Linksys WAP54G User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
2
Model No.
GHz
4
,
802.11g
WIRELESS
WAP54G v2
Wireless-G
Access Point
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-eu-UG-40302NC KL
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
Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point 14
Overview 14
Navigating the Utility 15
Accessing the Utility 16
The Setup Tab 17
The Status Tab 25
The Advanced Tab 26
The Help Tab 30
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 31
Frequently Asked Questions 31
Appendix B: Wireless Security 35
A Brief Overview 35
What Are The Risks? 35
Maximizing Wireless Security 37
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 43
Appendix D: Windows Help 44
Appendix E: Glossary 45
Appendix F: Specifications 49
Wireless-G Access Point
Appendix G: Warranty Information 50
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 51
Appendix I: Contact Information 53
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 Confirmation screen 13
Figure 5-9: The Congratulations screen 13
Figure 6-1: Password Screen 16
Figure 6-2: The Basic Setup Screen 17
Figure 6-3: WPA Pre-Shared Key Settings 19
Figure 6-4: WPA Radius Settings 19
Figure 6-5: Radius Settings 20
Figure 6-6: WEP Settings 20
Figure 6-7: The Password Screen 21
Figure 6-8: The AP Mode Screen 22
Figure 6-9: The Site Survey screen 22
Figure 6-10: Wireless Repeater diagram 23
Figure 6-11: Wireless Bridge diagram 23
Figure 6-12: The Log screen 24
Figure 6-13: The Status Screen 25
Figure 6-14: The Filters Screen 26
Figure 6-15: The Advanced Wireless screen 27
Figure 6-16: The SNMP screen 29
Figure 6-17: The Help screen 30
Wireless-G Access Point
Figure B-1: The WEP Screen 41
Figure B-2: The WPA Pre-Shared Key Screen 42
Figure B-3: The WPA Radius Screen 42
Figure B-4: The Radius Screen 42
Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 43
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.
• Chapter 6: 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.
• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the Access Point’s technical specifications.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
2
Wireless-G Access Point
• 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
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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
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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/international for more information about products that work with the Access Point.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
The Back Panel
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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
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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
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Wireless-G Access Point
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
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
Figure 5-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
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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
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
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. Enter, also, 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 or 1 and 13. 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 (optional) Security Settings screen will appear next. From this screen, you can set the level of encryption
you desire for your network, along with selecting Passphrases and/or encryption keys.
Figure 5-6: The Wireless Settings screen
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network
With 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 WPA Shared Key of 8-32 characters.
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. All points in your
wireless network must use the same WEP key to utilize WEP encryption.
For more information on WEP and wireless security, refer to Appendix B: Wireless Security.
Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
Figure 5-7: The Security Settings screen
bit: a binary digit
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