Linksys WMP55AG EU, WMP55AG LA, WMP55AG UK User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
WMP55AG (EU/LA/UK)
User Guide
WIRELESS
Wireless A+G
Dual-Band
PCI Adapter
5
802.11g
802.11a
+
Dual-Band
GHz
2
,
4
GHz
Dual-Band Wireless A+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.
This User Guide
The User Guide to the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter has been designed to make understanding
networking easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this guide:
In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:
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”.
WMP55AG-EU-LA-UK_V1.2-UG-50117NC JL
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Adapter.
word: definition.
This checkmark means there is a note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Adapter.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Dual-Band Wireless A+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 4
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter 6
The LED Indicator 6
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter 7
Using the Setup Wizard 7
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation 17
Connecting the Adapter 17
Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 18
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 18
Using the Wireless Network Monitor 19
Link Information 19
Site Survey 22
Profiles 23
Creating a New Profile 24
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 33
Common Problems and Solutions 33
Frequently Asked Questions 34
Appendix B: Wireless Security 38
Security Precautions 38
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 38
Appendix C: Windows Help 41
Appendix D: Glossary 42
Appendix E: Specifications 49
Appendix F: Warranty Information 50
Appendix G: Regulatory Information 51
Appendix H: Contact Information 53
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7
Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Network Screen 8
Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen 8
Figure 4-5: Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen 9
Figure 4-6: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security Screen 10
Figure 4-7: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WEP Screen 11
Figure 4-8: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WPA Personal Using TKIP Screen 12
Figure 4-9: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen 13
Figure 4-10: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using PEAP Screen 13
Figure 4-11: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS Screen 14
Figure 4-12: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using PEAP Screen 14
Figure 4-13: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - LEAP Screen 15
Figure 4-14: Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen 15
Figure 4-15: Digital Signature Not Found Screen 16
Figure 4-16: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 16
Figure 5-1: Insert the Adapter into Your Notebook 17
Figure 5-2: Digital Signature Not Found Screen 17
Figure 6-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 18
Figure 6-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 18
Figure 6-3: Windows XP - Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor 18
Figure 6-4: Link Information 19
Figure 6-5: More Information - Wireless Network Status 20
Figure 6-6: More Information-Network Statistics 21
Figure 6-7: Site Survey 22
Figure 6-8: WEP Key Needed for Connection 22
Figure 6-9: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 22
Figure 6-10: Profiles 23
Figure 6-11: Import a Profile 23
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Figure 6-12: Export a Profile 23
Figure 6-13: Create a New Profile 24
Figure 6-14: Enter Profile Name 24
Figure 6-15: Wireless Network for New Profile 24
Figure 6-16: Network Settings for New Profile 25
Figure 6-17: Wireless Mode for New Profile 25
Figure 6-18: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings for New Profile 26
Figure 6-19: Wireless Security for New Profile 27
Figure 6-20: Wireless Security - WEP for New Profile 27
Figure 6-21: Wireless Security - WPA Personal for New Profile 28
Figure 6-22: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 29
Figure 6-23: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using EAP-PEAP for New Profile 29
Figure 6-24: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 30
Figure 6-25: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using PEAP for New Profile 30
Figure 6-26: Wireless Security - LEAP for New Profile 31
Figure 6-27: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 31
Figure 6-28: Congratulations for New Profile 32
1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter. 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-A (802.11a), Wireless-G (802.11g), or Wireless-B
(802.11b) standard. Using this Adapter, your notebook 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. 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 the Adapter using the Setup Wizard and connect the
Adapter. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
adapter: a device that adds network functionality
to your PC.
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing,
storage, and/or transmission between users.
802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
802.11a: an IEEE wireless networking standard that
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps
and an operating frequency of 5GHz.
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Dual-Band Wireless A+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: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
This chapter instructs you on how to run the Adapter’s Setup Wizard and configure the Adapter.
• Chapter 5: Connecting the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
This chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC.
• Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter explains how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions,
regarding installation and use of the 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.
• Appendix E: Specifications
This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
• Appendix F: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
• Appendix G: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.
• Appendix H: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
4
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
Dual-Band Wireless A+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, 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
Dual-Band 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 Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI 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.
infrastructure: a wireless network that is
bridged to a wired network via an access point.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peerto-peer) without the use of 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.
topology: the physical layout of a network.
access point: a device that allows wireless-
equipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network. Also used
to expand the range of a wireless network
adapter: a device that adds
network functionality to your PC
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing,
storage, and/or transmission between users
5
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Layout
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI 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/international for more information about products that work with the Dual-Band Wireless A+G
PCI Adapter.
6
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
The LED Indicator
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G
PCI Adapter
The LED Indicator
The Adapter's LED display information about network activity.
Power/Link Green. The Power/Link LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on and has an active connection.
It flashes when data is transmitted or received.
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
7
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Using the Setup Wizard
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI
Adapter
The Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The
Setup Wizard will install the driver and Wireless Network Monitor, as well as configure the Adapter.
Using 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:
Install - Click the Install 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 Adapter, click the Install button on the Welcome screen.
2. After reading the License Agreement, click the Next button if you agree, or click the Cancel button to end the
installation.
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s W elcome Scr een
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
NOTE: You must run the Setup Wizard before connecting the Adapter
to your computer.
8
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Using the Setup Wizard
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
3. The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a network type. Click the 5GHz or 2.4GHz radio button if you will
connect to 802.11a networks, as well as 802.11g and/or 802.11b networks. Click the 5GHz only radio button
if you will connect only to 802.11a networks. Click the 2.4GHz only radio button if you will connect only to
802.11g and/or 802.11b networks.
Click the Next button.
4. The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a network mode. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you
want your wireless computers to network with computers on your wired network using a wireless access
point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to network directly with
each other.
In the SSID field, enter the SSID of your wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all devices in the
network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase). Click the Next button.
Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Network Screen
NOTE: An SSID is the network name shared by all devices in a wireless
network. Your network’s SSID should be unique to your network and identical
for all devices within the network.
Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen
9
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Using the Setup Wizard
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
5. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 6 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
screen will appear.
Select the correct operating 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, Auto.
Click the Next button. Click the Back button to change any settings.
Figure 4-5: Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen
10
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Using the Setup Wizard
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
6. Select the method of security you want to use: WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, RADIUS , or LEAP. WEP
stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA is a stronger security
method than WEP. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, and LEAP stands for
Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return
to the previous screen.
If you don’t want to use encryption, select Disabled and then click the Next button. Proceed to Step 8.
Figure 4-6: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security Screen
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.
radius (remote authentication dial-in user service): a
protocol that uses an authentication server to control
network access.
wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of
encrypting network data transmitted on a
wireless network for greater security.
leap (lightweight extensible authentication protocol):
a mutual authentication method that uses a
username and password system.
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.
11
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Using the Setup Wizard
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
7. Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method: WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, RADIUS, or
LEAP.
WEP
WEP - For 802.11g and/or 802.11b networking, select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption from the drop-down
menu. For 802.11a networking, select 64-bit, 128-bit, or 152-bit encryption (152-bit is available only for
802.11a networking).
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.
For 152-bit encryption, enter exactly 32 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9”
and “A” to “F”.
For Advanced Users
TX Key - The default transmit key number is 1. If your network’s access point or wireless router uses transmit
key number 2, 3, or 4, select the appropriate number from the TX Key drop-down box.
Authentication -The default is set to Auto, so it will auto-detect for Shared Key or Open System
authentication. For Shared Key authentication, both the sender and the recipient share a WEP key for
authentication. For Open System authentication, the sender and the recipient do not share a WEP key for
authentication. If you are not sure which authentication method to select, keep the default, Auto.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-7: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security -
WEP Screen
12
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Using the Setup Wizard
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
WPA Personal
WPA Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or
AES for encryption. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length.
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.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-8: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security -
WPA Personal Using TKIP Screen
13
Chapter 4: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
Using the Setup Wizard
Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter
WPA Enterprise
WPA Enterprise features WPA security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used
when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) WPA Enterprise offers two authentication methods, EAPTLS and PEAP, as well as two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys.
Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.
EAP-TLS
If you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the
name of the authentication server in the Server Name field (this is optional). From the Certificate drop-down
menu, select the certificate you have installed to authenticate you on your wireless network; if you want to
use any certificate, keep the default setting, Trust Any. Select the type of encryption, TKIP or AES, from the
Encryption drop-down menu.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
PEAP
If you selected PEAP, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the
password of your wireless network in the Password field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the
Server Name field (this is optional). From the Certificate drop-down menu, select the certificate you have
installed to authenticate you on your wireless network; if you want to use any certificate, keep the default
setting, Trust Any. Then select the authentication method used inside the PEAP tunnel, EAP-MSCHAP v2 or
Generic Token Card. Select the type of encryption, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-9: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security -
WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen
Figure 4-10: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security -
WPA Enterprise Using PEAP Screen
Loading...