LINKSYS WPC54GV4 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 © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
This User Guide
The User Guide to the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter has been designed to make understanding networking easier
than ever. Look for the following items when reading this guide:
This checkmark means there is a note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Adapter.
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the 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 in the “Table of Contents”.
WPC54G v4-UG-40128NC BW
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this 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 11
Connecting the Adapter 11
Chapter 6: Using the WLAN Monitor 12
Accessing the WLAN Monitor 12
Link Information 12
Site Survey 15
Profiles 16
Creating a New Profile 17
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 29
Common Problems and Solutions 29
Frequently Asked Questions 30
Appendix B: Wireless Security 33
Security Precautions 33
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 33
Appendix C: Windows Help 36
Appendix D: Glossary 37
Appendix E: Specifications 40
Appendix F: Warranty Information 41
Appendix G: Regulatory Information 42
Appendix H: Contact Information 44
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
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 Network Mode screen 8
Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Channels screen 9
Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s Finalize Settings screen 9
Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 10
Figure 5-1: How the Adapter installs into your notebook 11
Figure 6-1: The WLAN Monitor icon 12
Figure 6-2: Link Information 12
Figure 6-3: More Information-Network Settings 13
Figure 6-4: More Information-Network Statistics 14
Figure 6-5: Site Survey 15
Figure 6-6: Profiles 16
Figure 6-7: Importing a Profile 16
Figure 6-8: Exporting a Profile 17
Figure 6-9: Creating a New Profile 17
Figure 6-10: Enter Profile Name 17
Figure 6-11: Choose a network type 18
Figure 6-12: Wireless Settings for New Profile 18
Figure 6-13: Network Setting for New Profile 19
Figure 6-14: Security Setting for New Profile 19
Figure 6-15: WEP Settings 20
Figure 6-16: WPA-PSK Settings 20
Figure 6-17: TKIP Settings 21
Figure 6-18: WPA RADIUS Settings 22
Figure 6-19: TKIP Settings 22
Figure 6-20: EAP-TLS Authentication 23
Figure 6-21: EAP-TTLS Authentication 23
Figure 6-22: EAP-MD5 Authentication 24
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Figure 6-23: EAP-PEAP Authentication 24
Figure 6-24: EAP-LEAP Authentication 24
Figure 6-25: RADIUS Settings 25
Figure 6-26: EAP-TLS Authentication 25
Figure 6-27: EAP-TTLS Authentication 26
Figure 6-28: EAP-MD5 Authentication 26
Figure 6-29: EAP-PEAP Authentication 27
Figure 6-30: LEAP Authentication 27
Figure 6-31: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 28
Figure 6-32: Congratulations for New Profile 28
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.
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.
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing,
storage, and/or transmission between users.
adapter: a device that adds network functionality
to your PC.
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 the new, industrial-strength security of Wireless Protected Access (WPA).
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.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
802.11g an IEEE wireless networking standard that
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps
and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
What’s in this 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 WLAN Monitor
This chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s WLAN 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 Guide?
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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 Guide?
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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.
topology: the physical layout of a 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.
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.
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
ssid: your wireless network's name.
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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.
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
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
The Wireless Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The
Setup Wizard will install the WLAN Monitor and driver, as well as configure the Adapter.
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 Network 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. 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.
Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Channels screen
If you’re using Windows 2000, you may see a Windows Digital Signature warning. As this product has been
tested to work with Windows, you may continue.
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
The Installation Procedure
Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s Finalize Settings screen
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
6. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click the Exit
button.
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”
Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
The Installation Procedure
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