LINKSYS WMP54GSV11 Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster User Manual Book

LINKSYS LLC Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster Book

Users Manual 1

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.®Model No.PCI AdapterWireless-GWMP54GS ver. 1.1User GuideWIRELESSGHz2.4802.11gwith SpeedBooster
Wireless-G PCI 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 © 2005 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 GuideThis User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Wireless-G PCI Adapter easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User 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 Wireless-G PCI Adapter.This checkmark means there is a note of interest and is something you should pay special attention to while using the Wireless-G PCI Adapter.This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Wireless-G PCI Adapter.word: definition.Figure 0-1: Sample Figure DescriptionWMP54GS-UG-50215A BWWARNING: 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.
Wireless-G PCI 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: Software Installation and Configuration 6Chapter 4: Connecting the PCI Adapter 15Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 17Overview 17Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 17The Link Information Tab 17The Site Survey Tab 20The Profiles Tab 22Creating a New Profile 24Appendix A: Troubleshooting 32Common Problems and Solutions 32Frequently Asked Questions 33Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 36Overview 36Appendix C: Wireless Security 39Security Precautions 39Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 39Appendix D: Windows Help 42Appendix E: Specifications 43Appendix F: Warranty Information 44Appendix G: Glossary 45Appendix H: Regulatory Information 49Appendix I: Contact Information 51
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterList of FiguresFigure 3-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 6Figure 3-2: The License Agreement Screen 7Figure 3-3: The Wireless Mode Screen 7Figure 3-4: The Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen 8Figure 3-5: The Wireless Security Screen 8Figure 3-6: Wireless Security - WEP 9Figure 3-7: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 10Figure 3-8: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 10Figure 3-9: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 11Figure 3-10: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 11Figure 3-11: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 12Figure 3-12: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 12Figure 3-13: The Check Settings Screen 13Figure 3-14: The Windows Digital Signature Screen 13Figure 3-15: The Congratulations Screen 14Figure 4-1: Your Computer’s PCI slot with Adapter installed 15Figure 4-2: Proper Positioning of the Antenna 16Figure 5-1: The Link Information Tab 17Figure 5-2: The Link Information Tab 17Figure 5-3: The Link Information Tab - More Information 18Figure 5-4: The Link Information Tab - Statistics 19Figure 5-5: The Site Survey Tab 20Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 21Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 21Figure 5-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 21Figure 5-9: The Profiles Tab 22Figure 5-10: Importing a Profile 23Figure 5-11: Exporting a Profile 23Figure 5-12: The Profiles Tab 24Figure 5-13: Create Connection Profile 24
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterFigure 5-14: Profiles - Network Settings 25Figure 5-15: Profiles - Wireless Mode 25Figure 5-16: Profiles - Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 26Figure 5-17: Profiles - Wireless Security 26Figure 5-18: Profiles - Wireless Security - WEP 27Figure 5-19: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Personal 27Figure 5-20: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 28Figure 5-21: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 28Figure 5-22: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 29Figure 5-23: Profiles - Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 29Figure 5-24: Profiles - Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 30Figure 5-25: Profiles - Confirm New Settings 30Figure 5-26: Profiles - Congratulations 31Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 36Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 36Figure B-3: Windows XP - Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor 36Figure B-4: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuratin Icon 37Figure B-5: Network Connection - No WEP 37Figure B-6: Network Connection - WEP 38Figure B-7: Optional Settings 38
1Chapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterChapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeThank you for choosing the Wireless-G PCI Adapter. 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 computer's PCI Card slot and enjoy network access with the freedom of wireless.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 the new, industrial-strength security of Wireless Protected Access (WPA).Get connected to current-standard 802.11b networks today, and be prepared for the future with the Wireless-G PCI Adapter from Linksys. 802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHzadapter: 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, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.Mbps: one million bits per second; a unit of measurement for data transmission
2Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterWhat’s in this Guide?This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G PCI Adapter.• 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 PCI 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 Wireless Network MonitorThis chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network 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: Windows XP Wireless Zero ConfigurationThis chapter instructs you on how to install Window XP Wireless Zero Configuration• Appendix C: Wireless SecurityThis appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help protect your wireless network.• Appendix D: Windows HelpThis appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing the TCP/IP protocol.• Appendix E: GlossaryThis appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.• Appendix F: SpecificationsThis appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
3Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster• Appendix G: Warranty InformationThis appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.• Appendix H: Regulatory InformationThis appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.• Appendix I: Contact InformationThis appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
4Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork TopologyWireless-G PCI 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.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
5Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork LayoutWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterNetwork LayoutLinksys 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. router: a networking device that connects multiple networks togetherswitch: a data switch that connects computing devices to host computers, allowing a large number of devices to share a limited number of ports
6Chapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterChapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationThe Wireless-G PCI Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the Wireless Network Monitor and driver, as well as configure the Adapter.1. 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).Click the Install button to continue the installation process. Clicking User Guide opened this User Guide. To close the Setup Wizard, click the Exit button. IMPORTANT: You must run the Setup Wizard to install the software before connecting the Adapter. .Figure 3-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screensoftware: Instructions for the computer.
7Chapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster2. Read the License Agreement displayed on the following screen and click the Next button to continue the installation. If you click the Cancel button, you will end the installation.3. The Wireless Mode screen will ask for some information about your wireless network. In the SSID field, enter your network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). The SSID is your wireless network name and must be identical for all devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase).Next, choose a wireless mode. 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.Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous page.Figure 3-2: The License Agreement ScreenFigure 3-3: The Wireless Mode Screen
8Chapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, select the correct operating channel for your network from the Channel drop-down menu. Then, select the Network Mode from the drop-down menu. Click the Next button, and go to Step 5. Click the Back button to change any settings.Channel - 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, leave the default channel.Network Mode - Keep the default setting, Mixed, if you have Wireless-G and Wireless-B devices in your network. Select G-Only if you have only Wireless-G devices in your network. 5. Select the method of security that is used on your wireless network: WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA is a stronger security method than WEP. WPA2 is a newer and stronger version of WPA. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. WPA-Enterprise and RADIUS use a RADIUS server. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen. For more information about the information on this screen, you can also click the Help button.If you don’t want to use encryption, select Disabled and then click the Next button. Proceed to Step 8.6. Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method: WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or RADIUS.Figure 3-4: The Ad-Hoc Mode Settings ScreenFigure 3-5: The Wireless Security Screen
9Chapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterWEPWEP - Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption from the drop-down menu. 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”.For Advanced UsersTX 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, so it will auto-detect for Shared Key or Open System authentication. For Shared Key authentication, both the sender and the recipient share a WEP key for authentication. For Open System authentication, the sender and the recipient do not share a WEP key for authentication. If you are not sure which authentication method to select, keep the default, Auto.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen. encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.bit: a binary digitwep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.Figure 3-6: Wireless Security - WEP
10Chapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterWPA PersonalWPA 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. The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.WPA2 PersonalPassphrase - 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.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.wpa (wi-fi protected access: a wireless security protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.Figure 3-7: Wireless Security - WPA PersonalFigure 3-8: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal
11Chapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterWPA EnterpriseWPA 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, EAP-TLS 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-TLSIf 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.PEAPIf 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 used inside the PEAP tunnel, EAP-MSCHAP v2 or Generic Token Card. 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 screenFigure 3-9: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLSFigure 3-10: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP
12Chapter 3: Software Installation and ConfigurationWireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBoosterRADIUSRADIUS features use of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) RADIUS offers two authentication types: EAP-TLS and PEAP.Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.EAP-TLSIf 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.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.PEAPIf 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 used inside the PEAP tunnel, EAP-MSCHAP v2 or Generic Token Card.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.radius (remote authentication dial-in user service): a protocol that uses an authentication server to control network access.Figure 3-11: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLSFigure 3-12: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP

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