LINKSYS WRE54G User Manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.

GHz

2.4

Model No.

802.11g

WIRELESS

WRE54G

Wireless-G

Range Expander

User Guide

Wireless-G Range Expander

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.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

How to Use this User Guide

The user guide to the Wireless-G Range Expander has been designed to make understanding networking with the Range Expander 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 Range Expander.

This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is something that could damage your property or the Range Expander.

This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Range Expander.

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.

WRE54G_V2-UG-50114NC JL

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Wireless-G Range Expander

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Welcome 1 What’s in this User 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 Range Expander 6

The Front Panel 6 The Side Panel 6 The Recess for the Power Plate 7

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander 8

Overview 8 Connection to a Wired Network for Setup 8 Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup 9 Connection for Auto Configuration 9

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander 10

Overview 10 Running the Setup Wizard 10 Moving the Range Expander 16

Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expander 17

Overview 17 Accessing the Web-based Utility 17 The Setup Tab 18

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 23

Common Problems and Solutions 23 Frequently Asked Questions 23

Appendix B: Wireless Security 27

Security Precautions 27 Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 27

Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 30

Wireless-G Range Expander

Appendix D: Windows Help 31 Appendix E: Glossary 32 Appendix F: Specifications 36 Appendix G: Warranty Information 37 Appendix H: Regulatory Information 38 Appendix I: Contact Information 40

Wireless-G Range Expander

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6 Figure 3-1: Front Panel with Ethernet Network Cable Connected 6 Figure 3-2: Recess for the Power Plate 7 Figure 4-1: Connecting the Ethernet Network Cable 8 Figure 4-2: Using the Power Plate with Cord 8 Figure 4-3: Using the Power Plate with Plug 8 Figure 4-4: Using the Power Plate with Cord 9 Figure 4-5: Using the Power Plate with Plug 9 Figure 5-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 10 Figure 5-2: Check Your Wireless Network 10 Figure 5-3: Confirm Wireless Network Settings 11 Figure 5-4: Wireless Network Not Found 11 Figure 5-5: Choose the Access Point 11 Figure 5-6: Configure Wireless Settings Manually 11 Figure 5-7: WEP Security Settings 12 Figure 5-8: WPA Security Settings 12 Figure 5-9: Choose the Range Expander 13 Figure 5-10: Enter the Password 13 Figure 5-11: Configure Network Address Settings 14 Figure 5-12: MAC Address of Access Point or Wireless Router (WRE54G v1 Only) 14 Figure 5-13: Confirmation Screen 15 Figure 5-14: Congratulations Screen 15 Figure 5-15: Using the Power Plate with Cord 16 Figure 5-16: Using the Power Plate with Plug 16 Figure 6-1: Login Screen 17 Figure 6-2: Setup Tab - Basic Setup 18 Figure 6-3: WPA Security 19

Wireless-G Range Expander

Figure 6-4: WEP Security 19 Figure 6-5: Setup Tab - Password 21 Figure 6-6: File Download 21 Figure 6-7: Setup Tab - Help 22 Figure 6-8: Firmware Upgrade 22 Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 30

Wireless-G Range Expander

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Range Expander. This Range Expander will allow you to expand your network beyond the range of your current access point or wireless router.

How does the Range Expander do this? Once on your network, the Range Expander repeats the signal to all devices within its range. By placing the Range Expander at the furthest edge of your access point or wireless router’s signal, it could conceivably double the area of your network.

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. While access points and wireless routers bridge wireless networks and wired networks, the Range Expander can then take that signal for networks that use the 802.11b and 802.11g standards and extend it beyond its current range.

Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Range Expander, set it up, and configure it to expand the range of your Wireless-G and Wireless-B networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Range Expander.

network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.

access point: a device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

router: a networking device that connects multiple networks together.

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, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with

802.11b devices.

Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome

Wireless-G Range Expander

What’s in this User Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Range Expander.

• Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Range Expander’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 Range Expander This chapter describes the physical features of the Range Expander.

• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander This chapter describes the steps for connecting the Range Expander to your wired or wireless network.

• Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Range Expander This chapter instructs you on how to use the Range Expander’s Setup Wizard and configure the Range Expander.

• Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expander This chapter shows you how to configure the Range Expander using the Web Utility.

• Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding installation and use of the Range Expander.

• 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 Range Expander’s technical specifications.

Chapter 1: Introduction What’s in this User Guide?

Wireless-G Range Expander

• Appendix F: Warranty Information This appendix supplies the Range Expander’s warranty information.

• Appendix G: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Range Expander’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?

Wireless-G Range Expander

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

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access point.

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

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.

Should 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

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.

Wireless-G Range Expander

Network Layout

Linksys Wireless-B and Wireless-G access points and 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 802.11g and 802.11b 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 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

Wireless-G Range Expander

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander

The Front Panel

The Range Expander's adjustable antenna, LEDs, and Ethernet network port are located on the front panel.

Antenna

Make sure the antenna is positioned straight up into the air, no matter how the Range Expander is positioned.

LEDs

LINK Blue/Red. The LINK LED lights up when the Range Expander is powered on. This LED will light

up blue when the Range Expander has connected to an access point or wireless router. It will light up red when the Range Expander is not connect to any access point or wireless router.

ACTIVITY Blue. The ACTIVITY LED lights up when the Range Expander is powered on. It will flash when

there is wireless network activity.

Ethernet Network Port

The Ethernet network port is located underneath the lid below the Range Expander’s LEDs. This port is used if you connect the Range Expander to a wired network for setup. The Ethernet network port has two small LEDs that light up green when the Range Expander is connected to a wired network.

The Side Panel

On the Range Expander's side panel, you will find the Reset and Auto configuration buttons.

Reset Button There are two ways to reset the Range Expander's factory defaults. Either press the Reset

Button, for approximately ten seconds, or restore the defaults from the Password tab in the

Range Expander's Web-based Utility.

Auto configuration The Auto configuration button can be used to easily connect the Range Expander to the

nearest wireless network, via an access point or wireless router . Simply connect the power and press the Auto configuration button. Your wireless network must have security disabled for this feature to function.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander The Front Panel

Figure 3-1: Front Panel

IMPORTANT: Resetting the Range Expander will

erase all of your wireless settings, including security settings, and replace them with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Range Expander if you want to retain these settings.

Figure 3-1: Front Panel with

Ethernet Network Cable Connected

Wireless-G Range Expander

The Recess for the Power Plate

The back of the Range Expander has a two-pronged recess where its power plates can be connected. Two power plates come with the Range Expander, one with two prongs for direct connection to a power outlet, and another with a cord to reach a power outlet.

Either of these power plate can be slid into the recess and is fully connected when the orange tab snaps into place. To remove the power plate, slide the tab to the right and slide out the power plate. Always unplug the Range Expander from the power outlet before removing the power plate.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander The Recess for the Power Plate

Figure 3-2: Recess for the Power Plate

Wireless-G Range Expander

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander

Overview

Linksys recommends that you connect the Range Expander to your wired network for setup. Proceed to the “Connection to a Wired Network for Setup” section.

If you want to configure the Range Expander using your wireless network, proceed to the “Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup” section if you have security enabled. Proceed to the “Connection for Auto Configuration” section if you have security disabled.

NOTE: The Auto configuration button can be used to set up the Range Expander if you have security

disabled on your wireless network. Proceed to the “Connection for Auto Configuration” section.

NOTE TO ADVANCED USERS:If you want to use the Web-based Utility to configure the Range Expander, then connect the Range Expander to your network. Open the web browser of a networked computer, and enter the Range Expander’s IP address, 192.168.1.240. Configure your network’s SSID, channel, and security settings on the Basic Setup screen. For more information, proceed to “Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expander.”

Figure 4-1: Connecting the

Ethernet Network Cable

Connection to a Wired Network for Setup

1. Flip up the lid covering the Ethernet network port on the Range Expander’s front panel.

2. Connect the included Ethernet network cable to the Ethernet network port of the Range Expander. Connect the other end of the network cable to an Ethernet network port on your network router.

3. Connect the appropriate power plate and connect it to a power outlet, preferably a surge protector.

Proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander.”

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview

Figure 4-2: Using the Power Plate

with Cord

Figure 4-3: Using the

Power Plate with Plug

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