LINKSYS WRE54GV3 User Manual
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A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. |
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2.4802GHz.11g Wireless-G |
User Guide |
Range Expander |
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WIRELESS |
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Model No. WRE54G |
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Wireless-G Range Expander
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.
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
Wireless-G Range Expander
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction |
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Welcome |
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What’s in this User Guide? |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Figure 3-1: Front Panel with Ethernet Network Cable Connected |
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Figure 3-2: Recess for the Power Plate |
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Figure 4-1: Connecting the Ethernet Network Cable |
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Figure 4-2: Using the Power Plate with Cord |
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Figure 4-3: Using the Power Plate with Plug |
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Figure 4-4: Using the Power Plate with Cord |
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Figure 4-5: Using the Power Plate with Plug |
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Figure 5-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen |
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Figure 5-2: Check Your Wireless Network |
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Figure 5-3: Confirm Wireless Network Settings |
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Figure 5-4: Wireless Network Not Found |
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Figure 5-5: Choose the Access Point |
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Figure 5-6: Configure Wireless Settings Manually |
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Figure 5-7: WEP Security Settings |
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Figure 5-8: WPA Security Settings |
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Figure 5-9: Choose the Range Expander |
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Figure 5-10: Enter the Password |
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Figure 5-11: Configure Network Address Settings |
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Figure 5-12: MAC Address of Access Point or Wireless Router |
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(WRE54G v1 Only) |
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Figure 5-13: Confirmation Screen |
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Figure 5-14: Congratulations Screen |
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Figure 5-15: Using the Power Plate with Cord |
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Figure 5-16: Using the Power Plate with Plug |
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Figure 6-1: Login Screen |
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Figure 6-2: Setup Tab - Basic Setup |
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Figure 6-3: WPA Security |
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Wireless-G Range Expander |
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Figure 6-4: WEP Security |
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Figure 6-5: Setup Tab - Password |
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Figure 6-6: File Download |
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Figure 6-7: Setup Tab - Help |
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Figure 6-8: Firmware Upgrade |
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Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware |
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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.
Chapter 1: Introduction
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.
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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 |
2 |
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 |
3 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network |
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Network Topology
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 |
5 |
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 |
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up blue when the Range Expander has connected to an access point or wireless router. It will |
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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 |
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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 |
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you connect the Range Expander to a wired network for setup. The Ethernet network port has two small LEDs |
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that light up green when the Range Expander is connected to a wired network. |
Figure 3-1: Front Panel |
Figure 3-1: Front Panel with |
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Ethernet Network Cable Connected |
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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
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.
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The Front Panel
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.
Figure 3-2: Recess for the Power Plate
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander |
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The 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.”
Connection to a Wired Network for Setup
Figure 4-1: Connecting the
Ethernet Network Cable
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.”
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Figure 4-3: Using the |
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Power Plate with Plug |
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Figure 4-2: Using the Power Plate |
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander |
with Cord |
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Overview
Wireless-G Range Expander
Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup
Linksys recommends that you have the Range Expander in the same room as your access point or wireless router during setup.
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.”
Connection for Auto Configuration
Linksys recommends that you have the Range Expander in the same room as your access point or wireless router during setup.
1.Connect the appropriate power plate and connect it to a power outlet, preferably a surge protector.
2.Press the Range Expander’s Auto configuration button for five seconds. The Range Expander will then automatically detect your wireless network and configure itself with those settings.
4.To move the Range Expander, unplug the power plate from the power outlet.
5.Locate an optimum location for the Range Expander. The best placement is usually at the edge of your wireless network.
Figure 4-4: Using the Power Plate
with Cord
6.Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position that will best cover your wireless network. Normally, the higher you place the Range Expander’s antenna, the better its performance will be. Its receiving sensitivity can be enhanced by proper Proper positioning of the antenna should enhance its receiving sensitivity.
3. Connect the power plate to a power outlet, preferably a surge protector.
Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-G Range Expander is complete.
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander
Figure 4-5: Using the Power Plate with Plug
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Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup
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