LINKSYS WPC54G User Guide
2,4
GHz
802.11g
WIRELESS
Wireless-G
Notebook Adapter
User Guide
Model No.
WPC54G (EU/LA)
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 © 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
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-EU-LA_V3.1-UG-70130NC JL
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Wireless-G 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 3
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter 4
The LED Indicators 4
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter 5
Starting the Setup 5
Connecting the Adapter 7
Setting up the Adapter 7
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 22
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 22
Using the Wireless Network Monitor 22
Link Information 22
Site Survey 25
Profiles 27
Creating a New Profile 28
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 43
Common Problems and Solutions 43
Frequently Asked Questions 44
Appendix B: Wireless Security 47
Security Precautions 47
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 47
Appendix C: Windows Help 50
Appendix D: Glossary 51
Appendix E: Specifications 56
Appendix F: Warranty Information 57
Appendix G: Regulatory Information 58
Appendix H: Contact Information 72
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 4
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 5
Figure 4-2: Click Here to Start 6
Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 6
Figure 4-4: Connecting the Adapter 7
Figure 4-5: Available Wireless Network 7
Figure 4-6: SecureEasySetup Screen 8
Figure 4-7: SecureEasySetup Logo 8
Figure 4-8: SecureEasySetup Logo Location 8
Figure 4-9: SecureEasySetup Congratulations 9
Figure 4-10: Available Wireless Network 9
Figure 4-11: WEP Key Needed for Connection 10
Figure 4-12: WPA - Personal Needed for Connection 10
Figure 4-13: WPA2 - Personal Needed for Connection 10
Figure 4-14: Automatic Setup’s Congratulations 11
Figure 4-15: Available Wireless Network 11
Figure 4-16: Network Settings 12
Figure 4-17: Wireless Mode 12
Figure 4-18: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 13
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - Disabled 13
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - WEP 14
Figure 4-21: WEP Settings 14
Figure 4-22: Wireless Security - WPA-Personal 15
Figure 4-23: WPA-Personal Settings 15
Figure 4-24: Wireless Security - WPA2-Personal 16
Figure 4-25: WPA2-Personal Settings 16
Figure 4-26: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise - EAP-TLS 17
Figure 4-27: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise - PEAP 17
Figure 4-28: Wireless Security - WPA2-Enterprise - EAP-TLS 18
Figure 4-29: Wireless Security - WPA2-Enterprise - PEAP 18
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Figure 4-30: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 19
Figure 4-31: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 19
Figure 4-32: Wireless Security - LEAP 20
Figure 4-33: LEAP Settings 20
Figure 4-34: Confirm New Settings 21
Figure 4-35: Congratulations Screen 21
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 22
Figure 5-2: Link Information 22
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status 23
Figure 5-4: More Information-Network Statistics 24
Figure 5-5: Site Survey 25
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 25
Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 26
Figure 5-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 26
Figure 5-9: Profiles 27
Figure 5-10: Import a Profile 27
Figure 5-11: Export a Profile 27
Figure 5-12: Create a New Profile 28
Figure 5-13: Available Wireless Network 28
Figure 5-14: SecureEasySetup Screen 29
Figure 5-15: SecureEasySetup Logo 29
Figure 5-16: SecureEasySetup Logo Location 29
Figure 5-17: Congratulations 30
Figure 5-18: Available Wireless Network 30
Figure 5-19: WEP Key Needed for Connection 31
Figure 5-20: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 31
Figure 5-21: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 32
Figure 5-22: Congratulations 32
Figure 5-23: Network Settings for New Profile 33
Figure 5-24: Wireless Mode for New Profile 33
Figure 5-25: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings for New Profile 34
Figure 5-26: Wireless Security - Disabled 34
Figure 5-27: Wireless Security - WEP for New Profile 35
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Figure 5-28: WEP Settings 35
Figure 5-29: Wireless Security - WPA-Personal for New Profile 36
Figure 5-30: WPA-Personal Settings 36
Figure 5-31: Wireless Security - WPA2-Personal for New Profile 37
Figure 5-32: WPA2-Personal Settings 37
Figure 5-33: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 38
Figure 5-34: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise Using PEAP for New Profile 38
Figure 5-35: Wireless Security - WPA2-Enterprise Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 39
Figure 5-36: Wireless Security - WPA2-Enterprise Using PEAP for New Profile 39
Figure 5-37: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 40
Figure 5-38: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using PEAP for New Profile 40
Figure 5-39: Wireless Security - LEAP for New Profile 41
Figure 5-40: LEAP Settings 41
Figure 5-41: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 42
Figure 5-42: Congratulations for New Profile 42
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter. And now, with SecureEasySetup, setting up your
network and your Wireless-G Notebook Adapter is easier than ever.
Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network. This
Adapter communicates over the 802.11g wireless standard, up to 54 Mbps.
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 slot and enjoy network access with your notebook computer, while
retaining true mobility.
Once you’re connected, you can keep in touch via 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 online or use
instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio. Your wireless connection is protected by up
to 256-bit 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.
Linksys recommends using the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Adapter. You
can also refer to the instructions in this Guide to help you install and configure the Adapter. These instructions
should be all you need to get the most out of the 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.
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing,
storage, and/or transmission between users
bit: a binary digit
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network
• 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 1: Introduction
Welcome
1
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
This chapter instructs you on how to install and configure the 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: 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.
• 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?
2
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
Network Layout
Use the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter to add your computer to your network of Wireless-G and Wireless-B
products. When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, network ports on access
points and wireless routers can be connected to any of Linksys's switches or routers.
With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com/international for more information about wireless products.
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
The LED Indicators
The Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
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.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
The LED Indicators
4
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Starting the Setup
The Wireless-G 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 initial Welcome screen, the language of your computer’s operating system is selected. Click Next to
proceed in the current language. To use a different language, select it from the Language drop-down menu, and
then click Next.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Starting the Setup
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
5
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
A second Welcome screen will appear. 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.
Figure 4-2: Click Here to Start
3. Windows will begin copying the files onto your PC.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Starting the Setup
Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
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Wireless-G 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 98 and Windows Me users may need to restart their PCs again when prompted to do so. The Power
LED should light up when the Adapter is installed correctly.
4. 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:\).
5. Then, click Next.
Setting up the Adapter
The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Network screen.
This screen provides three options for setting up the Adapter.
Figure 4-4: Connecting the Adapter
• SecureEasySetup. This Adapter features SecureEasySetup. This means that you can set it up with just the
press of a button when connecting to wireless routers or access points that also feature SecureEasySetup.
Both devices on the network must feature SecureEasySetup for this to work.
• Available Wireless Network. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up with
devices that do not have SecureEasySetup. 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 you are not taking advantage of SecureEasySetup and 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.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Connecting the Adapter
Figure 4-5: Available Wireless Network
7
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
SecureEasySetup
With SecureEasySetup, setting up the Adapter is as simple as pushing a couple of buttons. Before you press any
buttons, though, you should locate the SecureEasySetup button on the device you’re connecting the Adapter to,
such as a wireless router or access point.
1. Starting from the Available Wireless Network screen, click the SecureEasySetup button on the right hand
side.
2. You will be asked to locate the SecureEasySetup button on the device with which the Adapter will be
communicating. If you are not sure where to find this button, click Where can I find the button?.
This will walk you through a couple of screens to help you find the button, which is usually located on the
front of the wireless router or access point.
Figure 4-6: SecureEasySetup Screen
3. Press the Cisco logo or SecureEasySetup button on the wireless router or access point. When it turns white
and begins to flash, click the Next button on the Setup Wizard screen. The logo or button will stop flashing
on the wireless router or access point when the Adapter has been successfully added to the network. Repeat
this procedure for any additional SecureEasySetup device.
NOTE: You can only add one SecureEasySetup device at a time.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-7: SecureEasySetup Logo
Figure 4-8: SecureEasySetup Logo Location
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
4. When SecureEasySetup is complete, you may save your configuration to a text file by clicking the Save
button, or print the configuration by clicking the Print button. Click Connect to Network to connect to your
network.
Congratulations! The setup is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, refer to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Figure 4-9: SecureEasySetup Congratulations
Available Wireless Network
If you’re not setting up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup, another method for setting up the Adapter is with the
available networks listed on the Available Wireless Network screen. 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. If you don’t have wireless security
enabled, continue to step 3.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-10: Available Wireless Network
9
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
2. If your network has the wireless security WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) 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.
If your network has the wireless security WPA-Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access) enabled, this screen will
appear.
Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down
menu.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.
Figure 4-11: WEP Key Needed for Connection
Figure 4-12: WPA - Personal Needed for Connection
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
If your network has the wireless security WPA2-Personal (WPA2 is a stronger version of WPA) enabled, this
screen will appear.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.
Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-13: WPA2 - Personal Needed for Connection
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
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 Automatic Setup’s installation of the Wireless-G 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 4-14: Automatic Setup’s Congratulations
Manual Setup
If you are not taking advantage of SecureEasySetup and 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.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-15: Available Wireless Network
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
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.
Figure 4-16: Network Settings
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.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-17: Wireless Mode
12
Wireless-G 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.
NOTE: Channels 12 and 13 are not available for Adapters sold in North, Central, and South
America. If you set the Adapter to channel 12 or 13, it will use channel 1 or 11 instead.
Click the Next button. 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, WPA-Personal,
WPA2-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS, or LEAP. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent
Privacy, and WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA is a stronger security method than WEP. WPA2 is a
stronger version of WPA. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, and LEAP stands for
Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return
to the previous screen.
Figure 4-18: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method: WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPAEnterprise, WPA2-Enterprise, RADIUS, or LEAP.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - Disabled
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
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.)
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.
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - WEP
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-21: WEP Settings
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
WPA-Personal
WPA-Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or
AES for encryption. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length.
Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down
menu.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-22: Wireless Security - WPA-Personal
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-23: WPA-Personal Settings
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
WPA2-Personal
WPA2-Personal offers AES with dynamic encryption keys. Enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in
length.
Encryption - AES is automatically selected from the Encryption drop-down menu.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-24: Wireless Security - WPA2-Personal
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-25: WPA2-Personal Settings
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Wireless-G 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.
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
Figure 4-26: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise - EAP-TLS
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 An y. 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-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-27: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise - PEAP
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Wireless-G 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, as well as 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. AES is
automatically selected from the Encryption drop-down menu.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
PEAP
Figure 4-28: Wireless Security - WPA2-Enterprise -
EAP-TLS
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. AES is automatically
selected 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-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-29: Wireless Security - WPA2-Enterprise - PEAP
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Wireless-G 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 4-30: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS
Figure 4-31: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
19
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
LEAP
If you selected LEAP, then enter the Username and Password that will authenticate you on your wireless
network.
Username - Enter the username used for authentication.
Password - Enter the password used for authentication.
Confirm - Enter the password again.
Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Figure 4-32: Wireless Security - LEAP
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-33: LEAP Settings
20
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
6. 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 Manual Setup through the
Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit.
7. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings
immediately and return to the Link Information screen. Click Return to Profiles Screen to keep the current
settings active and return to the Profiles screen.
Figure 4-34: Confirm New Settings
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-G Notebook Adapter
Setting up the Adapter
Figure 4-35: Congratulations Screen
21
Wireless-G 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 Icon
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 Site Survey tab. To perform configuration changes or create connection
profiles, click the Profiles tab.
The SES button is available on all screens so you can add the device to a SES network at any time.
Link Information
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 adhoc 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-G Notebook Adapter
Wireless Network Status
The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings.
Status - This shows the status of the wireless network connection.
SSID - This is the unique name of the wireless network.
Wireless Mode - The mode of the wireless network currently in use is displayed here.
Transfer Rate - The data transfer rate of the current connection is shown here.
Channel - This is the channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
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.
DNS - This is the DNS address of the Adapter.
DHCP Client - This displays the Adapter’s status as a DHCP client.
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.
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Link Information
23
Wireless-G 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.
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.
Driver Version - This shows the version of the Adapter’s driver.
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.
Figure 5-4: More Information-Network Statistics
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Link Information
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