music collection by title, artist, genre, folder,
or playlist. Choose the music you want, and let the Wireless-B Media Adapter play it through your stereo system.
You can even let music play in the background while you browse your pictures.

802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking
standard that specifies a maximum
data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an
operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

Ethernet: an IEEE standard network
protocol that specifies how data is
placed on and retrieved from a
common transmission medium.

Use the instructions in this Guide to help you integrate the Media Adapter into your network. These instructions
should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-B Media Adapter.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome

1

Wireless-B Media Adapter

What’s in this Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-B Media Adapter.

• Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.

• Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller

This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter and its Remote Controller.

• Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your Network for Setup

This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Adapter to your network before you run the Setup Wizard.

• Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter

This chapter instructs you on how to use the Setup Wizard for setup and configuration of the Adapter. It also
explains how to use the Wireless-B Media Adapter Utility on your PC, so you can send pictures and music files
to the Adapter.

• Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your TV and Stereo

This chapter explains how to connect the Adapter to your TV and stereo system. If you prefer to set up the
Adapter from your TV, without using a computer, then refer to this chapter.

• Chapter 6: Using the Media Navigator

This chapter describes the menus of the Media Navigator, which lets you easily select pictures to show and
music to play.

• Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding
installation and use of the Adapter.

• Appendix B: Wireless Security

This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.

• Appendix C: Planning Your Use of the Wireless-B Media Adapter

This appendix explains how you can integrate the Wireless-B Media Adapter into your network.

• Appendix D: Creating a Playlist

This appendix instructs you on how to create a playlist for your music selections, if you want to listen to the
songs in a specific sequence.

Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?

2

Wireless-B Media Adapter

• Appendix E: Setting a Static IP Address on Your PC

This appendix explains how to set a static IP address on your PC, if you have set a static IP address on the
Adapter and you also need a static IP address set on your PC.

• Appendix F: Windows Help

This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.

• Appendix G: Glossary

This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

• Appendix H: Specifications

This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Adapter.

• Appendix I: Warranty Information

This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Adapter.

• Appendix J: Regulatory Information

This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Adapter.

• Appendix K: Contact Information

This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?

3

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless- B Media Adapter and
Its Remote Controller

Front Panel

On the Adapter’s front panel, it has three LEDs to let you know how the Adapter is functioning. There is also a
Power button. See Figure 2-1.

Ready Green. The Ready LED flashes when the Adapter is establishing a connection to the host

computer. It stops flashing and stays lit when the Adapter is connected to the host computer.

Wireless Green. The Wireless LED lights up when there is a connection to a wireless network. It flashes

when data is transmitted to or received from the wireless network.

Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED lights up when there is a connection to a wired network. It flashes

when data is transmitted to or received from the wired network.

(Power) The Power button allows you to power on and off the Adapter.

Back Panel

On the Adapter’s back panel, it features seven ports and two buttons, Uplink and Reset. (See Figure 2-2.)

Figure 2-2: Back P anel

Power The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.

Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller
Front Panel

Figure 2-1: Front Panel

Ethernet: an IEEE standard network protocol
that specifies how data is placed on and
retrieved from a common transmission.

4

Wireless-B Media Adapter

LAN The LAN port is where you will connect the Ethernet network cable.
Uplink TheUplink button is used only when the Adapter is connected to a wired network device. If

the Adapter is connected to a PC, then the Uplink button should be pushed in. If the Adapter is
connected to a switch, then the Uplink button should NOT be pushed in. If necessary , push the
Uplink button, and then power the Adapter off and back on again.

Video The Video port is where you will connect the video cable.
Left and Right The Left and Right ports are where you will connect the left and right audio cables.
S-Video The S-Video port is where you will connect the S-video cable.
Reset The Reset button is what you will push if you need to reset the Adapter.

Note: When you want to reset the Adapter to its factory default settings, which are listed below,

press the Reset button and hold it in for 10 seconds.

• IP address: 192.168.1.230

• mode: ad-hoc

• SSID: linksys_wma11b

• channel: 6

• WEP encryption: disabled

(Antenna) The Antenna port is where you will attach the antenna.

LAN (Local Area Network): the computers
and networking products that make up the
network in your home or office.

IP address: the address used to identify a
computer or device on a network.

Ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly to each other (peer-to­peer) without the use of an access point.

SSID: your wireless network’s name.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): a method

of encrypting data transmitted on a wireless
network for greater security.

Remote Controller

The Adapter includes a Remote Controller, which features several buttons that allow you to control the Media
Navigator. Use the remote to move through the Navigator’s Music, Pictures, or Help menus on your TV.

Before using the Remote Controller, insert the included AAA batteries into the battery compartment. Make sure
you align the batteries according to the compartment’s diagram.

Here are descriptions of the remote’s various buttons:
Power - This turns the Adapter on or off.

Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller
Remote Controller

5

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Menu - It displays the main menu.
Music - This displays the Music menu.
Pictures - It displays the Pictures menu.
Setup - As the Adapter is connecting to the TV, press this button to view the TV Setup screen. For more details,

refer to “Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your TV and Stereo.”
Select and arrows - Use the Select button to make a selection, like the Enter key on your computer’s keyboard.

Use the arrow keys to move through menus, songs, or pictures.

Page up and down - Use these buttons to scroll through lists of songs or pictures.
Volume up and down - Press these buttons to control the volume.
Zoom in and out - Use these buttons to make the on-screen picture larger or smaller.
Previous - Press this button to return to the previous screen.
Options - This displays the Music Options menu or the Picture Options menu.
Back - It goes back to the previous song or picture.
Next - This button goes to the next song or picture.
Play/Pause - It plays or pauses the song or slideshow.
Stop - This stops the song or slideshow, depending on which menu you are in.

Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller
Remote Controller

Figure 2-3: Remote Controller

6

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless- B Media Adapter to Your
Network for Setup

Overview

Connect the Adapter to a network or computer (see Figures 3-1 and 3-2), and then proceed to the appropriate
section for your setup. It is strongly recommended that you connect the Adapter to a wired network for setup.

If you want to set up the Adapter directly from your TV (without using your computer), then proceed to “Chapter 4:
Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter.”

NOTE FOR WINDOWS 2000 USERS: You must connect the Adapter to a wired network for setup.
You cannot set up the Adapter from a wireless-equipped PC unless you are running Windows XP.

Connection to a Wired Network for Setup

1. Attach the antenna to the Adapter.

Windows 2000

or XP Computer

Figure 3-1: Example of a Connection to a Wired

Computer for Setup

Wireless-B Media

Adapter

2. Connect the included Ethernet network cable to an Ethernet (LAN) port on your PC, router, or switch.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to the LAN port on the Adapter (see Figure 3-3).

4. Connect the included power adapter to the Power port on the Adapter (see Figure 3-4).

5. Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet.

6. Press the Adapter’s power button, which is located on the Adapter’s front panel.

7. The Ethernet LED will light up. If it does not, then push the Uplink button on the Adapter’s back panel. Power
the Adapter off and back on again. Make sure the cable connections are secure.

Proceed to “Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter.”

Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your Network for Setup
Overview

Windows XP

Computer Only

Figure 3-2: Example of a Connection to a Wireless-

equipped Computer for Setup

Figure 3-3: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable

Wireless-B Media

Adapter

7

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Using Windows XP Only

NOTE FOR WINDOWS XP USERS: If your Windows XP computer is NOT using Windows XP’s built-in

wireless network configuration feature (also known as Wireless Zero Configuration), you must
connect the Adapter via an Ethernet network cable using the instructions in the previous section,
“Connection to a Wired Network for Setup.” Once the Adapter is configured, you can disconnect the
Adapter from the wired network and use it via your wireless network.

1. Attach the antenna to the Adapter.

2. Connect the included power adapter to the Power port of the Antenna. See Figure 3-4.

3. Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet.

4. Press the Adapter’s power button, which is located on the Adapter’s front panel.

5. The Wireless LED will light up.

Proceed to “Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter.”

Figure 3-4: Connect the Power

Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your Network for Setup
Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Using Windows XP Only

8

Wireless-B Media Adapter

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless- B Media Adapter

Overview

This chapter will describe the Wireless-B Media Adapter Setup Wizard, which will guide you through the
installation and configuration procedure. When you run the Setup Wizard for the first time, you will be asked to
install the Wireless-B Media Adapter Utility on your PC, which may also be referred to as the host computer. You
must install the Adapter Utility so your PC can send music and pictures to the TV and stereo via the Adapter.

If you want to set up the Adapter using your TV (without running the Setup Wizard on a PC), then go to “Chapter 5:
Connecitng the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your TV and Stereo.”

Note: Before you can use the Adapter, you must install the Adapter Utility on your Windows 2000 or
XP PC, so your PC will be able to communicate with the Adapter.

Running the Setup Wizard

1. Insert the Setup CD-ROM into your PC’s CD-ROM drive . The Setup Wizar d should run automatically, and Figure
4-1 should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears, enter

D:\setup.exe (where “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).

Figure 4-1: Welcome Screen

• Setup - Click the Setup button to begin the installation process.

• Install Utility on PC - Click the Install Utility on PC button to install the Adapter’s Utility on your PC.

• User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open the PDF file of this User Guide.

• LINKSYS Web - Click the LINKSYS Web button to visit the Linksys website, www.linksys.com.

• Exit - Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.

2. To install the Adapter, click the Setup button on the Welcome screen.

3. The screen shown inFigure 4-2 willappear. If you are using the Adapter for the first time, clickInstall to install
the Adapter Utility on your PC. (This Utility will enable your PC to send digital pictures and music files to the
Adapter.) If you have already installed the Adapter Utility on your PC, click Skip and proceed to step 9.

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Overview

Figure 4-2: Installing the Adapter Screen

9

Wireless-B Media Adapter

4. If the latest Windows Installer components are not detected on your PC, then you will see Figure 4-3, which
will ask you to update them. Click Next.

After these components are updated, you will be asked to reboot your PC. Click Yes. After the PC reboots, you
will be returned to the screen shown in Figure 4-2. Click Install and proceed to step 5.

5. If Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.0 is not detected on your PC, then you will see Figure 4-4, which will
ask you to install it. Click Next.

6. Windows will ask you if you want to install the Microsoft .NET Framework Package. Click Yes to proceed.
(This may take a few minutes.)

Figure 4-3: Windows Installer Screen

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard

Figure 4-4: Microsoft .NET Framework

Screen

Figure 4-5: Microsoft .NET Framework

Package Screen

10

Wireless-B Media Adapter

7. Read the License Agreement, and click Next if you accept the Agreement.

8. The Select Music and Picture Folders screen will appear. To use the music and pictures held in the default
folders, click Next. To use a different folder, click Add and follow the on-screen directions.

Note: If your host computer is configured for multiple users and you have access to their folders,
then you can add each user’s folders.

Figure 4-6: License Agreement Screen

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard

Figure 4-7: Select Music and Pictures

Folders Screen

11

Wireless-B Media Adapter

9. If you are setting up the Adapter using a wireless-equipped computer, click Next when you see the screen
shown in Figure 4-8. If you are setting up the Adapter using a wired computer, make sure the Adapter’s
Ethernet LED is solidly lit. This indicates that the Adapter is properly connected to your wired network. Then
click the Next button to continue.

10. The screen shown in Figure 4-9 displays a list of Wireless-B Media Adapters that have been found on your
network, along with the settings for the Adapter whose name is highlighted. To select the Adapter you are
currently installing, click its name in the Adapters Found box. Then click the Next button.

Figure 4-8: Connection for Setup Screen

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard

Figure 4-9: Adapter Selection Screen

12

Wireless-B Media Adapter

11. On the screen shown in Figure 4-10, choose whether the Adapter will be connected to your wireless or wired
network AFTER you have configured it.

If you will connect the Adapter to your PC or router wirelessly, then click the Yes button for the Wireless
network choice.

If you will connect the Adapter to your PC or router using an Ethernet network cable, then click the Yes button
for the Wired network choice.

Note: For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Planning Your Use of the Wireless-B Media
Adapter.”

Click the Next button.

12. On the Basic Settings screen, shown in Figure 4-11, enter a unique name for the Adapter in the Device Name
field.

If you network has a router or other DHCP server, select Automatically for the Network Setting, and click the
Next button.

If the Adapter requires a static IP address, select Static IP for the Network Setting. Enter a unique IP Address
that is in the range of IP addresses appropriate for your network. In the Subnet Mask field, enter the Subnet
Mask of your network; all devices on your network must use the same Subnet Mask. You must specify an IP
Address and Subnet Mask for the Adapter on this screen. Then click the Next button.

Figure 4-10: Connection after Setup Screen

Note: If you set a static IP address on the Adapter, then you may also need to set a static IP address

on your PC. For instructions, go to “Appendix E: Setting a Static IP Address on Your PC” after you
have set up the Adapter.

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard

Figure 4-11: Basic Settings Screen

Static IP address: a fixed address assigned to
a computer or device connected to a network.

13

Wireless-B Media Adapter

13. If you will connect the Adapter to your PC or router using an Ethernet network cable AFTER configuration, then
go to step 15.

If you will connect the Adapter to your PC or router wirelessly AFTER configuration, then the Basic Wireless
Settings screen will appear, as shown in Figure 4-12.

The Mode setting shows a choice of two wireless modes. Select Infrastructure if you want the Adapter to
communicate using an access point or wireless router. Select Ad-Hoc if you want the Adapter to
communicate directly with a wireless PC.

In the SSID field, enter your wireless network’s SSID or name. This is the unique name shared by all devices
in a wireless network. The SSID is case-sensitive and should have 32 characters or fewer.

If the Adapter is set to Ad-Hoc mode, then select the channel setting of your existing wireless network. This is
the channel on which the network broadcasts its wireless signal.

Figure 4-12: Basic Wireless Settings

Screen

Select the authentication type used by your network, Open System or Shared Key. For Open System
authentication, the sender and recipient do not use a WEP key for authentication. For Shared Key
authentication, the sender and recipient use a WEP key for authentication. If you are not sure about which
setting to use, Linksys recommends that you keep the default setting, Open System.

Click the Next button.

Ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly to each other (peer-to­peer) without the use of an access point.

Infrastructure: configuration in which a
wireless network is bridged to a wired network
via an access point.

SSID: your wireless network’s name.

Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard

14