LINKSYS HGA5T 2 User Manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.

®

2.4

Model No.

GHz

802.11g

Wireless-

Access Point

WIRELESS

WAP54G v2

G

User Guide

Wireless-G Access Point

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 © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

How to Use this Guide

Your guide to the Wireless-G Access Point has been designed to make understanding networking with the Access
Point 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 Access Point.

This exclamation point means there is a Caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Access Point.

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

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

wap54g v2-UG-40419 BW

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Wireless-G Access Point

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 Wireless-G Access Point 6

The Back Panel 6
The Front Panel 7

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point 8

Hardware Installation 8

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point 9

Setup Wizard 9
Linksys Wireless Guard Setup 15

Chapter 6: Linksys Wireless Guard 18

Client Software Installation 18
Network Access 21
Your Account 22

Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point 29

Overview 29
Navigating the Utility 30
Accessing the Utility 31
The Setup Tab 32
The Status Tab 40
The Advanced Tab 41
The Help Tab 45

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 46

Frequently Asked Questions 46

Appendix B: Wireless Security 50

Security Precautions 50
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 50

Wireless-G Access Point

Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 53
Appendix D: Windows Help 54
Appendix E: Glossary 55
Appendix F: Specifications 59
Appendix G: Warranty Information 61
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 62
Appendix I: Contact Information 64

Wireless-G Access Point

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: The Access Point’s Back Panel 6
Figure 3-2: Front Panel 7
Figure 5-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 9
Figure 5-2: Connecting the Access Point 10
Figure 5-3: Select an Access Point 10
Figure 5-4: Enter the Password 11
Figure 5-5: The Configure Network Address Settings Screen 11
Figure 5-6: The Wireless Settings Screen 12
Figure 5-7: The Security Settings Screen 12
Figure 5-8: The WEP Settings Screen 13
Figure 5-9: The WPA-PSK Screen 13
Figure 5-10: The Congratulations Screen 14
Figure 5-11: The Attention Screen 15
Figure 5-12: The Linksys Wireless Guard Setup Screen 15
Figure 5-13: The Securing your Access Point Screen 16
Figure 5-14: Note the New Password Screen 16
Figure 5-15: The Adding Authorized Users Screen 17
Figure 5-16: The Congratulations Screen 17
Figure 6-1: Note 18
Figure 6-2: Configuring Windows Installer 18
Figure 6-3: Exit Applications 19
Figure 6-4: License Agreement 19
Figure 6-5: Destination Location 20
Figure 6-6: Copying Files 20
Figure 6-7: Restart your Computer 21
Figure 6-8: The Network Access Screen 21
Figure 6-9: Member Login 22
Figure 6-10: Home 23

Wireless-G Access Point

Figure 6-11: Network Administration 23
Figure 6-12: Modify Access Control 24
Figure 6-13: Add Guest 24
Figure 6-14: Add Member 25
Figure 6-15: Welcome 25
Figure 6-16: Subscriber Information 26
Figure 6-17: Account Finances 26
Figure 6-18: Credentials Information 27
Figure 6-19: Congratulations 27
Figure 7-1: Password Screen 31
Figure 7-2: The Basic Setup Screen 32
Figure 7-3: WPA Pre-Shared Key Settings 34
Figure 7-4: WPA Radius Settings 34
Figure 7-5: Radius Settings 35
Figure 7-6: WEP Settings 35
Figure 7-7: The Password Screen 36
Figure 7-8: The AP Mode Screen 37
Figure 7-9: The Site Survey screen 37
Figure 7-10: Wireless Repeater diagram 38
Figure 7-11: Wireless Bridge diagram 38
Figure 7-12: The Log screen 39
Figure 7-13: The Status Screen 40
Figure 7-14: The Filters Screen 41
Figure 7-15: The Advanced Wireless screen 42
Figure 7-16: The SNMP screen 44
Figure 7-17: The Help screen 45
Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 53

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Access Point. This Access Point will allow you to network wirelessly better
than ever.

How does the Access Point do all of this? An access point allows for greater range and mobility within your
wireless network while also allowing you to connect the wireless network to a wired environment. Being a dual­band access point, not only does the Access Point bring you these benefits, it also allows two wireless standards,

802.11g and 802.11b, to communicate with each other. This means that PCs with different wireless standards
can communicate with each other and with a wired 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 on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is
why the network is called "wired".

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. This is sometimes called
a WLAN, or Wired Local Area Network. The Access Point bridges wireless networks of both 802.11g and 802.11b
standards and wired networks.

Use the instructions in this 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.

network: a series of computers or devices
connected together

802.11g: a 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.

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

ethernet: network protocol that specifies how data is placed
on and retrieved from a common transmission medium

lan (local area network): the computers and networking
products that make up your local network

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC

Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome

1

Wireless-G Access Point

What’s in this Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Access Point.

• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Wireless-G Access Point’s applications and this User Guide.

• Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
This chapter describes the basics of wireless networking.

• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter describes the physical features of the Access Point.

• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Access Point to your network.

• Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter explains how to use the Web-Based Utility to configure the settings on the Access Point and how
to install the setup on the Access Point for the Linksys Wireless Guard.

• Chapter 6: The Linksys Wireless Guard
This chapter explains how to install the client software for Linksys Wireless Guard and other information on
the service.

• Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter explains the use of the Access Point’s Web-based Utility.

• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some frequently asked questions regarding installation and use of the Wireless-G
Access Point.

• Appendix B: Wireless Security
This appendix explains the risks of wireless networking and some solutions to reduce the risks.

• Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware
This appendix instructs you on how to upgrade the Access Point’s firmware.

• Appendix D: Windows Help.
This appendix describes some of the ways Windows can help you with wireless networking.

• Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?

2

Wireless-G Access Point

• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the Access Point’s technical specifications.

• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Access Point’s warranty information.

• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Access Point’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?

3

Wireless-G Access Point

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, such as the
Wireless-G 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 may 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 may 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.

infrastructure: a wireless network
that 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

4

Wireless-G Access Point

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11g and 802.11b products. With 802.11g
products communicating with the 802.11b standard, products using these standards can communicate with each
other. The Access point is compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b 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. These
wireless products can also communicate with a 802.11g or 802.11b wireless PrintServer.

When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, the Access Point’s network port can
be used to connect 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.

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Layout

5

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point

The Back Panel

The Access Point's ports, where the power cord and network cable are connected, are located on the back panel.

Figure 3-1: The Access Point’s Back Panel

LAN This LAN (Local Area Network) port connects to Ethernet network devices, such as a switch or

router.

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

port: the connection point on a computer or networking
device used for plugging in cables or adapters

Important: Resetting the Access Point will
erase all of your settings (WEP Encryption,
Wireless and LAN settings, etc.) and replace
them with the factory defaults. Do not reset
the Access Point if you want to retain these
settings.

Reset Button There are two ways to Reset the Access Point's factory defaults. Either press the Reset

Button, for approximately ten seconds, or restore the defaults from the Password tab in the

Access Point's Web-Based Utility.

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 products that work with the Access Point.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
The Back Panel

6

Wireless-G Access Point

The Front Panel

The Access Point's LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front panel.

Figure 3-2: Front Panel

Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is powered on.

Act Green. If the Act LED is flickering, the Access Point is actively sending or receiving data to or

from one of the devices over the LAN port.

Link Green. The Link LED lights whenever the Access Point is successfully connected to a device

through the LAN port.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
The Front Panel

7

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point

Hardware Installation

1. Locate an optimum location for the Access Point. The best place for the Access Point is usually at the center
of your wireless network, with line of sight to all of your PCs and wireless accessories.

2. Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position that will best cover your wireless network.
Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the better the performance will be. The antenna's position
enhances the receiving sensitivity.

3. Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to the Access Point. Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet
cable to a switch or router. The Access Point will then be connected to your 10/100 Network.

4. Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Access Point's Power Socket. Only use the power adapter supplied with
the Access Point. Use of a different adapter may result in product damage.

Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point, for
directions on how to set up the Access Point.

hardware: the physical aspect of
computers, telecommunications, and
other information technology devices

HAVE YOU: Enabled TCP/IP on your PCs? PCs
communicate over the network with this
protocol. Refer to Appendix D: Windows Help
for more information on TCP/IP.

tcp/ip: a set of instructions PCs use to
communicate over a network.

NOTE: If you are setting up an Infrastructure
Network, all of your wireless devices must be
in Infrastructure mode in order to function
within the network. Similarly, if your network
is an Ad-Hoc Network, all of your wireless
devices must operate in Ad-hoc mode in order
for all other wireless devices to communicate.

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point
Hardware Installation

8

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point

Setup Wizard

Now that you've connected the Access Point to your wired network, you are ready to begin setting it up. This
Setup Wizard will take you through all the steps necessary to configure the Access Point.

1. Insert the Setup Wizard CD into your PC's CD-ROM drive. Your PC must be on your wired network to set up the
Access Point.

2. The Setup Wizard's Welcome screen should appear on your monitor. If it does not, this means the Setup
Wizard is not automatically running as it should. Start the Setup Wizard manually by clicking the Start button,
selecting Run, and typing d:\setup.exe (where "D" is your PC's CD-ROM drive). Click the Setup button to
continue this Setup Wizard. Clicking the User Guide button opened this Guide. To exit this Setup Wizard, click
the Exit button.

Note: The Access Point should be set up through a
wired network connection as shown in Chapter 4:
Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point. If you wish

to set up the Access Point wirelessly, the wireless
computer will require you to use the Linksys default
settings. These settings can then be changed with
the Setup Wizard or Web-based Browser Utility

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Setup Wizard

Figure 5-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen

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Wireless-G Access Point

3. The next screen displayed displays how the Access Point should be connected while running this Setup
Wizard. Optimally, you should perform this setup through a PC on your wired network. Click the Next button
to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.

4. The Setup Wizard will run a search for the Access Point within your network and then display a list along with
the status information for each access point. If this is the only access point on your network, it will be the only
one displayed. If there are more than one displayed, select the Access Point by clicking on it and click the Yes
button to continue or No to exit the Setup Wizard.

Figure 5-2: Connecting the Access Point

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Setup Wizard

Figure 5-3: Select an Access Point

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Wireless-G Access Point

5. You will be asked to sign onto the Access Point you've selected. Enter the Password you've assigned. If none
has been assigned, enter the default password: admin. Then, click the OK button. (This password can be
changed from the Web-based Utility's Password tab.)

6. The Configure Network Address Settings screen will appear next. Enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask, and the
IP Address of your network Gateway. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous
page.

Figure 5-4: Enter the Password

ip (internet protocol): a protocol used to send data over a
network

• IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. (The default IP address is 192.168.1.245.)

• Subnet Mask. The Access Point's Subnet Mask must be the same as your Ethernet network.

• Gateway. This IP address should be the IP address of the gateway device that allows for contact between

the Internet and the local network.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Setup Wizard

Figure 5-5: The Configure Network Address Settings Screen

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

gateway: a device that interconnects networks with
different, incompatible communications protocols

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Wireless-G Access Point

7. The Wireless Settings screen should now appear. Enter your wireless network's SSID and select the channel
at which the network broadcasts its wireless signal. Also enter a Device Name to prevent any confusion when
using multiple Access Points. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

• SSID. The SSID is the unique name shared among all points in a wireless network. The SSID must be

identical for all points in the wireless network. It is case sensitive and must not exceed 32 characters,
which may be any keyboard character. Make sure this setting is the same for all points in your wireless
network.

• Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to correspond with your network settings,

between 1 and 11. All points in your wireless network must use the same channel in order to function
correctly.

• Device Name. The Device Name is a unique name given to the Access Point to prevent confusion when

using multiple Access Points.

8. The Security Settings screen will appear next. From this screen, you can set the level of security you desire
for your network. Select from WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA Enterprise, and Linksys Wireless Guard. All points in
your wireless network must use the same security method.

Figure 5-6: The Wireless Settings Screen

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Setup Wizard

Figure 5-7: The Security Settings Screen

12

Wireless-G Access Point

• WEP. From this screen, you can set the level of encryption you desire for your network, along with

selecting Passphrases and/or encryption keys.

The WEP key can consist of the letters "A" through "F" and the numbers "0" through "9" and should be
10 characters in length for 64-bit encryption or 26 characters in length for 128-bit encryption.

• WPA Personal. With WPA Personal (WPA PSK, or Pre-Shared Keys) you have two encryption options, TKIP

and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES. Enter a Pre-Shared
Key of 8-32 characters.

Figure 5-8: The WEP Settings Screen

bit: a binary digit

encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network

• WPA-Enterprise. This option is for corporate wireless networks only and uses a special authentication

server.

To choose this option, select Disable. You will need to enable the option in the web-based utility.

Refer to Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point.

• Linksys Wireless Guard. With this subscription service, you get the highest security of WPA RADIUS, but

without having to build your own RADIUS network. If you select this option, follow the step-by-step
instructions in the next section, Linksys Wireless Guard.

Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

For more information on wireless security, refer to Appendix B: Wireless Security.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Setup Wizard

Figure 5-9: The WPA-PSK Screen

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Wireless-G Access Point

9. At this point, the configuration performed with the Setup Wizard is complete. To configure any other Access
Points in your network, you can run this Setup Wizard again.

Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.

For more advanced configuration, you can go to Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point.

Figure 5-10: The Congratulations Screen

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Setup Wizard

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Wireless-G Access Point

Linksys Wireless Guard Setup

Linksys Wireless Guard is a subscription service that gives you WPA RADIUS without having to build your own
RADIUS network. Follow the instructions below. To learn more about Linksys Wireless Guard, go to
www.linksys.com/wirelessguard. If you need help with setting up Linksys Wireless Guard, contact us at
[e-mail] or call 888-231-5506.

1. After clicking on Linksy Wireless Guard for your security selection, this screen will appear. Before you
continue with the setup, make sure your computer meets the following requirements.

• Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating system

• 128 MB RAM

• 50MB free disk space

• A wireless network interface with a driver that supports WPA security

• Must be connected to the Internet through a broadband connection (DSL, cable, other)

If you meet these requirements, click Continue to sign up for the Linksys Wireless Guard service, or click Cancel
to cancel the setup.

2. This screen guides you through the registration process. Enter your user name, password, first and last name,
E-mail address, and a security question and answer below. Then, click Next to continue or Exit if you want to
quit the Setup Wizard.

• User Name and Password. Enter the user name you want to use into the User Name field. Enter the

Password you want to use in the Password field.

• Confirm Password. Enter the password again into the Confirm Password field.

• First and Last Name. Enter your first and last names into the fields.

• E-mail address. Enter your E-mail address into the field.

• Security Question and Answer. Select a security question from the Security Question drop-down menu to

help identify you if you forget your password. Enter the answer to your selected question in the Security
Answer field.

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Linksys Wireless Guard Setup

Figure 5-11: The Attention Screen

Figure 5-12: The Linksys Wireless Guard Setup Screen

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Wireless-G Access Point

3. When the next screen appears, your Access Point will be automatically configured. Make sure that the correct
access point is selected and that the name is correct. Also, make sure that the SSID is correct. Click Next to
add this Access Point to your network or click Back to return to the previous screen.

4. For security reasons, the password has been automatically changed. Please note the new password before
continuing or you won’t be able to access the Access Point later. After writing down the new password, select

I have noted the new password, then click OK.

Figure 5-13: The Securing your Access Point Screen

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Linksys Wireless Guard Setup

Figure 5-14: Note the New Password Screen

16