Cisco Systems WUSB54GSC User Manual
2.4
GHz
802.11g
Compact
Wireless-G
WIRELESS
Model No.
USB Network Adapter
with SpeedBooster
WUSB54GSC
User Guide
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Copyright and Trademarks
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco
Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known
to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
How to Use this User Guide
This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter
easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User Guide:
This checkmark means there is a Note of interest and is something you should
pay special attention to while using the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.
This exclamation point means there is a Caution or warning and is something that
could damage your property or the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need
to do while using the Compact Wireless-G USB 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”.
WUSB54GSC-UG-60518A RR
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4
Network Topology 4
Roaming 4
Network Layout 5
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 6
The LED Indicators 6
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter 7
Starting the Setup Wizard 7
Creating a Profile 9
Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup 10
Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks 11
Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup 14
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 21
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 21
Link Information Screens 21
Site Survey 24
Profiles 25
Creating a New Profile 26
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 27
Common Problems and Solutions 27
Frequently Asked Questions 28
Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration 31
Appendix C: Wireless Security 34
Security Precautions 34
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 34
Appendix D: Windows Help 37
Appendix E: Glossary 38
Appendix F: Specifications 43
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Appendix G: Warranty Information 44
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 45
Appendix I: Contact Information 51
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7
Figure 4-3: Installing files 8
Figure 4-4: The Connecting the Adapter Screen 8
Figure 4-5: Creating a Profile 9
Figure 4-6: Available Wireless Network 9
Figure 4-7: SecureEasySetup 10
Figure 4-8: Searching for Wireless Network 10
Figure 4-9: SecureEasySetup Complete 10
Figure 4-10: Available Wireless Network 11
Figure 4-11: Secured Wireless Network Message 11
Figure 4-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection 12
Figure 4-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 12
Figure 4-14: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 13
Figure 4-15: The Congratulations Screen 13
Figure 4-16: Available Wireless Network 14
Figure 4-17: Network Settings 14
Figure 4-18: Wireless Mode 15
Figure 4-19: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 15
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security 16
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - WEP 16
Figure 4-22: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 17
Figure 4-23: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 17
Figure 4-24: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 18
Figure 4-25: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 18
Figure 4-26: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 19
Figure 4-27: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 19
Figure 4-28: Confirm New Settings 20
Figure 4-29: Congratulations 20
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 21
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Figure 5-2: Link Information 21
Figure 5-3: Link Information - Wireless Network Status 22
Figure 5-4: Link Information - Wireless Network Statistics 23
Figure 5-5: Site Survey 24
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 24
Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 24
Figure 5-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 25
Figure 5-9: Profiles 25
Figure 5-10: Import a Profile 25
Figure 5-11: Export a Profile 26
Figure 5-12: Create a New Profile 26
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 31
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 31
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon 31
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 32
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 32
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 33
Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 33
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster. With this Adapter, your
wireless networking experience will be faster and 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. Connecting to your PC via the USB port means that this Adapter leaves the PC’s
slots open for other purposes. This adapter communicates over the 802.11g wireless standard, one of the newest
wireless standards, to communicate with your network.
But what does all of this mean?
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers
and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video
games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.
PCs equipped with wireless cards and adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the
same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network.
And now, with SecureEasySetup, setting up your network and your Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter is
easier than ever.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Adapter, set it up, and configure it for your network.
These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage,
and/or transmission between users.
adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.
802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a
maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency
of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
This chapter discusses a few of the basics about wireless networking.
• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact USB Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the USB Adapter
This chapter shows you how to setup and connect the Adapter.
• Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.
• 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: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration
This appendix describes how Windows XP users can use Window’s built-in wireless configuration to monitor
their Adapter.
• Appendix C: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
• Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.
• Appendix I: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless
network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or
adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.
Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless
router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an
infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless
router.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the
effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data
within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.
Roaming
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your
wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they
both share the same channel and SSID.
Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position.
Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peerto-peer) without the use of an access point
access point: device that allows wirelessequipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network.
infrastructure: Configuration in which a
wireless network is bridged to a wired
network via an access point.
roaming: the ability to take a wireless
device from one access point's range to
another without losing the connection.
ssid: your wireless network’s name
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Network Layout
Linksys wireless access points and wireless routers have been designed for use with 802.11a, 802.11b, and
802.11g products. With 802.11g products communicating with the 802.11b standard and some products
incorporating both “a” and “g”, products using these standards can communicate with each other.
Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such at the PC
Cards for your laptop computers, PCI Card for your desktop PC, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB
connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with the wireless PrintServer.
When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, network ports on access points and
wireless routers can be connected to any of Linksys's switches or routers.
With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com for more information about wireless products.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
switch: device that is the central point of connection for
computers and other devices in a network, so data can
be shared at full transmission speeds.
router: a networking device that connects multiple networks
together, such as a local network and the Internet.
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Layout
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
The LED Indicators
The Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
Link Green. The Link LED flashes when there is network activity.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
The LED Indicators
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter
The USB Adapter is set up with the Setup Wizard that comes on the CD enclosed with the Adapter. This chapter
will guide you through the setup procedure.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to
do so or the setup will not work.
Starting the Setup Wizard
To begin the setup process, insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should
run automatically, and the Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run.
In the field that appears, enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).
On the Welcome screen, you have the following choices:
Click Here to Start - Click the Click Here to Start button to begin the software installation process.
User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open this User Guide.
Exit - Click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
1. To install the Adapter, click the Click Here to Start button on the Welcome screen.
2. After reading the License Agreement, click Next if you agree and want to continue the installation, or click
Cancel to end the installation.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter
Starting the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
3. The necessary files will be installed onto your PC.
4. The Setup Wizard will now prompt you to connect the Adapter to your PC’s USB port. Connect the Adapter’s
connector to one of the USB ports on your computer. Once you’ve connected, click Next.
5. Windows 98SE and ME users will need to restart their PCs.
Figure 4-3: Installing files
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter
Starting the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-4: The Connecting the Adapter Screen
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Creating a Profile
This Adapter features SecureEasySetup. This means that you can set it up with just the press of a button when
connecting to wireless routers or access points that also feature SecureEasySetup. Both devices on the network
must feature SecureEasySetup for this to work.
• Use SecureEasySetup. Use this option if you have a device on your network that supports SecureEasySetup.
• Skip. This option is used for networks with devices that do not have SecureEasySetup.
Available Wireless Network
The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this screen.
• Refresh. Use this button to update the Available Wireless Network list.
• Connect. You can select one of the available networks and click the Connect button to connect to it.
• Manual Setup. Select this option to set up the adapter manually if you are not using SecureEasySetup and
your network is not listed in the Available Wireless Network list.
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, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.
Figure 4-5: Creating a Profile
Figure 4-6: Available Wireless Network
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter
Creating a Profile
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup
With SecureEasySetup, setting up the Adapter is as simple as pushing a couple of buttons. Before you press any
buttons, you should locate the SecureEasySetup button on the device you’re connecting the Adapter to, such as a
wireless router or access point.
NOTE: Your wireless router or access point must have Wireless SSID broadcast set to enable.
1. Press the Cisco logo or SecureEasySetup button on the wireless router or access point and wait until it turns
white and begins to flash.
NOTE: You can only add one SecureEasySetup device at a time.
2. Click the SecureEasySetup button (circle with the lock) on the Setup Wizard screen. The logo or button will
stop flashing on the wireless router or access point when the Adapter has been successfully added to the
network. Repeat this procedure for any additional SecureEasySetup device.
3. When SecureEasySetup is complete, you may save your configuration to a text file by clicking the Save
button, or print the configuration by clicking the Print button. Click Connect to Network to connect to your
network.
Congratulations! Setup is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, refer to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Figure 4-7: SecureEasySetup
Figure 4-8: Searching for Wireless Network
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup
Figure 4-9: SecureEasySetup Complete
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks
If you’re not setting up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup, another method for setting up the Adapter is with the
available networks listed on the Available Wireless Network screen. The available networks are listed in the table
on the center of the screen by SSID.
1. Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click the Connect button. (If you do not see your
network listed, you can click the Refresh button to bring the list up again.)
• If the selected network doesn’t utilize wireless security, you will be taken directly to the Congratulations
screen. Click Connect to Network to connect to your network and configuration is complete.
• If the network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter. Proceed to the
next step below.
Figure 4-10: Available Wireless Network
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.
2. If wireless security has been enabled on this network, you will see a Secured Wireless Network message.
Click Continue and the appropriate connection screen will appear. If your network utilizes WEP (Wired
Equivalent Privacy) encryption, the WEP Key Needed for Connection screen will appear. If your network
utilizes WPA-Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption, the WPA-Personal Needed for Connection screen
will appear. If your network utilizes WPA2-Personal encryption, the WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection
screen will appear.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks
Figure 4-11: Secured Wireless Network Message
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Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
WEP Key Needed for Connection
Select 64-bit or 128-bit.
Then, enter a passphrase or WEP key.
Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. The
passphrase is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. It must match the
passphrase of your other wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (If
you have any non-Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key manually on those products.)
WEP Key 1- The WEP key you enter must match the WEP key of your wireless network. For 64-bit encryption,
enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. For 128-bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.
Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down
menu.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Figure 4-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection
wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting
network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater
security.
Figure 4-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks
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