Linksys WAP54G v2 User Manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.

2.4

Model No.

GHz

802.11g

Access Point

WIRELESS

WAP54G v2

Wireless-G

User Guide

Wireless-G Access Point

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 © 2003 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-31216NC KL

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Wireless-G Access Point

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 11 Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point 16

Overview 16 Navigating the Utility 17 Accessing the Utility 18 The Setup Tab 19 The Status Tab 27 The Advanced Tab 28 The Help Tab 32

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 33

Frequently Asked Questions 33

Appendix B: Wireless Security 37

A Brief Overview 37 What Are The Risks? 37 Maximizing Wireless Security 39

Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 45 Appendix D: Windows Help 46 Appendix E: Glossary 47 Appendix F: Specifications 51

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Appendix G: Warranty Information 53 Chapter H: Regulatory Information 54 Appendix I: Contact Information 57

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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 11 Figure 5-2: Connecting the Access Point 12 Figure 5-3: Select an Access Point 12 Figure 5-4: Enter the Password 13 Figure 5-5: The Configure Network Address Settings screen 13 Figure 5-6: The Wireless Settings screen 14 Figure 5-7: The Security Settings screen 14 Figure 5-8: The Confirmation screen 15 Figure 5-9: The Congratulations screen 15 Figure 6-1: Password Screen 18 Figure 6-2: The Basic Setup Screen 19 Figure 6-3: WPA Pre-Shared Key Settings 21 Figure 6-4: WPA Radius Settings 21 Figure 6-5: Radius Settings 22 Figure 6-6: WEP Settings 22 Figure 6-7: The Password Screen 23 Figure 6-8: The AP Mode Screen 24 Figure 6-9: The Site Survey screen 24 Figure 6-10: Wireless Repeater diagram 25 Figure 6-11: Wireless Bridge diagram 25 Figure 6-12: The Log screen 26 Figure 6-13: The Status Screen 27 Figure 6-14: The Filters Screen 28 Figure 6-15: The Advanced Wireless screen 29 Figure 6-16: The SNMP screen 31 Figure 6-17: The Help screen 32

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Figure B-1: The WEP Screen 43 Figure B-2: The WPA Pre-Shared Key Screen 44 Figure B-3: The WPA Radius Screen 44 Figure B-4: The Radius Screen 44 Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 45

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

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?

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?

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

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 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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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

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

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

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

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

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. 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

Wireless-G Access Point

9. You should now review the settings you've chosen. If these settings are correct, click the Yes button to save these settings. If you wish to change any of the settings, click the No button. You will exit the Setup Wizard and can start it again to revise your settings.

10. 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.

Figure 5-8: The Confirmation screen

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point

Figure 5-9: The Congratulations screen

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