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 Adapter
Wireless-G
WMP54GS ver. 1.1
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11g
with SpeedBooster
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
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.
How to Use This User Guide
This 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 Description
WMP54GS-UG-50215A BW
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.
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
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: Software Installation and Configuration 6
Chapter 4: Connecting the PCI Adapter 15
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 17
Overview 17
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 17
The Link Information Tab 17
The Site Survey Tab 20
The Profiles Tab 22
Creating a New Profile 24
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 32
Common Problems and Solutions 32
Frequently Asked Questions 33
Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 36
Overview 36
Appendix C: Wireless Security 39
Security Precautions 39
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 39
Appendix D: Windows Help 42
Appendix E: Specifications 43
Appendix F: Warranty Information 44
Appendix G: Glossary 45
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 49
Appendix I: Contact Information 51
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 6
Figure 3-2: The License Agreement Screen 7
Figure 3-3: The Wireless Mode Screen 7
Figure 3-4: The Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen 8
Figure 3-5: The Wireless Security Screen 8
Figure 3-6: Wireless Security - WEP 9
Figure 3-7: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 10
Figure 3-8: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 10
Figure 3-9: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 11
Figure 3-10: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 11
Figure 3-11: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 12
Figure 3-12: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 12
Figure 3-13: The Check Settings Screen 13
Figure 3-14: The Windows Digital Signature Screen 13
Figure 3-15: The Congratulations Screen 14
Figure 4-1: Your Computer’s PCI slot with Adapter installed 15
Figure 4-2: Proper Positioning of the Antenna 16
Figure 5-1: The Link Information Tab 17
Figure 5-2: The Link Information Tab 17
Figure 5-3: The Link Information Tab - More Information 18
Figure 5-4: The Link Information Tab - Statistics 19
Figure 5-5: The Site Survey Tab 20
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 21
Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 21
Figure 5-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 21
Figure 5-9: The Profiles Tab 22
Figure 5-10: Importing a Profile 23
Figure 5-11: Exporting a Profile 23
Figure 5-12: The Profiles Tab 24
Figure 5-13: Create Connection Profile 24
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
Figure 5-14: Profiles - Network Settings 25
Figure 5-15: Profiles - Wireless Mode 25
Figure 5-16: Profiles - Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 26
Figure 5-17: Profiles - Wireless Security 26
Figure 5-18: Profiles - Wireless Security - WEP 27
Figure 5-19: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Personal 27
Figure 5-20: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 28
Figure 5-21: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 28
Figure 5-22: Profiles - Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 29
Figure 5-23: Profiles - Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 29
Figure 5-24: Profiles - Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 30
Figure 5-25: Profiles - Confirm New Settings 30
Figure 5-26: Profiles - Congratulations 31
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 36
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 36
Figure B-3: Windows XP - Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor 36
Figure B-4: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuratin Icon 37
Figure B-5: Network Connection - No WEP 37
Figure B-6: Network Connection - WEP 38
Figure B-7: Optional Settings 38
1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank 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 2.4GHz
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, 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
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G PCI 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: Getting to Know the Wireless-G PCI Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
This chapter instructs you on how to install the Adapter’s Setup Wizard and Configure the Adapter
• Chapter 5: Hardware Installation
This chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC.
• Chapter 6: 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: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
This chapter instructs you on how to install Window XP Wireless Zero Configuration
• 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.
3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
• 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.
4
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
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.
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
5
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Layout
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
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.
router: a networking device that connects multiple
networks together
switch: a data switch that connects computing devices
to host computers, allowing a large number of devices
to share a limited number of ports
6
Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
The 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 Screen
software: Instructions for the computer.
7
Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
2. 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 Screen
Figure 3-3: The Wireless Mode Screen
8
Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
4. 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 Screen
Figure 3-5: The Wireless Security Screen
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Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
WEP
WEP - 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 Users
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, 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 digit
wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting
network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater
security.
Figure 3-6: Wireless Security - WEP
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Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
Wireless-G PCI 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.
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 Personal
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.
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 Personal
Figure 3-8: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal
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Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
Wireless-G PCI 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, 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-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 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 screen
Figure 3-9: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS
Figure 3-10: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP
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Chapter 3: Software Installation and Configuration
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster
RADIUS
RADIUS 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-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.
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 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-TLS
Figure 3-12: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP

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