Linksys WUSB54G User Manual
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
2.4
Model No.
GHz
802.11g
WIRELESS
WUSB54G
Wireless-G
USB Network Adapter
User Guide
Wireless-G USB Network 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 © 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
This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
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 Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.
This exclamation point means there is a Caution or warning and is something that
could damage your property or the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need
to do while using the Wireless-G USB Network 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 0-1: Sample Figure Description
Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the "List of Figures" section in the “Table of Contents”.
WUSB54Gv4-UG-50418NC BW
Wireless-G USB Network 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: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter 7
Starting the Setup Wizard 7
Connecting the Adapter 8
Setting Up the Adapter 9
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 24
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 24
Link Information Screens 24
Secure Easy Setup 27
Site Survey 29
Profiles 30
Creating a New Profile 31
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 46
Common Problems and Solutions 46
Frequently Asked Questions 47
Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration 50
Appendix C: Wireless Security 53
Security Precautions 53
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 53
Appendix D: Windows Help 56
Appendix E: Glossary 57
Appendix F: Specifications 64
Appendix G: Warranty Information 66
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 67
Appendix I: Contact Information 69
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7
Figure 4-3: The Connecting the Adapter Screen 8
Figure 4-4: Connecting the Adapter 8
Figure 4-5: The Adapter’s USB Port 8
Figure 4-6: Available Wireless Network 9
Figure 4-7: Available Wireless Network 10
Figure 4-8: Secure Easy Setup 10
Figure 4-9: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location 10
Figure 4-10: Secure Easy Setup Complete 11
Figure 4-11: Available Wireless Network 12
Figure 4-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection 12
Figure 4-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 13
Figure 4-14: PSK2 Needed for Connection 13
Figure 4-15: The Congratulations Screen 14
Figure 4-16: Available Wireless Network 15
Figure 4-17: Network Settings 15
Figure 4-18: Wireless Mode 16
Figure 4-19: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 16
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security 17
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - WEP 17
Figure 4-22: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 18
Figure 4-23: Wireless Security - PSK2 18
Figure 4-24: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 19
Figure 4-25: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 19
Figure 4-26: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 20
Figure 4-27: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 20
Figure 4-28: Wireless Security - LEAP - Windows XP and 2000 Users 21
Figure 4-29: Wireless Security - LEAP - Windows 98SE and ME Users 21
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Figure 4-30: Advanced Wireless Settings 22
Figure 4-31: Confirm New Settings 23
Figure 4-32: Congratulations 23
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 24
Figure 5-2: Link Information 24
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status 25
Figure 5-4: More Information - Wireless Network Statistics 26
Figure 5-5: The Secure Easy Setup Button 27
Figure 5-6: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location 27
Figure 5-7: Secure Easy Setup 27
Figure 5-8: Secure Easy Setup is Complete 28
Figure 5-9: Site Survey 29
Figure 5-10: WEP Key Needed for Connection 29
Figure 5-11: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 29
Figure 5-12: PSK2 Needed for Connection 30
Figure 5-13: Profiles 30
Figure 5-14: Import a Profile 30
Figure 5-15: Export a Profile 31
Figure 5-16: Create a New Profile 31
Figure 5-17: Available Wireless Network 31
Figure 5-18: Available Wireless Network 32
Figure 5-19: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location 32
Figure 5-20: Secure Easy Setup 32
Figure 5-21: Secure Easy Setup Complete 33
Figure 5-22: Available Wireless Network 34
Figure 5-23: WEP Key Needed for Connection 34
Figure 5-24: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 35
Figure 5-25: PSK2 Needed for Connection 35
Figure 5-26: The Congratulations Screen 36
Figure 5-27: Available Wireless Network 36
Figure 5-28: Network Settings 37
Figure 5-29: Wireless Mode 37
Figure 5-30: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 38
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Figure 5-31: Wireless Security 38
Figure 5-32: Wireless Security - WEP 39
Figure 5-33: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 40
Figure 5-34: Wireless Security - PSK2 40
Figure 5-35: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 41
Figure 5-36: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 41
Figure 5-37: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 42
Figure 5-38: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 42
Figure 5-39: LEAP - Windows XP and 2000 43
Figure 5-40: LEAP - Windows 98SE and ME 43
Figure 5-41: Advanced Wireless Settings 44
Figure 5-42: Confirm New Settings 45
Figure 5-43: The Congratulations Screen 45
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 50
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 50
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon 50
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 51
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 51
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 52
Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 52
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. 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. Connecting to your PC via the USB port means that this Adapter leaves the PC’s
slots open for other purposes. This adapter communicates over the 802.11g wireless standard, one of the newest
wireless standards, to communicate with 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.
And now, with Secure Easy Setup, setting up your network and your Wireless-G USB Network Adapter is easier
than ever.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Adapter, set it up, and configure it for your network.
These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
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.
802.11g: 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
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Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G USB Network 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: Setting Up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
This chapter shows you how to setup and connect the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: 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: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration
This appendix describes how Windows XP users can use Window’s built-in wireless configuration to monitor
their Adapter.
• Appendix C: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
• Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
2
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.
• Appendix I: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
3
Wireless-G USB Network 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.
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.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peerto-peer) without the use of an access point
access point: device that allows wirelessequipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network.
infrastructure: Configuration in which a
wireless network 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.
ssid: your wireless network’s name
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
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Wireless-G USB Network 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.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
switch: device that is the central point of connection for
computers and other devices in a network, so data can
be shared at full transmission speeds.
router: a networking device that connects multiple networks
together, such as a local network and the Internet.
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Layout
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Wireless-G USB Network 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 USB Network Adapter
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
The USB Network Adapter is set up with the Setup Wizard that comes on the CD enclosed with the Adapter. This
chapter will guide you through the setup procedure.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to
do so or the setup will not work.
Starting the Setup Wizard
To begin the setup process, 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 this User Guide.
Exit - Click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
1. To install the Adapter, click the Click Here to Start button on the Welcome screen.
2. After reading the License Agreement, click Next if you agree and want to continue the installation, or click
Cancel to end the installation.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Starting the Setup Wizard
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
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Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
3. Windows will begin copying the files onto your PC.
4. The Setup Wizard will now prompt you to connect the Adapter to your PC’s USB port. Once you’ve connect,
click Next.
5. Windows 98SE and ME users will need to restart their PCs.
Connecting the Adapter
1. Connect one end of the included USB cable to the Adapter’s USB port.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to one of the USB ports on your computer.
Figure 4-3: The Connecting the Adapter Screen
3. The Power LED should light up when the Adapter is plugged in.
4. Raise the antenna. Make sure the antenna points straight up into the air, at a 90º angle from the Adapter. This
will ensure optimum wireless operating range and performance.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Connecting the Adapter
Figure 4-4: Connecting the Adapter
Figure 4-5: The Adapter’s USB Port
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Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Network screen.
This screen provides three options for setting up the Adapter
• Secure Easy Setup. This Adapter features Secure Easy Setup. This means that you can set it up with just the
press of a button when connecting to wireless routers or access points that also feature Secure Easy Setup.
Both devices on the network must feature Secure Easy Setup for this to work.
• Available Wireless Network. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up with
devices that do not have Secure Easy Setup. The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this
screen. You can choose one of these networks and click the Connect button to connect to it. Click the
Refresh button to update the Available Wireless Network list.
• Manual Setup. If you are not taking advantage of Secure Easy Setup and your network is not listed on this
screen, select Manual 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.
Figure 4-6: Available Wireless Network
Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
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Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Secure Easy Setup
With Secure Easy Setup, setting up the Adapter is as simple as pushing a couple of buttons. Before you press any
buttons, though, you should locate the Secure Easy Setup button on the device you’re connecting the Adapter to,
such as a wireless router or access point.
1. Starting from the Available Wireless Network screen, click the Secure Easy Setup button on the right hand
side.
2. You will be asked to locate the Secure Easy Setup button on the device with which the Adapter will be
communicating. If you are not sure where to find this button, click Where can I find the button?.
This will walk you through a couple of screens to help you find the button, which is usually located on the
front of the wireless router or access point.
Figure 4-7: Available Wireless Network
Figure 4-9: The Secure Easy Setup Logo and Location
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 4-8: Secure Easy Setup
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Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
3. Press the Cisco logo or Secure Easy Setup button on the wireless router or access point. When it turns white
and begins to flash, click the Next button on the Setup Wizard screen. The logo or button will stop flashing on
the wireless router or access point when the Adapter has been successfully added to the network. Repeat
this procedure for any additional Secure Easy Setup device.
NOTE: You can only add one Secure Easy Setup device at a time.
4. When Secure Easy Setup is complete, you may save your configuration to a text file by clicking the Save
button, or print the configuration by clicking the Print button. Click Connect to Network to connect to your
network.
Congratulations! Setup is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, refer to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Figure 4-10: Secure Easy Setup Complete
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
11
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks
If you’re not setting up the Adapter with Secure Easy Setup, another method for setting up the Adapter is with the
available networks listed on the Available Wireless Network screen. The available networks are listed in the table
on the center of the screen by SSID. Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click the Connect
button. (If you do not see your network listed, you can click the Refresh button 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.
1. If wireless security has been enabled on this network, you will see a wireless security screen. If your network
utilizes WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, the WEP Key Needed for Connection screen will appear. If
your network utilizes WPA-Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption, the WPA-Personal Needed for
Connection screen will appear. If your network utilizes PSK2 (Pre-Shared Key 2) encryption, the PSK2 Needed
for Connection screen will appear.
WEP Key Needed for Connection
Select 64-bit or 128-bit.
Figure 4-11: Available Wireless Network
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.
Then, enter a passphrase or WEP key.
Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. The
passphrase is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. It 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. For 64-bit encryption,
enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. For 128-bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.
Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 4-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection
wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network
data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.
12
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down
menu.
Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
PSK2 Needed for Connection
Figure 4-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Enter a Passphrase of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 4-14: PSK2 Needed for Connection
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Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
2. After the Adapter has been configured for the network, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Connect
to Network to connect to your network.
Congratulations! Setup is complete.
To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, refer to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Figure 4-15: The Congratulations Screen
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
14
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup
If you are not taking advantage of Secure Easy Setup and your network is not listed with the available networks,
click Manual Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the adapter manually.
1. After clicking Manual Setup, the Network Settings screen will appear. If your network has a router or other
DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP).
If your network does not have a DHCP server, click the radio button next to 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.
Default Gateway - Enter the IP address of your network’s Gateway here.
Figure 4-16: Available Wireless Network
DNS 1 and DNS 2 - Enter the DNS address of your wired Ethernet network here.
Click Next to continue, or click Back to return to the Available Wireless Network screen.
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
Figure 4-17: Network Settings
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Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
2. The Wireless Mode screen shows a choice of two wireless modes. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio
button if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you
want to connect to another wireless device directly without using a wireless router or access point. Then,
enter the SSID for your network.
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.
SSID - This is the wireless network name that must be used for all the devices in your wireless network. It is
case- sensitive and should be a unique name to help prevent others from entering your network.
Click Next to continue or Back to return to the previous screen.
3. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 4 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
screen will appear.
Select the correct Channel for your wireless network. 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, keep the default
setting.
Then, select the Network Mode in which your wireless network will operate. In Mixed Mode, Wireless-B and
Wireless-G devices can both operate on the network, though at a slower speed. In G-Only Mode, no Wireless-
B devices can operate in the network.
Click Next to continue or click Back to change any settings.
Figure 4-18: Wireless Mode
Figure 4-19: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Network Adapter
Setting Up the Adapter
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