LINKSYS WAP54GV31 User Manual

®
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
2.4802GHz.11g Wireless-G	User Guide
Access Point	User Guide
WIRELESS
Model No. WAP54G ver. 3.1

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

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 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

How to Use this User Guide

The user 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 User 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.

WAP54G_V3-UG-50509NC JL

Wireless-G Access Point

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction	1
Welcome	1
What’s in this User 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 Front Panel	6
The Back Panel	7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point	8
Overview	8
Connections for Setup	8
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point	9
Overview	9
Using the Setup Wizard	9
Chapter 6: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service	25
Client Software Installation	25
Network Access	28
Your Account	29
Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point	36
Overview	36
Navigating the Utility	36
Accessing the Utility	38
The Setup - Network Setup Tab	38
The Setup - AP Mode Tab	40
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab	43
The Wireless - Wireless Security Tab	45
The Wireless - Wireless MAC Filter Tab	48
The Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Tab	49
The Administration - Management Tab	51
The Administration - SNMP Tab	52

Wireless-G Access Point
The Administration - Log Tab	53
The Administration - Factory Defaults Tab	54
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab	54
The Status - Local Network Tab	55
The Status - Wireless Network Tab	56
Appendix A: Troubleshooting	57
Frequently Asked Questions	57
Appendix B: Wireless Security	61
Security Precautions	61
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks	61
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware	64
Appendix D: Windows Help	65
Appendix E: Glossary	66
Appendix F: Specifications	73
Appendix G: Warranty Information	75
Appendix H: Regulatory Information	76
Appendix I: Contact Information	77

Wireless-G Access Point

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: Front Panel	6
Figure 3-2: Back Panel	7
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable	8
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power	8
Figure 5-1: Welcome Screen	9
Figure 5-2: Connect the Network Cable to the Router or Switch Screen	10
Figure 5-3: Connect the Network Cable to the Access Point Screen	10
Figure 5-4: Power on the Access Point Screen	11
Figure 5-5: Check the Access Point’s Status Screen	11
Figure 5-6: Select the Access Point Screen	12
Figure 5-7: Password Screen	12
Figure 5-8: Basic Settings Screen	13
Figure 5-9: Configure Wireless Settings Screen	13
Figure 5-10: SecureEasySetup Screen	14
Figure 5-11: SecureEasySetup Logo	14
Figure 5-12: Additional Information - Hardware Button	14
Figure 5-13: Additional Information - Software Button	14
Figure 5-14: Configure Wireless Settings Screen	15
Figure 5-15: Confirm New Settings Screen	15
Figure 5-16: Congratulations Screen	16
Figure 5-17: Configure Wireless Settings Screen	17
Figure 5-18: Wireless Settings Screen	17
Figure 5-19: Security Settings Screen	18
Figure 5-20: WEP Settings Screen	18
Figure 5-21: WPA Personal Settings	19
Figure 5-22: WPA2 Personal Settings Screen	19
Figure 5-23: WPA2 Mixed Mode Settings Screen	20
Figure 5-24: Confirm New Settings Screen	21

Wireless-G Access Point
Figure 5-25: Congratulations Screen	21
Figure 5-26: Attention Screen	22
Figure 5-27: Linksys Wireless Guard Setup Screen	22
Figure 5-28: Securing Your Access Point Screen	23
Figure 5-29: Wireless Guard Password Screen	23
Figure 5-30: Adding Authorized Users Screen	24
Figure 5-31: Wireless Guard Congratulations Screen	24
Figure 6-1: Note	25
Figure 6-2: Configuring Windows Installer	25
Figure 6-3: Exit Other Applications	26
Figure 6-4: License Agreement	26
Figure 6-5: Destination Location	27
Figure 6-6: Copying Files	27
Figure 6-7: Restart Your Computer	28
Figure 6-8: The Network Access Screen	28
Figure 6-9: Member Login	29
Figure 6-10: Home	30
Figure 6-11: Network Administration	30
Figure 6-12: Modify Access Control	31
Figure 6-13: Add Guest	31
Figure 6-14: Add Member	32
Figure 6-15: Welcome	32
Figure 6-16: Subscriber Information	33
Figure 6-17: Account Finances	33
Figure 6-18: Credentials Information	34
Figure 6-19: Congratulations	34
Figure 7-1: Login Screen	38
Figure 7-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration - DHCP Screen	38
Figure 7-3: Setup - Static IP Screen	39
Figure 7-4: Setup - AP Mode Screen	40

Wireless-G Access Point
Figure 7-5: Site Survey Screen	40
Figure 7-6: Wireless Repeater Diagram	41
Figure 7-7: Wireless Bridge Diagram	42
Figure 7-8: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Screen	43
Figure 7-9: Press the SecureEasySetup Button for Your Wireless Client	43
Figure 7-10: Waiting for Completion of SecureEasySetup	44
Figure 7-11: SecureEasySetup Completed Screen	44
Figure 7-12: Confirm Reset	44
Figure 7-13: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Personal) Screen	45
Figure 7-14: Wireless Security - WPA2-Personal Screen	45
Figure 7-15: Wireless Security - WPA2-Mixed Screen	46
Figure 7-16: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise Screen	46
Figure 7-17: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen	47
Figure 7-18: Wireless Security - WEP Screen	47
Figure 7-19: Wireless - Wireless MAC Filter Screen	48
Figure 7-20: Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Screen	49
Figure 7-21: Administration - Management Screen	51
Figure 7-22: Administration - SNMP Screen	52
Figure 7-23: Administration - Log Screen	53
Figure 7-24: View Log Screen	53
Figure 7-25: Administration - Factory Defaults Screen	54
Figure 7-26: Administration - Firmware Upgrade Screen	54
Figure 7-27: Status - Local Network Screen	55
Figure 7-28: Status - Wireless Network Screen	56
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade	64

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.

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.

access point: a device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

network: a series of computers or devices connected together.

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

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

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.

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.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Wireless-G Access Point

What’s in this User Guide?

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

•Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter describes the 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 Setup Wizard to configure the settings on the Access Point.

•Chapter 6: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service

This chapter explains how to use the Linksys Wireless Guard service to secure your network.

•Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point

This chapter explains how to use the Access Point’s Web-based Utility for advanced configuration.

•Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This appendix describes some frequently asked questions regarding installation and use of the 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 User 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 User 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.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access point.

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

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 using the roaming capabilities, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

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. The Access Point is compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b adapters, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, 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.

To link your wired network with your wireless network, connect the Access Point’s Ethernet network port to any switch or router.

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

Wireless-G Access Point

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

The Front Panel

The Access Point's LEDs, which indicate activity and status information, are located on the front panel.

	Figure 3-1: Front Panel
(Cisco logo)	Orange/White. The Cisco logo is the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup button. It lights up when
	the Access Point is powered on. The Cisco logo is orange when the SecureEasySetup feature
	is not used, while the color white indicates that the SecureEasySetup feature is being used.
	When the Access Point enters SecureEasySetup mode, the Cisco logo will turn white and start
	flashing. Then the Access Point will generate its SSID (network name) and WPA-Personal (also
	called WPA-PSK) key. If the Access Point successfully associates with a client using
	SecureEasySetup, the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay white. If the association is
	unsuccessful, then the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay orange.
	To clear the SSID and WPA-Personal key, press and hold down the Cisco logo for ten seconds.
	The Cisco logo will turn orange to indicate a successful reset.
Power	Red. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is powered on.
Act	Green. The Act LED lights up when the Access Point is ready for wireless use. It flashes when
	the Access Point is transmitting or receiving data wirelessly.
Link	Orange. The Link LED lights up when the Access Point is successfully connected to a device
	through the Ethernet network port. The LED flashes when the Access Point is transmitting or
	receiving data through the Ethernet network port.

NOTE: SecureEasySetup is a feature that makes it easy to set up your wireless network. If you have SecureEasySetup devices, run the Setup Wizard on the Access Point’s Setup Wizard CD-ROM. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

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

The Front Panel

Wireless-G Access Point

The Back Panel

The Access Point's Ethernet network and power ports, as well as the Reset button, are located on the back panel.

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

Figure 3-2: Back Panel

LAN Port

The Ethernet network port connects to an Ethernet network device, such as a switch or router.

Reset Button There are two ways to reset the Access Point's factory defaults. Either press the Reset button, for approximately ten seconds, or use the Administration - Factory Defaults screen of the Access Point's Web-based Utility.

IMPORTANT: Resetting the Access Point will erase all of your settings (including wireless security, IP address, and power output) and replace them with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Access Point if you want to retain these settings.

Power Port The Power port connects to the Access Point’s power adapter.

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

The Back Panel

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point

Overview

This chapter explains how to connect the Access Point for setup.

Connections for Setup

1.Connect your Ethernet network cable to your network router or switch. Then connect the other end of the network cable to the Access Point’s LAN (Ethernet network) port.

2.Connect the included power adapter to the Access Point’s Power port. Then plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet. The LEDs on the front panel will light up as soon as the Access Point’s powers on.

Proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point.”

Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable

Figure 4-2: Connect the Power

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point

Overview

Wireless-G Access Point

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Overview

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.

Using the Setup Wizard

1.Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and the Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears, enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).

2.On the Welcome screen, click the Click Here to Start or Setup button if this is the first time you are running the Setup Wizard. These are your other choices:

Install Linksys Wireless Guard - Linksys Wireless Guard is a subscription service available to secure your network. To install the client software needed to use this service, click the Install Linksys Wireless Guard button, and proceed to “Chapter 6: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service.”

NOTE: Before installing the client software on your computer, you should set up the Access Point and sign up for the Linksys Wireless Guard service.

User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open the PDF file of this User Guide.

Exit - Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.

Figure 5-1: Welcome Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Overview

Wireless-G Access Point

3.Optimally, you should set up the Access Point using a PC on your wired network. Connect a network cable to your network router or switch. Then click the Next button.

4.The screen shows how the Access Point should be connected as you run the Setup Wizard. Connect the other end of the network cable to the Access Point’s Ethernet network port. Then click the Next button.

Figure 5-2: Connect the Network Cable to the Router or Switch Screen

Figure 5-3: Connect the Network Cable to the Access

Point Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

5. Connect the power adapter to the Access Point and an electrical outlet. Then click the Next button.

Figure 5-4: Power on the Access Point Screen

6.Make sure the Access Point’s Power, Act, and Link LEDs are lit on its front panel. If they are not, check your cable connections. Then click the Next button to continue.

Figure 5-5: Check the Access Point’s Status Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

7.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 the selected 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. Click the Yes button to change any settings, or click the No button to keep these settings.

Figure 5-6: Select the Access Point Screen

8.You will be asked to sign onto the Access Point you have selected. Enter the default password, admin. Then, click Enter. (This user name and password can be changed from the Web-based Utility's Administration - Management tab.)

Figure 5-7: Password

Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

9.The Basic Settings screen will appear next. Enter a descriptive name in the Device Name field. Create a password that will control access to the Access Point’s Web-based Utility and Setup Wizard.

If your network router will automatically assign an IP address to the Access Point, then select AutomaticDHCP.

If you want to assign a static or fixed IP address to the Access Point, then select Static IP. Enter the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway settings. If you are not sure what changes you should make, then keep the default values.

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

Device Name - Enter a descriptive name for the Access Point.

Password - Enter a password that will control access to the Utility and Setup Wizard.

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 the subnet mask of your Ethernet network.

Default Gateway - Enter the IP address of your network gateway (usually your router). Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

10.There are two ways to configure the Access Point’s wireless settings, SecureEasySetup and manual configuration.

If you have other SecureEasySetup devices, such as notebook adapters or printers, then you can use the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup feature to configure your wireless network. Proceed to the section, “Using the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup Feature.”

NOTE: If you have already set up your network using your router’s SecureEasySetup feature, then you cannot use the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup feature. You must manually configure the Access Point’s wireless settings to match your existing network’s settings.

If you do not have other SecureEasySetup devices, then proceed to the section, “Manually Configuring the Access Point’s Wireless Settings.”

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Figure 5-8: Basic Settings Screen

Figure 5-9: Configure Wireless Settings Screen

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

Using the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup Feature

Read these instructions before you press any SecureEasySetup buttons. You should locate the SecureEasySetup buttons of your devices before using the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup feature.

NOTE: SecureEasySetup uses WPA-Personal encryption. If your current wireless devices do not support WPA-Personal security, then you cannot use SecureEasySetup on your network. You will need to manually configure your network security using the encryption supported by your existing devices.

1.Before you push any button, locate the SecureEasySetup button for each of your other SecureEasySetup devices. If you are not sure where to find this button, click Where is my other SecureEasySetup button?

You will see a screen showing the SecureEasySetup logo. Click the Next button to continue or the Close button to return to the Configure Wireless Settings screen.

You will see a screen with instructions on how to locate the SecureEasySetup hardware button. If your device does not have a hardware button, it most likely will have a software button. Click the Next button for instructions to locate the software button, or click the Close button to return to the Configure Wireless Settings screen.

You will see a screen with instructions on how to locate the SecureEasySetup software button. Click the Close button to return to the Configure Wireless Settings screen.

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Figure 5-10: SecureEasySetup Screen

Figure 5-11: SecureEasySetup Logo

Figure 5-12: Additional Information - Hardware Button

Figure 5-13: Additional Information - Software Button

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

2.Press the Access Point’s orange Cisco logo on its front panel. When the logo turns white and begins to flash, press the SecureEasySetup button on another device. The Access Point’s Cisco logo will stop flashing when the device has been added to the network. Then repeat this procedure for each additional SecureEasySetup device.

When you have finished configuring the devices in your wireless network, click the Next button to continue.

NOTE: You can only add one SecureEasySetup device at a time.

Figure 5-14: Configure Wireless Settings Screen

3. The Setup Wizard will ask you to review your settings before it saves them.

NOTE: Write down these settings. You may need to manually configure non-SecureEasySetup devices in the future.

Click the Yes button if you are satisfied with your settings, or click the No button if you do not want to save your new settings.

Figure 5-15: Confirm New Settings Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

4.The Congratulations screen will appear. Click the Online Registration button to register the Access Point, or click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.

Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-G Access Point is complete.

If you need to configure a non-SecureEasySetup device, proceed to the next section, “Configuring a Non-SecureEasySetup Device.”

If you want to make advanced configuration changes, proceed to “Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point.”

Configuring a Non-SecureEasySetup Device

If you need to configure a non-SecureEasySetup device, then proceed with the setup of your nonSecureEasySetup device. When you have to configure its wireless settings, enter the settings you wrote down when you saw the Confirm New Settings screen at the end of the Setup Wizard.

If you did not write down these settings, then you will use the Access Point’s Web-based Utility. Follow these instructions:

1.Launch Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. In the Address field, enter the Access Point’s default IP address, 192.168.1.245, or the IP address you entered during the Setup Wizard. (Should you need to learn what IP address the Access Point presently uses, run the Setup Wizard again. It will scan the Access Point and give you its IP address.) Press the Enter key.

2.The login screen will appear. Enter admin in the User Name field. The first time you open the Web-based Utility, use the default password, admin. (You can set a new password from the Administration - Management tab.) Then click the OK button.

3.Click the Wireless tab. The Access Point’s Network Name (SSID) will appear on the Basic Wireless Settings screen. Write down the Network Name (SSID) for the Access Point.

4.Click the Wireless Security tab. The Access Point’s WPA-Personal settings will appear on the Wireless Security screen. Write down the Passphrase for the Access Point.

5.When you configure the wireless settings for your non-SecureEasySetup devices, enter the Access Point’s Network Name (SSID) and Passphrase when you are asked for them.

If you want additional information about the Web-based Utility, proceed to “Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point.”

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Figure 5-16: Congratulations Screen

NOTE: Some devices may call the Passphrase a Pre-Shared Key instead. They are different names for the same key.

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

Manually Configuring the Access Point’s Wireless Settings

1. If you do not have other SecureEasySetup devices, then click the Enter Wireless Settings Manually button.

2.The Setup Wizard will ask you to enter the SSID, Channel, and Network Mode settings for your wireless network.

SSID - Enter the name of your wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase).

Channel - Select the operating channel for your wireless network. All of your wireless devices will use this channel to communicate.

Network Mode - Select the wireless standards running on your network. If you have both 802.11g and 802.11b devices in your network, keep the default setting, Mixed Mode. If you have only 802.11g devices, select G-Only. If you have only 802.11b devices, select B-Only. If you want to disable your wireless network, select Disable.

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Figure 5-17: Configure Wireless Settings Screen

Figure 5-18: Wireless Settings Screen

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

3.Select the level of security you want to use: WEP, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or Linksys Wireless Guard. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. Click the Next button and proceed to step 4.

If you want to use WPA-Enterprise, then you should select Disabled and use the Access Point’s Web-based Utility to configure your wireless security settings. (Refer to “Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point.”) Click the Next button and proceed to step 5.

If you do not want to use any wireless security method, select Disabled and then click the Next button. Proceed to step 5.

4.Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method.

WEP (64-Bit)

To use 64-bit WEP encryption, select WEP (64-bit). Then enter a passphrase or WEP key.

Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. The passphrase is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. It must match the passphrase of your other wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (If you have any non-Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key manually on those products.)

WEP Key - The WEP key you enter must match the WEP key of your wireless network. For 64-bit encryption, enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

WEP (128-Bit)

To use 128-bit WEP encryption, select WEP (128-bit). Then enter a passphrase or WEP key.

WEP Key - The WEP key you enter must match the WEP key of your wireless network. For 128-bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Figure 5-19: Security Settings Screen

Figure 5-20: WEP Settings Screen

wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.

encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.

Using the Setup Wizard

Wireless-G Access Point

WPA Personal

To use WPA Personal security, select WPA Personal from the Security drop-down menu. WPA Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or AES for encryption. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-32 characters in length.

Encryption - Select TKIP or AES from the Encryption drop-down menu.

Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-32 characters in the Passphrase field. The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

WPA2 Personal

To use WPA2 Personal security, select WPA2 Personal from the Security drop-down menu. WPA2 Personal uses AES encryption with dynamic keys. Enter a Passphrase that is 8-32 characters in length.

Encryption - The default for WPA2 Personal, AES, is automatically selected.

Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-32 characters in the Passphrase field. The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Figure 5-21: WPA Personal Settings

wpa (wi-fi protected access: a wireless security protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.

Figure 5-22: WPA2 Personal Settings Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point

Using the Setup Wizard

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