LINKSYS WPC54GSV2 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter User Manual WPC54GS UG 40220NC

LINKSYS LLC Wireless-G Notebook Adapter WPC54GS UG 40220NC

Users Manual 1

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.®Model No.Notebook AdapterWireless-GWPC54GS v2.0User GuideWIRELESSGHz2.4802.11gwith SpeedBooster
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBoosterCopyright and TrademarksSpecifications 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 © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. This User GuideThe User Guide to the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster has been designed to make understanding networking easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this guide:In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this: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”. This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is something that could damage your property or the Adapter.word: definition.This checkmark means there is a note of interest and is something you should pay special attention to while using the Adapter.This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Adapter.Figure 0-1: Sample Figure DescriptionWPC54GS-UG-40220NC BW
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBoosterTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction 1Welcome 1What’s in this Guide? 2Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4Network Topology 4Roaming 4Network Layout 5Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter 6The LED Indicators 6Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration 7The Installation Procedure 8Chapter 5: Hardware Installation 12Connecting the Adapter 12Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 13Accessing the WLAN Monitor 13Link Information 13Site Survey 16Profiles 17Creating a New Profile 18Appendix A: Troubleshooting 30Common Problems and Solutions 30Frequently Asked Questions 31Appendix B: Wireless Security 34Security Precautions 34Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 34Appendix C: Windows Help 37Appendix D: Glossary 38Appendix E: Specifications 45Appendix F: Warranty Information 46Appendix G: Regulatory Information 47Appendix H: Contact Information 49
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBoosterList of FiguresFigure 3-1: Front Panel 6Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 8Figure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen 8Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Screen 9Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s WEP Screen 9Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s WPA-PSK Screen 10Figure 4-7: The Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen 10Figure 4-8: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 11Figure 5-1: How the Adapter installs into your notebook 12Figure 6-1: Link Information 13Figure 6-2: More Information-Network Settings 14Figure 6-3: More Information-Network Statistics 15Figure 6-4: Site Survey 16Figure 6-5: Profiles 17Figure 6-6: Importing a Profile 17Figure 6-7: Exporting a Profile 17Figure 6-8: Creating a New Profile 18Figure 6-9: Enter Profile Name 18Figure 6-10: Wireless Mode for New Profile 19Figure 6-11: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 19Figure 6-12: Netowork Settings 20Figure 6-13: Wireless Security for New Profile 21Figure 6-14: WEP Setting for New Profile 21Figure 6-15: WPA-PSK Settings 22Figure 6-16: TKIP Settings 22Figure 6-17: WPA RADIUS Settings 23Figure 6-18: Encryption Type 23Figure 6-19: EAP-TLS Authentication 24Figure 6-20: EAP-TTLS Authentication 24
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBoosterFigure 6-21: EAP-MD5 Authentication 25Figure 6-22: EAP-PEAP Authentication 25Figure 6-23: EAP-LEAP Authentication 25Figure 6-24: RADIUS Settings 26Figure 6-25: EAP-TLS Authentication 26Figure 6-26: EAP-TTLS Authentication 27Figure 6-27: EAP-MD5 Authentication 27Figure 6-28: EAP-PEAP Authentication 28Figure 6-29: LEAP Authentication 28Figure 6-30: TKIP Settings 29Figure 6-31: EAP-TLS Authentication 29
1Chapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeWireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBoosterChapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeThank you for choosing the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster. With this Adapter, your wireless networking experience will be faster and easier than ever.Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network. This adapter communicates over the 54Mbps 802.11g wireless standard, which is almost five times faster than 802.11b. But since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, the Adapter can also communicate with the widely used 11Mbps 802.11b standard.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. The included Setup Wizard will walk you through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step. Then just slide it into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy network access with your notebook computer, while retaining true mobility.Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network. At home, you can surf the web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio. Your wireless connection is protected by up to 128-bit WEP encryption.You'll also be able to connect with any of the growing number of public wireless hotspots springing up in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. And as those hotspots upgrade to the new high-speed Wireless-G standard, you'll be ready to take advantage of the increased speeds.Get connected to current-standard 802.11b networks today, and be prepared for the future with the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster from Linksys. 802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.802.11g an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
2Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBoosterWhat’s in this Guide?This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster.• Chapter 1: IntroductionThis chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.• Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless NetworkThis chapter discusses a few of the basics about wireless networking.• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook AdapterThis chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.• Chapter 4: Software Installation and ConfigurationThis chapter instructs you on how to install the Adapter’s Setup Wizard and Configure the Adapter• Chapter 5: Hardware InstallationThis chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC.• Chapter 6: Using the WLAN MonitorThis chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s WLAN Monitor.• Appendix A: TroubleshootingThis appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding installation and use of the Adapter.• Appendix B: Wireless SecurityThis appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help protect your wireless network.• Appendix C: Windows HelpThis appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing the TCP/IP protocol.• Appendix D: GlossaryThis appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.• Appendix E: SpecificationsThis appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.• Appendix F: Warranty InformationThis appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
3Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster• Appendix G: Regulatory InformationThis appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.• Appendix H: Contact InformationThis appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
4Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork TopologyWireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBoosterChapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork TopologyA 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.RoamingInfrastructure 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.infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of 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.topology: the physical layout of a network.

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