Linksys WGA54AG User Manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.

Dual-Band

GHz

802.11a

Model No.

WIRELESS

WGA54AG

GHz

802.11g

Wireless A/G

Game Adapter

User Guide

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

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.

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.

This User Guide

The User Guide to the Wireless A/G Game Adapter has been designed to make understanding networking 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 Game Adapter.

This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is something that could damage your property or the Game Adapter.

This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Game Adapter.

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”.

WGA54AG-UG-41025NC JL

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

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 4

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless A/G Game Adapter 6

The Game Adapter’s LED Indicators 6 The Game Adapter’s Side Panel 7

Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless A/G Game Adapter 8

Overview 8 Instructions 8

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2

or GameCube

Overview 9 Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Computer 9 Starting the Setup Wizard 10 Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play 11 Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play 13 Setup Wizard Configuration for Internet Play 18 Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console 21

Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for Xbox

Overview 22 Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Xbox 22 Setting up the Game Adapter Using Your Xbox 23

Chapter 7: Using the Wireless A/G Game Adapter Web Configuration Utility 30

Overview 30 Accessing the Web Configuration Utility 30 The Setup Tab 31 The Advanced Settings Tab 33 The Help Tab 35

™

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 36

Common Problems and Solutions 36 Frequently Asked Questions 37

Appendix B: Wireless Security 41

Security Precautions 41 Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 41

Appendix C: Glossary 44 Appendix D: Specifications 51 Appendix E: Warranty Information 53 Appendix F: Regulatory Information 54 Appendix G: Contact Information 56

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: LED Indicators 6 Figure 3-2: Side Panel 7 Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 8 Figure 4-2: Connect the Power 8 Figure 5-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 9 Figure 5-2: Connect the Power 9 Figure 5-3: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 10 Figure 5-4: Searching for the Game Adapter Screen 10 Figure 5-5: Setup Wizard’s Password Screen 11 Figure 5-6: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen 11 Figure 5-7: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen 12 Figure 5-8: Setup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen 12 Figure 5-9: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 13 Figure 5-10: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen 13 Figure 5-11: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen 14 Figure 5-12: Setup Wizard’s 5GHz Manual Configuration Screen 14 Figure 5-13: Setup Wizard’s 5GHz Security Settings Screen 15 Figure 5-14: Setup Wizard’s 2.4GHz Manual Configuration Screen 15 Figure 5-15: Setup Wizard’s 2.4 GHz Security Settings Screen 16 Figure 5-16: Setup Wizard’s Network Settings Screen 16 Figure 5-17: Setup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen 17 Figure 5-18: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 17 Figure 5-19: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen 18 Figure 5-20: Setup Wizard’s Basic Settings Screen 18 Figure 5-21: Setup Wizard’s 5GHz Security Settings Screen 19 Figure 5-22: Setup Wizard’s 2.4GHz Security Settings Screen 19 Figure 5-23: Setup Wizard’s Network Settings Screen 20 Figure 5-24: Setup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen 20 Figure 5-25: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 21 Figure 6-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 22

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Figure 6-2: Connect the Power 22 Figure 6-3: Xbox’s Main Menu 23 Figure 6-4: Xbox’s SETTINGS Screen 23 Figure 6-5: Xbox’s NETWORK SETTINGS Screen 24 Figure 6-6: Xbox’s ADVANCED Screen 24 Figure 6-7: Xbox’s WIRELESS STATUS Screen 25 Figure 6-8: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen 25 Figure 6-9: Xbox’s SELECT NETWORK Screen 26 Figure 6-10: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen 26 Figure 6-11: Xbox’s SECURITY TYPE Screen 27 Figure 6-12: Xbox’s SECURITY KEY Screen 27 Figure 6-13: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen 28 Figure 6-14: Xbox’s WIRELESS STATUS Screen 28 Figure 6-15: Xbox’s WIRELESS DETAILS Screen 29 Figure 7-1: Utility’s Enter Network Password Screen 30 Figure 7-2: Utility’s Setup Screen 31 Figure 7-3: Utility’s WEP Encryption Screen 32 Figure 7-4: Utility’s Advanced Settings Screen 33 Figure 7-5: Utility’s Help Screen 35

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless A/G Game Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless gaming experience will be faster and easier than ever.

How does the Game Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Game Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network, whether it’s using the Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-G (802.11g), or Wireless-B (802.11b) standard. Using this Adapter, your game console has the flexibility to communicate using any of the three wireless networking standards.

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. This is exactly what the Game Adapter is designed for—gaming over a wireless network. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs and game consoles equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network.

network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.

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

802.11a: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 5GHz.

802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

In most cases, you can use the “Fast Setup” chapter to quickly install the Game Adapter. If you need to configure the Game Adapter’s settings, run the included Setup Wizard, which will walk you through its configuration, step by step. Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect and set up the Game Adapter for your PlayStation Game Adapter.

*Your game console may require a network adapter that is sold separately.

Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome

2, GameCube™, or Xbox®.* These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the

802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

What’s in this Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless A/G Game Adapter.

• Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Game Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.

• Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network This chapter discusses a few of the basics about wireless networking.

• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless A/G Game Adapter This chapter describes the physical features of the Game Adapter.

• Chapter 4: Fast Setup If your wireless network uses no wireless security and has SSID broadcast enabled, then use this chapter to quickly install the Game Adapter.

ssid (service set identifier): your wireless network’s name.

• Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation

2 or GameCube

™

This chapter instructs you on how to connect and set up the Game Adapter for your PlayStation2 or GameCube.

• Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for Xbox

This chapter instructs you on how to connect and set up the Game Adapter for your Xbox.

• Chapter 7: Using the Wireless A/G Game Adapter Web Configuration Utility This chapter explains how to use the Game Adapter’s Utility to make configuration changes.

• Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding installation and use of the Game Adapter.

• Appendix B: Wireless Security This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help protect your wireless network.

• Appendix C: Windows Help This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing the TCP/IP protocol.

• Appendix D: Glossary This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

Chapter 1: Introduction What’s in this Guide?

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

• Appendix E: Specifications This appendix provides the Game Adapter’s technical specifications.

• Appendix F: Warranty Information This appendix supplies the Game Adapter’s warranty information.

• Appendix G: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Game Adapter’s regulatory information.

• Appendix H: 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 A/G Game Adapter

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 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.

topology: the physical layout of a network. network: a series of computers or devices

connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can 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 can 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, provided that they both share the same channel and SSID.

Choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

Network Layout

Wireless A/G products offer the most flexibility, because they can connect to 802.11a networks, or they can connect to networks with 802.11g and/or 802.11b devices—depending on the settings you configure on the dual-band products.

The Wireless A/G Game Adapter is compatible with all 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g routers, as well as access points. It will also communicate with other wireless notebook adapters for your laptop computers, wireless PCI adapters for your desktop PCs, and wireless USB adapters when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with wireless print servers.

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

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

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 A/G Game Adapter

When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, network ports on access points and wireless routers can be connected 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 products that work with the Wireless A/G Game Adapter.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Layout

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless A/G Game Adapter

The Game Adapter’s LED Indicators

The Game Adapter's LEDs indicate the status of its power and connections.

Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Game Adapter is powered on. Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED lights up when the Game Adapter has an active wired connection. It will

flash when data is transmitted or received.

Wireless Green. The Wireless LED lights up when the Game Adapter has an active wireless connection. It will

flash when data is transmitted or received.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless A/G Game Adapter The Game Adapter’s LED Indicators

Figure 3-1: LED Indicators

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

The Game Adapter’s Side Panel

The Game Adapter’s mode switch, Reset button, and ports are located on the side panel of the Game Adapter.

Figure 3-2: Side Panel

Switch The switch is used to set the Game Adapter’s mode. If you will run the Setup Wizard or connect the

Game Adapter directly to your Xbox, then set the switch to the Infra position. If you will follow the “Fast Setup” instructions, then set the switch to the Adhoc A position for Wireless-A (5GHz,

802.11a) networking, or set the switch to the Adhoc B position for Wireless-G (2.4GHz, 802.11g) or Wireless-B (2.4GHz, 802.11b) networking.

Reset The Reset button is used to reset the Game Adapter to its factory default settings. To restore the

factory defaults, press this button for approximately five seconds.

Network The Network port is where you will connect the Ethernet network cable to your computer for setup

or your game console for gaming.

Power The Power port is where you will connect the included power adapter.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless A/G Game Adapter The Game Adapter’s Side Panel

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Overview

The Fast Setup directions are provided for any gamer playing over a wireless network with WEP encryption disabled and SSID broadcast enabled. If you need to change the Game Adapter’s settings to match those of your wireless network, proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation GameCube the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for Xbox

™

.” If you are connecting the Game Adapter directly to your Xbox, proceed to “Chapter 6: Setting up

.”

2 or

Instructions

1. If the Game Adapter will be used for head-to-head play over a 5GHz, 802.11a network, move the back panel switch to the Adhoc A position.

If the Game Adapter will be used for head-to-head play over a 2.4GHz, 802.11g and/or 802.11b network, move the back panel switch to the Adhoc B position.

If the Game Adapter will be used for Internet play, move the back panel switch to the Infra position.

2. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the Game Adapter’s Network port.

3. Make sure your game console is powered off. Then plug the other end of the Ethernet network cable into the Ethernet network port of your game console.

4. Plug the included power adapter into the Game Adapter’s Power port. Then plug the other end into an electrical outlet, preferably a surge protector.

encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network. wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting

network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.

ssid (service set identifier): your wireless network’s name.

Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable

5. Power on your game console, and set it for multiplayer gaming.

Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless A/G Game Adapter is complete.

Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless A/G Game Adapter Overview

Figure 4-2: Connect the Power

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube

™

Overview

This chapter provides instructions on how to connect the Game Adapter to your computer and then set up the Game Adapter for the kind of gaming you do. If you are connecting the Game Adapter directly to your Xbox, proceed to “Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for Xbox

.”

Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Computer

1. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the Game Adapter’s Network port. Then plug the other end into the Ethernet network port of your router or computer.

NOTE: For best results, plug the Game Adapter into a router for setup.

2. Plug the included power adapter into the Game Adapter’s Power port. Then plug the other end into an electrical outlet, preferably a surge protector.

Proceed to the next section, “Starting the Setup Wizard.”

Figure 5-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ Overview

Figure 5-2: Connect the Power

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

Starting the Setup Wizard

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).

On the Welcome screen, you have the following choices:

Click Here to Start - Click the Click Here to Start button to begin the software installation process. Setup - You can also click the Setup button to begin the software installation process. 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.

1. To install the Game Adapter, click the Click Here to Start button on the Welcome screen. The Setup Wizard will search for the Game Adapter. If it cannot find it, you will be asked to check the Game

Adapter’s physical connections. Check the cable connections and click Continue. The Setup Wizard will resume its search.

Figure 5-3: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen

Figure 5-4: Searching for the

Game Adapter Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ Starting the Setup Wizard

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

2. When the Game Adapter has been located, enter its default password, admin. Then click Enter. Follow the instructions in the appropriate section for your setup: “Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play” - a simple procedure to follow when you want to verify

that the settings are correct ““Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play” - a procedure that lets you modify the Game

Adapter’s settings for head-to-head play “Setup Wizard Configuration for Internet Play” - a procedure for configuring the Game Adapter to play games over

a broadband Internet connection After you have completed the appropriate instructions, refer to the instructions in the section, “Connecting the

Game Adapter to Your Game Console.”

Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play

Use these Easy Setup instructions when you want to verify that the Game Adapter’s settings are correct.

1. Select the Head to Head (Console to Console) radio button. Then click the Next button.

Figure 5-5: Setup Wizard’s

Password Screen

Figure 5-6: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

2. Select one of the Easy settings. When setting up the first Game Adapter, click the Adapter 1 radio button. When setting up the second Game Adapter, clic k the Adapter 2 radio button. When Adapter 2 is selected, the Game Adapter’s IP address will automatically change, so it won’t conflict with the IP address of Adapter 1.

Then click the Next button.

3. On the Confirmation screen, verify that the Game Adapter’s settings are correct. Then click the Yes button to save these settings.

Figure 5-7: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play

Figure 5-8: Setup Wizard’ s Confirmation Screen

Wireless A/G Game Adapter

4. Now that the settings have been confirmed, click the Online Registration button to register the Game Adapter, or click the Exit button to close the Setup Wizard.

Proceed to the section, “Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console.”

Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play

Use these Advanced Setup instructions to modify the Game Adapter’s settings for head-to-head play.

Figure 5-9: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen

1. Select the Head to Head (Console to Console) radio button. Then click the Next button.

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play

Figure 5-10: Setup Wizar d’s Gaming Mode Screen

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