2.4
GHz
Wireless-N
Notebook Adapter
User Guide
WIRELESS
Model No.
WPC300N
Wireless-N Notebook 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 © 2006 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 Notebook 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 Notebook Adapter.
This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is
something that could damage your property or the Notebook Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about something
you might need to do while using the Notebook 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.
wpc300n-UG-60313NC BW
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
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-N Notebook Adapter 5
The LED Indicators 5
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter 6
Starting the Setup 6
Connecting the Adapter 7
Setting up the Adapter 7
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 17
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 17
Using the Wireless Network Monitor 17
Link Information 17
Connect 20
Profiles 21
Create a New Profile 22
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 32
Common Problems and Solutions 32
Frequently Asked Questions 32
Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 36
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 36
Appendix C: Wireless Security 39
Security Precautions 39
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 39
Appendix D: Windows Help 42
Appendix E: Glossary 43
Appendix F: Specifications 48
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Appendix G: Warranty Information 50
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 51
Appendix I: Contact Information 58
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 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 7
Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Networks 7
Figure 4-5: WEP Key Needed for Connection 8
Figure 4-6: PSK Personal Needed for Connection 8
Figure 4-7: PSK2 Personal Needed for Connection 9
Figure 4-8: Congratulations 9
Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Network 10
Figure 4-10: Network Settings 10
Figure 4-11: Wireless Mode 10
Figure 4-12: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 11
Figure 4-13: Wireless Security - WEP 11
Figure 4-14: Wireless Security - PSK 12
Figure 4-15: Wireless Security - PSK2 12
Figure 4-16: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 13
Figure 4-17: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - PEAP 13
Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 14
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - PEAP 14
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 15
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 15
Figure 4-22: Confirm New Settings 16
Figure 4-23: Congratulations screen 16
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 17
Figure 5-2: Link Information 17
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status 18
Figure 5-4: More Information-Network Statistics 19
Figure 5-5: Connect 19
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 20
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Figure 5-7: PSK Personal Needed for Connection 20
Figure 5-8: PSK2 Personal Needed for Connection 20
Figure 5-9: Profiles 21
Figure 5-10: Creating a Profile 22
Figure 5-11: WEP Key Needed for Connection 22
Figure 5-12: PSK Personal Needed for Connection 23
Figure 5-13: PSK2 Personal Needed for Connection 23
Figure 5-14: Congratulations 23
Figure 5-15: Available Wireless Networks 24
Figure 5-16: Network Settings 24
Figure 5-17: Wireless Mode 25
Figure 5-18: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 25
Figure 5-19: Wireless Security - WEP 26
Figure 5-20: Wireless Security - PSK Personal 27
Figure 5-21: Wireless Security - PSK2 Personal 27
Figure 5-22: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 28
Figure 5-23: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - PEAP 28
Figure 5-24: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 29
Figure 5-25: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - PEAP 29
Figure 5-26: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 30
Figure 5-27: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 30
Figure 5-28: Confirm New Settings 31
Figure 5-29: Congratulations 31
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 36
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 36
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Icon 36
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 37
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 37
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 38
Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 38
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter. Setting up your network and your Wireless-N Notebook
Adapter is 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
with Wireless-N, it has even better range and speed.
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?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.
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 a wireless networking standard that
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps
and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
802.11b: a wireless networking standard that
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps
and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
bit: a binary digit.
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network
• Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
This chapter discusses a few of the basics about wireless networking.
• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
This chapter instructs you on how to install and configure the Adapter.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
1
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
• Chapter 5: 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 appendix describes how to use Windows 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?
2
Wireless-N Notebook 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.
access point: a device that allows wireless-
equipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peerto-peer) without the use of an access point.
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
3
Wireless-N Notebook 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.
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Layout
4
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Notebook
Adapter
The LED Indicators
The Network Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.
Link/Act
Power
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on.
Link/Act Green. The Link/Act LED lights up when the Adapter has an active connection.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
The LED Indicators
5
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N
Notebook Adapter
Starting the Setup
The Wireless-N Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup
Wizard will install the driver and Wireless Network Monitor, as well as connect and configure the Adapter.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to
do so or the setup will not work.
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 the PDF file of this User Guide.
Diagnostic - Click the Diagnostic button to run a diagnostic check on your installed Notebook Adapter’s Wireless
Network Monitor and driver.
Exit - Click the Exit button 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 the Next button if you agree and want to continue the installation,
or click the Cancel button to end the installation.
3. Windows will begin copying the files onto your PC.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Starting the Setup
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
6
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Connecting the Adapter
1. Locate an available CardBus slot on your notebook PC.
2. With the connector pin end facing the CardBus slot and the label facing up, slide the Adapter into the CardBus
slot until it locks in place.
3. Windows will begin copying the driver files to your computer.
4. Click Next.
Setting up the Adapter
The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Networks screen.
This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter.
• Available Wireless Networks. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up. 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 your network is not listed on this screen, select Advanced 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.
Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.
Available Wireless Networks
The available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by Wireless Network Name. 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 you have wireless security enabled on your network, continue to step 2. If you don’t have wireless security
enabled, continue to step 3.
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Adapter
Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Networks
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Connecting the Adapter
7
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
2. If your network has WEP, PSK, or PSK2 wireless security enabled, then that security
screen will appear. Continue to the screen for your wireless security.
• WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
If you have WEP enabled, this screen will appear. Select 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 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 Step 3.
• PSK
If your network has the wireless security PSK enabled, this screen will appear.
Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down
menu.
Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field.
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
Figure 4-5: WEP Key Needed for Connection
Figure 4-6: PSK Needed for Connection
wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network
data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.
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.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
8
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
• PSK2
If your network has the wireless security PSK2 enabled, this screen will appear.
Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field.
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
Figure 4-7: PSK2 Personal Needed for Connection
3. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Finish to
exit. For more information about the Wireless Network Monitor, refer to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network
Monitor.
Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes,
proceed to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-8: Congratulations
9
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Advanced Setup
If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Manual Setup.
1. Click Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the adapter manually.
2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor 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 or router, 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.
Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Network
3. 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. Enter the
Wireless Network Name 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.
Wireless Network Name- This is the wireless network name (SSID) 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 the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-10: Network Settings
Figure 4-11: Wireless Mode
10
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
screen will appear.
Network Mode - Select the Network Mode in which your wireless network will operate. In Mixed mode,
Wireless-N, Wireless-B and Wireless-G devices can operate on the same network. In Wireless-G Only mode,
no Wireless-B devices can operate in the network.
Standard 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 Auto.
Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to change any settings.
5. If your wireless network doesn’t have wireless security, select Disabled and then click the Next button to
continue. Proceed to Step 6.
If your wireless network has wireless security, select the method of security used: WEP, PSK, PSK2,
PSK+RADIUS, PSK2+RADIUS or RADIUS.
WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and PSK is a stronger security method than WEP. PSK2
is a stronger security method than PSK. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication
Dial-In User Service. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-12: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method: WEP, PSK, PSK2, PSK+RADIUS, PSK2+RADIUS,
or RADIUS.
WEP
WEP - Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption
Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. It is case-
sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This passphrase 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.)
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-13: Wireless Security - WEP
11
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
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”.
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 click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
PSK
PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or
AES for encryption. Then enter a Pre-shared Key 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.
Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
PSK2
Enter a Pre-shared Key that is 8-63 characters in length.
Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-14: Wireless Security - PSK
Figure 4-15: Wireless Security - PSK2
12
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
PSK+RADIUS
PSK+RADIUS features PSK security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used
when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK 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. 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. 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 4-16: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - EAP-
TLS
Figure 4-17: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - PEAP
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
13
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
PSK2+RADIUS
PSK2+RADIUS features PSK2 security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used
when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK2+RADIUS offers two authentication methods, EAPTLS and PEAP.
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.
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.
Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - EAP-
TLS
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - PEAP
14
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
RADIUS
RADIUS features use of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the
Router.) RADIUS offers two authentication types: EAP-TLS and PEAP.
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.
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.
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP
15
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
4. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next and show the new settings. To save the new settings, click
the Save button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button. To exit the Advanced Setup through the
Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit.
5. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings and
return to the Link Information screen. Click Return to Profiles screen to return to the Profiles screen.
Figure 4-22: Confirm New Settings
Congratulations! Your advanced setup through the Wireless Network Monitor is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes,
proceed to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-23: Congratulations screen
16
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Use the Wireless Network Monitor to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or create
profiles that hold different configuration settings.
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor
After installing the Adapter, the Wireless Network Monitor icon will appear in the system tray of your computer. If
the Wireless Network Monitor is enabled, then the icon will be green. If the Wireless Network Monitor is disabled
or the Adapter is not connected, then the icon will be gray.
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor
Using the Wireless Network Monitor
The opening screen of the Wireless Network Monitor is the Link Information screen. From this screen, you can
find out how strong the current wireless signal is and how good the connection’s quality is. You can also click the
More Information button to view additional status information about the current wireless connection. To search
for available wireless networks, click the Connect tab. To perform configuration changes or create connection
profiles, click the Profiles tab.
Link Information
Icon
The Link Information screen displays network mode, signal strength, and link quality information about the
current connection. It also provides a button to click for additional status information.
Ad-Hoc Mode or Infrastructure Mode - The screen indicates whether the Adapter is currently working in ad-hoc or
infrastructure mode.
Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.
Click the More Information button to view additional information about the wireless network connection on the
Wireless Network Status screen.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor
Figure 5-2: Link Information
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Wireless Network Status
The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings.
Radio Band - This shows the radio band used on the network.
Wireless Network Name- This is the unique name (SSID) of the wireless network.
Wireless Mode - The mode of the wireless network currently in use is displayed here.
Wide Channel - This displays the Wireless-N primary channel used with a 40 MHz radio band network.
Standard Channel - This displays the channel used by your wireless network.
Security - The status of the wireless security feature is displayed here.
Authentication - This is your wireless network’s authentication method.
IP Address - The IP Address of the Adapter is displayed here.
Subnet Mask - The Subnet Mask of the Adapter is shown here.
Default Gateway - The Default Gateway address of the Adapter is displayed here.
DNS1 - This is the DNS address of the Adapter.
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status
MAC Address- The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point or wireless router is shown here.
Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates the signal strength.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.
Click the Statistics button to go to the Wireless Network Statistics screen. Click the Back button to return to the
initial Link Information screen. Click the Save to Profile button to save the currently active connection settings to
a profile.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Link Information
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Wireless Network Statistics
The Wireless Networks Statistics screen provides statistics on your current network settings.
Transmit Rate - This is the data transfer rate of the current connection. (In Auto mode, the Adapter dynamically
shifts to the fastest data transfer rate possible at any given time.)
Receive Rate - This is the rate at which data is received.
Packets Received - This shows the packets received by the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the wireless
network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.
Packets Transmitted - This shows the packets transmitted from the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the
wireless network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.
Bytes Received - This shows the bytes received by the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the wireless
network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.
Bytes Transmitted - This shows the bytes transmitted by the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the
wireless network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.
Driver Version - This shows the version of the Adapter’s driver.
Noise Level - This shows the level of background noise affecting the wireless signal. A lower reading translates
into a higher quality signal.
Signal Strength - This is the intensity of the wireless signal received by the Adapter.
Transmit Power - This is the power output at which the Adapter is transmitting.
Up Time - This indicates the length of the most recent connection to a wireless network.
Total Up Time - This indicates the cumulative total of the Adapter’s connection time.
Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates the signal strength.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.
Click the Back button to return to the initial Link Information screen. Click the Status button to go to the Wireless
Network Status screen. Click the Save to Profile button to save the currently active connection settings to a
profile. Click the Refresh button to reset the statistics.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Link Information
Figure 5-4: More Information - Network Statistics
Figure 5-5: Connect
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Connect
The Connect screen displays a list of available networks in the table on the left. The table shows each network’s
Wireless Network Name, Channel, and the quality of the wireless signal the Adapter is receiving. You may click
Wireless Network Name, CH (Channel), or Signal, to sort by that field.
Wireless Network Name - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here.
CH - This is the channel that the network uses.
Signal - This is the percentage of signal strength, from 0 to 100%.
Site Information
For each network selected, the following settings are listed:
Wireless Mode - This is the mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Network Type- This is the network type used by your wireless network.
Radio Band - This is the radio band used by your wireless network.
Security - The status of the wireless security feature is displayed here.
MAC Address- The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point is displayed here.
Refresh - Click the Refresh button to perform a new search for wireless devices.
Connect - To connect to one of the networks on the list, select the wireless network, and click the Connect
button. If the network has encryption enabled, then you will see a new screen appear.
• If the network has the wireless security WEP encryption enabled, then you will see the WEP Key Needed for
Connection screen. Select the appropriate level of WEP encryption, 64-bit or 128-bit). Then enter the
network’s Passphrase or WEP Key. Click the Connect button. To cancel the connection, click the Cancel
button.
• If the network has the wireless security PSK security enabled, then you will see the
PSK for Connection screen. Select the appropriate encryption type, TKIP or AES. Enter the network’s Pre-
shared Key in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click the Connect button. To cancel the connection, click the
Cancel button.
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection
Figure 5-7: PSK Needed for Connection
Figure 5-8: PSK2 Needed for Connection
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Connect
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
• If the network has PSK2 wireless security enabled, then you will see the PSK2 Needed for
Connection screen. Enter the network’s Pre-shared Key in the Pre-shared Key field. To connect to the
network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Profiles
The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. The table on the left
displays a list of available profiles with their profile names and Wireless Network Names.
Profile - The name of the profile is displayed here.
Wireless Network Name - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here.
Profile Information
For each profile selected, the following are listed:
Wireless Mode - This is the mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Wide Channel - This displays the Wireless-N primary channel used with a 40 MHz radio band network.
Standard Channel - This displays the channel used by your wireless network.
Figure 5-9: Profiles
Security - The status of the wireless security feature is displayed here.
Authentication - The authentication setting for the network is shown here.
Connect - To connect to a wireless network using a specific profile, select the profile, and click Connect.
New - Click the New button to create a new profile. See the next section, “Creating a New Profile,” for detailed
instructions.
Edit - Select the profile you want to change, and then click the Edit button.
Import - Click the Import button to import a profile that has been saved in another location. Select the
appropriate file, and click the Open button.
Export - Select the profile you want to save in a different location, and click the Export button. Direct Windows
to the appropriate folder, and click the Save button.
Delete - Select the profile you want to delete, and then click the Delete button.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Profiles
NOTE: If you want to export more than one profile,
you have to export them one at a time.
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Create a New Profile
The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Networks screen.
This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter.
• Available Wireless Networks. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up. 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 Networks
list.
• Advanced Setup. If your network is not listed on this screen, select Advanced 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.
Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.
Available Wireless Networks
The available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by Wireless Network Name. 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 you have wireless security enabled on your network, continue to step 2. If you don’t have wireless security
enabled, continue to step 3.
2. If your network has WEP, PSK, or PSK2 wireless security enabled, then that security
screen will appear. Continue to the screen for your wireless security.
• WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
If you have WEP enabled, this screen will appear. Select 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 16 alphanumeric characters. It must match
Figure 5-10: Creating a Profile
Figure 5-11: WEP Key Needed for Connection
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Create a New Profile
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
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 Step 3.
• PSK
If your network has the wireless security PSK enabled, this screen will appear.
Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down
menu.
Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field.
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
• PSK2
Figure 5-12: PSK Needed for Connection
If your network has the wireless security PSK2 enabled, this screen will appear.
Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field.
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
3. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Finish to
return to the Link Information screen.
Congratulations! The profile has been successfully configured.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Create a New Profile
Figure 5-13: PSK2 Needed for Connection
Figure 5-14: Congratulations
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Advanced Setup
If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Advanced Setup.
1. Click Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless Networks screen to set up the adapter manually.
2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor will appear. If your network has a router or
other DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP).
Figure 5-15: Available Wireless Networks
If your network does not have a DHCP server or router, 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.
Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Create a New Profile
Figure 5-16: Network Settings
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
3. 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. Enter the
Wireless Network Name 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.
Wireless Network Name - This is the wireless network name (SSID) 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 the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
screen will appear.
Figure 5-17: Wireless Mode
Network Mode - Select the Network Mode in which your wireless network will operate. In Mixed mode,
Wireless-N, Wireless-B and Wireless-G devices can operate on the same network. In Wireless-G Only mode,
no Wireless-B devices can operate in the network.
Standard 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 Auto.
Click the Next button. Click the Back button to change any settings.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Create a New Profile
Figure 5-18: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
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Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
5. If your wireless network doesn’t have wireless security, select Disabled and then click the Next button to
continue. Proceed to Step 6.
If your wireless network has wireless security, select the method of security used: WEP, PSK, PSK2,
PSK+RADIUS, PSK2+RADIUS, or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy.
PSK is a stronger security method than WEP.
PSK2 is a stronger security method than PSK. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication
Dial-In User Service. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method: WEP, PSK, PSK2, PSK+RADIUS, PSK2+RADIUS,
or RADIUS.
WEP
WEP - Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption
Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. It is casesensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This passphrase 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 5-19: Wireless Security - WEP
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”.
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 click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Create a New Profile
wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network
data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.
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