LINKSYS WPC300N Wireless-N Notebook Adapter User Manual Book

LINKSYS LLC Wireless-N Notebook Adapter Book

Contents

Users Manual 1

Model No.Notebook AdapterWireless-NWPC300NUser GuideWIRELESSGHz2.4
Wireless-N Notebook AdapterCopyright 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 © 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 GuideThis user guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Notebook 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. This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is something that could damage your property or the Notebook Adapter.word: definition.This checkmark means there is a note of interest and is something you should pay special attention to while using the Notebook Adapter.This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Notebook Adapter.Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Descriptionwpc300n-UG-60313NC 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-N Notebook AdapterTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction 1Welcome 1What’s in this User Guide? 1Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 3Network Topology 3Roaming 3Network Layout 4Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter 5The LED Indicators 5Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter 6Starting the Setup 6Connecting the Adapter 7Setting up the Adapter 7Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 17Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 17Using the Wireless Network Monitor 17Link Information 17Connect 20Profiles 21Create a New Profile 22Appendix A: Troubleshooting 32Common Problems and Solutions 32Frequently Asked Questions 32Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 36Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 36Appendix C: Wireless Security 39Security Precautions 39Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 39Appendix D: Windows Help 42Appendix E: Glossary 43Appendix F: Specifications 48
Wireless-N Notebook AdapterAppendix G: Warranty Information 50Appendix H: Regulatory Information 51Appendix I: Contact Information 58
Wireless-N Notebook AdapterList of FiguresFigure 3-1: Front Panel 5Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 6Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 6Figure 4-3: Connecting the Adapter 7Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Networks 7Figure 4-5: WEP Key Needed for Connection 8Figure 4-6: PSK Personal Needed for Connection 8Figure 4-7: PSK2 Personal Needed for Connection 9Figure 4-8: Congratulations 9Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Network 10Figure 4-10: Network Settings 10Figure 4-11: Wireless Mode 10Figure 4-12: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 11Figure 4-13: Wireless Security - WEP 11Figure 4-14: Wireless Security - PSK 12Figure 4-15: Wireless Security - PSK2 12Figure 4-16: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 13Figure 4-17: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - PEAP 13Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 14Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - PEAP 14Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 15Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 15Figure 4-22: Confirm New Settings 16Figure 4-23: Congratulations screen 16Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 17Figure 5-2: Link Information 17Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status 18Figure 5-4: More Information-Network Statistics 19Figure 5-5: Connect 19Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 20
Wireless-N Notebook AdapterFigure 5-7: PSK Personal Needed for Connection 20Figure 5-8: PSK2 Personal Needed for Connection 20Figure 5-9: Profiles 21Figure 5-10: Creating a Profile 22Figure 5-11: WEP Key Needed for Connection 22Figure 5-12: PSK Personal Needed for Connection 23Figure 5-13: PSK2 Personal Needed for Connection 23Figure 5-14: Congratulations 23Figure 5-15: Available Wireless Networks 24Figure 5-16: Network Settings 24Figure 5-17: Wireless Mode 25Figure 5-18: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 25Figure 5-19: Wireless Security - WEP 26Figure 5-20: Wireless Security - PSK Personal27Figure 5-21: Wireless Security - PSK2 Personal 27Figure 5-22: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 28Figure 5-23: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - PEAP 28Figure 5-24: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - EAP-TLS 29Figure 5-25: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - PEAP 29Figure 5-26: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 30Figure 5-27: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 30Figure 5-28: Confirm New Settings 31Figure 5-29: Congratulations 31Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 36Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 36Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Icon 36Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 37Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 37Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 38Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 38
1Chapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeWireless-N Notebook AdapterChapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeThank you for choosing the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter. Setting up your network and your Wireless-N Notebook Adapter is easier than ever.How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network, whether it’s using the Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) standard. But with Wireless-N, it has even better range and speed.But what does all of this mean?Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.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 walks you through configuring the Adapter to your wireless network settings, step by step. Use the instructions in this Guide to help you set up and connect the Adapter using the Setup Wizard. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.What’s in this User Guide?This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-N Notebook 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-N Notebook AdapterThis chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.• Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterThis chapter instructs you on how to install and configure the Adapter. 802.11b: a 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 a wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.bit: a binary digit.encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network
2Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this User Guide?Wireless-N Notebook Adapter• Chapter 5: 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 appendix describes how to use Windows 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.• 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.
3Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork TopologyWireless-N Notebook AdapterChapter 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
4Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork LayoutWireless-N Notebook AdapterNetwork 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.
5Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterThe LED IndicatorsWireless-N Notebook AdapterChapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterThe LED IndicatorsThe Network Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on.Link/Act Green. The Link/Act LED lights up when the Adapter has an active connection. Figure 3-1: Front PanelPowerLink/Act
6Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterStarting the SetupWireless-N Notebook AdapterChapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterStarting the SetupThe Wireless-N Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the driver and Wireless Network Monitor, as well as connect and configure the Adapter.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). 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 the PDF file of this User Guide. Diagnostic - Click the Diagnostic button to run a diagnostic check on your installed Notebook Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor and driver.Exit - Click the Exit button 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 the Next button if you agree and want to continue the installation, or click the Cancel button to end the installation.3. Windows will begin copying the files onto your PC. Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome ScreenFigure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License AgreementIMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to do so or the setup will not work.
7Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterConnecting the AdapterWireless-N Notebook AdapterConnecting the Adapter1. Locate an available CardBus slot on your notebook PC. 2. With the connector pin end facing the CardBus slot and the label facing up, slide the Adapter into the CardBus slot until it locks in place.3. Windows will begin copying the driver files to your computer. 4. Click Next.Setting up the AdapterThe next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Networks screen.This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter.• Available Wireless Networks. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up. The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this screen. You can choose one of these networks and click the Connect button to connect to it. Click the Refresh button to update the Available Wireless Network list. • Manual Setup. If your network is not listed on this screen, select Advanced Setup to set up the adapter manually. This method of setting up the Adapter is intended for Advanced Users only.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.Available Wireless NetworksThe available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by Wireless Network Name. 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 network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter. If not, you will be taken directly to the Congratulations screen.1. If you have wireless security enabled on your network, continue to step 2. If you don’t have wireless security enabled, continue to step 3. Figure 4-3: Connecting the AdapterFigure 4-4: Available Wireless Networks
8Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook Adapter2. If your network has WEP, PSK, or PSK2 wireless security enabled, then that security screen will appear. Continue to the screen for your wireless security. • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) If you have WEP enabled, this screen will appear. 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 - 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 Step 3.• PSKIf your network has the wireless security PSK enabled, this screen will appear. Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.Figure 4-5: WEP Key Needed for ConnectionFigure 4-6: PSK Needed for Connectionencryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.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.wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.
9Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook Adapter• PSK2If your network has the wireless security PSK2 enabled, this screen will appear. Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.3. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Finish to exit. For more information about the Wireless Network Monitor, refer to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter is complete.To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes, proceed to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.Figure 4-7: PSK2 Personal Needed for ConnectionFigure 4-8: Congratulations
10Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook AdapterAdvanced SetupIf your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Manual Setup. 1. Click Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the adapter manually.2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor 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 or router, click the radio button 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. DNS 1 and DNS 2 - Enter the DNS address of your wired Ethernet network here.Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.3. 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. Enter the Wireless Network Name 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.Wireless Network Name- This is the wireless network name (SSID) 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 the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-9: Available Wireless NetworkFigure 4-11: Wireless ModeFigure 4-10: Network Settings
11Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook Adapter4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings screen will appear.Network Mode - Select the Network Mode in which your wireless network will operate. In Mixed mode, Wireless-N, Wireless-B and Wireless-G devices can operate on the same network. In Wireless-G Only mode, no Wireless-B devices can operate in the network.Standard Channel - 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 Auto.Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to change any settings.5. If your wireless network doesn’t have wireless security, select Disabled and then click the Next button to continue. Proceed to Step 6.If your wireless network has wireless security, select the method of security used: WEP, PSK, PSK2,PSK+RADIUS, PSK2+RADIUS or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and PSK is a stronger security method than WEP. PSK2is a stronger security method than PSK. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen. Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method: WEP, PSK, PSK2, PSK+RADIUS, PSK2+RADIUS, or RADIUS.WEPWEP - Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. It is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This passphrase 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.) Figure 4-13: Wireless Security - WEPFigure 4-12: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings
12Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook AdapterWEP 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”.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 click the Back button to return to the previous screen.PSKPSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or AES for encryption. Then enter a Pre-shared Key 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.Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.PSK2Enter a Pre-shared Key that is 8-63 characters in length.Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-14: Wireless Security - PSKFigure 4-15: Wireless Security - PSK2
13Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook AdapterPSK+RADIUSPSK+RADIUS features PSK security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK 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. 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 4-17: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - PEAPFigure 4-16: Wireless Security - PSK+RADIUS - EAP-TLS
14Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook AdapterPSK2+RADIUSPSK2+RADIUS features PSK2 security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK2+RADIUS offers two authentication methods, 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.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - EAP-TLSFigure 4-19: Wireless Security - PSK2+RADIUS - PEAP
15Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook AdapterRADIUSRADIUS 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.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLSFigure 4-21: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP
16Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N Notebook AdapterSetting up the AdapterWireless-N Notebook Adapter4. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next and show the new settings. To save the new settings, click the Save button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button. To exit the Advanced Setup through the Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit.5. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings and return to the Link Information screen. Click Return to Profiles screen to return to the Profiles screen.Congratulations! Your advanced setup through the Wireless Network Monitor is complete.To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes, proceed to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.Figure 4-22: Confirm New SettingsFigure 4-23: Congratulations screen
17Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorAccessing the Wireless Network MonitorWireless-N Notebook AdapterChapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorUse the Wireless Network Monitor to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or create profiles that hold different configuration settings.Accessing the Wireless Network MonitorAfter installing the Adapter, the Wireless Network Monitor icon will appear in the system tray of your computer. If the Wireless Network Monitor is enabled, then the icon will be green. If the Wireless Network Monitor is disabled or the Adapter is not connected, then the icon will be gray.Using the Wireless Network MonitorThe opening screen of the Wireless Network Monitor is the Link Information screen. From this screen, you can find out how strong the current wireless signal is and how good the connection’s quality is. You can also click the More Information button to view additional status information about the current wireless connection. To search for available wireless networks, click the Connect tab. To perform configuration changes or create connection profiles, click the Profiles tab.Link InformationThe Link Information screen displays network mode, signal strength, and link quality information about the current connection. It also provides a button to click for additional status information.Ad-Hoc Mode or Infrastructure Mode - The screen indicates whether the Adapter is currently working in ad-hoc or infrastructure mode.Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength. Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.Click the More Information button to view additional information about the wireless network connection on the Wireless Network Status screen.Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor IconFigure 5-2: Link Information
18Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorLink InformationWireless-N Notebook AdapterWireless Network StatusThe Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings.Radio Band - This shows the radio band used on the network.Wireless Network Name- This is the unique name (SSID) of the wireless network. Wireless Mode - The mode of the wireless network currently in use is displayed here.Wide Channel - This displays the Wireless-N primary channel used with a 40 MHz radio band network.Standard Channel - This displays the channel used by your wireless network.Security - The status of the wireless security feature is displayed here.Authentication - This is your wireless network’s authentication method.IP Address - The IP Address of the Adapter is displayed here.Subnet Mask - The Subnet Mask of the Adapter is shown here.Default Gateway - The Default Gateway address of the Adapter is displayed here.DNS1 - This is the DNS address of the Adapter.MAC Address- The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point or wireless router is shown here.Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates the signal strength. Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.Click the Statistics button to go to the Wireless Network Statistics screen. Click the Back button to return to the initial Link Information screen. Click the Save to Profile button to save the currently active connection settings to a profile.Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status
19Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorLink InformationWireless-N Notebook AdapterWireless Network StatisticsThe Wireless Networks Statistics screen provides statistics on your current network settings.Transmit Rate - This is the data transfer rate of the current connection. (In Auto mode, the Adapter dynamically shifts to the fastest data transfer rate possible at any given time.)Receive Rate - This is the rate at which data is received.Packets Received - This shows the packets received by the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the wireless network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.Packets Transmitted - This shows the packets transmitted from the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the wireless network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.Bytes Received - This shows the bytes received by the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the wireless network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.Bytes Transmitted - This shows the bytes transmitted by the Adapter, in real time, since connecting to the wireless network or since the Refresh Statistics button was last pressed.Driver Version - This shows the version of the Adapter’s driver.Noise Level - This shows the level of background noise affecting the wireless signal. A lower reading translates into a higher quality signal.Signal Strength - This is the intensity of the wireless signal received by the Adapter.Transmit Power - This is the power output at which the Adapter is transmitting.Up Time - This indicates the length of the most recent connection to a wireless network.Total Up Time - This indicates the cumulative total of the Adapter’s connection time.Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates the signal strength. Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless network connection.Click the Back button to return to the initial Link Information screen. Click the Status button to go to the Wireless Network Status screen. Click the Save to Profile button to save the currently active connection settings to a profile. Click the Refresh button to reset the statistics.Figure 5-4: More Information - Network StatisticsFigure 5-5: Connect
20Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorConnectWireless-N Notebook AdapterConnectThe Connect screen displays a list of available networks in the table on the left. The table shows each network’s Wireless Network Name, Channel, and the quality of the wireless signal the Adapter is receiving. You may click Wireless Network Name, CH (Channel), or Signal, to sort by that field.Wireless Network Name - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here.CH - This is the channel that the network uses.Signal - This is the percentage of signal strength, from 0 to 100%.Site InformationFor each network selected, the following settings are listed:Wireless Mode - This is the mode of the wireless network currently in use.Network Type- This is the network type used by your wireless network.Radio Band - This is the radio band used by your wireless network.Security - The status of the wireless security feature is displayed here.MAC Address- The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point is displayed here.Refresh - Click the Refresh button to perform a new search for wireless devices.Connect - To connect to one of the networks on the list, select the wireless network, and click the Connect button. If the network has encryption enabled, then you will see a new screen appear.• If the network has the wireless security WEP encryption enabled, then you will see the WEP Key Needed for Connection screen. Select the appropriate level of WEP encryption, 64-bit or 128-bit). Then enter the network’s Passphrase or WEP Key. Click the Connect button. To cancel the connection, click the Cancel button.• If the network has the wireless security PSK security enabled, then you will see thePSK for Connection screen. Select the appropriate encryption type, TKIP or AES. Enter the network’s Pre-shared Key in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click the Connect button. To cancel the connection, click the Cancel button.Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for ConnectionFigure 5-7: PSK Needed for ConnectionFigure 5-8: PSK2 Needed for Connection
21Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorProfilesWireless-N Notebook Adapter• If the network has PSK2 wireless security enabled, then you will see the PSK2 Needed for Connection screen. Enter the network’s Pre-shared Key in the Pre-shared Key field. To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.ProfilesThe Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. The table on the left displays a list of available profiles with their profile names and Wireless Network Names.Profile - The name of the profile is displayed here.Wireless Network Name - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here.Profile InformationFor each profile selected, the following are listed:Wireless Mode - This is the mode of the wireless network currently in use.Wide Channel - This displays the Wireless-N primary channel used with a 40 MHz radio band network.Standard Channel - This displays the channel used by your wireless network.Security - The status of the wireless security feature is displayed here.Authentication - The authentication setting for the network is shown here.Connect - To connect to a wireless network using a specific profile, select the profile, and click Connect.New - Click the New button to create a new profile. See the next section, “Creating a New Profile,” for detailed instructions.Edit - Select the profile you want to change, and then click the Edit button. Import - Click the Import button to import a profile that has been saved in another location. Select the appropriate file, and click the Open button.Export - Select the profile you want to save in a different location, and click the Export button. Direct Windows to the appropriate folder, and click the Save button.Delete - Select the profile you want to delete, and then click the Delete button. NOTE: If you want to export more than one profile, you have to export them one at a time.Figure 5-9: Profiles
22Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorCreate a New ProfileWireless-N Notebook AdapterCreate a New ProfileThe next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Networks screen.This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter.• Available Wireless Networks. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up. The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this screen. You can choose one of these networks and click the Connect button to connect to it. Click the Refresh button to update the Available Wireless Networks list. • Advanced Setup. If your network is not listed on this screen, select Advanced Setup to set up the adapter manually. This method of setting up the Adapter is intended for Advanced Users only.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.Available Wireless NetworksThe available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by Wireless Network Name. 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 network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter. If not, you will be taken directly to the Congratulations screen.1. If you have wireless security enabled on your network, continue to step 2. If you don’t have wireless security enabled, continue to step 3. 2. If your network has WEP, PSK, or PSK2 wireless security enabled, then that security screen will appear. Continue to the screen for your wireless security.• WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) If you have WEP enabled, this screen will appear. 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 Figure 5-10: Creating a ProfileFigure 5-11: WEP Key Needed for Connection
23Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorCreate a New ProfileWireless-N Notebook Adapterthe 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”.Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.• PSKIf your network has the wireless security PSK enabled, this screen will appear. Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.• PSK2If your network has the wireless security PSK2 enabled, this screen will appear. Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3.3. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Finish to return to the Link Information screen. Congratulations! The profile has been successfully configured.Figure 5-12: PSK Needed for ConnectionFigure 5-13: PSK2 Needed for ConnectionFigure 5-14: Congratulations
24Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network MonitorCreate a New ProfileWireless-N Notebook AdapterAdvanced SetupIf your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Advanced Setup. 1. Click Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless Networks screen to set up the adapter manually.2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor 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 or router, click the radio button 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. DNS 1 and DNS 2 - Enter the DNS address of your wired Ethernet network here.Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 5-15: Available Wireless NetworksFigure 5-16: Network Settings

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