LINKSYS HGA7S-WMP54GX Users Manual

Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This appendix consists of two parts: “Common Problems and Solutions” and “Frequently Asked Questions.” This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the Wireless-G PCI Adapter. Read the description below to solve your problems. If you can't find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. The Wireless-G PCI Adapter does not work properly.

• Reinsert the Wireless-G PCI Adapter into your PC’s PCI slot.

• Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Select the device manager and click on the Network Adapter . You will find the Wireless-G PCI Adapter if it has been installed successfully. If you see the yellow exclamation mark, the resources are conflicting. You will see the status of the Wireless-G PCI Adapter. If there is a yellow question mark, please check the following:

• Make sure that your PC has a free IRQ (Interrupt ReQuest, a hardware interrupt on a PC.)

• Make sure that you have inserted the right adapter and installed the proper driver.

If the Wireless-G PCI Adapter does not function after attempting the above steps, remove the adapter and do the following:

• Uninstall the driver software from your PC.

• Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as specified in this User Guide.

2. I cannot communicate with the other computers linked via Ethernet in the Infrastructure configuration.

• Make sure that the PC to which the Wireless-G PCI Adapter is associated is powered on.

• Make sure that your Wireless-G PCI Adapter is configured on the same channel and with the same

security options as with the other computers in the Infrastructure configuration.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting Common Problems and Solutions

Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?

This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over a network. Consult the application’s user guide to determine if it supports operation over a network.

Can I play computer games with other members of the wireless network?

Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area network). Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.

What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?

It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. The 802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

What is the IEEE 802.11g standard?

It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11g standard allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11g standard. The 802.11g standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

What IEEE 802.11b features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11b functions:

• CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol

• Multi-Channel Roaming

• Automatic Rate Selection

• RTS/CTS feature

• Fragmentation

• Power Management

•

What IEEE 802.11g features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11g functions:

• CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol

• OFDM protocol

• Multi-Channel Roaming

• Automatic Rate Selection

• RTS/CTS feature

• Fragmentation

• Power Management

Appendix A: Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX

What is ad-hoc mode?

When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped computers are configured to communicate directly with each other. The ad-hoc wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.

What is infrastructure mode?

When a wireless network is set to infrastructure mode, the wireless network is configured to communicate with a wired network through a wireless access point.

What is roaming?

Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continuously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a single access point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must make sure that it is the same channel number with the access point of dedicated coverage area.

To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a number of different functions. Each node and access point, for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology that links access points and nodes. In such a system, the user’s end node undertakes a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the message load currently being carried by each access point and the distance of each access point to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the right access point and registers its address. Communications between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone.

As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the system to determine whether it is in touch with the original access point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowledgment from its original access point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new access point, it then re-registers, and the communication process continues.

What is ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made av ailable worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that

Appendix A: Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX

the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence SpreadSpectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?

The Adapter features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software side, the Adapter offers a variety of security methods, including WEP and WPA, to enhance security and access control. For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Wireless Security.”

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Wireless Security.”

What is WPA?

WPA is Wi-Fi Protected Access, a wireless security protocol that can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server . For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Wireless Security.”

What is RADIUS?

RADIUS is Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, which uses an authentication server to control network access. For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Wireless Security.”

Appendix A: Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX

Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration

If your computer is running Windows XP, then this choice will be available. If you want to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration to control the Adapter , instead of using the Wireless Network Monitor, then right-click on the Wireless Network Monitor and select Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration.

If you want to switch back to the Wireless Network Monitor, right-click the Wireless Network Monitor icon, and select Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor.

1. After installing the Adapter, the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration icon will appear in your computer’s system tray. Double-click the icon.

NOTE: For more information about Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration, refer to Windows Help.

Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon

Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP

Wireless Configuration

Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon

Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration

Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX

2. The screen that appears will show any available wireless network. Select the network you want. Click the Connect button.

If your network does not have wireless security enabled, go to step 3. If your network does have wireless security enabled, go to step 4.

NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 are the instructions and screenshots for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed.

Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network

3. If your network does not have wireless security enabled, click the Connect Anyway button to connect the Adapter to your network.

Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration

Figure B-5: No Wireless Security

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