LINKSYS WPC54GV12 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter User Manual WPC54G v2 ug 30828C

LINKSYS LLC Wireless-G Notebook Adapter WPC54G v2 ug 30828C

Contents

Revised user manual

User Guide
Wireless-G
Notebook Adapter
Use this Guide to install the following:
WPC54G
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2003 Cisco Systems,
Inc. All rights reserved. Linksys is a registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. Other
brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Wireless-G Notebook Adapter will be free from physical
defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase, when
used within the limits set forth in the Specifications section of this User Guide.
This Warranty is valid and may be processed only in the country of purchase.
If the product proves defective during this warranty period, go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com for complete RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) assistance. You
can also call Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a RMA Number. BE SURE TO
HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACK-
AGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED
WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the RMA Number
clearly on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof of pur-
chase. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall
be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PROD-
UCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFT-
WARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY
PRODUCT. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statuto-
ry, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all
accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, mer-
chantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or
update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individ-
ual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to:
Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES
FCC STATEMENT
This Wireless-G Notebook Adapterhas been tested and complies with the specifications
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by
Linksys could void the user’s authority to operate the device.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other ant
na or transmitter.
This equipment has been SAR-evaluated for use in laptops (notebooks) with side slot
configuration.
End-users must be provided with specific operations for satisfying RF exposure compli-
ance.
INDUSTRY CANADA (CANADA)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
The use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely outdoors may
require the user to obtain a license for the system according to the Canadian regulations.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)
Linksys declares that the product included conforms to the specifications listed below,
following the provisions of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC:
•ETS 300-826, 301 489-1 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
•EN 609 50 Safety
•ETS 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
Note: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdoor use
may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation. For
more details, contact Linksys Corporate Compliance.
Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level of
above 100 mW are considered as not compliant with the above mentioned directive and
are not allowed for use within the European community and countries that have adopted
the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC and/or the CEPT recommendation Rec 70.03.
For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact Linksys
Corporate Compliance.
•Linksys vakuuttaa täten että Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge tyyppinen laite on direktiivin
1999/5/EY, direktiivin 89/336/EEC ja direktiivin 73/23/EEC oleellisten vaatimusten ja
sitä koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden ehtojen mukainen.
•Linksys déclare que le pont Ethernet sans fil G est conforme aux conditions essen-
tielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive 1999/5/EC, la directive 89/336/EEC,
et à la directive 73/23/EEC.
•Belgique B L’utilisation en extérieur est autorisé sur le canal 11 (2462 MHz), 12 (2467
MHz), et 13 (2472 MHz).
Dans le cas d’une utilisation privée, à l’extérieur d’un bâtiment, au-dessus d’un
espace public, aucun enregistrement n’est nécessaire pour une distance de moins
de 300m. Pour une distance supérieure à 300m un enregistrement auprès de l’IBPT
est requise. Pour une utilisation publique à l’extérieur de bâtiments, une licence de
l’IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et licences, veuillez contacter l’IBPT.
•France F: Bande de fréquence restreinte: seuls les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457,
2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz respectivement) doivent être utilisés en France. Toute util-
isation, qu'elle soit intérieure ou extérieure, est soumise à autorisation. Vous pouvez
contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des Télécommuniations (http://www.art-telecom.fr)
pour la procédure à suivre.
•France F: Restricted frequency band: only channels 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462,
2467, and 2472 MHz respectively) may be used in France. License required for
every indoor and outdoor installations. Please contact ART for procedure to follow.
•Deutschland D: Anmeldung im Outdoor-Bereich notwending, aber nicht genehmi-
gungspflichtig. Bitte mit Händler die Vorgehensweise abstimmen.
•Germany D: License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for proce-
dure to follow.
•Italia I: E' necessaria la concessione ministeriale anche per l'uso interno. Verificare
con i rivenditori la procedura da seguire. L'uso per installazione in esterni non e' per-
messa.
•Italy I: License required for indoor use. Use with outdoor installations not allowed.
•the Netherlands NL License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for
procedure to follow.
•Nederlands NL Licentie verplicht voor gebruik met buitenantennes. Neem contact op
met verkoper voor juiste procedure.
WPC54G-v2-UG-30828C BW
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter 1
Features 1
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 2
Network Topology 2
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode 2
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook
Adapter 4
The Adapter’s LEDs 4
Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration
for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 5
Overview 5
Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 6
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation 10
Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for
Windows XP 11
Overview 11
Driver Installation for Windows XP 11
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 13
Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows
98SE, Me, and 2000 15
Overview 15
Accessing the WLAN Monitor 15
Link Information 16
Site Survey 18
Profiles 20
Creating a New Profile 22
Chapter 1: Introduction
Wireless-G is the upcoming 54Mbps wireless networking standard that's
almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) prod-
ucts found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the coun-
try — but since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices
can also work with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment. The new Wireless-
G Notebook Adapter from Linksys has both standards built in, so you can con-
nect your notebook to existing 802.11b infrastructure, and also the new scream-
ing fast Wireless-G networks. The included Setup Wizard will walk you
through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step. Then
just slide it into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy network access with
your notebook computer, while retaining true mobility.
Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the
Internet, and share files and other resources such as printers and network stor-
age with other computers on the network, wherever you wander. At home, you
can surf the web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out
on the patio.You'll also be able to connect with any of the growing number of
public wireless hotspots springing up in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels
and convention centers. And as those hotspots upgrade to the new high-speed
Wireless-G standard, you'll be ready to take advantage of the increased
speeds.Get connected to current-standard 802.11b networks today, and be pre-
pared for the future with the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter from Linksys.
•High-speed Wireless-G (802.11g) networking for your notebook computer
•Data rates up to 54Mbps -- 5 times faster than Wireless-B (802.11b)
•Also interoperates with Wireless-B networks (at 11Mbps)
•Wireless security -- up to 128-bit WEP encryption
•Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, Toll-Free US
Calls
•3-Year Limited Warranty
The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Features
1
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 28
Common Problems and Solutions 28
Frequently Asked Questions 29
Appendix B: Glossary 32
Appendix C: Specifications 37
Environmental 38
Appendix D: Warranty Information 39
Appendix E: Contact Information 40
If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only
with the other computers on the wireless network, then the ad-hoc mode can
be used. (See Figure 2-2.) Ad-hoc mode allows computers equipped with wire-
less transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, elimi-
nating the need for an access point. The drawback of this mode is that, in Ad-
Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to communicate with
computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the
wireless-equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference direct-
ly between them.
32
Figure 2-2
Chapter 2: Planning Your
Wireless Network
Awireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area net-
work (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to
connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency
channel and SSID, which is an identification name for wireless devices.
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which
they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configura-
tion is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an
access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers com-
municating directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes
depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or periph-
erals with a wired network or not.
If the computers on the
wireless network need to
be accessed by a wired
network or need to share a
peripheral, such as a print-
er, with the wired network
computers, the wireless
network should be set up
in infrastructure mode.
(See Figure 2-1.) The
basis of infrastructure
mode centers around an
access point, which serves
as the main point of communications in a wireless network. Access points
transmit data to PCs equipped with wireless network cards, which can roam
within a certain radial range of the access point. Multiple access points can be
arranged to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and can be set up
to communicate with your Ethernet (wired) hardware as well.
Network Topology
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
Figure 2-1
54
Chapter 4: Software Installation
and Configuration for Windows
98SE, Me, and 2000
The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the
installation procedure for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000. The Setup Wizard
will install the WLAN Monitor and driver, as well as configure the Adapter.
Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup
Wizard should run automatically, and Figure 4-1 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).
Figure 4-1
Overview
Chapter 3:Getting to Know the
Wireless-GNotebook Adapter
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is pow-
ered on.
Link Green. The Link LED lights up and stays solid when the
Adapter is inserted correctly and a link is established with
the Notebook. The LED flashes when data is transmitted or
received..
The Adapter’s LEDs
Figure 3-1
Important for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: You must run
the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.
Important for Windows XP users: Do NOT run the Setup Wizard.
Proceed directly to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”
76
1. To install the Adapter, click the Setupbutton on the Welcome screen, Figure
4-1. Click User Guide to view the User Guide or click Exit to exit the
Setup Wizard.
2. Read the License Agreement and click the Next button to continue the
installation. If you click the Cancel button, you will end the installation.
Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000
Figure 4-2
3. The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a wireless mode. (See Figure 4-
3.) Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want your wireless
computers to network with computers on your wired network using a wire-
less access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multi-
ple wireless computers to network directly with each other. Do not use the
Ad-Hoc mode if you want your wireless computers to communicate with
computers on your wired network.
In the SSID field, enter the SSID (Service Set Identifier) of your wireless
network. The SSID is your network name and must be identical for all
devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase). Click
the Nextbutton to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previ-
ous page.
Figure 4-3
98
6. After the files have been successfully copied, the screen in Figure 4-6 will
appear. Click the Exit button
7. Odyssey Client will now automatically install its utility on your PC to enable Wi-
Fi Protected Access (WPA). An icon will appear on your system tray. Click this
icon to configure your WPA settings. For more information on this software,
refer to their documentation on the CD-ROM.
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”
Figure 4-6
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 but-
ton 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 chan-
nel to use, select the default channel (Channel 6).
Network Mode - Select Mixed Mode, and both Wireless-G and Wireless-
B computers will be allowed on the network, but the speed will be reduced.
Select G-Only Modefor maximum speed, but no Wireless-B users will be
allowed on the network.
5. The Setup Wizard will ask you to review your settings before it starts to
copy files. Click the Next button to save these settings, or click the Back
button to change any settings.(See Figure 4-5.)
Figure 4-4
Figure 4-5
Chapter 6:Driver Installation and
Configuration for Windows XP
After inserting the Adapter into your notebook, you will install the driver and
configure the Adapter.
1. Windows XP will automatically detect the Adapter. Insert the Setup CD-
ROM into the CD-ROM drive. Click the radio button next to Install the
software automatically (Recommended). Then click the Next button.
11
Figure 6-1
Overview
Driver Installation for Windows XP
10
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation
1. Turn off your notebook PC.
2. Locate an available CardBus slot on your notebook PC.
3. With the Adapter’s
label facing up, as
shown in Figure 5-1,
slide the Adapter
into the CardBus
slot until it locks in
place.
4. Restart your note-
book PC.
5. Windows will begin copying the driver files to your computer. If Windows
asks you for the original Windows CD-ROM, insert the CD-ROM, and
direct Windows to its proper location (e.g., D:\).
If your PC is using Windows 98SE, Me, or 2000, proceed to “Chapter 7:
Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000.”
If your PC is using Windows XP, proceed to “Chapter 6: Driver
Installation and Configuration for Windows XP.”
Figure 5-1
Important for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users:You must run
the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.
Important for Windows XP users: You must install the Adapter’s
hardware before installing the software.
13
2. When Windows has finished installing the driver, click the Finish button.
You have now completed the driver installation for
the Adapter. To configure the Adapter, proceed to the next section,
“Windows XPWireless Zero Configuration.”
12
Figure 6-2
1. After installing the Adapter, the
Windows XP Wireless Zero
Configuration icon will appear in
your computer’s system tray (see
Figure 6-3). Double-click the icon.
2. The screen that appears will
show any available wireless
network. Select the network
you want.
If this network has a pre-
shared key encryption (WEP,
AES, TKIP) enabled, go to
step 3. If this network does
not have pre-shared key
encryption enabled, then the
screen in Figure 6-4 will
appear. Check the box next
to Allow me to connect to the
selected wireless network,
even though it is not secure.
Then click the Connect but-
ton and go to step 4.
For Windows XP users: Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool.
Use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration (in the system tray at
the bottom of your screen) to configure the Adapter.
Figure 6-3
Figure 6-4
Note: Steps 2 and 3 are instructions and screenshots for Windows XP
with Service Pack 1 installed. If you have not installed Service Pack
1, select the network you want, and click the Connect button. If the
network has WEP encryption enabled, enter the WEP key in the
Network key field, and then click the Connect button.
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
1514
Chapter 7: Using the WLAN
Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me,
and 2000
Use the WLAN Monitor to check the link information, search for available
wireless networks, or create profiles that hold different configuration settings.
After installing the Adapter, the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
WLAN Monitor icon will appear in your system tray. Double-
click the icon (see Figure 7-1).
The Link Information screen will appear. (See Figure 7-2.) 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 Site Survey tab. To perform configu-
ration changes, click the Profiles tab.
Figure 7-1
Figure 7-2
Accessing the WLAN Monitor
Overview
3. The screen in Figure 6-5 will appear. Enter the WEP key of your wireless
network in the Network key field, and re-enter it in the Confirm network key
field. Click the Connect button.
If you want to use AES or
TKIP, you will need to down-
load the latest patch,
Windows XP Support Patch
for Wireless Protected
Access, from the Microsoft
website, microsoft.com. To
manually configure the wire-
less profile, refer to your
Windows documentation.
4. The screen in Figure 6-6 will
appear if your connection is
active.
For more information about WEP, refer to your access point’s documentation,
or visit www.linksys.com.
For more information about wireless networking on a Windows XP computer,
enter the keyword wirelessin the Windows XP search engine.
Congratulations!
Your notebook is now connected to your wireless network.
Figure 6-5
Note: Wireless Zero Configuration does not support the use of a
passphrase. Enter the exact WEP key used by your access point.
Figure 6-6
17
The Link Information screen displays the signal strength and link quality infor-
mation about the current connection and provides a button to click for addi-
tional 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 the signal strength.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless net-
work connection.
Click the More Information button to view more information about the wire-
less network connection.
16
TCP/IP Setting
IP Address - The IP Address of the Adapter.
Subnet Mask - The Subnet Mask of the Adapter.
Default Gateway - The Default Gateway address of the Adapter.
DNS - The DNS address of the Adapter.
DHCP - The status of the DHCP client.
Wireless Network Status
State - The status of the wireless network connection.
SSID - The unique name of the wireless network.
Network Type- The mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Transfer Rate - The data transfer rate of the current connection.
Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
WEP - The status of the WEP encryption security feature.
MAC - The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point.
Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates the signal strength.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless net-
work connection.
Click the Back button to return to the initial Link Information screen.
Figure 7-4
Link Information
Figure 7-3
In the WEP drop-down box, select the type of WEP encryption used by the
wireless network: 64-bit, or 128-bit WEP.
If the wireless network uses a passphrase, enter the passphrase in the
Passphrase field. If the wireless network uses a WEP key, enter the WEP key
in the Key 1 field.
Click the OK button to complete the network connection and return to the Site
Survey screen, or click the Cancel button to cancel the network connection and
return to the Site Survey screen.
1918
Figure 7-6
The Site Survey screen displays a list of infrastructure and ad-hoc networks
available for connection.
SSID - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network.
Signal - The percentage of signal strength, from 0 to 100%.
Site Information
Network Type - The mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
WEP - The status of the WEP encryption security feature.
MAC - The MAC address of the wireless network’s access point.
Surveyed at - The time at which the wireless network was scanned.
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 net-
work,and click the Connect button. If the wireless network has WEP encryp-
tion enabled, you will see the screen shown in Figure 7-6.
Figure 7-5
Site Survey
2120
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 - To save the profile(s) in a different location, click the Export button.
Direct Windows to the appropriate folder, and click the OK button.
Delete - Click the Delete button to delete a profile.
Figure 7-8
Figure 7-9
Note: If you have more than one profile, all profiles will be auto-
matically selected and exported to the same folder.
The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different
network setups. You can also import or export profiles. The default profile
holds the initial configuration saved when you ran the Setup Wizard.
Profile - Name of the connection profile.
SSID - The wireless network’s unique name, as set in the connection profile.
Profile Information
Network Type - The mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Transfer Rate - 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.)
Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
WEP - The status of the WEP encryption security feature.
Connect - To connect to a wireless network using a specific profile, select the
profile,and click the Connect button.
Edit - Select a profile, and click the Edit button to change an existing profile.
New - Click the New button to create a new profile. See the next section,
“Creating a New Profile,” for detailed instructions.
Figure 7-7
Profiles
3. The Choose a network type screen shows a choice of two wireless modes.
Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want your wireless
computers to communicate with computers on your wired network via a
wireless access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want
multiple wireless computers to communicate directly with each other. Click
the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous
screen.
Infrastructure Mode - This mode allows wireless and wired networks to
communicate through an access point.
Ad-Hoc Mode - This mode allows wireless-equipped computers to com-
municate directly with each other. No access point is used.
23
1. On the Profiles screen, click the New button to create a new profile.
2. When the Create connection profile screen appears, enter a name for the
new profile. Click OK to save the profile name or click Cancel to return to
the previous screen.
22
Figure 7-11
Creating a New Profile
Figure 7-10
Figure 7-12
25
4. The Wireless Settings screen will appear. 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 chan-
nel to use, select the default channel (Channel 6).
Network Mode- Select Mixed Mode, and both Wireless-G and Wireless-
B computers will be allowed on the network, but the speed will be reduced.
Select G-Only Mode for maximum speed, but no Wireless-B users will be
allowed on the network.
24
5. The Network Setting screen will appear.
If your network has a DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain
an IP address automatically (DHCP). Click the Next button to continue,
or click the Back button to return to the previous screen. Then go to Step 5.
If your network does not have a DHCP server, click the radio button next to
Specify the IP address. Enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default
Gateway, and DNSappropriate for your network. Enter each address in this
format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (the x’s represent the numbers that make up each
address). You must specify the IP Address and Subnet Mask on this screen.
If you are unsure about the Default Gateway and DNS addresses, then leave
these fields alone.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previ-
ous screen. Then go to Step 6.
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 - Enter the DNS addresses of your Ethernet (wired) network here.
Figure 7-13
Figure 7-14
27
6. The Security Settings screen will appear. Enable or disable Wired
Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption for your wireless network. If you
enable WEP, enter a Passphrase or WEP key. Click the Next button to con-
tinue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
WEP (Disabled/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP) - If you do not want to use
WEP encryption, choose Disabled. To use WEP encryption (recommended
to increase network security), select 64-bit or 128-bit WEP from the drop-
down menu, and enter either a Passphrase or WEP key.
Passphrase - Instead of manually entering WEP keys, you can enter a
Passphrase, so that a WEP key is automatically generated. It is case-sensi-
tive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This
passphrase must match the passphrase of your wireless network and is com-
patible with other Linksys wireless products only. (If you have any non-
Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key(s) manually on those prod-
ucts.)
Key 1 - This WEP key must match the WEP key of your wireless network.
If you are using 64-bit WEP encryption, then the key must consist of exact-
ly 10 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 128-bit WEP encryption,
then the key must consist of exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexa-
decimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.
26
7. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear. To save the new settings,
click the Yes button. To cancel the settings and return to the Profiles screen,
click the No button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button.
8. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Activate new settings
now to implement the new settings immediately and return to the Link
Information screen. Click Activate new settings later to keep the current
settings active, and return to the Profiles screen so that you can edit your
profile or create another profile.
You have successfully created a connection profile.
Figure 7-16
Figure 7-17
Figure 7-15
3. I cannot communicate with a wired computer linked via an access point in the
infrastructure configuration.
•Make sure that the notebook PC is powered on.
•Make sure that the Adapter is configured with the same SSID and security
options as the other computers in the infrastructure configuration.
Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?
This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over
a network. Consult the application’s user guide to determine if it supports oper-
ation over a network.
Can I play computer games with other members of the wireless network?
Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area net-
work). Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.
What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard
allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to commu-
nicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. The
802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an oper-
ating frequency of 2.4GHz.
What is the IEEE 802.11g standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11g standard
allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to commu-
nicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11g standard. The
802.11g standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an oper-
ating frequency of 2.4GHz.
What IEEE 802.11g features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11g functions:
•CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
•Multi-Channel Roaming
•Automatic Rate Selection
•RTS/CTS feature
•Fragmentation
•Power Management
29
Appendix A:Troubleshooting
This chapter provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installa-
tion and operation of the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter. Read the descriptions
below to solve your problems. If you can’t find an answer here, check the
Linksys website at www.linksys.com.
1.My computer does not recognize the Adapter.
•Make sure the Adapter is properly inserted into the CardBus slot. Note that
the Adapter can be inserted either way, but is correctly only when it is insert-
ed so that the “Instant Wireless” logo on the front of the Adapter cannot be
seen. If in doubt, try inserting the Adapter both ways. The Adapter will slide
in further when it is correct.
2.The Adapter does not work properly.
•Reinsert the Adapter into your notebook’s CardBus slot. A beep should be
heard if the Adapter is properly inserted.
•For non-Windows environments, make sure that a PCMCIA card service
driver is installed on your PC.
•Open the Control Panel and click the PC Card. Check whether it has a
PCMCIA card in one of the sockets or not. If you find the Adapter in one of
the sockets, it means that the Adapter has been detected properly. If you see
a yellow question mark, the resources are in conflict.
•Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Select Device Manager
and click the Network Adapter. You will find the Wireless-G Notebook
Adapter if it is installed successfully. If you see the yellow exclamation mark,
the resources are in conflict. Click PCMCIA card and then click PCMCIA
card service. You will see the status of the Adapter. If there is a yellow ques -
tion mark please check the following:
•Make sure that your notebook has a free IRQ.
•Make sure that you have inserted the right Adapter and installed the prop-
er driver.
If the Adapter does not function after attempting the above steps, remove the
Adapter and do the following:
•Uninstall the driver software from your PC.
•Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as spec-
ified in this User Guide.
28
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Problems and Solutions
What is Spread Spectrum?
Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique devel-
oped by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communica-
tions systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability,
integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the
case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in
effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the
parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not
tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background
noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).
What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that
changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver.
Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To
an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise.
Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern
for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping
code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can
be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during trans-
mission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original
data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS
appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most nar-
rowband receivers.
Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security fea-
ture of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption function
(WEP) to enhance security and access control.
What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit
or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
What is ad-hoc mode?
When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped com-
puters are configured to communicate directly with each other. The ad-hoc
wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.
What is infrastructure mode?
When a wireless network is set to infrastructure mode, the wireless network is
configured to communicate with a wired network through a wireless access
point.
What is roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu-
ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a sin-
gle access point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must make
sure that it is the same channel number with the access point of dedicated cov-
erage area.
To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a
number of different functions. Each node and access point, for example, must
always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact
with the wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving
these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology
that links access points and nodes. In such a system, the user’s end node under-
takes a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such
factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the message load currently
being carried by each access point and the distance of each access point to the
wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the right
access point and registers its address. Communications between end node and
host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone.
As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the sys-
tem to determine whether it is in touch with the original access point or whether
it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowledgment
from its original access point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new
access point, it then re-registers, and the communication process continues.
What is ISM band?
The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth
for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band.
Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available
worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient
high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.
3130
3332
user is likely to require the Internet connection at a particular location. It’s espe-
cially useful in education and other environments where users change fre-
quently. Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks
in which there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.
DHCP supports static addresses for computers containing Web servers that
need a permanent IP address.
DNS - The domain name system (DNS) is the way that Internet domain name
are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A domain name
is a meaningful and easy-to-remember “handle” for an Internet address.
DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit
pattern for all transmitted data. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping
code). Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission,
statistical techniques embedded in the receiver can recover the original data
without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears
as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband
receivers. However, to an intended receiver (i.e. another wireless LAN end-
point), the DSSS signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference
is inherently rejected (ignored).
Dynamic IP Address - An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client
station in a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server. Network devices that
serve multiple users, such as servers and printers, are usually assigned static IP
addresses.
ESS (Extended Service Set) - A set of more than two or more BSSs (multiple
access points) forming a single network.
Firmware - Code that is written onto read-only memory (ROM) or program-
mable read-only memory (PROM). Once firmware has been written onto the
ROM or PROM, it is retained even when the device is turned off.
IEEE - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE
describes itself as “the world’s largest technical professional society—promot-
ing the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences
for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-
being of our members.”
The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and
international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has
many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the
IEEE Computer Society.
Appendix B:Glossary
802.11b - One of the IEEE standards for wireless networking hardware.
Products that adhere to a specific IEEE standard will work with each other,
even if they are manufactured by different companies. The 802.11b standard
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps, an operating frequency of
2.4GHz, and WEP encryption for security. 802.11b networks are also referred
to as Wi-Fi networks.
802.11g - One of the IEEE standards for wireless networking hardware, which
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps using OFDM modulation,
an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, backward compatibility with IEEE 802.11b
devices and WEP encryption for security.
Ad-hoc Network - An ad-hoc network is a group of computers, each with a
wireless adapter, connected as an independent 802.11 wireless LAN. Ad-hoc
wireless computers operate on a peer-to-peer basis, communicating directly
with each other without the use of an access point. Ad-hoc mode is also
referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) or as peer-to-peer
mode, and is useful at a departmental scale or SOHO operation.
CTS (Clear To Send) - An RS-232 signal sent from the receiving station to the
transmitting station that indicates it is ready to accept data.
Default Gateway - The router used to forward all traffic that is not addressed
to a station within the local subnet.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A protocol that lets network
administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet
Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization’s network. Using the Internet’s set of
protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet needs a
unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a con-
nection to the Internet, an IP address must be assigned to each machine.
Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and,
if computers move to another location in another part of the network, a new IP
address must be entered. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and dis -
tribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP
address when a computer is plugged into a different place in the network.
DHCP uses the concept of a “lease” or amount of time that a given IP address
will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a
3534
OFDM - Developed for wireless applications, Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing (OFDM) technology offers superior performance-increased data
rates and more reliable transmissions-than previous technologies, such as
DSSS. OFDM is a scheme in which numerous signals of different frequencies
are combined to form a single signal for transmission on the medium.
OFDM works by breaking one high-speed data stream into a number of lower-
speed data streams, which are then transmitted in parallel. Each lower speed
stream is used to modulate a subcarrier. Essentially, this creates a multi-carrier
transmission by dividing a wide frequency band or channel into a number of
narrower frequency bands or sub-channels. OFDM is also used for other appli-
cations, including powerline networking.
Plug-and-Play - The ability of a computer system to configure expansion
boards and other devices automatically without requiring the user to turn off
the system during installation.
Roaming - In an infrastructure mode wireless network, this refers to the abili-
ty to move out of one access point's range and into another and transparently
reassociate and reauthenticate to the new access point. This reassociation and
reauthentication should occur without user intervention and ideally without
interruption to network connectivity. A typical scenario would be a location
with multiple access points, where users can physically relocate from one area
to another and easily maintain connectivity.
SSID (Service Set Identifier) - An identification name that wireless devices
use to make connections. In order for wireless devices to communicate, they
must all be set to the same channel and they all must use the same SSID. For
instance, if you are using an access point to connect two computers using wire-
less devices, the access point and each of the wireless devices must use the
same SSID. Even if they are set to the same channel, they cannot communicate
unless the SSID is the same.
Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in a
TCP/IP network.
Subnet Mask - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub-
groups, or subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP
address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with
the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram)
between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling
Infrastructure Network - An infrastructure network is a group of computers
or other devices, each with a wireless adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless
LAN. In infrastructure mode, the wireless devices communicate with each
other and to a wired network by first going through an access point. An infra-
structure wireless network connected to a wired network is referred to as a
Basic Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single network is
referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastructure mode is useful at
a corporation scale, or when it is necessary to connect the wired and wireless
networks.
IPAddress - In the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol (IP)
today, an IP address is a 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or
receiver of information that is sent in packet across the Internet. When you
request an HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet Protocol part of TCP/IP
includes your IP address in the message (actually, in each of the packets if more
than one is required) and sends it to the IP address that is obtained by looking
up the domain name in the Uniform Resource Locator you requested or in the
e-mail address you're sending a note to. At the other end, the recipient can see
the IP address of the Web page requester or the e-mail sender and can respond
by sending another message using the IP address it received.
IPCONFIG - A utility that provides for querying, defining and managing IP
addresses within a network. A commonly used utility, under Windows NT and
2000, for configuring networks with static IP addresses.
ISP - An ISP (Internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals
and companies access to the Internet and other related services such as Web site
building and virtual hosting.
LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated
devices that share a common communications line and typically share the
resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for
example, within an office building).
MAC Address - The MAC (Media Access Control) address is your computer’s
unique hardware number.
mIRC - mIRC runs under Windows and provides a graphical interface for log-
ging onto IRC servers and listing, joining and leaving channels.
Network Mask - also known as the “Subnet Mask.”
3736
Appendix C: Specifications
Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Modulations: 802.11b: CCK (11 Mbps), DQPSK (2 Mbps),
DBPSK (1 Mbps); 802.11g: OFDM
Channels:
802.11b, 11 Channels (USA)
802.11g 13 Channels (Europe)
14 Channels (Japan)
Interface: CardBus
Speed: Up to 54 Mbps
LEDs: Power, Link
WEP Key Bits: 64-Bit and 128-Bit
the actual delivery of the data (routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the
individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi-
cient delivery over the network. TCP is known as a "connection oriented" pro-
tocol due to requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of
receipt to the sender of the packet resulting in transmission control.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - The basic com-
munication language or set of protocols for communications over a network
(developed specifically for the Internet). TCP/IP defines a suite or group of
protocols and not only TCP and IP.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP
(Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram)
between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling
the actual delivery of the data (routing), UDP takes care of keeping track of the
individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi-
cient delivery over the network. UDP is known as a “connection-less” protocol
due to NOT requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of
receipt to the sender of the packet (as opposed to TCP).
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64-
bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11b standard.
WINIPCFG - Configuration utility based on the Win32 API for querying,
defining and managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used util-
ity under Windows 95, 98SE, and Me.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associat-
ed devices that communicate with each other wirelessly.
39
Dimensions: 4.53" x 2.13" x 0.30"
(115 mm x 54 mm x 7.5 mm)
Unit Weight: 1.66 oz. (0.047 kg)
Power: 3.3V Bus powered
Certifications: FCC, CE, Wi-Fi (802.11b, 802.11g), WPA,
WHQL:Windows 2000, XP
Operating Temp.: 32ºF to 99ºF (0ºC to 55ºC)
Storage Temp.: -13ºF to 158ºF (-25ºC to 70ºC)
Operating Humidity: 5% to 95%, Non-Condensing
Storage Humidity: 5% to 95%, Non-Condensing
38
Appendix D:Warranty Information
BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE
FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING.
RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF
PURCHASE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID
FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDEN-
TAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE
OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCU-
MENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY PROD-
UCT.
LINKSYS OFFERS CROSS SHIPMENTS, A FASTER PROCESS FOR PRO-
CESSING AND RECEIVING YOUR REPLACEMENT. LINKSYS PAYS
FOR UPS GROUND ONLY. ALL CUSTOMERS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA SHALL BE HELD
RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. PLEASE
CALL LINKSYS FOR MORE DETAILS.
Environmental
© Copyright 2003 Linksys, All Rights Reserved.
http://www.linksys.com
40
Appendix E:Contact Information
For help with the installation or operation of the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter,
contact Linksys Technical Support at one of the phone numbers or Internet
addresses below.
Sales Information 800-546-5797 (LINKSYS)
Technical Support 800-326-7114
RMA (Return Merchandise
Authorization) Issues www.linksys.com (or call 949-271-5461)
Fax 949-265-6655
E-mail support@linksys.com
Web http://www.linksys.com
FTP Site ftp.linksys.com

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