Linksys WAP300N User Manual

Linksys WAP300N

User Guide

Linksys WAP300N

Contents

Contents

Overview

Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Back view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Bottom view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Setting Up: Basics

How to expand your home network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

What is a network? 3
How to expand your home network 3

Where to nd more help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Access Point Mode 4
Wireless Media Connector mode 5
Wireless Range Extender mode 6
Wireless Bridge mode 7

How to install your WAP300N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

How to open the browser-based utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

How to use Access Point mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

How to select Access Point mode 9
How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup 9
How to manually set up your WAP300N 10
How to set up wireless security 11

How to use Wireless Media Connector mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

How to select Wireless Media Connector mode 12
How to run a wireless network site survey 12
How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup 13
How to manually set up your WAP300N 14

How to use Wireless Range Extender mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

How to select Wireless Range Extender mode 15
How to run a wireless network site survey 16
How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup 16
How to manually set up your WAP300N 16

How to use Wireless Bridge mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

How to select Wireless Bridge mode 16
How to set up Wireless Bridge Mode 17
How to set up wireless security 18

Setting Up: Advanced

How to set up the MAC lter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

How to set up QoS (Quality of Service) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

How to change the IP address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

How to change the password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

How to change the idle timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

How to disable wireless admin access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

How to change the browser-based utility’s language. . . . . . . 21

Maintaining and Monitoring

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

How to back up and restore your WAP300N conguration . . . 22

How to reboot your WAP300N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

How to restore your WAP300N’s factory settings. . . . . . . . . . 23

How to update your WAP300N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

How to view device and local network information. . . . . . . . 24

How to view wireless network information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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Linksys WAP300N

Specications

Linksys WAP300N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Environmental 26

Contents

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Linksys WAP300N

Overview

Overview

Back view

Antennas

Wireless activity indicator

Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

and indicator

• Antenna connector—For connecting the included antennas.

• Wireless activity indicator—In Access Point mode, it lights up solid

when the wireless interface is ready. In other modes, it lights up solid
when the WAP300N connected to a router, access point, or another
WAP300N. Flashes while actively sending or receiving data over a
wireless connection.

• Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button—Press this button to easily set up a

wireless connection.

Power port and indicator

Ethernet port and activity indicator

Package contents

In addition to your device, the package includes:

• Quick Installation Guide

• Network (Ethernet) cable

• AC power adapter

• Setup CD containing setup software and documentation

• Detachable antennas (2)

• Wi-Fi Protected Setup indicator—Stays on steadily following a

successful Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection or when wireless security
is enabled. Flashes slowly during Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Flashes quickly
when there is a Wi-Fi Protected Setup error.

• Ethernet port—Connect a wired network device to this port.

• Ethernet activity indicator—Lights up when there is a wired connection.

Flashes while actively sending or receiving data over the Ethernet port.

• Power port—Connect the included AC power adapter to this port.

CAUTION

Use only the adapter that came with your router.

• Power indicator—Stays on steadily while power is connected. Flashes

slowly during bootup, firmware upgrades, and factory reset.

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Linksys WAP300N

Bottom view

• Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5 seconds to reset the

device to its factory defaults.

Overview

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Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Basics

Setting Up: Basics

How to expand your home network

What is a network?

A network is any group of devices that can communicate with each other. A
typical home network may include multiple computers, a printer, a modem (for
Internet access), and a router. A large home network may also have a switch,
additional routers, access points, and many Internet-capable media devices
such as TVs, game consoles, and web cameras.

How to expand your home network

Your WAP300N provides several ways to increase your home network’s
capabilities and wireless range. You can use it as any of the following:

• Access Point mode (default)

• Wireless Media Connector mode

• Wireless Range Extender mode

• Wireless Bridge mode

Refer to the following pages for more detailed explanations and example
diagrams.

Where to find more help

In addition to this User Guide, you can also find help at Linksys.com/support
(documentation, downloads, FAQs, technical support, live chat, forums).

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Linksys WAP300N

Operating modes

Access Point Mode

Adds wireless networking to an existing wired (Ethernet) network or upgrades an existing
wireless network. For instructions about using this mode, see “How to use Access Point
mode” on page 9.

• If you have a wired network, this mode adds the ability to connect wireless devices

(such as notebook computers, tablets, and smartphones) to the network.

• If you have an older wireless network, this mode adds Wireless-N (802.11n)

networking support.

• If you have a Wireless-N (802.11n) 2.4 GHz-only network, this mode adds support for

the 5 GHz band.

Setting Up: Basics

Notebook
Computer

Internet Modem Router

Tablet

WAP300N

Smartphone

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Linksys WAP300N

Wireless Media Connector mode

Adds wireless networking capability to any wired (Ethernet) device. For instructions
about using this mode, see “How to use Wireless Media Connector mode” on page 12.

Setting Up: Basics

Internet Modem Wireless

Router

Ethernet-Capable

Game Console

WAP300N

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Linksys WAP300N

Wireless Range Extender mode

Extends the wireless range of an existing wireless network, and also adds wireless
networking capability to any wired (Ethernet) device. For instructions about using this
mode, see “How to use Wireless Range Extender mode” on page 15.

Setting Up: Basics

Internet Modem Wireless

Router

Notebook
computer

WAP300N

Tablet

Ethernet-Capable Game Console

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Linksys WAP300N

Wireless Bridge mode

Wirelessly connects separate wired networks. For instructions about using this
mode, see “How to use Wireless Bridge mode” on page 16.

Setting Up: Basics

Internet Modem Router

Ethernet

Switch

Ethernet

Switch

WAP300N

NOTE

Each wired network must be connected
to its own WAP300N (in Wireless Bridge
mode), and each WAP300N must have
identical wireless settings.

Network

Printer

WAP300NWAP300N

Ethernet

Switch

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Linksys WAP300N

How to install your WAP300N

The easiest way to install your WAP300N is to use the included Setup CD.

NOTE

The Setup CD can only help you set up the WAP300N in Access
Point mode. For more information and examples of other modes,
see the diagrams on pages 4 to 7.

To install your WAP300N:

1.

Insert the CD into your CD or DVD drive. Make sure that the computer is
already connected to your home network.

2.

Click Set up your wireless access point.

If you do not see this:

For Windows, find and click Computer, then double-click the CD drive
and the Setup icon.

For Mac, double-click the CD icon on your desktop, then double-click the

Setup icon.

3.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to open the browser-based utility

Setting Up: Basics

TIPS

• If the WAP300N is connected to a network with a DHCP server
(usually the network router), find the device’s IP address in
the DHCP client table of your router (refer to your router’s
documentation for help). Use that IP address to open the
browser-based utility.

• If there is no DHCP server, or if the WAP300N is not wirelessly
connected to any other device and it is connected with an
Ethernet cable directly to a computer, then the WAP300N uses

10.100.1.1 as its IP address until a DHCP server is detected.

• If you set a static IP address for the WAP300N through the
browser-based utility, then enter the static IP address instead.

3.

Leave the User name field blank, then type the password you created
during Setup. If you did not create a new password, use the default
password admin.

4.

Click OK. The main menu opens.

For advanced configuration of the WAP300N, you need to open the browser­based utility.

To open the browser-based utility:

1.

Connect the WAP300N to your network. For example, use the included
cable to connect your WAP300N to the Ethernet port on your network
router or a networked computer.

2.

Open a web browser on a computer connected to your network, then
enter the IP address of your WAP300N. You are prompted for a user name
and password.

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Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Basics

How to use Access Point mode

In addition to the topics below, see the topics “How to set up the MAC filter” on
page 19 and “How to set up QoS (Quality of Service)” on page 20.

How to select Access Point mode

To select Access Point mode:

Setup > Operation Mode

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Setup tab, then click the Operation Mode page.

3.

Select Access Point (default), then click Save Settings.

NOTE

Your WAP300N must have Wi-Fi Protected Setup enabled before
you can use it to connect network devices. In the browser-based
utility, click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings
page and make sure that Wi-Fi Protected Setup is set to Enabled.

How to connect a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup
button

Use this method if your device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button or prompts
you to press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on your WAP300N .

To connect a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button:

1.

Press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the network device you are
connecting to.

2.

Within two minutes, press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the
back of the WAP300N.

- OR -

a.

Log into the WAP300N’s browser-based utility (see “How to open the
browser-based utility” on page 8).

b.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

c.

For Configuration View, select Wi-Fi Protected Setup™.

d.

Click the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button in the Wi-Fi Protected Setup
screen.

How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup

While in Access Point mode, you can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ to easily
connect wireless network devices to your wireless network.

You can use three methods for Wi-Fi Protected Setup:

• Press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on each device

• Enter the client device’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN onto the WAP300N

• Enter the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN onto the client device.

To manually configure your network, see “How to manually set up your
WAP300N” on page 10).

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Linksys WAP300N

How to connect a device using its Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN

Use this method if your device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN (Personal
Identification Number).

To connect a device using the device’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN:

Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

3.

For Configuration View, select Wi-Fi Protected Setup™.

4.

Enter the PIN from the device into the PIN field on the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi
Protected Setup screen, then click Register.

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup status, wireless band, network name (SSID),
and security mode are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Setting Up: Basics

4.

On the client device, enter the PIN listed on the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi
Protected Setup screen. It is also listed on the bottom of the WAP300N. In

the example below, the WAP300N’s PIN is 32744781.

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup status, wireless band, network name (SSID),
and security mode are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

How to manually set up your WAP300N

To manually set up your access point:

Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

3.

For Configuration View, select Manual.

How to connect a device using the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected
Setup PIN

Use this method if your client device asks for the WAP300N’s PIN (Personal
Identification Number).

To connect a device using the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN:

Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

3.

For Configuration View, select Wi-Fi Protected Setup™.

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Linksys WAP300N

4.

Configure the following fields:

Wireless Band—Select the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio band. The 5GHz band
is much less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band, so it is more likely to be
free from interference. Although the 5 GHz band is ideal for streaming
multimedia, not all wireless client devices support the 5GHz radio band.

Network Mode (5 GHz)—Select your network’s wireless standard. If you
have both Wireless-N (802.11n) and Wireless-A (802.11a) devices in your
network, keep the default setting, Mixed. If you have only Wireless-N
devices in your network, select Wireless-N Only. If you have only
Wireless-A devices in your network, select Wireless-A Only.

Network Mode (2.4 GHz)—Select your network’s wireless standard.
If you have Wireless-N (802.11n), Wireless-G (802.11g), and Wireless-B
(802.11b) devices in your network, keep the default, Mixed. If you
have only Wireless-N devices, select Wireless-N Only. If you have only
Wireless-G and Wireless-B devices in your network, select Wireless-B/G
Only. If you have only Wireless-G devices, select Wireless-G Only. If you
have only Wireless-B devices, select Wireless-B Only.

Network Name (SSID)—The SSID is the name of your wireless network.
This network name is shared among all the wireless devices connected
to your wireless network. The SSID is case-sensitive.

Channel Width—For best performance in a Wireless-N network, select
40MHz only (available only in the 5 GHz radio band) or Auto. In Auto

mode, the WAP300N and the network client devices automatically switch
to the 40 MHz mode if:

• Your wireless client devices support the 40 MHz mode in which two

20MHz channels are bonded together for better performance.

and

• There is no adjacent interference.

Channel—Select the operating channel for your wireless network. Your
WAP300N will automatically select the channel with the least amount
of interference if you leave the default Auto setting. We recommend
keeping the default (Auto).

SSID Broadcast—Select Enabled (default) to allow wireless client
devices to “see” the wireless network name. If you do not want to
broadcast the WAP300N’s SSID, select Disabled. We recommend keeping
the default setting (Enabled).

Setting Up: Basics

How to set up wireless security

To set up wireless security for your WAP300N in Access Point mode:

Wireless > Wireless Security

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Wireless Security page and select
the Security Mode. (We recommend WPA2 Personal for most home
networks.)

Depending on the security mode you selected, you may be asked to
enter additional information (see the following table).

Information

Security mode

WPA2/WPA
Mixed Mode,
WPA2 Personal,
WPA Personal

WPA2/WPA
Enterprise
Mixed
Mode, WPA2
Enterprise,
WPA Enterprise

WEP

Required Description

Enter the passphrase of 8-63 characters.

Passphrase

RADIUS Server Enter the IP address of the RADIUS server.

RADIUS Port

Shared Key

Encryption

Key 1

Enter the port number of the RADIUS
server. The default is 1812.

Enter the key shared between the router
and the server.

Select a level of WEP encryption, 40/64­bit (10 hex digits) or 104/128-bit (26 hex
digits).

Enter the WEP key of your network. Key
1 is the transmit key used by this device.

5.

Click Save Settings.

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Linksys WAP300N

RADIUS Server Enter the IP address of the RADIUS server.

RADIUS Port

Shared Key

RADIUS

Encryption

Key 2

Enter the port number of the RADIUS
server. The default is 1812.

Enter the key shared between the router
and the server.

Select a level of WEP encryption, 40/64­bit (10 hex digits) or 104/128-bit (26 hex
digits).

Enter the WEP key of your network. Key
2 is the transmit key used by this device.

Setting Up: Basics

3.

Select Wireless Media Connector, then click Save Settings.

3.

After you have entered all required information, click Save Settings.

How to use Wireless Media Connector mode

In addition to the topics below, see the topic “How to set up QoS (Quality of
Service)” on page 20.

How to select Wireless Media Connector mode

To select Wireless Media Connector mode:

Setup > Operation Mode

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Setup tab, then click the Operation Mode page.

We recommend using wireless network site survey to set up your
WAP300N in Wireless Media Connector mode. Wireless network site
survey identifies wireless networks with in the range of your WAP300N,
so that you can easily select one of them to connect to. For instructions,
see How to run a wireless network site survey below.

How to run a wireless network site survey

We recommend using wireless network site survey to set up your WAP300N
in Wireless Media Connector mode. Wireless network site survey identifies
wireless networks within range of your WAP300N, so that you can easily select
one of them to connect to.

To run a wireless network site survey:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Wireless Network Site Survey
page. The site survey runs and displays the following information:

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Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Basics

Number of Wireless Networks—The number of wireless networks that
were detected.

Wireless Network Name—The network name (SSID) of each discovered
wireless network.

Signal—The percentage of signal strength.

Security—The security method used by each wireless network. If the

network supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup icon
appears next to the security method.

Refresh—Updates the on-screen information.

3.

To connect to a wireless network, select the network, then click Connect.

A screen opens that shows you the network name (SSID) and security
mode of the selected wireless network. Depending on the security mode
of the network, you may be asked to enter additional information (see
the following table).

Information

Security mode

WPA/WPA2
Personal

WEP

Required Description

Enter the passphrase shared by this

Passphrase

Encryption

Key 1

Authentication

device and your wireless router (or
access point).

Select a level of WEP encryption, 40 /
64-bit (10 hex digits) or 104 / 128-bit
(26 hex digits).

Enter the WEP key of your network.
Key 1 is the transmit key used by this
device.

The default is Auto, which allows
either open system or shared
key authentication to be used.
Select Open to use open system
authentication (a WEP key is not used
for authentication). Select Shared to
use shared key authentication (a WEP
key is used for authentication).

How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup

If your wireless router or access point supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, you can
use it to easily connect your WAP300N to your wireless router or access point.

You can use two methods for Wi-Fi Protected Setup:

• Press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on each device

• Enter the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN onto the router or access

point.

To manually configure your network, see “How to manually set up your
WAP300N” on page 14).

How to connect to a router or access point using the Wi-Fi
Protected Setup button

Use this method to connect your WAP300N to a router or access point by
pressing buttons on the two devices.

To connect to your router or access point using the Wi-Fi Protected
Setup button:

4.

After you have entered all required information, click Connect to connect
to the network.

1.

Press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the back of the router or
access point.

2.

Within two minutes, press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the
back of the WAP300N.

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Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Basics

- OR -

a.

Log into the WAP300N’s browser-based utility (see “How to open the
browser-based utility” on page 8).

b.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

c.

For Configuration View, select Wi-Fi Protected Setup™.

d.

Click the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button in the Wi-Fi Protected Setup
screen.

How to connect to a router or access point using the
WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN

Use this method if your router or access point asks for the WAP300N’s PIN
(Personal Identification Number).

To connect a device using the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected SetupPIN:

Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

3.

For Configuration View, select Wi-Fi Protected Setup™.

4.

On the router or access point’s browser-based utility, enter the PIN listed
on the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen. It is also listed on the
bottom of the WAP300N. In the example below, the WAP300N’s PIN is

02743103.

How to manually set up your WAP300N

You can follow these instructions to connect your WAP300N to your router, or
you can use Wireless Network Site Survey to connect. For more information
about site survey, see “How to run a wireless network site survey” on page 12.

To manually set up your WAP300N in wireless media connector mode:

Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

3.

For Configuration View, select Manual.

4.

Configure the following fields:

Network Name (SSID)—The SSID is the name of your wireless network.
This network name is shared among all the wireless devices connected
to your wireless network, so the SSID you enter here must match the
router’s SSID exactly (the SSID is case-sensitive).

Security Mode—Select the security mode that matches the security
setting on your router or access point. If the setting here does not match
the setting on your router or access point, it will not be able to connect.

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup status, wireless band, network name (SSID),
and security mode are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

5.

Click OK on the WAP300N’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen.

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Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Basics

Depending on the security mode you select, you may be asked to enter
additional information. Refer to the following table.

Information

Security mode

WPA/WPA2
Personal

WEP

5.

Click Save Settings.

Required Description

Enter the passphrase shared by this

Passphrase

Encryption

Key 1

Authentication

device and your wireless router (or
access point).

Select a level of WEP encryption, 40 /
64-bit (10 hex digits) or 104 / 128-bit
(26 hex digits).

Enter the WEP key of your network.
Key 1 is the transmit key used by this
device.

The default is Auto, which allows
either open system or shared
key authentication to be used.
Select Open to use open system
authentication (a WEP key is not used
for authentication). Select Shared to
use shared key authentication (a WEP
key is used for authentication).

How to use Wireless Range Extender mode

How to select Wireless Range Extender mode

To select Wireless Range Extender mode:

Setup > Operation Mode

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Setup tab, then click the Operation Mode page.

3.

Select Wireless Range Extender, then click Save Settings.

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Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Basics

How to run a wireless network site survey

We recommend using wireless network site survey to set up your WAP300N
in Wireless Range Extender mode. For instructions on using wireless network
site survey to connect your WAP300N to a wireless router, see “How to run a
wireless network site survey” on page12).

How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup

While in Range Extender mode, you can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ to easily
connect your WAP300N to your wireless router and wireless client devices. The
way you use Wi-Fi Protected Setup for your WAP300N varies, depending on
whether your WAP300N has already connected to the router.

If your WAP300N has not yet connected to a router:

• To connect your WAP300N to a wireless router, follow the instructions in

“How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page13.

If your WAP300N has already connected to a router:

• To connect your WAP300N to a wireless client device, follow the

instructions in “How to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page9.

How to use Wireless Bridge mode

How to select Wireless Bridge mode

To select Wireless Bridge mode:

Setup > Operation Mode

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Setup tab, then click the Operation Mode page.

3.

Select Wireless Bridge, then click Save Settings.

How to manually set up your WAP300N

You can manually set up your WAP300N’s connection to a wireless router, or
you can change its existing connection to a wireless router.

If your WAP300N has not yet connected to a router:

• Follow the instructions in “How to manually set up your WAP300N” on

page 14).

If your WAP300N has already connected to a router:

1.

Refer to “How to manually set up your WAP300N” on page 14) for
information on the menu’s fields.

2.

To connect to a different router, change the field values, then click Save
Settings.

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Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Basics

How to set up Wireless Bridge Mode

To set up Wireless Bridge mode:

Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Basic Wireless Settings page.

Local Wi-Fi MAC Address—The Wi-Fi MAC address of this device.

Remote Wireless Bridges’ Wi-Fi MAC Addresses—Enter the Wi-Fi

MAC addresses of other WAP300N wireless bridges that you want this
WAP300N to connect to.

Channel—Choose the operating channel for your wireless network.

CAUTION

While in Wireless Bridge mode, this device can communicate with
other WAP300N devices only if they are also in Wireless Bridge mode
and the wireless settings are all identical.

Example 1

You want to connect two wired networks together using Two WAP300N
devices. One WAP300N will need to be on each network. We will call one (A)
and the other (B). To make this work:

1.

Enter (A)’s Local Wi-Fi MAC Address into (B)’s Remote Wireless Bridges’ Wi­Fi MAC Addresses field.

2.

Enter (B)’s Local Wi-Fi MAC Address into (A)’s Remote Wireless Bridges’ Wi­Fi MAC Addresses field.

Example 2

You want to connect three wired networks together using three WAP300N
devices. One WAP300N will need to be on each network. In this example, they
will be called (A), (B), and (C). To make this work:

1.

Enter (A)’s and (C)’s Local Wi-Fi MAC Addresses into (B)’s Remote Wireless
Bridges’ Wi-Fi MAC Addresses field.

2.

Enter (B)’s Local Wi-Fi MAC Address into (A)’s Remote Wireless Bridges’ Wi­Fi MAC Addresses field.

3.

Enter (B)’s Local Wi-Fi MAC Address into (C)’s Remote Wireless Bridges’ Wi­Fi MAC Addresses field.

This establishes a wireless connection between (A) and (B) and another
connection between (B) and (C). This approach links all three wired
networks together.

Wireless Band—Select the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio band. The 5 GHz band
is less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band, so that band is more likely to be
free from interference.

Channel Width—For best performance in a Wireless-N network, select
40MHz only (available only in the 5 GHz radio band) or Auto. In Auto

mode, this device and other WAP300N devices connected to this one
automatically switch to the 40MHz mode if there is no interference.

CAUTION

Do not create a loop in your network. In the above example, a
loop would be adding an (A)-to-(C) wireless connection, while you

already had an (A)-to-(B) and (B)-to-(C) wireless connection.

17

Linksys WAP300N

How to set up wireless security

CAUTION

While in Wireless Bridge mode, this device can communicate with
other WAP300N devices only if they are also in Wireless Bridge mode
and the wireless settings are all identical.

To set up wireless security for your WAP300N in Wireless Bridge mode:

Wireless > Wireless Security

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Wireless Security page and select
the Security Mode. (WPA2 Personal is recommended for most home
networks.)

Setting Up: Basics

Depending on the security mode you selected, you may be asked to
enter additional information (see the following table).

Information

Security mode

WPA2 Personal,
WPA Personal

WEP

3.

After you have entered all required information, click Save Settings.

Required Description

Passphrase

Encryption

Key 1

Enter the passphrase of 8-63 characters.

Select a level of WEP encryption, 40/64­bit (10 hex digits) or 104/128-bit (26 hex
digits).

Enter the WEP key of your network. Key
1 is the transmit key used by this device.

18

Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Advanced

Setting Up: Advanced

How to set up the MAC filter

For: Access Point mode only

When your WAP300N is in Access Point mode, you can filter access to your
wireless network by specifying Wi-Fi MAC addresses of the wireless devices
within range of your network.

To set up the MAC filter:

Wireless > Wireless MAC Filter

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the Wireless MAC Filter page.

Access Restriction—To block wireless access by MAC address, select
Prevent. To allow wireless access by MAC address, select Permit.

MAC 01-32—Enter the Wi-Fi MAC addresses of the devices you want to

block or allow.

4.

Optional: Click Wireless Client List to open the Wireless Client List screen.
This screen shows computers and other devices on the wireless network.
The list can be sorted by MAC Address or by Status.

• To add a device to the list, select Save to MAC Address Filter List,

then click Add.

• To retrieve the latest network information, click Refresh.

• To return to the Wireless MAC Filter screen, click Close.

5.

Click Save Settings to apply your changes.

3.

Configure the following settings:

Wireless MAC Filter—To filter wireless devices by MAC address, select
Enabled. If you do not want to filter by MAC address, keep the default
setting, Disabled.

19

19

Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Advanced

How to set up QoS (Quality of Service)

For: Access Point and Wireless Media Connector modes only

To set up QoS:

Wireless > QoS

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Wireless tab, then click the QoS page.

3.

Configure the following settings:

WMM Support—Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) is a wireless QoS feature that
improves quality for audio, video, and voice applications by prioritizing
wireless traffic. To use WMM, the other wireless devices connected to the
WAP300N must also support WMM.

No Acknowledgement—If you do not want the WAP300N to re-send
data each time an error occurs, select Enabled. Otherwise, keep the
default, Disabled.

How to change the IP address

You can choose whether the WAP300N gets its IP address automatically (using
the DHCP server) or manually (static IP) by setting it in the browser-based utility.

NOTES

• For most home networks, we recommend leaving this setting at
Automatic Configuration - DHCP.

• If there is no DHCP server, or if the WAP300N is not wirelessly
connected to any other device and it is connected with an
Ethernet cable directly to a computer, then the WAP300N uses

10.100.1.1 as its IP address until a DHCP server is detected and a
new IP address is assigned.

To set your WAP300N’s IP address:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

For Device IP, select Static IP, then complete the following fields:

• IP Address—Enter a unique IP address that will be used to access the

browser-based utility.

• Subnet Mask—Enter the subnet mask of your network.

• Default Gateway—Enter the IP address of the default gateway for

your network (in most cases, this is your router).

3.

Click Save Settings to apply your changes.

20

Linksys WAP300N

Setting Up: Advanced

How to change the password

You can change the WAP300N’s password to limit access to the browser-based
utility.

To change the password:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Management page.

3.

Enter the new password in the Device Password field, then enter it again
in the Re-enter to confirm field.

4.

Click Save Settings.

How to change the idle timeout

You are automatically logged out of the browser-based utility after a period of
inactivity. You can set the length of the inactive period.

To change the idle timeout:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Management page.

3.

Enter the new timeout period in the Idle Timeout field. You can enter a
range of 60 to 3,600 seconds.

How to disable wireless admin access

For additional security, you can disable the ability to wirelessly log into the
browser-based utility. With wireless access disabled, to run the browser-based
utility you must use a wired connection.

To disable wireless admin access:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Management page.

3.

For Access via Wireless, select Disabled, then click Save Settings.

How to change the browser-based utility’s language

To change the browser-based utility’s language:

Setup > Basic Setup

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8). The Basic Setup page opens.

2.

For Language, select the language, then click Save Settings.

4.

Click Save Settings to apply your changes.

21

Linksys WAP300N

Maintaining and Monitoring

Maintaining and Monitoring

Troubleshooting

If you forgot your device password or static IP address

If you have forgotten your WAP300N admin password, or if you have set a static
IP address but have forgotten it, you can reset the device to its factory default
settings. To restore your WAP300N to its factory settings, see “How to restore
your WAP300N’s factory settings“ on page 23.

How to back up and restore your WAP300N configuration

As with any valuable data, you should back up your WAP300N configuration,
because it might contain many customized settings. Those settings would be
lost if you reset your WAP300N to its factory defaults, and you would need to re­enter all of them manually. If you back up your device configuration, restoring
settings is easy.

To back up your WAP300N configuration:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Management page.

3.

Click Back Up Configurations, then follow the on-screen instructions to
save the file.

To restore your WAP300N configuration:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Management page.

3.

Click Browse and select the configuration file, then click Open.

4.

Click Restore Configurations, then follow the on-screen instructions.

How to reboot your WAP300N

After changing network settings, or as a troubleshooting step, it is sometimes
necessary to reboot (restart) your WAP300N.

To reboot your WAP300N:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Management page.

3.

Click Start to Reboot.

TIP

To save multiple backup files, include the backup date in the
filename as you save.

-OR-

1.

Disconnect the power cable for ten seconds, then reconnect the cable.

22

22

Linksys WAP300N

Maintaining and Monitoring

How to restore your WAP300N’s factory settings

If custom settings on your WAP300N are not working correctly, or if you have
forgotten the access password or static IP address, you may need to restore
your WAP300N to its factory settings.

CAUTION

Any settings you have saved previously will be lost when the
factory default settings are restored.

To restore your WAP300N’s factory settings:

1.

While the device is still connected to power, use a stiff wire (such as a
straightened paper clip) to press the Reset button on the bottom for
about five seconds.

A warning appears asking you to confirm.

4.

Click OK. Your device is reset to factory defaults.

How to update your WAP300N

Linksys may periodically publish a firmware upgrade either to fix a problem or
to add features to your WAP300N.

IMPORTANT

Do not interrupt the upgrade process. You should not turn off the
device or press the Reset button during the upgrade. Doing so may
permanently disable the device.

To upgrade the device’s firmware:

1.

Open a web browser and go to www.linksys.com/support.

2.

Download the device’s latest firmware update file. Take note of the
location where the file was saved to.

3.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

4.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Firmware Upgrade page.

5.

Click Browse, select the firmware upgrade file you saved previously, then
click Open.

-OR-

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Administration tab, then click the Factory Defaults page.

3.

Click Restore Factory Defaults.

6.

Click Start to Upgrade, then follow the on-screen instructions.

23

Linksys WAP300N

Maintaining and Monitoring

How to view device and local network information

To view device and local network information:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Status tab, then click the Device Info & Local Network page.
Device and network information appears.

Firmware Version—The device’s current firmware version.

Firmware Verification—Used by technical support to verify the

firmware.

MAC Address—The device’s Ethernet port MAC address.

IP Address—The device’s IP address, as seen on your local network.

Subnet Mask—The subnet mask configured for your local network.

Default Gateway—The default gateway configured for your local

network.

How to view wireless network information

To view wireless network information:

1.

Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based
utility” on page8).

2.

Click the Status tab, then click the Wireless Network page. Wireless
network information appears. Available information depends on the
current operating mode, although the list below shows all possible fields.

Operation Mode—The current operation mode of the device.

MAC Address—The MAC address of the device’s wireless (Wi-Fi) interface.

Link Status—The status of the wireless connection.

Network Name (SSID)—The name of your wireless network.

Network Mode—Your wireless network’s network mode.

Channel Width—Your wireless network’s channel width (in MHz).

Radio Band—Your wireless network’s radio band (in GHz).

Channel—Your wireless network’s channel setting.

Security—Your wireless network’s security mode.

24

Linksys WAP300N

Bit Rate—The data transmission rate.

Signal—The percentage of signal strength is displayed.

SSID Broadcast—SSID broadcast status (enabled or disabled).

Maintaining and Monitoring

25

Linksys WAP300N

Specifications

Specifications

Linksys WAP300N

Model WAP300N

Description Linksys Wireless-N Access Point

Ethernet Port Speed 10/100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet)

Radio Frequency 2.4 or 5 GHz

Number of Antennas 2

Antenna Type External dipole antenna with R-SMA connector

Detachable Yes

Ports Power, Ethernet

Buttons Reset, Wi-Fi Protected Setup™,
Power (European model only)

LEDs Power, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Ethernet,
Wireless

Wireless Security Features WEP, Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA),
Wi-Fi Protected Access™ 2 (WPA2),
Wireless MAC Filtering

Security Key Bits Up to 128-bit encryption

Environmental

Dimensions 188.7 × 151.7 × 31.2 mm (7.43” × 5.97” × 1.23”)
without external antennas

Unit Weight 207.0 g (7.3 oz), without external antennas

229.6 g (8.1 oz), with external antennas

Power 12V, 0.5A

Certications FCC, UL/cUL, ICES-003, RSS210, CE, Wi-Fi
(IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n), WPA2™, WMM®,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup™

Operating Temperature 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)

Storage Temperature -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F)

Operating Humidity 10 to 80% non-condensing

Storage Humidity 5 to 90% non-condensing

NOTES

For regulatory, warranty, and safety information, see the CD that
came with your device or go to Linksys.com/support.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Maximum performance derived from IEEE Standard 802.11
specifications. Actual performance can vary, including lower
wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range and
coverage. Performance depends on many factors, conditions and
variables, including distance from the access point, volume of
network traffic, building materials and construction, operating
system used, mix of wireless products used, interference and other
adverse conditions.

26

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Cisco, the Cisco logo, and Linksys are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries.

© 2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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