Linksys WPC54G User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
2.4
Model No.
GHz
802.11g
WIRELESS
WPC54G
Wireless-G
Notebook Adapter
User Guide
Wireless-G 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 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known
to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
How to Use this User Guide
This user guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the 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 numbers and descriptions can also be found in the "List of Figures" section.
wpc54g v5-UG-41205NC KL
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster
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-G Notebook Adapter 6
The LED Indicators 6
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration 7
The Installation Procedure 8
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation 12
Connecting the Adapter 12
Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 13
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 13
Link Information 13
Site Survey 16
Profiles 17
Creating a New Profile 18
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 28
Common Problems and Solutions 28
Frequently Asked Questions 29
Appendix B: Wireless Security 31
Security Precautions 31
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 31
Appendix C: Windows Help 34
Appendix D: Glossary 35
Appendix E: Specifications 39
Appendix F: Warranty Information 40
Appendix G: Regulatory Information 41
Appendix H: Contact Information 43
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6
Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7
Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 8
Figure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen 8
Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Screen 9
Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s WEP Screen 9
Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s WPA-PSK Screen 10
Figure 4-7: The Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen 10
Figure 4-8: The Microsoft Digital Signature Screen 11
Figure 4-9: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 11
Figure 5-1: How the Adapter installs into your notebook 12
Figure 6-1: The Wireless Network Monitor Icon 13
Figure 6-2: Link Information 13
Figure 6-3: Wireless Network Status 14
Figure 6-4: Wireless Network Statistics 15
Figure 6-5: Site Survey 16
Figure 6-6: Profiles 17
Figure 6-7: Importing a Profile 17
Figure 6-8: Exporting a Profile 17
Figure 6-9: Creating a New Profile 18
Figure 6-10: Enter Profile Name 18
Figure 6-11: Wireless Mode for New Profile 19
Figure 6-12: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 19
Figure 6-13: Network Settings 20
Figure 6-14: Wireless Security for New Profile 21
Figure 6-15: WEP Setting for New Profile 21
Figure 6-16: WPA-PSK Settings 22
Figure 6-17: TKIP Settings 22
Figure 6-18: WPA RADIUS Settings 23
Figure 6-19: Encryption Type 23
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster
Figure 6-20: EAP-TLS Authentication 24
Figure 6-21: EAP-TTLS Authentication 24
Figure 6-22: EAP-PEAP Authentication 24
Figure 6-23: RADIUS Settings 25
Figure 6-24: EAP-TLS Authentication 25
Figure 6-25: EAP-TTLS Authentication 26
Figure 6-26: EAP-PEAP Authentication 26
Figure 6-27: LEAP Authentication 26
Figure 6-28: Profile Settings 27
Figure 6-29: Congratulations 27
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless networking experience
will be faster and easier than ever.
adapter: a device that adds network functionality
to your PC.
Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network. This
adapter communicates over the 54Mbps 802.11g wireless standard, which is almost five times faster than
802.11b. But since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, the Adapter can also communicate with the widely
used 11Mbps 802.11b standard.
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 will walk you through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step.
Then just slide it into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy network access with your notebook computer, while
retaining true mobility.
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. At home, you can surf the
web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio. Your wireless connection is
protected by up to 128-bit WEP encryption.
You'll also be able to connect with any of the growing number of public wireless hotspots springing up in coffee
shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. And as those hotspots upgrade to the new high-speed
Wireless-G standard, you'll be ready to take advantage of the increased speeds.
Get connected to current-standard 802.11b networks today, and be prepared for the future with the Wireless-G
Notebook Adapter from Linksys.
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 1: Introduction
Welcome
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
What’s in this User Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G 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-G Notebook Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
This chapter instructs you on how to install the Adapter’s Setup Wizard and Configure the Adapter
• Chapter 5: Hardware Installation
This chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC.
• Chapter 6: 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: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
• Appendix C: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix D: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix E: Specifications
This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
• Appendix F: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?
2
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
• Appendix G: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.
• Appendix H: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?
3
Wireless-G 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
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Wireless-G 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
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
The LED Indicators
The Network Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on.
Link Green. The Link LED lights up when the Adapter has an active connection.
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
The LED Indicators
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup
Wizard will install the Wireless Network Monitor and driver, as well as configure the Adapter for Windows 2000
and XP PCs.
NOTE: You must run the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.
Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and the
Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears,
enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).
On the Welcome screen, you have the following choices:
Install - Click the Install button to begin the software installation process.
User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open the PDF file of this User Guide.
Exit - Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
The Installation Procedure
1. To install the Adapter, click the Install button on the Welcome screen.
2. After reading the License Agreement, click the Next button if you agree, or click the Cancel button to end the
installation.
3. The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a network mode. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you
want your wireless computers to network with computers on your wired network using a wireless access
point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to network directly with
each other.
Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
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.
NOTE: Network SSIDs should be unique to your network and identical for all
devices within the network.
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
The Installation Procedure
Figure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, select the correct operating
channel for your network. Then, select the Network Mode from the drop-down menu. Click the Next button,
and go to Step 5. Click the Back button to change any settings.
Channel - 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, select the default channel (Channel 6).
Network Mode - Select Mixed Mode, and both Wireless-G and Wireless-B computers will be allowed on the
network, but the speed will be reduced. Select G-Only Mode for maximum speed, but no Wireless-B users
will be allowed on the network.
5. Select the type of security you want to use: 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, or WPA-PSK. All devices in a network
must use the same type.
WEP
WEP - To use WEP encryption, select 64-bits or 128-bit characters from the drop-down menu, and enter a
passphrase or WEP key.
Passphrase - Instead of manually entering a WEP key, you can enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so
a WEP key is automatically generated. This case-sensitive passphrase must match the passphrase of your
other wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (If you have any nonLinksys 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. If you are using 64-bit
WEP encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 128-bit
WEP encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal
characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.
Transmit 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 Transmit Key drop-down box.
Authentication -The default is set to Auto, where it auto-detects for Shared Key or Open system. Shared
Key is when both the sender and the recipient share a WEP key for authentication. Open key is when the
sender and the recipient do not share a WEP key for authentication. All points on your network must use the
same authentication type.
Click the Next button to continue.s. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen. Click the Help
button for more information.
Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Screen
passphrase: used much like a password, a passphrase
simplifies the WEP encryption process by automatically
generating the WEP encryption keys for Linksys products
Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s WEP Screen
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
The Installation Procedure
9
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
WPA-PSK
WPA-PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys.
Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type. Enter a WPA Shared Key of 8-63
characters in the Passphrase field.
Click the Next button to continue.s. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen. Click the Help
button for more information.
Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s WPA-PSK Screen
AES: a method that uses up to 256-bit key
encryption to secure data
6. The Setup Wizard will ask you to review your settings before it starts to install files. Click Next if you are
satisfied with your settings, or click Back to change any settings.
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
The Installation Procedure
Figure 4-7: The Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen
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