Linksys WMP54G User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
2.4
Model No.
GHz
802.11g
WIRELESS
WMP54G
Wireless-G
PCI Adapter
User Guide
Wireless-G PCI Adapter
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 © 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
This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Wireless-G PCI Adapter 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 Wireless-G PCI Adapter.
This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is
something that could damage your property or the Wireless-G PCI Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you
might need to do while using the Wireless-G PCI 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 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section in the “Table of Contents”.
WMP54G-v4-UG-50419A BW
Wireless-G PCI 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 5
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter 6
Starting the Setup Wizard 6
Installing the Adapter 7
Setting Up the Adapter 8
Chapter 4: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 23
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 23
Link Information Screens 23
Secure Easy Setup 26
Site Survey 28
Profiles 29
Creating a New Profile 30
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 45
Common Problems and Solutions 45
Frequently Asked Questions 46
Chapter B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration 49
Appendix C: Wireless Security 52
Security Precautions 52
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 52
Appendix D: Windows Help 55
Appendix E: Glossary 56
Appendix F: Specifications 59
Appendix G: Warranty Information 60
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 61
Appendix I: Contact Information 63
Wireless-G PCI Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 6
Figure 3-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 6
Figure 3-3: The Connecting the Adapter Screen 7
Figure 3-4: Installing the Adapter 7
Figure 3-5: Positioning the Antenna 7
Figure 3-6: Available Wireless Network 8
Figure 3-7: Available Wireless Network 9
Figure 3-8: Secure Easy Setup 9
Figure 3-9: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location 9
Figure 3-10: Secure Easy Setup Complete 10
Figure 3-11: Available Wireless Network 11
Figure 3-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection 11
Figure 3-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 12
Figure 3-14: PSK2 Needed for Connection 12
Figure 3-15: The Congratulations Screen 13
Figure 3-16: Available Wireless Network 14
Figure 3-17: Network Settings 14
Figure 3-18: Wireless Mode 15
Figure 3-19: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 15
Figure 3-20: Wireless Security 16
Figure 3-21: Wireless Security - WEP 16
Figure 3-22: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 17
Figure 3-23: Wireless Security - PSK2 17
Figure 3-24: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 18
Figure 3-25: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 18
Figure 3-26: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 19
Figure 3-27: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 19
Figure 3-28: Wireless Security - LEAP - Windows XP and 2000 Users 20
Figure 3-29: Wireless Security - LEAP - Windows 98SE and ME Users 20
Figure 3-30: Advanced Wireless Settings 21
Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Figure 3-31: Confirm New Settings 22
Figure 3-32: Congratulations 22
Figure 4-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 23
Figure 4-2: Link Information 23
Figure 4-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status 24
Figure 4-4: More Information - Wireless Network Statistics 25
Figure 4-5: The Secure Easy Setup Button 26
Figure 4-6: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location 26
Figure 4-7: Secure Easy Setup 26
Figure 4-8: Secure Easy Setup is Complete 27
Figure 4-9: Site Survey 28
Figure 4-10: WEP Key Needed for Connection 28
Figure 4-11: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 28
Figure 4-12: PSK2 Needed for Connection 29
Figure 4-13: Profiles 29
Figure 4-14: Import a Profile 29
Figure 4-15: Export a Profile 30
Figure 4-16: Create a New Profile 30
Figure 4-17: Available Wireless Network 30
Figure 4-18: Available Wireless Network 31
Figure 4-19: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location 31
Figure 4-20: Secure Easy Setup 31
Figure 4-21: Secure Easy Setup Complete 32
Figure 4-22: Available Wireless Network 33
Figure 4-23: WEP Key Needed for Connection 33
Figure 4-24: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 34
Figure 4-25: PSK2 Needed for Connection 34
Figure 4-26: The Congratulations Screen 35
Figure 4-27: Available Wireless Network 35
Figure 4-28: Network Settings 36
Figure 4-29: Wireless Mode 36
Figure 4-30: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 37
Figure 4-31: Wireless Security 37
Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Figure 4-32: Wireless Security - WEP 38
Figure 4-33: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 39
Figure 4-34: Wireless Security - PSK2 39
Figure 4-35: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 40
Figure 4-36: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 40
Figure 4-37: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 41
Figure 4-38: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 41
Figure 4-39: LEAP - Windows XP and 2000 42
Figure 4-40: LEAP - Windows 98SE and ME 42
Figure 4-41: Advanced Wireless Settings 43
Figure 4-42: Confirm New Settings 44
Figure 4-43: The Congratulations Screen 44
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 49
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 49
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon 49
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 50
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 50
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 51
Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 51
Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G PCI Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless networking experience will
be faster and easier than ever.
Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network. This
adapter communicates over the 54Mbps 802.11g wireless standard, which is almost five times faster than
802.11b. But since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, the Adapter can also communicate with the widely
used 11Mbps 802.11b standard.
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.
The included Setup Wizard will walk you through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step.
Then just slide it into your computer's PCI Card slot and enjoy network access with the freedom of wireless.
Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, and share files and other
resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network. At home, you can surf the
web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio. Your wireless connection is
protected by the new, industrial-strength security of Wireless Protected Access (WPA).
And now, with SecureEasySetup, setting up your network and your Wireless-G PCI Adapter is easier than ever.
Get connected to current-standard 802.11b networks today, and be prepared for the future with the Wireless-G
PCI Adapter from Linksys.
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.
Mbps: one million bits per second; a unit of
measurement for data transmission
802.11g an IEEE 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: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G PCI Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the 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: Setting Up and Connecting the PCI Adapter
This chapter shows you how to setup and connect the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding
installation and use of the Adapter.
• Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
This chapter instructs you on how to install Window XP Wireless Zero Configuration
• Appendix C: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
• Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
• Appendix I: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
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Wireless-G PCI 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.
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, providing that they
both share the same channel and SSID.
Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position.
Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
topology: the physical layout of a network.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peer-topeer) 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
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Network Layout
Linksys wireless access points and wireless routers have been designed for use with 802.11a, 802.11b, and
802.11g products. With 802.11g products communicating with the 802.11b standard and some products
incorporating both “a” and “g”, products using these standards can communicate with each other.
Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such at the PC
Cards for your laptop computers, PCI Card for your desktop PC, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB
connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with the wireless PrintServer.
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 wireless products.
switch: a data switch that connects computing devices
to host computers, allowing a large number of devices
to share a limited number of ports
router: a networking device that connects multiple
networks together
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Layout
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
The USB Network Adapter is set up with the Setup Wizard that comes on the CD enclosed with the Adapter. This
chapter will guide you through the setup procedure.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to
do so or the setup will not work.
Starting the Setup Wizard
To begin the setup process, 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.
User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open this User Guide.
Exit - Click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
1. To install the Adapter, click the Click Here to Start button on the Welcome screen.
2. After reading the License Agreement, click Next if you agree and want to continue the installation, or click
Cancel to end the installation.
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Starting the Setup Wizard
Figure 3-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 3-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
3. Windows will begin copying the files onto your PC.
4. The Setup Wizard will now prompt you to install the Adapter into your PC . Click Next and your PC will power
down. After installing the Adapter, as shown below, and restarting your PC, the Setup Wizard will continue.
Installing the Adapter
1. Before connecting the PCI Adapter to your PC, turn off your desktop PC.
2. Open your PC case and locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard. Check with your computer
manufacturer for instructions.
3. Slide the PCI Adapter into the PCI slot. Make sure that all of its pins are touching the slot's contacts. You may
have to apply a bit of pressure to slide the adapter all the way in. After the adapter is firmly in place, secure its
fastening tab to your PC's chassis with a mounting screw. Then, close your PC.
4. Attach the external antenna to the adapter’s antenna port.
5. Power on your desktop PC.
Figure 3-3: The Connecting the Adapter Screen
Figure 3-4: Installing the Adapter
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Installing the Adapter
Figure 3-5: Positioning the Antenna
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Network screen.
This screen provides three options for setting up the Adapter
• Secure Easy Setup. This Adapter features Secure Easy Setup. This means that you can set it up with just the
press of a button when connecting to wireless routers or access points that also feature Secure Easy Setup.
Both devices on the network must feature Secure Easy Setup for this to work.
• Available Wireless Network. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up with
devices that do not have Secure Easy Setup. The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this
screen. You can choose one of these networks and click the Connect button to connect to it. Click the
Refresh button to update the Available Wireless Network list.
• Manual Setup. If you are not taking advantage of Secure Easy Setup and your network is not listed on this
screen, select Manual Setup to set up the adapter manually. This method of setting up the Adapter is
intended for Advanced Users only.
The setup for each option is described, step by step, under the appropriate heading on the following pages.
Figure 3-6: Available Wireless Network
Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Secure Easy Setup
With Secure Easy Setup, setting up the Adapter is as simple as pushing a couple of buttons. Before you press any
buttons, though, you should locate the Secure Easy Setup button on the device you’re connecting the Adapter to,
such as a wireless router or access point.
1. Starting from the Available Wireless Network screen, click the Secure Easy Setup button on the right hand
side.
2. You will be asked to locate the Secure Easy Setup button on the device with which the Adapter will be
communicating. If you are not sure where to find this button, click Where can I find the button?.
This will walk you through a couple of screens to help you find the button, which is usually located on the
front of the wireless router or access point.
Figure 3-7: Available Wireless Network
Figure 3-9: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 3-8: Secure Easy Setup
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
3. Press the Cisco logo or Secure Easy Setup button on the wireless router or access point. When it turns white
and begins to flash, click the Next button on the Setup Wizard screen. The logo or button will stop flashing on
the wireless router or access point when the Adapter has been successfully added to the network. Repeat
this procedure for any additional Secure Easy Setup device.
NOTE: You can only add one Secure Easy Setup device at a time.
4. When Secure Easy Setup is complete, you may save your configuration to a text file by clicking the Save
button, or print the configuration by clicking the Print button. Click Connect to Network to connect to your
network.
Congratulations! Setup is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, refer to Chapter 4: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Figure 3-10: Secure Easy Setup Complete
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
10
Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks
If you’re not setting up the Adapter with Secure Easy Setup, another method for setting up the Adapter is with the
available networks listed on the Available Wireless Network screen. The available networks are listed in the table
on the center of the screen by SSID. Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click the Connect
button. (If you do not see your network listed, you can click the Refresh button to bring the list up again.) If the
network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter. If not, you will be taken
directly to the Congratulations screen.
1. If wireless security has been enabled on this network, you will see a wireless security screen. If your network
utilizes WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, the WEP Key Needed for Connection screen will appear. If
your network utilizes WPA-Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption, the WPA-Personal Needed for
Connection screen will appear. If your network utilizes PSK2 (Pre-Shared Key 2) encryption, the PSK2 Needed
for Connection screen will appear.
WEP Key Needed for Connection
Select 64-bit or 128-bit.
Figure 3-11: Available Wireless Network
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.
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. For 128-bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.
Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 3-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection
wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network
data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down
menu.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
PSK2 Needed for Connection
Figure 3-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Enter a Passphrase of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 3-14: PSK2 Needed for Connection
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
2. After the Adapter has been configured for the network, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Connect
to Network to connect to your network.
Congratulations! Setup is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, refer to Chapter 4: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Figure 3-15: The Congratulations Screen
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
13
Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup
If you are not taking advantage of Secure Easy Setup and your network is not listed with the available networks,
click Manual Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the adapter manually.
1. After clicking Manual Setup, the Network Settings screen will appear. If your network has a router or other
DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP).
If your network does not have a DHCP server, click the radio button next to Specify network settings. Enter
an IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS addresses appropriate for your network. You must
specify the IP Address and Subnet Mask on this screen. If you are unsure about the Default Gateway and DNS
addresses, leave these fields empty.
IP Address - This IP Address must be unique to your network.
Subnet Mask - The Adapter’s Subnet Mask must be the same as your wired network’s Subnet Mask.
Default Gateway - Enter the IP address of your network’s Gateway here.
Figure 3-16: Available Wireless Network
DNS 1 and DNS 2 - Enter the DNS address of your wired Ethernet network here.
Click Next to continue, or click Back to return to the Available Wireless Network screen.
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 3-17: Network Settings
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter
2. The Wireless Mode screen shows a choice of two wireless modes. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio
button if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you
want to connect to another wireless device directly without using a wireless router or access point. Then,
enter the SSID for your network.
Infrastructure Mode - Use this mode if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point.
Ad-Hoc Mode - Use this mode if you want to connect to another wireless device directly without using a
wireless router or access point.
SSID - This is the wireless network name that must be used for all the devices in your wireless network. It is
case- sensitive and should be a unique name to help prevent others from entering your network.
Click Next to continue or Back to return to the previous screen.
3. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 4 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
screen will appear.
Select the correct Channel for your wireless network. The channel you choose should match the channel set
on the other devices in your wireless network. If you are unsure about which channel to use, keep the default
setting.
Then, select the Network Mode in which your wireless network will operate. In Mixed Mode, Wireless-B and
Wireless-G devices can both operate on the network, though at a slower speed. In G-Only Mode, no Wireless-
B devices can operate in the network.
Click Next to continue or click Back to change any settings.
Figure 3-18: Wireless Mode
Figure 3-19: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
Chapter 3: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
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