Linksys WPC4400N User Manual
Wireless-N
USER GUIDE
with Ports
4-portuter
Business Notebook Adapter
Model No. WPC4400N
Wireless
Model No.
Model No.
Model No.
Model No.
BUSINESS SERIES
Wireless-N Business 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.
WPC4400N-UG-60527NC BW
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this User Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4
Network Topology 4
Roaming 4
Network Layout 5
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter 6
The LED Indicators 6
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter 7
Starting the Setup 7
Connecting the Adapter 8
Setting up the Adapter 8
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 18
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 18
Using the Wireless Network Monitors 18
Link Information 18
Profiles 21
Create a New Profile 22
Editing a Profile 32
Site Survey 40
Troubleshooting 41
Administration 41
Chapter 6: The Administrative Functions in the Wireless Network Monitor 44
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 44
Using the Administrative Functions in the Wireless Network Monitor 44
Classification 45
Security Monitor 49
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 53
Common Problems and Solutions 53
Frequently Asked Questions 54
Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 57
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 57
Appendix C: Wireless-N Interoperability 60
Appendix D: Wireless Security 61
Security Precautions 61
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 61
Appendix E: Windows Help 64
Appendix F: Glossary 65
Appendix G: Specifications 70
Appendix H: Warranty Information 72
Appendix I: Regulatory Information 73
Appendix J: Contact Information 79
Wireless-N Business Notebook 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: Connecting the Adapter 8
Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Network 8
Figure 4-5: WEP 9
Figure 4-6: WPA - Personal 9
Figure 4-7: WPA2 - Personal 10
Figure 4-8: Congratulations 10
Figure 4-9: Creating a Profile 11
Figure 4-10: Network Settings - Wireless Mode 11
Figure 4-11: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 12
Figure 4-12: Wireless Security - WEP 12
Figure 4-13: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 13
Figure 4-14: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 13
Figure 4-15: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise-EAP-TLS 14
Figure 4-16: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise-PEAP 14
Figure 4-17: Wireless Security - WPA2 Enterprise-EAP 15
Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - WPA2 Enterprise-PEAP 15
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 16
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 16
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - LEAP 17
Figure 4-22: Congratulations Screen 17
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 18
Figure 5-2: Link Information - Connection 18
Figure 5-3: Link Information - Wireless Network Status 19
Figure 5-4: Link Information - Wireless Network Statistics 20
Figure 5-5: Profiles 21
Figure 5-6: Creating Profiles - Available Wireless Network 22
Figure 5-7: Creating Profiles - WEP Key Needed 22
Figure 5-8: Creating Profiles - WPA-Personal 23
Figure 5-9: Creating Profiles - Congratulations 23
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Figure 5-10: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Network Settings 24
Figure 5-11: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Mode 24
Figure 5-12: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - WEP 25
Figure 5-13: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - WPA Personal 26
Figure 5-14: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 26
Figure 5-15: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 27
Figure 5-16: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 27
Figure 5-17: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - WPA2 Enterprise - EAP-TLS 28
Figure 5-18: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - WPA2 Enterprise - PEAP 28
Figure 5-19: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 29
Figure 5-20: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 29
Figure 5-21: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Wireless Security - LEAP 30
Figure 5-22: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Confirm New Settings 31
Figure 5-23: Creating Profiles - Manual Setup - Congratulations 31
Figure 5-24: Editing Profiles - Wireless Mode 32
Figure 5-25: Editing Profiles - Ad Hoc Mode 32
Figure 5-26: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security 33
Figure 5-27: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - WEP 33
Figure 5-28: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Personal 34
Figure 5-29: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security -WPA2 Personal 34
Figure 5-30: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 35
Figure 5-31: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 35
Figure 5-32: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security -WPA2 Enterprise - EAP-TLS 36
Figure 5-33: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA2 Enterprise - PEAP 36
Figure 5-34: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 37
Figure 5-35: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 37
Figure 5-36: Editing Profiles - Wireless Security - LEAP 38
Figure 5-37: Editing Profiles - Network Settings 38
Figure 5-38: Editing Profiles - Confirm New Settings 39
Figure 5-39: Editing Profiles - Congratulations 39
Figure 5-40: Site Survey 40
Figure 5-41: Troubleshooting 41
Figure 5-42: Administration 41
Figure 5-43: Administration - Login Access Point Account 42
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Figure 5-44: Administration - Modify Access Point Account 42
Figure 5-45: Administration - Security Monitor Account 43
Figure 6-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 44
Figure 6-2: Administration - Login Security Monitor Account 44
Figure 6-3: Classification 45
Figure 6-4: AP Classification 45
Figure 6-5: Client Classification 46
Figure 6-6: Trusted Mac Address 46
Figure 6-7: Allowed SSID Configuration 47
Figure 6-8: Allowed AP Vendor List Configuration 47
Figure 6-9: Allowed Channel Configuration 48
Figure 6-10: Security Monitor - Channel Usage 49
Figure 6-11: Security Monitor - AP Inventory 49
Figure 6-12: Security Monitor - Client Inventory 50
Figure 6-13: Security Monitor - Alert List 50
Figure 6-14: Security Monitor - POP-UP Alert 51
Figure 6-15: Alert Information 51
Figure 6-16: Security Monitor - Advice 52
Figure 6-17: Security Monitor - Windows Firewall Screen 52
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 57
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 57
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Icon 57
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 58
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 58
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 59
Figure C-1: Advanced Tab 60
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter. Setting up your network and your Wireless-N
Business Notebook Adapter is easier than ever.
The Wireless-N Notebook Adapter is the simple way to add or upgrade wireless connectivity in your notebook
computer. Just slide it into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy incredible high-speed wireless network
access while retaining true mobility.
The Wireless-N Notebook Adapter uses the very latest wireless networking technology, Wireless-N (draft
802.11n). By overlaying the signals of multiple radios, Wireless-N's "Multiple In, Multiple Out" (MIMO) technology
multiplies the effective data rate. Unlike ordinary wireless networking technologies that are confused by signal
reflections, MIMO actually uses these reflections to increase the range and reduce "dead spots" in the wireless
coverage area. The robust signal travels farther, maintaining wireless connections significantly farther than
standard Wireless-G.
With Wireless-N, the farther away you are, the more speed advantage you get. It works great with standard
Wireless-G and -B equipment, but when both ends of the wireless link are Wireless-N, the throughput can be
increased even more by using twice as much radio band, and can yield speeds beyond 100 Mbps.
The incredible speed of Wireless-N makes it ideal for media-centric applications like streaming video and Voice
over IP telephony; and gives you plenty of bandwidth to run multiple media-intense data streams through the
network at the same time, with no degradation in performance. Get your notebook connected to Wireless-N,
Wireless-G, and Wireless-B networks with the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter from Linksys.
But what does all of this mean?
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.
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.
802.11n: a wireless networking draft standard that
specifies a maximum data rate of up to 600Mbps
(300Mbps is supported by this device), an operating
frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with
802.11b/g devices.
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.
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network
Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, and share files and other
resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network, wherever your work takes
you, without cables. Access the web or use instant messaging to communicate with your virtual office from
wherever you may be. You will also be able to connect with any of the growing number of public hotspots in
coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. Your wireless connection is protected by industrialstrength WPA2 encryption.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
1
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
The Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter has new security monitor functions. When the WPC4400N is used
with a Linksys WAP4400N Access Point, the New AP Detection functionality alerts you when an AP is detected
that has previously not been seen before and New Client detection for unknown clients, giving your business the
visibility and protection it needs.
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 Business Notebook 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 Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
This chapter instructs you on how to install and configure the Adapter.
• Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter shows you how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.
• Chapter 6: Administration functions in the Network Monitor
This chapter shows you how to use the administration features of 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 Zero Configuration
This appendix describes how to use the Windows XP Zero Configuration.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?
2
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
• 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?
3
Wireless-N Business 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 each 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, if they both share the
same channel and SSID.
Before 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
4
Wireless-N Business 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 as the PC
Cards for your laptop computers, PCI Cards for your desktop PC, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy
USB connectivity. The wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter uses draft 802.11n, the latest wireless networking
technology. It will be backward compatible with previous 802.11g and 802.11b equipment. Wireless products will
also communicate with the wireless PrintServer.
When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, the network ports on the access
points and wireless routers can be connected to Linksys 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
5
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
The LED Indicators
The Network Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.
Link/Act
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
Power Blue. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter's wireless networking is enabled.
Link/Act Blue. The Link LED lights up when the Adapter has an active connection.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
The LED Indicators
Power
6
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Starting the Setup
The Wireless-N Business 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 correctly.
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.
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 Business Notebook Adapter
Starting the Setup
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
7
Wireless-N Business 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. If Windows asks you for the original Windows
CD-ROM, insert the CD-ROM, and direct Windows to its correct location (e.g., D:\).
4. Then, click Next.
Setting up the Adapter
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. (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 Manual Setup to set up the adapter
manually. This method of setting up the Adapter is intended for Advanced Users only.
The setup for each option is described, step by step, under the appropriate heading on the following pages.
Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.
Available Wireless 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 you have wireless security enabled on your network, continue to step 2. Only One of these security screens
will be shown. If you don’t have wireless security enabled, continue to step 3.
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Adapter
Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Network
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Connecting the Adapter
8
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
2. Wireless Security If your network has WEP, WPA-Personal , or WPA2-Personal wireless security enabled, then
that security screen will appear. Continue to the screen for your wireless security.
WEP
If your network has the wireless security WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), RADIUS or LEAP enabled, this
screen will appear. For connecting with RADIUS or LEAP, click Connect, then continue to the next section
“Manual Setup” on page 11.
Security - Select WEP.
WEP - 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.
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.
Figure 4-5: WEP
WPA-Personal
If your network has the wireless security WPA Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access) enabled, this screen will
appear.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a Pre-shared Key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-6: WPA - Personal
9
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
WPA2-Personal
If your network has the wireless security WPA2 Personal enabled, this screen will appear.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a Pre-shared Key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
3. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Connect to
Network to connect to your network. For more information about the Wireless Network Monitor, refer to
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-N Business 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.
Figure 4-7: WPA2 - Personal
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-8: Congratulations
10
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Manual Setup
If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Manual Setup.
1. Click Manual 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, 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.
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
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 the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-9: Creating a Profile
Figure 4-10: Network Settings - Wireless Mode
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
11
Wireless-N Business 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.
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.
Click the Next button. Click the Back button to change any settings.
5. If your wireless network does not 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, WPA/WPA2-
Personal, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS, or LEAP. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and WPA
stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA uses a stronger security method than WEP and WPA2 defines an even
stronger encryption, authentication, and key management than WPA. RADIUS stands for Remote
Authentication Dial-In User Service. LEAP stands for Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol. It uses
username and password-based authentication between a wireless client and a RADIUS server. 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, WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA/WPA2Enterprise, RADIUS, or LEAP.
Figure 4-11: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
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.
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.)
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.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-12: Wireless Security - WEP
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Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
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.
WPA Personal
WPA Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. WPA2 only uses
AES for encryption. Select TKIP or AES for encryption for WPA Personal. 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.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
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.
wpa2 offers a stronger encryption than wpa by using the
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) which is a block cipher
with block sizes of 128, 192 or 256 bits.
Figure 4-13: Wireless Security - WPA Personal
WPA2 Personal
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 Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-14: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal
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Wireless-N Business Notebook 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. WPA2
Enterprise offers two authentication methods, EAP-TLS and PEAP, but only AES encryption method can be
used.
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.
Figure 4-15: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise-EAP-
TLS
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, Tru s t 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.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-16: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise-PEAP
14
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
WPA2 Enterprise
WPA2 Enterprise features WPA2 security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used
when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) WPA2 Enterprise 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 4-17: Wireless Security - WPA2 Enterprise-EAP
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 Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - WPA2 Enterprise-PEAP
15
Wireless-N Business 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.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
16
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
LEAP
Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol is a mutual authentication method that uses a user name and
password based system.
Login method - Select the login method your network is using, Manual Login or Windows Login.
If you select manual login, enter the username and password in the username and password field
accordingly. Enter the password again in the confirm filed.
6. 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 Profile screen to return to the Creating a Profile
screen.
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - LEAP
Congratulations! Your manual 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 Business Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-22: Congratulations Screen
17
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Use the Wireless Network Monitor to check the link information, set up profiles of your wireless settings, search
for available wireless networks, troubleshoot your wireless connections, or administer the accounts that hold
privileges to access the Security Monitor.
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.
Using the Wireless Network Monitors
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 perform
configuration changes or create connection profiles by clicking the Profiles tab. To view the available wireless
networks, click the Site Survey tab. To troubleshoot the current connections or view the FAQ pages, click the
Troubleshooting tab. To perform the administrative tasks of the account information or specify email alert
addresses, click the Administration tab.
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon
Link Information
The Connection screen of Link Information Tab displays signal strength and link quality information about the
current connection. It also provides tabs to click for additional connection information.
Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength with Red, Yellow, and Green colors to
differentiate among low, medium and high strength.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection with Red, Yellow, and
Green colors to differentiate among low, medium and high quality.
Click the Status or Statistics tabs to view additional information about the wireless network connection on the
Link Information tab.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor
Figure 5-2: Link Information - Connection
18
Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter
Status
Click the Status tab to view the Wireless Network Status screen. The Status screen provides information on your
current network settings.
Radio Band - This shows the radio band used on the wireless network.
SSID - Service Set Identifier, a 32-character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a
WLAN. This is the unique name of the wireless network which differentiates one wireless network to another.
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.
Network Type - The type of your network connection in either wireless-a, wireless-b,wireless-g or wireless-n is
displayed here.
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.
DNS - This is the DNS (Domain Name Service) address of the Adapter.
MAC Address- The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point or wireless router is shown here.
Click the Statistics tab to view the Wireless Network Statistics screen. Click the Connection 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
Figure 5-3: Link Information - Wireless Network Status
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