Linksys WUSB54GSC Owner's Manual

2.4

GHz

802.11g

Compact

Wireless-G

WIRELESS

Model No.

USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

WUSB54GSC (EU/LA)

User Guide

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

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 © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

How to Use this User Guide

This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Compact Wireless-G USB 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 Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.

This exclamation point means there is a Caution or warning and is something that could damage your property or the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.

This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Compact Wireless-G USB 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 numbers and descriptions can also be found in the "List of Figures" section in the “Table of Contents”.

WUSB54GSC-UG-EU/LA-60726 NC DF

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

Chapter 1: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 2

The LED Indicators 2

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter 3

Starting the Setup Wizard 3 Creating a Profile 5 Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup 6 Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks 7 Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup 10

Chapter 3: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 17

Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 17 Link Information Screens 17 Site Survey 20 Profiles 21 Creating a New Profile 22

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 23

Common Problems and Solutions 23 Frequently Asked Questions 24

Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration 27 Appendix C: Wireless Security 30

Security Precautions 30 Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 30

Appendix D: Windows Help 33 Appendix E: Glossary 34 Appendix F: Specifications 39 Appendix G: Warranty Information 41 Appendix H: Regulatory Information 42 Appendix I: Contact Information 56

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

Chapter 1: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter

The LED Indicators

The Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.

Figure 1-1: Front Panel

Link Green. The Link LED flashes when there is network activity.

Chapter 1: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter The LED Indicators

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

The USB 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).

If asked to choose a language, do so and click Next.

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 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Starting the Setup Wizard

Figure 2-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen

Figure 2-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

3. The necessary files will be installed onto your PC.

4. The Setup Wizard will now prompt you to connect the Adapter to your PC’s USB port. Connect the Adapter’s connector to one of the USB ports on your computer. Once you’ve connected, click Next.

Figure 2-3: Installing files

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Starting the Setup Wizard

Figure 2-4: The Connecting the Adapter Screen

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

Creating a Profile

This Adapter features SecureEasySetup. 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 SecureEasySetup. Both devices on the network must feature SecureEasySetup for this to work.

• Use SecureEasySetup. Use this option if you have a device on your network that supports SecureEasySetup.

• Skip. This option is used for networks with devices that do not have SecureEasySetup.

Available Wireless Network

The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this screen.

• Refresh. Use this button to update the Available Wireless Network list.

• Connect. You can select one of the available networks and click the Connect button to connect to it.

• Manual Setup. Select this option to set up the adapter manually if you are not using SecureEasySetup and your network is not listed in the Available Wireless Network list.

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, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.

Figure 2-5: Creating a Profile

Figure 2-6: Available Wireless Network

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Creating a Profile

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup

With SecureEasySetup, setting up the Adapter is as simple as pushing a couple of buttons. Before you press any buttons, you should locate the SecureEasySetup button on the device you’re connecting the Adapter to, such as a wireless router or access point.

NOTE: Your wireless router or access point must have Wireless SSID broadcast set to enable.

1. Press the Cisco logo or SecureEasySetup button on the wireless router or access point and wait until it turns white and begins to flash.

NOTE: You can only add one SecureEasySetup device at a time.

2. Click the SecureEasySetup button (circle with the lock) 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 SecureEasySetup device.

3. When SecureEasySetup 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 3: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.

Figure 2-7: SecureEasySetup

Figure 2-8: Searching for Wireless Network

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup

Figure 2-9: SecureEasySetup Complete

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks

If you’re not setting up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup, 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.

1. 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 selected network doesn’t utilize wireless security, you will be taken directly to the Congratulations

screen. Click Connect to Network to connect to your network and configuration is complete.

• If the network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter. Proceed to the

next step below.

Figure 2-10: Available Wireless Network

encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.

2. If wireless security has been enabled on this network, you will see a Secured Wireless Network message. Click Continue and the appropriate connection screen will appear. 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 WPA2-Personal encryption, the WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection screen will appear.

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks

Figure 2-11: Secured Wireless Network Message

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

WEP Key Needed for Connection

Select 64-bit or 128-bit.

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 1- 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.

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.

Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

Figure 2-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection

wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.

Figure 2-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

WPA2-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.

3. After the Adapter has been configured for the network, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Connect

to Network to connect to your network.

Figure 2-14: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection

Congratulations! Setup is complete.

To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration

changes, refer to Chapter 3: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks

Figure 2-15: The Congratulations Screen

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

If you are not taking advantage of SecureEasySetup 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 option 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 2-16: 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 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

Figure 2-17: Network Settings

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

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 2-18: Wireless Mode

Figure 2-19: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

4. The Wireless Security screen will appear. This step will configure wireless security.

If your wireless network doesn’t use wireless security, select Disabled and then click the Next button to continue. Proceed to Step 5.

Select WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or Radius for the Encryption Method. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) Personal is a security standard stronger than WEP encryption, WPA2-Personal is a newer security standard stronger than WPA-Personal, RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service and is utilized by WPA Enterprise as well. If you don’t want to use encryption, select Disabled.

Then, click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

WEP

WEP - To use WEP encryption, select 64-bits or 128-bit characters from the drop-down menu, and enter a passphrase or key.

WEP Key- The WEP key you enter must match the WEP key of your wireless network. If you are using 64-bit WEP encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 128-bit WEP encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.

Passphrase - Instead of manually entering a WEP key, you can enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. This case-sensitive passphrase must match the passphrase of your other wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (If you have any nonLinksys wireless products, enter the WEP key manually on those products.)

TX Key - The default transmit key number is 1. If your network’s access point or wireless router uses transmit key number 2, 3, or 4, select the appropriate number from the TX Key drop-down box.

Authentication -The default is set to Auto, where it auto-detects for Shared Key or Open system. Shared Key is when both the sender and the recipient share a WEP key for authentication. Open key is when the sender and the recipient do not share a WEP key for authentication. All points on your network must use the same authentication type.

Click the Next button to continue to the Confirm New Settings screen or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

Figure 2-20: Wireless Security

encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.

Figure 2-21: Wireless Security - WEP

wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

WPA Personal

WPA Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or

AES for encryption. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length.

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.

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

WPA2 Personal

Enter a Passphrase of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.

Figure 2-22: Wireless Security - WPA Personal

Click the Next button to continue to the Confirm New Settings screen or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

Figure 2-23: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

WPA Enterprise

WPA Enterprise features WPA security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) WPA Enterprise offers two authentication methods, EAPTLS and PEAP, as well as two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys.

Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.

•EAP-TLS

If you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field (this is optional). From the Certificate drop-down menu, select the certificate you have installed to authenticate you on your wireless network. Select the type of encryption, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

•PEAP

If you selected PEAP, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the password of your wireless network in the Password field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field (this is optional). From the Certificate drop-down menu, select the certificate you have installed to authenticate you on your wireless network; if you want to use any certificate, keep the default setting, Trust Any. Then select the authentication method (Inner Authen.) used inside the PEAP tunnel. Then, select the type of encryption, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.

Figure 2-24: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS

Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

Figure 2-25: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

RADIUS

RADIUS uses the security of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) It offers two authentication methods: EAP-TLS and PEAP.

Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.

•EAP-TLS

•PEAP

Click the Next button to continue to the Confirm New Settings screen or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Figure 2-26: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

Figure 2-27: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster

5. The next screen displays all of the Adapter’s settings. If these are correct, you can save these settings to your hard drive by clicking Save. Click Next to continue and finish the setup. If these settings are not correct, click Back to change your settings. To exit the setup, click Exit.

6. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Connect to Network to connect to your network. Clicking Return to Profiles screen will open the Wireless Network Monitor’s Profiles screen. For more information about the Wireless Network Monitor, refer to Chapter 3: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.

Figure 2-28: Confirm New Settings

Congratulations! Setup is complete.

To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes, refer to Chapter 3: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.

Chapter 2: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup

Figure 2-29: Congratulations

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