Linksys WMP54GX User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
GHz
2.4
®
Model No.
802.11g
WIRELESS
WMP54GX
Wireless-G
PCI Adapter with SRX
User Guide
Wireless-G PCI Adapter 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 © 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”.
WMP54GX-UG-50518NC JL
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in This User Guide? 1
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 3
Network Topology 3
Roaming 3
Network Layout 4
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX 5
Overview 5
The LED Indicator 5
The Cable Connectors 5
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX 6
Starting the Setup Wizard 6
Installing the Adapter 7
Setting Up the Adapter 8
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 18
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 18
Link Information Screens 18
Site Survey 21
Profiles 23
Creating a New Profile 24
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 34
Common Problems and Solutions 34
Frequently Asked Questions 35
Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 38
Appendix C: Wireless Security 41
Security Precautions 41
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 41
Appendix D: Windows Help 44
Appendix E: Glossary 45
Appendix F: Specifications 48
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Appendix G: Warranty Information 50
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 51
Appendix I: Contact Information 53
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Adapter’s LED 5
Figure 3-2: Adapter’s Connectors for the Antenna Cables 5
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 6
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 6
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Adapter Screen 7
Figure 4-4: Installing the Adapter 7
Figure 4-5: Attaching the Antenna Cables 7
Figure 4-6: Available Wireless Network Screen 8
Figure 4-7: Available Wireless Network Screen 9
Figure 4-8: WEP Key Needed for Connection 9
Figure 4-9: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 10
Figure 4-10: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 10
Figure 4-11: Congratulations Screen 10
Figure 4-12: Available Wireless Network Screen 11
Figure 4-13: Network Settings Screen 11
Figure 4-14: Wireless Mode Screen 12
Figure 4-15: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen 12
Figure 4-16: Wireless Security Screen 13
Figure 4-17: Wireless Security - WEP Screen 13
Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - WPA Personal Screen 14
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal Screen 14
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen 15
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using PEAP Screen 15
Figure 4-22: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen 16
Figure 4-23: Confirm New Settings Screen 17
Figure 4-24: Congratulations Screen 17
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 18
Figure 5-2: Link Information Screen 18
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status Screen 19
Figure 5-4: More Information - Wireless Network Statistics Screen 20
Figure 5-5: Site Survey Screen 21
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 21
Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 22
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Figure 5-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 22
Figure 5-9: Profiles Screen 23
Figure 5-10: Import a Profile 23
Figure 5-11: Export a Profile 23
Figure 5-12: Create a New Profile 24
Figure 5-13: Available Wireless Network Screen 24
Figure 5-14: Available Wireless Network Screen 25
Figure 5-15: WEP Key Needed for Connection 25
Figure 5-16: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 26
Figure 5-17: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 26
Figure 5-18: Congratulations Screen 26
Figure 5-19: Available Wireless Network Screen 27
Figure 5-20: Network Settings Screen 27
Figure 5-21: Wireless Mode Screen 28
Figure 5-22: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 28
Figure 5-23: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen 28
Figure 5-24: Wireless Security Screen 29
Figure 5-25: Wireless Security - WEP Screen 29
Figure 5-26: Wireless Security - WPA Personal Screen 30
Figure 5-27: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal Screen 30
Figure 5-28: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen 31
Figure 5-29: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using PEAP Screen 31
Figure 5-30: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen 32
Figure 5-31: Confirm New Settings Screen 33
Figure 5-32: Congratulations Screen 33
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 38
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 38
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon 38
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 39
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 39
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 40
Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 40
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX. With this Adapter, your wireless networking
experience will be faster and easier than ever.
How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility
within your wireless network, whether it’s using the Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) standard.
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 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 walks you through configuring the Adapter to your wireless network settings, step by
step. Use the instructions in this Guide to help you set up and connect the Adapter using the Setup Wizard. These
instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
What’s in This User Guide?
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.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
802.11g an IEEE wireless networking standard that
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps
and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX.
• 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: Getting to Know the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
This chapter shows you how to set up and connect the Adapter.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
• Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter explains 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: Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
This chapter instructs you on how to use 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.
• 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?
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter 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 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.
topology: the physical layout of a network.
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.
Before you consider enabling 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.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
ssid: your wireless network's name.
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Network Layout
Linksys wireless access points and wireless routers have been designed for use with 802.11b and 802.11g
products. Products using the 802.11g and 802.11b standards can communicate with each other.
Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g 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. Wireless products will also communicate with a wireless print server.
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.
switch: a data switch that connects computing devices
to host computers, allowing a large number of devices
to share a limited number of ports
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.
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 with SRX
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Overview
The Adapter has two parts, the antenna stand and PCI card.
The LED Indicator
The Adapter's LED on the Adapter’s antenna stand displays information about the wireless connection.
(Activity) Green. The LED lights up when the Adapter has an active wireless connection. It flashes when the
Adapter is transmitting or receiving data.
The Cable Connectors
The Adapter's connectors attach the antenna stand’s cables to the PCI card part of the Adapter.
ANT. The ANT. connectors are connection points for the stand’s antenna cables.
ACT. The ACT. connector is a connection point for the stand’s activity cable, which activates the LED on
the antenna stand.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Overview
Figure 3-1: Adapter’s LED
Figure 3-2: Adapter’ s Connectors
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
The Wireless-G PCI 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 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Starting the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
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 power off your PC.
After installing the Adapter, as shown below, and restarting your PC, the Setup Wizard will continue.
Installing the Adapter
1. If you haven’t already done so, power off your desktop PC before installing the Adapter.
2. Open your PC case and locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard. Check with your computer
manufacturer for instructions.
3. Slide the 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. Now you will connect the antenna stand’s cables to the PCI card part of the Adapter. Plug the cable w ith the
white connector into the ACT. port (also white). Then attach the remaining cables to the Adapter’s ANT. ports.
NOTE: Only the cable with the white connector must plug into the white ACT. port. Then
you can connect any of the other antenna cables to any of the Adapter’s ANT. ports.
5. Attach the antennas to the connectors on the antenna stand.
6. Power on your desktop PC.
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Adapter Screen
Figure 4-4: Installing the Adapter
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Installing the Adapter
Figure 4-5: Attaching the Antenna Cables
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter
When the Setup Wizard resumes, the next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Network screen.
This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter.
• Available Wireless Network. Most users should use this option. 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. To set up the Adapter manually, select Manual Setup.
The setup for each option is described, step by step, under the appropriate heading on the following pages.
Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.
Figure 4-6: Available Wireless Network Screen
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter with an Available Network
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
uses WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, the WEP Key Needed for Connection screen will appear. If
your network uses WPA Personal or WPA2 Personal security, a screen will appear for one of those encryption
methods.
WEP Key Needed for Connection
Select the level of encryption you want to use, 64-bit or 128-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 31 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.)
Figure 4-7: Available Wireless Network Screen
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.
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.
WEP Key 1 - 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 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 4-8: WEP Key Needed for Connection
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
WPA-Personal for Connection
WPA Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select one of
these methods. Then enter a passphrase.
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.
WPA2 - Personal Needed for Connection
AES is automatically used as the encryption method. Enter a passphrase on this screen.
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.
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.
Figure 4-9: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Figure 4-10: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, refer to “Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor .”
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 4-11: Congratulations Screen
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup
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.
DNS 1 and DNS 2 - Enter the DNS address of your wired Ethernet network here.
Figure 4-12: Available Wireless Network Screen
Click Next to continue, or click Back to return to the Available Wireless Network screen.
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 4-13: Network Settings Screen
ip address: the address used to identify a computer or
device on a network.
subnet mask: an address code that determines the size of
a network.
default gateway: a device that forwards
Internet traffic from your local area network.
dns (domain name server): the IP address of your ISP's server ,
which translates the names of websites into IP addresses.
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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
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 your channel and network mode settings on this screen.
Channel - 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.
Network Mode - Select the mode in which your wireless network will operate. Select Mixed Mode if you
want both Wireless-B and Wireless-G devices operating on the network, though at a slower speed. Select G-
Only Mode if you do not want any Wireless-B devices operating on the network.
Click Next to continue or click Back to change any settings.
Figure 4-14: Wireless Mode Screen
Figure 4-15: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX
Setting Up the Adapter
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