Linksys WAP54GX User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
2.4
Model No.
GHz
802.11g
WIRELESS
WAP54GX
Wireless-G
Access Point with SRX
User Guide
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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 © 2006 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 with SRX 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.
WAP54GX-UG-60125A JL
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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 with SRX 6
The Front Panel 6
The Back Panel 7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX 8
Overview 8
Connections for Setup 8
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX 9
Overview 9
Using the Setup Wizard 9
Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX 19
Overview 19
Navigating the Utility 19
Accessing the Utility 21
The Setup - Network Setup Tab 21
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab 23
The Wireless - Wireless Security Tab 24
The Wireless - Wireless MAC Filter Tab 27
The Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Tab 28
The Administration - Management Tab 30
The Administration - Log Tab 31
The Administration - Factory Defaults Tab 32
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab 32
The Status - Local Network Tab 33
The Status - Wireless Network Tab 34
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 35
Frequently Asked Questions 35
Appendix B: Wireless Security 39
Security Precautions 39
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 39
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 42
Appendix D: Windows Help 43
Appendix E: Glossary 44
Appendix F: Specifications 49
Appendix G: Warranty Information 51
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 52
Appendix I: Contact Information 58
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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: Wireless Settings Screen 14
Figure 5-10: Security Settings Screen 15
Figure 5-11: WEP Settings Screen 15
Figure 5-12: WPA Personal Settings Screen 16
Figure 5-13: WPA2 Personal Settings Screen 16
Figure 5-14: WPA2 Mixed Mode Settings Screen 17
Figure 5-15: Confirm New Settings Screen 18
Figure 5-16: Congratulations Screen 18
Figure 6-1: Login Screen 21
Figure 6-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration - DHCP Screen 21
Figure 6-3: Setup - Static IP Screen 22
Figure 6-4: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Screen 23
Figure 6-5: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Personal) Screen 24
Figure 6-6: Wireless Security - WPA2-Personal Screen 24
Figure 6-7: Wireless Security - WPA2-Mixed Screen 25
Figure 6-8: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise Screen 25
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Figure 6-9: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen 26
Figure 6-10: Wireless Security - WEP Screen 26
Figure 6-11: Wireless - Wireless MAC Filter Screen 27
Figure 6-12: Wireless - Wireless Client Table 27
Figure 6-13: Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Screen 28
Figure 6-14: Administration - Management Screen 30
Figure 6-15: Administration - Log Screen 31
Figure 6-16: View Log Screen 31
Figure 6-17: Administration - Factory Defaults Screen 32
Figure 6-18: Administration - Firmware Upgrade Screen 32
Figure 6-19: Status - Local Network Screen 33
Figure 6-20: Status - Wireless Network Screen 34
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade 42
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX. 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. And with SRX,
you have greater range and speed.
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
SRX: an antenna technology that provides for up to 8X
better performance and up to 3X longer range.
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Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
What’s in this User Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX.
• 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 with SRX
This chapter describes the physical features of the Access Point.
• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Access Point to your network.
• Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
This chapter explains how to use the Setup Wizard to configure the settings on the Access Point.
• Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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.
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Access Point’s warranty information.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?
2
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
• 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?
3
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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 with SRX, 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
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.
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.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
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
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Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Network Layout
The Wireless-G Access Point with SRX 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
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Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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
Ethernet Green. 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.
Wireless 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.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is powered on.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
The Front Panel
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Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
The Back Panel
The Access Point's Ethernet network and power ports, as well as the Reset button, are located on the back panel.
Figure 3-2: Back Panel
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.
Ethernet Port The Ethernet network port connects to an Ethernet network device, such as a switch or router.
Power Port The Power port connects to the Access Point’s power adapter.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
The Back Panel
port: the connection point on a computer or
networking device used for plugging in
cables or adapters
7
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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 Ethernet 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 powers on.
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX.”
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Overview
8
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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 button if this is the first time you are running the Setup
Wizard. These are your other choices:
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.
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Overview
Figure 5-1: Welcome Screen
9
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Using the Setup Wizard
Figure 5-3: Connect the Network Cable to the Access
Point Screen
10
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
5. Connect the power adapter to the Access Point and an electrical outlet. Then click the Next button.
6. Make sure the Access Point’s Ethernet, Wireless, and Power LEDs are lit on its front panel. If they are not,
check your cable connections. Then click the Next button to continue.
Figure 5-4: Power on the Access Point Screen
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Using the Setup Wizard
Figure 5-5: Check the Access Point’s Status Screen
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Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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.
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 5-6: Select the Access Point Screen
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Using the Setup Wizard
Figure 5-7: Password
Screen
12
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
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 Automatic-
DHCP.
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).
Figure 5-8: Basic Settings Screen
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 with SRX
Using the Setup Wizard
13
Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Configuring the Access Point’s Wireless Settings
1. 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.
Figure 5-9: Wireless Settings Screen
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX
Using the Setup Wizard
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