LINKSYS WPC54GV2 User Manual

Wireless-G

Notebook Adapter

Use this Guide to install the following:

WPC54G

User Guide

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Linksys is a registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Linksys guarantees that every Wireless-G Notebook Adapter will be free from physical defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase, when used within the limits set forth in the Specifications section of this User Guide.

This Warranty is valid and may be processed only in the country of purchase.

If the product proves defective during this warranty period, go to the Linksys website at www.linksys.com for complete RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) assistance. You

can also call Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a RMA Number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACK -

AGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the RMA Number clearly on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof of pur-

chase. 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 DAM-

AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY

PRODUCT. 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, mer-

chantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individ-

ual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to:

Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

FCC STATEMENT

This Wireless-G Notebook Adapter has been tested and complies with the specifications

for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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 Radiation Exposure Statement

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other ant

na or transmitter.

This equipment has been SAR-evaluated for use in laptops (notebooks) with side slot configuration.

End-users must be provided with specific operations for satisfying RF exposure compliance.

INDUSTRY CANADA (CANADA)

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. The use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely outdoors may require the user to obtain a license for the system according to the Canadian regulations.

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)

Linksys declares that the product included conforms to the specifications listed below, following the provisions of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC:

•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.

Note: 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. For more details, contact Linksys Corporate Compliance.

Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level of above 100 mW 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 vakuuttaa täten että Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 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 déclare que le pont Ethernet sans fil G 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: Bande de fréquence restreinte: seuls les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz respectivement) doivent être utilisés en France. Toute utilisation, qu'elle soit intérieure ou extérieure, est soumise à autorisation. Vous pouvez contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des Télécommuniations (http://www.art-telecom.fr) pour la procédure à suivre.

•France F: Restricted frequency band: only channels 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, and 2472 MHz respectively) may be used in France. License required for every indoor and outdoor installations. Please contact ART 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.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction	1
The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter	1
Features	1
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network	2
Network Topology	2
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode	2
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook
Adapter	4
The Adapter’s LEDs	4
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000	5
Overview	5
Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, 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
98SE, Me, and 2000	15
Overview	15
Accessing the WLAN Monitor	15
Link Information	16
Site Survey	18
Profiles	20
Creating a New Profile	22

WPC54G-v2-UG-30828C BW

Appendix A: Troubleshooting	28
Common Problems and Solutions	28
Frequently Asked Questions	29
Appendix B: Glossary	32
Appendix C: Specifications	37
Environmental	38
Appendix D: Warranty Information	39
Appendix E: Contact Information	40

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter

Wireless-G is the upcoming 54Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country — but since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also work with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment. The new Wireless- G Notebook Adapter from Linksys has both standards built in, so you can connect your notebook to existing 802.11b infrastructure, and also the new screaming fast Wireless-G networks. 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, wherever you wander. At home, you can surf the web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio.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.

Features

•High-speed Wireless-G (802.11g) networking for your notebook computer

•Data rates up to 54Mbps -- 5 times faster than Wireless-B (802.11b)

•Also interoperates with Wireless-B networks (at 11Mbps)

•Wireless security -- up to 128-bit WEP encryption

•Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, Toll-Free US Calls

•3-Year Limited Warranty

Figure 2-1

Chapter 2: Planning Your

Wireless Network

Network Topology

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 device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name for wireless devices.

Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode

Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration 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.

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.

Figure 2-2

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter

The Adapter’s LEDs

	Figure 3-1
Power	Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is pow-
	ered on.
Link	Green. The Link LED lights up and stays solid when the
	Adapter is inserted correctly and a link is established with
	the Notebook. The LED flashes when data is transmitted or
	received..

Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000

Overview

The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000. The Setup Wizard will install the WLAN Monitor and driver, as well as configure the Adapter.

Important for Windows XP users: Do NOT run the Setup Wizard. Proceed directly to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”

Important for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: 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 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

Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000

1.To install the Adapter, click the Setup button on the Welcome screen, Figure 4-1. Click User Guide to view the User Guide or click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.

2.Read the License Agreement and click the Next button to continue the installation. If you click the Cancel button, you will end the installation.

Figure 4-2

3.The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a wireless mode. (See Figure 4- 3.) 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 (Service Set Identifier) of your wireless network. The SSID is your network name and must be identical for all devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase). Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous page.

Figure 4-3

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 from the Channel drop-down menu. Then, select the Network Mode from the dropdown 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.

Figure 4-4

5.The Setup Wizard will ask you to review your settings before it starts to copy files. Click the Next button to save these settings, or click the Back button to change any settings.(See Figure 4-5.)

Figure 4-5

6.After the files have been successfully copied, the screen in Figure 4-6 will appear. Click the Exit button

Figure 4-6

7.Odyssey Client will now automatically install its utility on your PC to enable WiFi Protected Access (WPA). An icon will appear on your system tray. Click this icon to configure your WPA settings. For more information on this software, refer to their documentation on the CD-ROM.

Proceed to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”

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