LINKSYS WGA54GV2 Users Manual
Instant Wireless®Series
Use this guide to install: WGA54G ver. 2
Wireless-G Game
Adapter
User Guide
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2003 Linksys, All Rights
Reserved. Instant Wireless, Linksys, and the Linksys logo are registered trademarks of
Linksys Group, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property
of their respective proprietors.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Wireless-G Game Adapter will be free from physical
defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase, when
used within the limits set forth in the Specifications section of this User Guide.
TThhiiss WWaarrrraannttyy iiss vvaalliidd aanndd mmaayy bbee pprroocceesssseedd oonnllyy iinn tthhee ccoouunnttrryy ooff ppuurrcchhaassee..
If the product proves defective during this warranty period, go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com
for complete RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) assistance. You
can also call Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a RMA Number. BE SURE TO
HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED
WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the RMA Number
clearly on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof of purchase. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall
be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY
PRODUCT. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all
accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or
update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to:
Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES
FCC STATEMENT
This Wireless-G Game Adapter has been tested and complies with the specifications for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by
Linksys could void the user’s authority to operate the device.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance
20cm between the radiator and your body.
• Access points with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz integrated antenna must operate with a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons using the cable provided and must
not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
End-users must be provided with specific operations for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
Note: Dual antennas used for diversity operation are not considered co-located.
INDUSTRY CANADA (CANADA)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
The use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely outdoors may
require the user to obtain a license for the system according to the Canadian regulations.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)
Linksys Group declares that the Instant Wireless Series products included in the Instant
Wireless Series conform to the specifications listed below, following the provisions of the
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC:
• ETS 300-826, 301 489-1 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• ETS 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
Note: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdoor use
may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation. For
more details, contact Linksys Corporate Compliance.
Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level of
above 100 mW are considered as not compliant with the above mentioned directive and
are not allowed for use within the European community and countries that have adopted
the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC and/or the CEPT recommendation Rec 70.03.
For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact Linksys
Corporate Compliance.
• Linksys Group vakuuttaa täten että Instant Wireless Wireless-G Game Adapter tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY, direktiivin 89/336/EEC ja direktiivin 73/23/EEC
oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden ehtojen
mukainen.
• Linksys Group déclare que le pont Ethernet sans fil G est conforme aux conditions
essentielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive 1999/5/EC, la directive
89/336/EEC, et à la directive 73/23/EEC.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge
• Belgique B L’utilisation en extérieur est autorisé sur le canal 11 (2462 MHz), 12 (2467
MHz), et 13 (2472 MHz).
Dans le cas d’une utilisation privée, à l’extérieur d’un bâtiment, au-dessus d’un
espace public, aucun enregistrement n’est nécessaire pour une distance de moins
de 300m. Pour une distance supérieure à 300m un enregistrement auprès de l’IBPT
est requise. Pour une utilisation publique à l’extérieur de bâtiments, une licence de
l’IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et licences, veuillez contacter l’IBPT.
• France F: Bande de fréquence restreinte: seuls les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457,
2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz respectivement) doivent être utilisés en France. Toute utilisation, qu'elle soit intérieure ou extérieure, est soumise à autorisation. Vous pouvez
contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des Télécommuniations (http://www.art-telecom.fr)
pour la procédure à suivre.
• France F: Restricted frequency band: only channels 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462,
2467, and 2472 MHz respectively) may be used in France. License required for
every indoor and outdoor installations. Please contact ART for procedure to follow.
• Deutschland D: Anmeldung im Outdoor-Bereich notwending, aber nicht genehmigungspflichtig. Bitte mit Händler die Vorgehensweise abstimmen.
• Germany D: License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for procedure to follow.
• Italia I: E' necessaria la concessione ministeriale anche per l'uso interno. Verificare
con i rivenditori la procedura da seguire. L'uso per installazione in esterni non e' permessa.
• Italy I: License required for indoor use. Use with outdoor installations not allowed.
• the Netherlands NL License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for
procedure to follow.
• Nederlands NL Licentie verplicht voor gebruik met buitenantennes. Neem contact op
met verkoper voor juiste procedure.
WGA54G-UG-304229 KL
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
The Wireless-G Game Adapter 1
Features 1
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the
Wireless-G Game Adapter 2
The Wireless-G Game Adapter’s Back Panel 2
The Wireless-G Game Adapter’s Front Panel LEDs 3
Chapter 3: Planning Your Wireless Network 4
Network Topology 4
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode 4
Chapter 4: Fast Setup for Head-to-Head Play 6
Chapter 5: Setting Up the
Wireless-G Game Adapter for Network Play 7
Connecting the Game Adapter to Your PC 7
Starting the Setup Wizard from your PC 8
Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play 9
Advance Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play 11
Setup Wizard Configuration for Internet Play 14
Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console 18
Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-G
Game Adapter’s Web-based Utility 19
Overview 19
Starting the Web-based Utility 19
Setup 21
Advanced 24
Help 27
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 28
Common Problems and Solutions 28
Frequently Asked Questions 29
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge
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Instant Wireless®Series
Chapter 1: Introduction
r
The Wireless-G Game Adapter gives any wired Ethernet-equipped game console wireless connection capabilities. The Game Adapter can be used in two
different ways. If you have an existing home wireless network and a cable or
DSL Internet connection, the Game Adapter lets your PlayStation
®
2, Xbox™
or GameCube™ attach to the network so you can get into online games without running wires to the game room. Or, use a pair of Game Adapters to form
a "cable-less cable" between two game consoles for head-to-head gaming -- in
the same room, or all the way across the house.
It's completely driver-free, so it works on any platform. Since there's no drivers to load, setup is a snap. In some cases, it works right out of the box! If your
setup's a little different -- just configure the network settings through your PC's
web browser, plug it into your game box, and go.
The Wireless-G Game Adapter provides lag-free gaming with communication
speeds up to 54Mbps when connected to other Wireless-G devices. It can also
connect to Wireless-B (802.11b) devices and networks at 11Mbps.
Spend your time gaming, not stringing wires, with the Linksys Wireless-G
Game Adapter.
• Compatible with all 802.11b and draft 802.11g compliant devices
• Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range for maximum distance
• Dynamically shifts channels and wireless networks based on signal strength
and link quality for maximum availability and reliability of connection
• Utilizes up to 128 Bit Wired Equivalency Protection (WEP) to ensure secu-
rity
• Works with all network-ready game consoles, including Xbox, Playstation
2* and GameCube*
*May require additional Network Adapter Accessory
The Wireless-G Game Adapter
Features
Appendix B: Glossary 30
Appendix C: Specifications 35
Environmental 35
Appendix D: Warranty Information 36
Appendix E: Contact Information 37
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge
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Instant Wireless®Series
2
The Game Adapter’s LEDs display the
activity on your network.
Power Green. The Power LED will
light up when the Game
Adapter is powered on.
Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED
will be lit steadily when the
Game Adapter is connected
to the wired network. The
LED will blink when there is
wired network traffic.
Wireless-G Green. The Wireless-G LED
will be lit steadily when the
Game Adapter is connected
to the wireless network. The
LED will blink when there is
wireless network traffic.
Figure 2-2
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the
Wireless-G Game Adapter
The Back Panel is where you’ll connect the Game
Adapter and find the Reset button.
Reset The Reset button resets the Game
Adapter to its factory default settings.
LAN The LAN port is where you will con-
nect the Ethernet network cable.
Power The Power port is where you will con-
nect the power adapter.
The Wireless-G Game Adapter’s Back Panel
Figure 2-1
The Wireless-G Game Adapter’s LEDs
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge
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54
and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for
an access point. The drawback of this mode is that in Ad-Hoc mode, wirelessequipped computers are not able to communicate with computers on a wired
network. And, of course, communication between the wireless-equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference directly between them.
Figure 3-2 shows a wireless bridging scenario using two Wireless-G Game
Adapters. Each wireless network is connected to a Wireless-G Game Adapter
through a switch. A separate computer is equipped with a wireless PC card and
can communicate with both wireless networks as long as it has the same SSID
and channel as both wireless networks.
Chapter 3: Planning Your Wireless
Network
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to
connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name for wireless devices.
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which
they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration
is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an access
point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating
directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes depends on
whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or peripherals with a
wired network or not.
If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired network or need to share a peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network
computers, the wireless network should be set up in Infrastructure mode. The
basis of Infrastructure mode centers around an access point, which serves as the
main point of communications in a wireless network (see Figure 3-1). Access
points transmit data to PCs equipped with wireless network cards, which can
roam within a certain radial range of the access point. Multiple access points
can be arranged to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and can be
set up to communicate with your Ethernet hardware as well.
If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only
with the other computers on the wireless network, then the Ad-Hoc mode can
be used. Ad-Hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless transmitters
Network Topology
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
Figure 3-1
Note: The Game Adapter can be used right out of the box if you are
only using it to play head-to-head with another game console. Just
plug it in and play.
But if you are connecting it to a wireless network, or using it to play
over the Internet, you must configure it with your wireless network.
Refer to “Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for
Network Play” for more information.
Figure 3-2
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge
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Instant Wireless®Series
Chapter 4: Fast Setup for Head-toHead Play
1. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the Game
Adapter’s LAN port, as shown in Figure 4-1.
2. Plug the other end of the Ethernet network cable into the
RJ-45 port of your game console.
3. Plug the supplied power cable into the Game Adapter’s
Power port, as shown in Figure 4-2. Then, plug the other
end into an electrical outlet, preferably a surge protector.
4. Set your game console for multiplayer gaming as usual.
6
Chapter 5: Setting Up the
Wireless-G Game Adapter for
Network Play
1. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the Game
Adapter’s LAN port, as shown in Figure 5-1.
2. Plug the other end of the Ethernet network cable into
your PC’s RJ-45 port.
3. Plug the supplied power cable into the Game Adapter’s
Power port, as shown in Figure 4-2. Then, plug the other
end into an electrical outlet, preferably a surge protector.
4. Start your PC.
Connecting the Game Adapter to Your PC
Figure 4-1
Figure 4-2
Figure 5-1
Figure 5-2
Note: These directions are provided for gamers
playing Head-to-Head with no setting changes.
If you wish to change the Game Adapter’s settings to match those of your wireless network,
you should follow the directions provided in
“Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game
Adapter for Network Play”.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge
When the Game Adapter is located, you will be
asked to enter your network password. Type the
password in the field, as shown in Figure 5-5,
and click Enter.
After you have entered your password, choose the following set of directions to
configure the Game Adapter. “Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-toHead Play” is a simple procedure for verifying correct settings. “Advanced
Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play” allows you to modify the
Game Adapter’s settings for Head-to-Head play. “Setup Wizard Configuration
for Internet Play” should be used when configuring the Game Adapter to play
games over a broadband Internet connection. After you have completed these
steps, disconnect the Game Adapter from your PC and connect it to your game
console as shown in “Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console”.
Easy Setup is included for when you wish to verify that the Game Adapter’s setting are correct.
1. From the screen
shown in Figure
5-6, select the
Head to Head
(Console to
Console) radio
button and click
Next.
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Instant Wireless®Series
8
Next, you will configure the Wireless-G Game Adapter with your PC. The
Setup Wizard will guide you through all the steps necessary.
1. Insert the Setup CD-ROM into your PC’s CD-ROM drive. The Setup
Utility should run automatically, and the screen in Figure 5-3 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).
• Setup - Click Setup to proceed with the Setup Wizard.
• User Guide - Click User Guide to open the PDF file of this User Guide.
• LINKSYS Web - Click LINKSYS Web to access the Linksys website
using an active Internet connection.
• Exit - Click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
Click Setup to begin the setup process.
2. The Setup Wizard will search for the Game
Adapter.
If it cannot find one, you will be asked to check
the connections, as shown in Figure 5-4.
Review your connections and click Continue.
The Setup Wizard will search again.
Figure 5-3
Starting the Setup Wizard from Your PC
Figure 5-4
Figure 5-5
Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play
Figure 5-6
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