Linksys WPC600N Owner's Manual
USER GUIDE
Dual-Band Wireless-N
Notebook Adapter
Model: WPC600N
About This Guide
Icon Descriptions
While reading through the User Guide you may see
various icons that call attention to specific items. Below is
a description of these icons:
NOTE: This check mark indicates that there is
a note of interest and is something that you
should pay special attention to while using the
product.
WARNING: This exclamation point indicates
that there is a caution or warning and it is
something that could damage your property or
product.
About This Guide
WEB: This globe icon indicates a noteworthy
website address or e-mail address.
Online Resources
Website addresses in this document are listed without
http:// in front of the address because most current web
browsers do not require it. If you use an older web browser,
you may have to add http:// in front of the web address.
Resource Website
Linksys www.linksys.com
Linksys International www.linksys.com/international
Glossary www.linksys.com/glossary
Network Security www.linksys.com/security
Copyright and Trademarks
Linksys, Cisco and the Cisco logo are
registered trademarks or trademarks
of Cisco Systems Inc., and/or its
affiliates in the U.S. and certain other
countries. Copyright © 2008 Cisco
Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Other brands and product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective holders.
Dual-Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Product Overview 1
LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2: Wireless Security Checklist 2
General Network Security Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Additional Security Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 3: Advanced Conguration 3
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using the Wireless Network Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Link Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 13
Appendix B: Specications 14
Appendix C: Windows XP Wireless Zero Conguration 15
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Appendix D: Warranty Information 17
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Exclusions and Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Obtaining Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Appendix E: Regulatory Information 19
FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Safety Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Wireless Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Industry Canada Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Restrictions in the 5 GHz Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Avis d’Industrie Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Avis de non-responsabilité concernant les appareils sans fil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste
Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Appendix F: Software License Agreement 25
Dual-Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Software in Linksys Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Software Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
ii
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Product Overview
hank you for choosing the Dual-Band Wireless-N Notebook
Adapter. Setting up your network and your Dual Band
Wireless-N Notebook Adapter is 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-A
(802.11a), Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b)
standard. But with Wireless-N, it has even better range
and speed.
LEDs
Product Overview
Power Power (Green) The Power LED lights up
when the Adapter is powered on.
Link/Act Link/Act (Green) The Link/Act LED
lights up when the Adapter has an active
connection.
Dual-Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
1
Chapter 2
Wireless Security Checklist
Chapter 2: Wireless Security Checklist
Wireless networks are convenient and easy to install, so
homes with high-speed Internet access are adopting them
at a rapid pace. Because wireless networking operates by
sending information over radio waves, it can be more
vulnerable to intruders than a traditional wired network.
Like signals from your cellular or cordless phones, signals
from your wireless network can also be intercepted. Since
you cannot physically prevent someone from connecting
to your wireless network, you need to take some additional
steps to keep your network secure.
1. Change the default wireless
network name or SSID
Wireless devices have a default wireless network name
or Service Set Identifier (SSID) set by the factory. This
is the name of your wireless network, and can be up
to 32 characters in length. Linksys wireless products
use linksys as the default wireless network name. You
should change the wireless network name to something
unique to distinguish your wireless network from other
wireless networks that may exist around you, but do not
use personal information (such as your Social Security
number) because this information may be available for
anyone to see when browsing for wireless networks.
2. Change the default password
For wireless products such as access points and routers,
you will be asked for a password when you want to change
their settings. These devices have a default password set
by the factory. The Linksys default password is admin.
Hackers know these defaults and may try to use them
to access your wireless device and change your network
settings. To thwart any unauthorized changes, customize
the device’s password so it will be hard to guess.
4. Enable encryption
Encryption protects data transmitted over a wireless
network. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) and Wired
Equivalency Privacy (WEP) offer different levels of security
for wireless communication.
A network encrypted with WPA/WPA2 is more secure
than a network encrypted with WEP, because WPA/WPA2
uses dynamic key encryption. To protect the information
as it passes over the airwaves, you should enable the
highest level of encryption supported by your network
equipment.
WEP is an older encryption standard and may be the
only option available on some older devices that do not
support WPA.
General Network Security Guidelines
Wireless network security is useless if the underlying
network is not secure.
Password protect all computers on the network and •
individually password protect sensitive files.
Change passwords on a regular basis. •
Install anti-virus software and personal firewall •
software.
Disable file sharing (peer-to-peer). Some applications •
may open file sharing without your consent and/or
knowledge.
Additional Security Tips
Keep wireless routers, access points, or gateways away •
from exterior walls and windows.
Turn wireless routers, access points, or gateways •
off when they are not being used (at night, during
vacations).
Use strong passphrases that are at least eight characters •
in length. Combine letters and numbers to avoid using
standard words that can be found in the dictionary.
3. Enable MAC address filtering
Linksys routers give you the ability to enable Media Access
Control (MAC) address filtering. The MAC address is a
unique series of numbers and letters assigned to every
networking device. With MAC address filtering enabled,
wireless network access is provided solely for wireless
devices with specific MAC addresses. For example, you can
specify the MAC address of each computer in your home
so that only those computers can access your wireless
network.
Dual-Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
WEB: For more information on wireless
security, visit www.linksys.com/security
2
Chapter 3
Configuration
Chapter 3: Advanced Configuration
Advanced configuration is done through the Wireless
Network Monitor (the Monitor). You can use the 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 appears in the system tray of your computer. If the
Wireless Network Monitor is enabled, the icon is green. If
the Wireless Network Monitor is disabled or the Adapter is
not connected, the icon is gray.
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 More
Information to view additional status information about
the current wireless connection. To search for available
wireless networks, click the Connect tab. To perform
configuration changes or create connection profiles, click
the Profiles tab.
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 More Information to view additional information
about the wireless network connection on the Wireless
Network Status screen.
Wireless Network Status
The Wireless Network Status screen provides information
on your current network settings.
Wireless Network Status
Radio Band This is the radio band used on the network.
Link Information
The Link Information screen displays network mode, signal
strength, and link quality information about the current
connection. It also provides a More Information button to
click for additional status information.
Link Information
Dual Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Wireless Network Name This is the unique name (SSID)
of the wireless network.
Wireless Mode This is the mode of the wireless network
currently in use.
Wide Channel This is the Wireless-N primary channel
used with a 40 MHz radio band network.
Standard Channel This is the channel used by your
wireless network.
Security This is the status of the wireless security
feature.
Authentication This is your wireless network’s
authentication method.
Network Type This is the wireless network type.
IP Address This is the IP Address of the Adapter.
Subnet Mask This is the Adapter’s Subnet Mask.
Default Gateway This is the Default Gateway address.
DNS1 This is the DNS address of the Adapter.
3
Chapter 3
Configuration
MAC Address This is the MAC address of the wireless
network’s access point or wireless router.
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 Statistics to go to the Wireless Network Statistics
screen. Click Back to return to the initial Link Information
screen. Click Save to Profile to save the currently active
connection settings to a profile.
Wireless Network Statistics
The Wireless Networks Statistics screen provides statistics
on your current network settings.
Noise Level This shows the level of background noise
that affects the wireless signal. A lower reading translates
into a higher quality signal.
Signal Strength This is the intensity of the wireless signal
that the Adapter receives.
Transmit Power This is the power output at which the
Adapter transmits.
Up Time This indicates the length of the most recent
connection to a wireless network.
Total Up Time This indicates the cumulative total of the
Adapter’s connection time.
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 Back to return to the initial Link Information
screen. Click Status to go to the Wireless Network Status
screen. Click Save to Profile to save the currently active
connection settings to a profile. Click Refresh to reset the
statistics.
Wireless Network Statistics
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 at any given time.)
Receive Rate This is the rate that the Adapter receives
data.
Packets Received This shows the packets that the
Adapter receives, in real time, after connecting to the
wireless network or after clicking Refresh Statistics.
Packets Transmitted This shows the packets that the
Adapter transmits, in real time, after connecting to the
wireless network or after clicking Refresh Statistics.
Bytes Received This shows the bytes that the Adapter
receives, in real time, after connecting to the wireless
network or after clicking Refresh Statistics.
Bytes Transmitted This shows the bytes that the Adapter
transmits, in real time, after connecting to the wireless
network or after clicking Refresh Statistics.
Driver Version This shows the Adapter’s driver version.
Connect
The Connect screen displays a list of available networks
in the table on the left. The table shows each network’s
wireless network name, channel, and the quality of
the wireless signal the Adapter receives. You may click
Wireless Network Name, CH (Channel), or Signal, to sort
by that field.
Connect
Wireless Network Name This is the SSID or unique name
of the wireless network.
CH This is the channel that the network uses.
Signal This is the percentage of signal strength, from 0
to 100%.
Dual Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
4
Chapter 3
Site Information
For each network selected, the following settings are
listed:
Wireless Mode This is the mode of the wireless network
currently in use.
Network Type This is the network type used by your
wireless network.
Radio Band This is the radio band used by your wireless
network.
Security This is the status of the wireless security
feature.
Configuration
WPA-Personal Security
MAC Address This is the MAC address of the wireless
network’s access point.
Refresh Click Refresh to perform a new search for
wireless devices.
Connect To connect to one of the networks on the list,
select the wireless network, and click Connect. If the
network’s wireless security is enabled, then one of these
wireless security screen appears:
WEP
If the network has the wireless security WEP encryption
enabled, then you see the WEP Key Needed for Connection
screen. Select the appropriate level of WEP encryption,
64-bit or 128-bit. Then enter the network’s Passphrase
or WEP Key. Click Connect. To cancel the connection, click
Cancel.
WPA2
If the network has WPA2 Personal wireless security
enabled, then you will see the WPA2 Personal Needed for
Connection screen. Enter the network’s Pre-shared Key in
the Pre-shared Key field. To connect to the network, click
Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
WPA2-Personal Security
Profiles
WEP Security
WPA
If the network has the wireless security WPA Personal
security enabled, then you see the WPA Personal Needed
for Connection screen. Select the appropriate encryption
type, TKIP or AES. Enter the network’s Pre-shared Key in
the Pre-shared Key field. Then click Connect. To cancel the
connection, click Cancel.
Dual Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration
profiles for different network setups. The table on the left
displays a list of available profiles with their profile names
and wireless network names.
Profiles
5
Chapter 3
Configuration
Profile This is the name of the profile.
Wireless Network Name This is the SSID or unique name
of the wireless network.
Profile Information
For each profile selected, the following are listed:
Wireless Network This is the type of wireless network
currently in use.
Wireless Mode This is the mode of the wireless network
currently in use.
Standard Channel This displays the channel used by
your wireless network.
Security This is the status of the wireless security.
Authentication This is the authentication setting for the
network.
Connect To connect to a wireless network using a specific
profile, select the profile, and click Connect.
New Click New to create a new profile. See the next
section, “Creating a New Profile,” for instructions.
Edit Select the profile you want to change and click Edit.
Import Click Import to import a profile that is saved in
another location. Select the appropriate file, and click
Open.
Export Select the profile you want to save in a different
location, and click Export. Direct Windows to the
appropriate folder, and click Save.
Delete Select the profile you want to delete and click
Delete.
NOTE: If you want to export more than one
profile, you must export them one at a time.
This screen provides two options for setting up the
Adapter.
Available Wireless Networks. (For most users.) Use this
option if you already have a network set up. The networks
available to this Adapter are listed on this screen. You
can choose one of these networks and click Connect
to connect to it. Click Refresh to update the Available
Wireless Networks list.
Advanced Setup. If your network is not listed on this screen,
select Advanced 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 and set up the Adapter
later.
Available Wireless Networks
The available networks are listed in the table on the
center of the screen by Wireless Network Name. Select
the wireless network you wish to connect to and click
Connect. (If you do not see your network listed, you can
click Refresh 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.
If you have wireless security enabled on your network, 1.
continue to step 2. If you don’t have wireless security
enabled, continue to step 3.
If your network has WEP, WPA Personal, or WPA2 2.
Personal wireless security enabled, then that security
screen appears. Continue to the screen for your
wireless security.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
Create a New Profile
The next screen is the Available Wireless Networks screen.
Available Wireless Networks
Dual Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
If you have WEP enabled, this screen appears. Select 64-bit
or 128-bit. Then enter a passphrase or WEP key.
WEP Security
6
Chapter 3
Configuration
Passphrase Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field,
so a WEP key is automatically generated. The passphrase
is case-sensitive and must be 16 or fewer alphanumeric
characters. It must match the passphrase of your other
wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys
wireless products only. (For non-Linksys wireless products,
enter the WEP key manually.)
WEP Key The WEP key must match the WEP key of your
wireless network. For 64-bit encryption, enter exactly 10
hexadecimal characters (“0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.) For 128bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.
Click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
WPA Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
If your network has the wireless security WPA Personal
enabled, this screen appears.
Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters
in the Pre-shared Key field.
Click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
After the profile installs, the 3. Congratulations screen
appears. 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.
WPA Personal Security
Encryption Select the type of algorithm you want to use,
TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.
Pre-shared Key Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters
in the Pre-shared Key field.
Click Connect and proceed to Step 3.
WPA2 Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
If your network has the wireless security WPA2 Personal
enabled, this screen appears.
WPA2 Security
Congratulations
Congratulations! The profile is successfully configured.
Advanced Setup
If your network is not listed with the available networks,
you can use Advanced Setup.
Available Wireless Networks
Click 1. Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless
Networks screen to set up the adapter manually.
The Wireless Network Monitor’s 2. Wireless Network
screen appears. Choose a network mode. Select 5GHz
+ 2.4GHz to connect to both 802.11a and 802.11n
networks. Select 5GHz to connect only to 802.11a
networks. Select 2.4GHz to connect only to 802.11n or
802.11g networks.
Dual Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
7
Chapter 3
Wireless Network
The 3. Network Settings screen appears.
Configuration
Select Ad-Hoc Mode if you want to connect to another
wireless device directly without using a wireless router
or access point. Enter the Wireless Network Name for
your network.
Wireless Mode
If your network has a router or other DHCP server, select
Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP).
If your network does not have a DHCP server or router,
select 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.
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.
– This is the wireless
Wireless Network Name
network name (SSID) that must be used for all
the devices in your wireless network. It is casesensitive and should be a unique name to help
prevent others from entering your network.
Click Next to continue, or click Back to return to the
previous screen.
If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 6 now. If 5.
you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
screen appears.
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 Next to continue, or click the Back button to
return to the previous screen.
The 4. Wireless Mode screen shows a choice of two
wireless modes. Select Infrastructure Mode if you
want to connect to a wireless router or access point.
Dual Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
Standard Channel – Select the correct channel for
your wireless network. The channel you choose
should match the channel set on the other devices
8
Loading...