Linksys WPC54GX Owner's Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
2.4
Model No.
GHz
802.11g
Wireless-G
Notebook Adapter
WIRELESS
WPC54GX (EU/UK/LA)
with SRX
User Guide
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
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.
This User Guide
The User Guide to the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX 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”.
WPC54GX-UG-50404B BW
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 1
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 3
Network Topology 3
Roaming 3
Network Layout 4
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX 5
The LED Indicators 5
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX 6
Running the Setup Wizard 6
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 11
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 11
Link Information 11
Site Survey 14
Profiles 15
Creating a New Profile 16
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 26
Common Problems and Solutions 26
Frequently Asked Questions 26
Appendix B: Wireless Security 30
Security Precautions 30
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 30
Appendix C: Windows Help 33
Appendix D: Glossary 34
Appendix E: Specifications 41
Appendix F: Warranty Information 42
Appendix G: Regulatory Information 43
Appendix H: Contact Information 49
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 5
Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 6
Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7
Figure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s SSID (Wireless Network Name) Screen 7
Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s WEP Screen 8
Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s WPA-Personal Screen 8
Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen 9
Figure 4-7: The Setup Wizard’s Connecting the Adapter Screen 9
Figure 4-8: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 10
Figure 5-1: Link Information 11
Figure 5-2: More Information - Wireless Network Status 12
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Statistics 13
Figure 5-4: Site Survey 14
Figure 5-5: Profiles 15
Figure 5-6: Importing a Profile 15
Figure 5-7: Exporting a Profile 15
Figure 5-8: Creating a New Profile 16
Figure 5-9: Enter Profile Name 16
Figure 5-10: Wireless Mode for New Profile 17
Figure 5-11: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 17
Figure 5-12: Wireless Security - WEP for New Profile 18
Figure 5-13: WEP Settings for New Profile 18
Figure 5-14: Wireless Security - WPA-Personal 19
Figure 5-15: WPA-Personal Settings 19
Figure 5-16: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise 20
Figure 5-17: WPA-Enterprise Encryption 20
Figure 5-18: WPA-Enterprise - EAP-TLS 21
Figure 5-19: WPA-Enterprise - EAP-TTLS 21
Figure 5-20: WPA-Enterprise - EAP-PEAP 22
Figure 5-21: Wireless Security - RADIUS 22
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Figure 5-22: RADIUS - EAP-TLS 23
Figure 5-23: RADIUS - EAP-TTLS 23
Figure 5-24: RADIUS - EAP-PEAP 24
Figure 5-25: Confirm New Settings 24
Figure 5-26: Congratulations 25
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX. With this Adapter, your wireless networking
experience will be faster and easier than ever.
How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility
within your wireless network, whether it’s using the Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) standard.
But what does all of this mean?
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers
and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video
games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.
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 walks you through configuring the Adapter to your wireless network settings, step by
step. Use the instructions in this Guide to help you set up and connect the Adapter using the Setup Wizard. These
instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.
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.
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.
• 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 with SRX
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
This chapter explains how to run the Adapter’s Setup Wizard to configure and insert the Adapter.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
1
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
• 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 Guide?
2
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
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.
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 you consider enabling 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 with SRX
Network Layout
Linksys wireless access points and wireless routers have been designed for use with 802.11b and 802.11g
products. Products using the 802.11g and 802.11b standards can communicate with each other.
Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such as the notebook
adapters for your laptop computers, PCI adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB adapters for when you want to
enjoy USB connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with a wireless print server.
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 Layout
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
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 with SRX
The LED Indicators
5
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Overview
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.
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:
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.
Running the Setup Wizard
1. To install the Adapter, click the Click Here to Start button on the Welcome screen.
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Running the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
2. After reading the License Agreement, click the Next button if you agree, or click the Cancel button to end the
installation.
3. In the SSID field, enter the SSID or name of your wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all devices
in the network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase). Click the Next button.
Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
NOTE: The SSID should be unique to your network and identical for all devices
within the network.
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Running the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s SSID (Wireless Network
Name) Screen
7
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
4. Select the type of security you want to use: 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, or WPA-Personal. All devices in a
network must use the same type.
WEP
WEP - To use WEP encryption, select 64-bit WEP or 128-bit WEP 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. 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. 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”.
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, when 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 devices on your network must use the
same authentication type.
Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s WEP Screen
Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen. Click the Help
button for more information.
WPA-Personal
WPA-Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys.
Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption setting. Enter a WPA Shared Key of 8-63
characters in the Passphrase field.
Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen. Click the Help
button for more information.
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Running the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s WPA-Personal Screen
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
5. The Setup Wizard will ask you to review your settings before it starts to install files. Click the Next button if
you are satisfied with your settings, or click the Back button to change any settings.
6. With the Adapter’s label facing up, slide the Adapter into the CardBus slot until it locks in place. Your notebook
will detect and automatically install the Adapter’s driver. Then click the Next button.
Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Running the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-7: The Setup Wizard’s Connecting the
Adapter Screen
9
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
7. After the Adapter has been installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click the Exit button.
The installation of the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX is complete.
If you want to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional
configuration changes, go to “Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.”
Figure 4-8: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Running the Setup Wizard
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
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-G Notebook Adapter Wireless Network Monitor icon will appear in your
system tray. Double-click the icon.
The Link Information screen will appear. 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, click the Profiles tab.
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.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor
Figure 5-1: Link Information
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Clicking the More Information button displays more information about the Adapter’s connection, as shown
below:
Wireless Network Status
The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings.
Wireless Network Status
Status - 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 - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
Security - The status of the security feature.
Authentication - This is your wireless network’s authentication method.
IP Address - The IP Address of the Adapter.
Subnet Mask - The Subnet Mask of the Adapter.
Default Gateway - The Default Gateway address of the Adapter.
DNS - The DNS address of the Adapter.
DHCP Client- This displays the status of the DHCP client.
MAC - The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point.
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 active settings to a profile.
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Link Information
Figure 5-2: More Information - Wireless Network Status
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