Linksys WPC51AB User Manual
Instant Wireless®Series
Dual-Band Wireless A+B
Notebook Adapter
Use this guide to install:
WPC51AB
User Guide
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2002 Linksys, All Rights
Reserved. Instant Wireless, Linksys, and the Linksys logo are registered trademarks of
Linksys Group, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective proprietors.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Instant Wireless Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook
Adapter will be free from physical defects in material and workmanship for one year from
the date of purchase, when used within the limits set forth in the Specifications section
of this User Guide. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, call
Linksys T echnical Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization number. BE SURE TO
HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE ON HAND WHEN CALLING. When returning a
product, mark the Return Authorization number clearly on the outside of the package and
include a copy of your original proof of purchase. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE
PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. All customers located outside of the
United States of America and Canada shall be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS OFFERS NO REFUNDS FOR ITS PRODUCTS. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory,
with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity.
Please direct all inquiries to:
Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES
FCC STATEMENT
The Instant Wireless Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter has been tested and
found to comply with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which is found by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver's
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by
Linksys could void the user's authority to operate the device.
FCC Caution: Operation within the 5150 to 5250GHz band is restricted to indoor use only .
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
To comply with the FCC and ANSI C95.1 RF exposure limits, the antenna(s) for this
device must comply with the following:
• Access points with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz integrated antenna must operate with a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons using the cable provided and must
not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
End-users must be provided with specific operations for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
Note: Dual antennas used for diversity operation are not considered co-located.
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210
du Canada.
"To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its
transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing."
" Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'une
licence, il doit être utilisé à l'intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir
un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son antenne d'émission) est installé à
l'extérieur, il doit faire l'objet d'une licence. "
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)
Linksys Group declares that the Instant Wireless®Series products included in the Instant
Wireless®Series conform to the specifications listed below, following the provisions of the
European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC, EMC directive 89/336/EEC, and Low Voltage
directive 73/23/EEC:
For 11Mpbs, 2.4 GHz devices with 100 mW radios, the following standards were applied:
• ETS 300-826, 301 489-1 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• ETS 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
For 54 Mpbs, 5 GHz devices with 40 mW radios, the following standards were applied:
• ETS 301 489-1, 301 489-17 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• ETS 301-893 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
Caution: The frequencies used by 802.11a wireless LAN devices are not yet harmonized
within the European community, 802.11a products are designed for use only in specific
countries, and are not allowed to be operated in countries other than those of designated use. Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.
Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdoor
use may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation.
Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.
Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level of
above 100 mW equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) are considered as not compliant with the above mentioned directive and are not allowed for use within the European
community and countries that have adopted the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC
and/or the CEPT recommendation Rec 70.03.
For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact Linksys
Corporate Compliance.
• Linksys Group vakuuttaa täten että Instant Wireless Dual-Band A+B Notebook
Adapter tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY, direktiivin 89/336/EEC ja direktiivin
73/23/EEC oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden ehtojen mukainen.
• Linksys Group déclare que la Instant Wireless Dual-Band A+B Notebook Adapter est
conforme aux conditions essentielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive
1999/5/EC, la directive 89/336/EEC, et à la directive 73/23/EEC.
• Belgique B L'utilisation en extérieur est autorisé sur le canal 11 (2462 MHz), 12 (2467
MHz), et 13 (2472 MHz). Dans le cas d'une utilisation privée, à l'extérieur d'un bâtiment, au-dessus d'un espace public, aucun enregistrement n'est nécessaire pour
une distance de moins de 300m. Pour une distance supérieure à 300m un enregistrement auprès de l'IBPT est requise. Pour une utilisation publique à l'extérieur de
bâtiments, une licence de l'IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et licences,
veuillez contacter l'IBPT.
• France F:
2.4 GHz Bande : les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz respectivement) sont complétement libres d'utilisation en France (en utilisation intérieur).
Pour ce qui est des autres canaux, ils peuvent être soumis à autorisation selon le
départment. L'utilisation en extérieur est soumis à autorisation préalable et très
restreint.
5 GHz Bande: Conformément aux décisions de la CEPT, l'utilisation des fréquences
de la bande 5150 MHz - 5350 MHz est autorisée à l'intérieur des bâtiments avec une
puissance maximale de 200 mW, et inter dite en extérieur. La bande 5470 MHz - 5725
MHz n'est pas ouverte aujourd'hui.
Vous pouvez contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications
(http://www.art-telecom.fr) pour de plus amples renseignements.
2.4 GHz Band: only channels 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, and 2472 MHz
respectively) may be used freely in France for indoor use. License required for outdoor installations.
5 GHz Band: frequencies in the 5150 MHz - 5350 MHz band may be used indoor
with maximum power of 200 mW. Their use is forbidden outdoors. The 5470 MHz 5725 MHz band is not currently open.
Please contact ART (http://www.art-telecom.fr) for procedure to follow.
• Deutschland D: Anmeldung im Outdoor-Bereich notwending, aber nicht genehmigungspflichtig. Bitte mit Händler die Vorgehensweise abstimmen.
• Germany D: License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for procedure to follow.
• Italia I: E' necessaria la concessione ministeriale anche per l'uso interno. Verificare
con i rivenditori la procedura da seguire. L'uso per installazione in esterni non e' permessa.
• Italy I: License required for indoor use. Use with outdoor installations not allowed.
• The Netherlands NL License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for
procedure to follow.
• Nederlands NL Licentie verplicht voor gebruik met buitenantennes. Neem contact op
met verkoper voor juiste procedure.
UG-WPC51AB-112202B JL
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
The Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter 1
Features 1
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 2
Network Topolo gy 2
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode 2
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Dual-Band
Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter 4
The Adapter’s LEDs 4
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
for Windows 98, Me, and 2000 5
Overview 5
Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98, Me, and 2000 6
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation 10
Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for
Windows XP 11
Overview 11
Driver Installation for Windows XP 11
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 13
Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows
98, Me, and 2000 15
Overview 15
Accessing the WLAN Monitor 15
Link Information 16
Site Survey 18
Profiles 20
Creating a New Profile 22
Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter
Chapter 1:Introduction
The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter lets your notebook
communicate with today’s wireless network standard and prepares you for the
future. With one PC Card, you can connect with the 2.4GHz, 802.11b wireless
networks so prevalent in homes, businesses and public “hotspots” already, and
also a growing number of 5GHz, 802.11a networks that are spreading across
the country.
It’s simple to use. Just pop it into a PC Card slot, and run the included Setup
Wizard, which will walk you through the configuration. To keep your communications secure, the PC Card supports up to 152-bit data encr yption.
802.11b wireless networks are commonly found in corporate en vironments and
are used in homes for household Internet connectivity without the need for running cables. They’re also popping up all over the country in coffee shops, airports, hotels, convention centers, and other public spaces offering “on-the-go”
connectivity to mobile users. The 802.11a standard is almost five times faster
than 802.11b, and operates in the less crowded 5GHz radio band, but it’s not as
common—yet. It is quickly being deployed wherever higher-speed connectivity is desired.
Join the wireless revolution. With the Linksys Dual-Band Wireless Notebook
Adapter, you’ll be ready to connect to either type of wireless network, wherever you go, now and in the future.
• Connects to Either 802.11b (2.4GHz) or 802.11a (5GHz) Networks without
Changing Adapters
• Up to 152-bit WEP Encryption
• Easy-to-use Setup Wizard
• Detailed Monitoring and Performance Utility
• 802.11b and 802.11a Compliant
• Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, Toll-Free US
Calls
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
The Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter
Features
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Appendix A: Troubleshooting 30
Common Problems and Solutions 30
Frequently Asked Questions 31
Appendix B: Glossary 35
Appendix C: Specifications 40
Environmental 41
Appendix D: Warranty Information 42
Appendix E: Contact Information 43
Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter
If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only
with the other computers on the wireless network, then the ad-hoc mode can
be used. (See Figure 2-2.) Ad-hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for an access point. The drawback of this mode is that, in AdHoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to communicate with
computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the
wireless-equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference directly between them.
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Figure 2-2
Chapter 2:Planning You r Wireless Network
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless de vice to
connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency
channel and SSID, which is an identification name for wireless devices.
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which
they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure conf igura-
tion is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an
access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes
depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or peripherals with a wired network or not.
If the computers on the
wireless network need to
be accessed by a wired
network or need to share a
peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network
computers, the wireless
network should be set up
in infrastructure mode.
(See Figure 2-1.) The
basis of infrastructure
mode centers around an
access point, which serves
as the main point of communications in a wireless network. Access points
transmit data to PCs equipped with wireless network cards, which can roam
within a certain radial range of the access point. Multiple access points can be
arranged to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and can be set up
to communicate with your Ethernet (wired) hardware as well.
Network Topology
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
Figure 2-1
Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter
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Chapter 4:Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98, Me, and 2000
The Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you
through the installation procedure for Windows 98, Me, and 2000. The Setup
Wizard will install the WLAN Monitor and driver, as well as configure the
Adapter.
Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup
Wizard should run automatically, and Figure 4-1 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).
Figure 4-1
Overview
Chapter 3:Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter
Flash alternately
Green. The LEDs flash in alternate sequence, one after another, when the
Adapter is searching for an access point or wireless router.
Flash in unison
Green. The LEDs flash in unison when the Adapter is connected to an access
point or wireless router.
The Adapter’s LEDs
Figure 3-1
Important for Windows 98, Me, and 2000 users: You must run the
Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.
Important for Windows XP users: Do NOT run the Setup Wizard.
Proceed directly to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”
Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter
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1. To install the Adapter, click the Next button on the Welcome screen.
2. After reading the License Agreement, click the Next button if you agree, or
click the Cancel button to end the installation.
Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98, Me, and 2000
Figure 4-2
3. The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a wireless mode. Click the
Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want your wireless computers to
network with computers on your wired network using a wireless access
point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multiple wireless
computers to network directly with each other. Do not use the Ad-Hoc mode
if you want your wireless computers to communicate with computers on
your wired network.
In the SSID field, enter the SSID of your wireless network. The SSID must
be identical for all devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (all
lowercase). Click the Next button.
Figure 4-3
Dual-Band Wireless A+B Notebook Adapter
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6. For Windows 2000, you may be informed that a digital signature has not
been found (see Figure 4-6). This is normal, and it has been verif ied that the
Adapter does work with Windows 2000. Click the Ye s button to continue.
7. After the f iles have been successfully copied, the screen in Figure 4-7 will
appear. Click the Exit button.
Proceed to “Chapter 5:Hardware Installation.”
Figure 4-6
Figure 4-7
4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc
Mode, select the type of network your notebook will connect to, 802.11a or
802.11b. Click the Next button, and go to Step 5. Click the Back button to
change any settings.
5. The Setup Wizard will ask you to re vie w y our settings before it starts to copy
files. Click the Next button to save these settings, or click the Back button
to change any settings.
Figure 4-4
Figure 4-5
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