LINKSYS WUSB54GCV2 User Manual

USER GUIDE

11G USB Wireless Adapter

WUSB54GC V2

About This Guide

Icon Descriptions

W

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cates that there is

should

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hy

ebsite address or e-ma

address.

s

address because most current web

dd

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.

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l

y

y

y

y

h

.

hile reading through the User Guide you may see

various icons that call attention to specific items. Below is

description of these icons

NOTE: This check mark indi

a note of interest and is something that you

pay special attention to while using the

roduct

WARNING: This exclamation point indicates

that there is a caution or warning and it is

omething that could damage your property or

product

About This Guide

WEB: This globe icon indicates a notewort

w

il

nline Resource

ebsite addresses in this document are listed without
ttp:// in front of the
rowsers do not require it. If you use an older web browser,

ou may have to a

Resource Website

inksys www.linksys.co

inksys Internationalwww.linksys.com/internationa

Glossar

etwork Securit

ttp://in front of the web address

www.linksys.com/glossar

www.linksys.com/securit

Copyright and Trademarks

inksys, Cisco and the Cisco Logo are

registered trademarks or trademarks

f Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its

affiliates in the U.S. and certain other

ountries. Copyright © 2008 Cisco

Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

er brands and product names are

Ot
trademarks or registered trademarks

f their respective holders

i

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3

LEDs ......................................................3

Chapter 2: Wireless Security Checklist 4

General Network Security Guidelines .................................4

Additional Security Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 3: Advanced Conguration 5

How to Access the Wireless Network Monitor............................ 5

How to Use the Wireless Network Monitor.............................. 5

Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Proles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 17

Appendix B: Wi-Fi Protected Setup 18

Appendix C: Specications 20

Appendix D: Warranty Information 21

Limited Warranty..............................................21

Appendix E: Regulatory Information 23

FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Safety Notices................................................23

Wireless Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Declaration of Conformity with Regard to EU Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE Directive) . .24

Wireless Equipment (Wireless-N/G/A/B Products) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

CE Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

National Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Product Usage Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Technical Documents on www.linksys.com/international . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste

Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) ..............................27

Appendix F: Software License Agreement 31

Software in Linksys Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Software Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

ii

Chapter 1

T

easier than ever.

y.

apter 1:

roduct Overview

hank you for choosing the Compact Wireless-G USB

dapter. The Adapter connects to your PC via a USB port,

leaving your PC’s slots available for other purposes. The

dapter also lets you connect with any of the growing
umber of wireless hotspots in public places such as

coffee shops, airports, hotels and convention centers. With
this Adapter, your wireless networking experience can be

r and

LEDs

Product Overview

Link

Green) The LED flashes when there is

ireless network activit

3

Chapter 2

t

uders than a traditiona

.

g

d

.

s

.

.

s

.

T

.

g

o

ess

Wireless Security Checklist

apter 2:

Wireless Security Checklis

ireless networks are convenient and easy to install, so

homes with high-speed Internet access are adopting them

t a rapid pace. Because wireless networking operates by
sending information over radio waves, it can be more
vulnerable to intr
Like signals from your cellular or cordless phones, signals

rom 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

ireless devices have a default wireless network name

or Service Set Identifier (SSID) set by the factory. This

s the name of your wireless network, and can be up

to 32 characters in length. Linksys wireless products

inksys as the default wireless network name. You

should change the wireless network name to somethin

nique to distinguish your wireless network from other

wireless networks that may exist around you, but do not

se personal information (such as your Social Security
umber) because this information may be available for

nyone to see when browsing for wireless networks.

2. Change the default password

For wireless products such as access points, routers, an
gateways, you will be asked for a password when you
want to change their settings. These devices have a default

assword set by the factory. The Linksys default password

min. Hackers know these defaults and may try to
se them to access your wireless device and change your
etwork settings. To thwart any unauthorized changes,

customize the device’s password so it will be hard to
guess.

l wired network

4. Enable encryption

Encryption protects data transmitted over a wireless

etwork. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) and Wired

Equivalency Privacy (WEP) offer different levels of security

or wireless communication

network encrypted with WPA/WPA2 is more secure

than a network encrypted with WEP, because WPA/WPA2

ses dynamic key encryption. To protect the information

s it passes over the airwaves, you should enable the
highest level of encryption supported by your network
equipment.

EP is an older encryption standard and may be the
only option available on some older devices that do not
support WPA.

General Network Security Guideline

ireless network security is useless if the underlying

etwork is not secure.

Password protect all computers on the network and

ndividually 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

ay open file sharing without your consent and/or

knowledge.

Additional Security Tip

Keep wireless routers, access points, or gateways away

rom exterior walls and windows

urn 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

n length. Combine letters and numbers to avoid usin

standard words that can be found in the dictionary.

3. Enable MAC address filtering

Linksys routers and gateways give you the ability to
enable Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering. The
MAC address is a unique series of numbers and letters

ssigned to every networking device. With MAC address

iltering 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

ccess your wireless network.

WEB: F

ecurity, visit www.linksys.com/security

r more information on wirel

4

Chapter 3

.

.

r

y.

.

T

reen

additional status

b.

The

n

f

.

l

.

reen.

p

d

lable on all WUSB54GC

us

The

ess Netwo

Status

.

ess Netwo

Status

ess network.

V2 models.

apter 3:

dvanced Configuration

dvanced configuration is performed through the Wireless

Network Monitor (the Monitor). Use it to check the status

nformation, search for available wireless networks, or
create profiles that hold different configuration settings

Diagnostics is performed through the Diagnostic utility.
Use it to detect the Adapter, test the driver and Monitor,

nd troubleshoot if needed

How to Access the Wireless Network

onito

Advanced Configuration

ter installing the Adapter, the Monitor icon appears in
the system tray of your computer. If the Monitor is enabled,
the icon is green. If the Monitor is disabled or the Adapter

s not inserted, the icon is gra

ireless Network Monitor Icon

Double-click the icon to open the Monitor

How to Use the Wireless Network Monitor

he opening screen of the Monitor is the

From this screen, you can find out how strong the current

ireless signal is and how good the connection’s quality

s.

lick More Information to view

nformation about the current connection. To search for

vailable wireless networks, click the

erform configuration changes or create connection
rofiles, click the

rofiles ta

tatus

c

onnect tab. To

tatus

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates signa

strength.

Link Quality The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of

the wireless network connection

More Information

dditional information about the wireless network

connection on the

Wi-Fi Protected Setup

utton

Protected Setup. Proceed to Appendix B, “Wi-Fi Protecte

etup”.

.

o connect to a router that supports Wi-Fi

NOTE: The Wi-Fi Protected Setup feature is not

vai

lickMore Information to view

ireless Network Status sc

lick theWi-Fi Protected Setu

Wireless Network Stat

Wirel

on your current network settings

rk

screen provides information

nd link quality information about the current connection.

Clickore Informatio

screen displays network mode, signal strength,

or additional status information

Wirel

Wireless Network Name This is the unique name (SSID)

f the wirel

rk

5

Chapter 3

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

ess netwo

ection.

reen

to return to the initial

.

.

Th

.

ess Netwo

Statistics

data transmissio

ate of

)

.

.

.

.

.

.

ess netwo

ection.

k

to return to the initial

ck

eless Network Status

.

ly

ckfresh

Advanced Configuration

Wireless ModeThis is the mode of the wireless network

currently in use

Standard Channel This is the channel used by your

wireless network

SecurityThis is the status of the wireless security feature.

Authentication This is your wireless network’s

uthentication 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

MAC AddressThis is the MAC address of the wireless

etwork’s wireless router or access point

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates the

signal strength.

Link Quality The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of

he wirel

Statistics

tatistics sc

Back

Save to Profile

lick

ctive connection settings to a profile

rk conn

lickStatisticsto go to the Wireless Network

.

reen

lickSave to Profile to save the currently

Wireless Network Statistics

e Wireless Networks Statisticsscreen provides statistics

on your current network settings

Receive RateThis is the rate that the Adapter receives

Packets ReceivedThis shows the packets that the

dapter receives, in real time, after connecting to the

wireless network or after clicking Refresh

Packets Transmitted This shows the packets that the

dapter transmits, in real time, after connecting to the

wireless network or after clicking Refresh

Bytes Received This shows the bytes that the Adapter

eceives, in real time, after connecting to the wireless

etwork or after clicking Refresh

Bytes Transmitted This shows the bytes that the Adapter

transmits, in real time, after connecting to the wireless

etwork or after clicking Refresh

Driver Version This shows the Adapter’s driver version

Signal Strength This is the intensity of the wireless signal

that the Adapter receives

Transmit PowerThis is the power output at which the

apter transmits.

Signal Strength The Signal Strength bar indicates the

signal strength.

Link Quality The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of

he wirel

Back Clic

Status

reen

Save to Profile ClickSave to Profileto save the current

ctive connection settings to a profile.

Refresh

i

li

rk conn

Statuscreen.

to go to the Wir

to update the statistics.

Transmit Rate This is the

the current connection. (In Auto mode, the Adapter
dynamically shifts to the fastest data transmission rate at

ny given time.

irel

rk

n r

6

Chapter 3

t

Th

t

screen displays a list of available networks

table.

table shows eac

ess

.

ect

ess network.

)

k.

p

d

ckres

.

,

ect

y

sable

ble

d

:

y

sh

s

k.

d

.

V2 models.

V2 models.

Advanced Configuration

Connec

e

onnec

n the

etwork name, radio band, signal strength, and security

ethod. You may click the column heading (Wireless
Network Name, GHz, Signal strength, or Security method)
to sort by that field

The

h network’s wirel

nn

Wireless Security Disable

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is

isabled, then you will view this screen

lick Connect Anyway

Clickonnect Anywa

lick

Fini

Wireless Network Name This is the SSID or unique name

f the wirel

GHz This is the radio band used on the network. The

umber 2.4 indicates Wireless-B, -G, or -N (2.4 GHz).
(TBD - Is this
still displayed? Not needed since only band is 2.4 GHz

Signal This is the percentage of signal strength, from 0

to 100%.

SecurityThis is the security method used by the

wor

Wi-Fi Protected Setup

utton
Protected Setup. Proceed to Appendix B, “Wi-Fi Protecte

etup”.

Refresh

wireless devices

Connect To connect to one of the networks on the list

select the wireless network, and click

o connect to a router that supports Wi-Fi

NOTE: The Wi-Fi Protected Setup feature is not

vailable on all WUSB54GC

li

lick theWi-Fi Protected Setu

h to perform a new search for

nn

Congratulation

Congratulations! The Adapter is connected to the networ

Wireless Security Enable

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is
enabled, then you will view one of three screens

Proceed to the appropriate instructions below for the
type of wireless security that the network is using:

A2, WPA, or WEP.

NOTE: The Wi-Fi Protected Setup feature is not

available on all WUSB54GC

Proceed to the appropriate section,
Di

Ena

Wireless Securit

7

Chapter 3

)

reen appears

.

T

l

l

)

reen appears.

y

.

T

ect

l

)

y

y.

T

lly.)

ly

adecimal characters. Fo

T

l

cel

h

s

.

Advanced Configuration

PA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2

If the network uses WPA2 Personal security, then the

WPA2-Personal Key Needed for Connection

PA2-Personal Security

Passphrase

nter the network’s Passphrase (also

c

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters

o connect to the network, click

onnect. To cance

the connection, click Cance

PA (Wi-Fi Protected Access

If the network uses WPA Personal security, then the

ersonal Key Needed for Connection sc

EP (Wired Equivalent Privacy

If the network uses WEP encryption, then the

.

r Passphrase Needed for Connection

WEP Securit

Passphrase

nter the Passphrase or WEP ke

creen appears.

EP Key

he passphrase is case-sensitive and must be 16 or

ewer alphanumeric characters. It must match the

assphrase of your other wireless network devices
nd is compatible with Linksys wireless products only.

(For non-Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key

anua

If you enter the network’s WEP key, enter the

ropriate number of hexadecimal characters (“0” to

9” and “A” to “F”). For 64-bit encryption, enter exact

hex

r 128-

it encryption,

enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.

PA-Personal Securit

Passphrase

nter the network’s Passphrase (also

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters

o connect to the network, click

nn

the connection, click Cance

To cancel

o connect to the network, click

the connection, click

n

onnect. To cance

ClickFinis

Congratulation

ongratulations! The Adapter is connected to

he network

8

Chapter 3

Th

.

s

.

ess network.

n

:

ode of the

ess network

.

ess network.

y.

.

ck

.

t

e

.

Th

reen

T

.

s

oose one of these networks and click

ect

ect to it. Click

esh

p

y.

T

.

The available networks are

sted

table on the cente

ect

esh

y

.

Advanced Configuration

Profiles

e

rofiles screen lets you save different configuration

rofiles for different network setups. The table on the left
displays a list of available profiles with their profile names

nd wireless network names

rofile

ProfileThis is the name of the profile

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

reate a New Profile

e next screen is the Available Wireless Networks sc

.

Wireless Network Name This is the SSID or unique

me of the wirel

Profile Informatio

For each profile selected, the following are listed

Wireless Mode This is the m

currently in use

Standard Channel This is the channel used by your

wirel

SecurityThis is the status of the wireless securit

Authentication This is the authentication setting for the

work

IP Address This is the method used by the network to

ssign IP addresses.

Connect To connect to a wireless network using a

specific profile, select the profile, and click

New

section, “Create a New Profile,” for instructions

Edit

Edi

Import

i

w to create a new profile. See the next

elect the profile you want to change and click

lickImport to import a profile that is saved in

nother location. Select the appropriate file, and click

pen

wirel

onnect

vailable Wireless Networks

his screen provides two options for setting up the

apter

Available Wireless Networks (For most users)

option if you already have a network set up. The networks

vailable to this Adapter are listed on this screen. You

n ch
conn
ireless Networks list.

Advanced Setup

screen, select Advanced Setu

anually. This method is for advanced users onl

he setup for each option is described, step by step, under

the appropriate heading on the following pages

fr

to update the Available

your network is not listed on this

to set up the Adapter

thi

nn

Available Wireless Networks

li

in the

of the screen by Wireless Network Name. Select the wireless

etwork you wish to connect to and click

do not see your network listed, click

ist up again.)

Proceed to the appropriate section,
Disabled” or “Wireless Security Enabled”

nn

fr

to bring the

Wireless Securit

r

. (If you

Export Select the profile you want to save in a different

ocation, and click

ppropriate folder, and click

xport Direct Windows to the

v

9

Chapter 3

d

:

y

sh

s

k.

d

.

y

.

T

ect

cel

cel

)

n

scree

.

y

.

T

ect

cel

Advanced Configuration

Wireless Security Disable

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is

isabled, then you will view this screen

lick Connect Anyway

Clickonnect Anywa

lick

Fini

PA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)

If the network uses WPA2 Personal security, then
thePA2-Personal Key Needed for Connection screen

PA2-Personal Securit

Passphrase

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters

o connect to the network, click

the connection, click

nter the network’s Passphrase (also

nn

To can

n

Congratulation

ongratulations! The Adapter is connected to

networ

Wireless Security Enable

If you connect to a network whose wireless security is
enabled, then you will view one of three screens

Proceed to the appropriate instructions below for the
type of wireless security that the network is using:

PA 2, WPA, or WEP.

PA (Wi-Fi Protected Access

If the network uses WPA Personal security, then

hePA-Personal Key Needed for Connectio

ears

PA-Personal Securit

Passphrase

called a pre-shared key) of 8-63 characters

o connect to the network, click

the connection, click

nter the network’s Passphrase (also

nn

To cancel

n

n

10

Chapter 3

)

y

y.

T

y

lly.)

ly

adecimal characters. Fo

T

ect

cel

cel

k2.

h

s

.

p

ess Networks

p

on the

lable

eless

.

Th

.

ess Netwo

)

ect

.

.

Advanced Configuration

EP (Wired Equivalent Privacy

If the network uses WEP encryption, then the

r Passphrase Needed for Connection

WEP Securit

Passphrase

nter the Passphrase or WEP ke

creen appears.

EP Key

he passphrase is case-sensitive and must be 16 or

ewer alphanumeric characters. It must match the

assphrase of your other wireless network devices

nd is compatible with Linksys wireless products only.

(For non-Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP ke

anua

Advanced Setu

If your network is not listed with the available networks,

se Advanced Setup.

vailable Wirel

ickAdvanced Setu

Networksscreen to set up the Adapter manually

e 2

etwork Settings screen appears.

Avai

Wir

If you enter the network’s WEP key, enter the

ropriate number of hexadecimal characters (“0” to

9” and “A” to “F”). For 64-bit encryption, enter exact

hex

r 128-

it encryption,

enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.

o connect to the network, click

the connection, click

Clic

Finis

n

Congratulation

nn

To can

irel

rk

If your network has a router or other DHCP server, select

btain network settings automatically (DHCP

If your network does not have a DHCP server or router,

l

Specify network settings. Enter an IP Address,
ubnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS addresses
ppropriate for your network. You must specify the

IP Address and Subnet Mask on this screen. If you are

nsure about the Default Gateway and DNS addresses,

leave these fields blank.

IP Address

This IP Address must be unique to

our network

ongratulations! The Adapter is connected to

Subnet Mask

he network

the same as your wired network’s Subnet Mask

The Adapter’s Subnet Mask must be

11

Chapter 3

.

to return to the

.

.

.

eless network

d

.

to return to the

.

.

,

.

uto

to return to the

.

.

y

Advanced Configuration

Default Gateway

Enter the IP address of your

network’s Gat eway.

DNS 1 and DNS 2

Enter the DNS address of your

wired Ethernet network

Clickext to continue, or click
previous screen.

The

Wireless Mode screen shows a choice of two

wireless modes

If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to step 5 now.
If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
screen appears

NOTE:The Adapter only supports Ad-Hoc Mode

for 2.4 GHz networks: Wireless-B, Wireless-G

and Wireless-N (using 2.4 GHz)

Ad-Hoc Mode Settings

ireless Mode

Infrastructure Mode

Select this mode if you want

to connect to a wireless router or access point

Ad-Hoc Mode

Select this mode if you want to

onnect to another wireless device directly without

using a wireless router or access point

Wireless Network Name

nter a wir

ame (SSID) that must be used for all devices in

our wireless network. It is case-sensitive an

should be a unique name to help prevent others

rom entering your network

Clickext to continue, or click

revious screen

Standard Channel

elect the correct channel

or your wireless network. If you are unsure about

hich channel to use, keep the default, A

lick Next to continue, or click
revious screen

If your wireless network does not have wireless security,
select

isable and then click Next to continue. Proceed

o step 6

Wireless Securit

If your wireless network has wireless security, select
the method of security used: WEP, WPA Personal,

PA2 Personal, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Enterprise, or

RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and

PA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA2 stands

12