LINKSYS WPCI54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter User Manual

LINKSYS LLC Wireless-G PCI Adapter

Contents

users manual 1

Instant Wireless®SeriesUser GuideWireless-GPCI AdapterUse this Guide to install:WMP54GCOPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2003 Linksys, All RightsReserved. Instant Wireless, Linksys, and the Linksys logo are registered trademarks ofLinksys Group, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trade-marks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the proper-ty of their respective proprietors. LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys guarantees that every Instant Wireless®Wireless-G PCI Adapter will be free fromphysical 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 atwww.linksys.comfor complete RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) assistance. Youcan also call Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a RMA Number. BE SURE TOHAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACK-AGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSEDWITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the RMA Numberclearly 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 shallbe 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 OFFERS NO REFUNDS FOR ITS PROD-UCTS. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory,with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all accom-panying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, orfitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or update its prod-ucts, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity.Please direct all inquiries to:Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623. SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICESFCC STATEMENTThe Instant Wireless®Wireless-G PCI Adapter has been tested and complies with thespecifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions:(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that maycause undesired operation.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interferencein a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio fre-quency energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may causeharmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that inter-ference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmfulinterference to radio or television reception, which is found by turning the equipment offand on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of thefollowing 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 assistanceFCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved byLinksys could void the user's authority to operate the device.FCC RF Radiation Exposure StatementTo comply with the FCC and ANSI C95.1 RF exposure limits, the antenna(s) for thisdevice must comply with the following:• Access points with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz integrated antenna must operate with a sepa-ration distance of at least 20 cm from all persons using the cable provided and mustnot be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.End-users must be provided with specific operations for satisfying RF exposure compli-ance.Note: Dual antennas used for diversity operation are not considered co-located.Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) NoticeThis Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210du Canada."To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be oper-ated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or itstransmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing."" Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'unelicence, il doit être utilisé à l'intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournirun écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son antenne d'émission) est installé àl'extérieur, il doit faire l'objet d'une licence. "EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)Linksys Group declares that the Instant Wireless®Series products included in the InstantWireless®Series conform to the specifications listed below, following the provisions of theEuropean R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC, EMC directive 89/336/EEC, and Low Voltagedirective 73/23/EEC: For 2.4 GHz devices with 100 mW radios, the following standards were applied: • 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.Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdooruse may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation.Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level ofabove 100 mW equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) are considered as not com-pliant with the above mentioned directive and are not allowed for use within the Europeancommunity and countries that have adopted the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/ECand/or the CEPT recommendation Rec 70.03. For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact LinksysCorporate Compliance.• Linksys Group vakuuttaa täten että Instant Wireless®Wireless-G PCI Adapter tyyp-pinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY, direktiivin 89/336/EEC ja direktiivin 73/23/EEColeellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden ehtojenmukainen.
• Linksys Group déclare que la Instant Wireless®Wireless-G PCI Adapter est conformeaux conditions essentielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive 1999/5/EC, ladirective 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 (2467MHz), et 13 (2472 MHz). Dans le cas d'une utilisation privée, à l'extérieur d'un bâti-ment, au-dessus d'un espace public, aucun enregistrement n'est nécessaire pourune distance de moins de 300m. Pour une distance supérieure à 300m un enreg-istrement auprès de l'IBPT est requise. Pour une utilisation publique à l'extérieur debâtiments, une licence de l'IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et licences,veuillez contacter l'IBPT.• France F: 2.4 GHz Bande : les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz respec-tivement) sont complétement libres d'utilisation en France (en utilisation intérieur).Pour ce qui est des autres canaux, ils peuvent être soumis à autorisation selon ledépartment. L'utilisation en extérieur est soumis à autorisation préalable et trèsrestreint. 2.4 GHz Band: only channels 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, and 2472 MHzrespectively) may be used freely in France for indoor use. License required for out-door installations.• 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. Verificarecon 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 forprocedure to follow.• Nederlands NL Licentie verplicht voor gebruik met buitenantennes. Neem contact opmet verkoper voor juiste procedure.WMP54G_V2-UG-30508A BWTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction 1The Wireless-G PCI Adapter 1Features 1Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 2Network Topology 2Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode 2Chapter 3: Getting to Know theWireless-G PCI Adapter 4Chapter 4: Hardware and Driver Installation andConfiguration for Windows XP 5Overview 5Hardware Installation for Windows XP 5Driver Installation for Windows XP 6Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 7Chapter 5: Software Installation and Configurationfor Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 10Overview 10Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 11Chapter 6: Hardware Installation for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 14Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows98SE, Me, and 2000 15Overview 15Accessing the WLAN Monitor 15Link Information 16Site Survey 17Profiles 19Creating a New Profile 21Instant Wireless®Series Wireless-G PCI AdapterChapter 1: IntroductionThe Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter installs in most desktops and lets you putyour computer almost anywhere in the building, without the cost and hassle ofrunning network cables. Now you don't have to drill holes in your walls andclimb through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network. Once you'reconnected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, useinstant messaging to chat with friends, and share files and other resources suchas printers and network storage with other computers on the network.The Wireless-G PCI Adapter connects you with Wireless-G networks at anincredible 54Mbps! And for added versatility, it can also interoperate with allthe 11Mbps Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, andpublic wireless hotspots around the country. And in either mode, your wirelesscommunications are protected by up to 128-bit encryption, so your data stayssecure.So don't hassle with running cables through your house - get your desktop con-nected the easy way with the Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter.• Operates in the 2.4Ghz frequency spectrum with throughput of up to 54Mbps• Complies with IEEE 802.11g draft standards, and backwards compatiblewith IEEE 802.11b products• Up to 128-bit WEP encryption• 32-bit PCI Interface• Compatible with Windows 98SE, Millennium, 2000 and XPThe Wireless-G PCI AdapterFeatures1Appendix A: Troubleshooting 26Common Problems and Solutions 26Frequently Asked Questions 26Appendix B: Glossary 30Appendix C: Specifications 38Environmental 39Appendix D: Warranty Information 40Appendix E: Contact Information 41
Wireless-G PCI AdapterInstant Wireless®SeriesIf the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources onlywith the other computers on the wireless network, then the ad-hoc mode canbe 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 withcomputers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between thewireless-equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference direct-ly between them.32Figure 2-2Chapter 2: Planning Your WirelessNetworkA wireless 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 toconnect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequencychannel and SSID, which is an identification name for wireless devices.Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in whichthey may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. In an infrastructure configu-ration a WLAN and wired LAN communicate to each other through an accesspoint. In ad-hoc configuration, wireless-equipped computers communicatedirectly with each other. Choosing between these two modes depends onwhether or not the wireless network needs to share data or peripherals with awired network or not.If the computers on thewireless network need tobe accessed by a wirednetwork or need to share aperipheral, such as a print-er, with the wired networkcomputers, the wirelessnetwork should be set upin infrastructure mode.(See Figure 2-1.) Thebasis of infrastructuremode centers around anaccess point, which servesas the main point of communications between a wired and wireless network.Access points transmit data to PCs equipped with wireless network adapters,which can roam within a certain radial range of the access point. Multipleaccess points can be arranged to work in succession to extend the roamingrange, and can be set up to communicate with your Ethernet (wired) hardwareas well. Network TopologyAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure ModeFigure 2-1Wireless-G PCI Adapter5Chapter 4: Hardware and DriverInstallation and Configuration forWindows XPAfter installing the Adapter into your PC, you will install the driver and con-figure the Adapter.1. Turn off your desktop PC. 2. Open your PC case and locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard.Check with your computer manufacturer for instructions. 3. Slide the PCI Adapter into the PCI slot. Make sure that all of its pins aretouching the slot's contacts. You may have to apply a bit of pressure to slidethe adapter all the way in. After the adapter is firmly in place, secure its fas-tening tab to your PC's chassis with a mounting screw. Then, close your PC.4. Attach the external antenna to the adapter’s antenna port.5. Power on your desktop PC.You have now completed the hardware installation forthe Adapter. To install the driver for the Adapter, proceed to the nextsection, “Driver Installation for Windows XP.”Instant Wireless®Series4Chapter 3: Getting to Know theWireless-G PCI AdapterThe PCI Adapter will install into your PC like any PCI adapter and, on themounting bracket, you will find two distinguishing items:ACT LED Green. The ACT LED lights up when the Adapter is poweredon.Antenna Port Attach the PCI Adapter’s antenna here and position it formaximum performance, which is usually perpendicular tothe horizon.Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: Go to Chapter 5: SoftwareInstallation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000.Hardware Installation for Windows XPOverview
Instant Wireless®Series1. Windows XP will automatically detect the Adapter. Insert the Setup CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive and the screen in Figure 4-1 should appear.Click the radio button next to Install the software automatically(Recommended). Then click the Next button.6Figure 4-1Wireless-G PCI Adapter2. When Windowshas finishedinstalling thedriver, click theFinish button.You have now completed the driver installation forthe Adapter. To configure the Adapter, proceed to the next section,“Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.”1. After installing the Adapter, the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configurationicon will appear in your computer’s system tray (see Figure 4-3). Double-click the icon.7Figure 4-2For Windows XP users: Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool.Use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration (in the system tray atthe bottom of your screen) to configure the Adapter.Windows XP Wireless Zero ConfigurationFigure 4-3Driver Installation for Windows XPInstant Wireless®Series82. The screen that appears will show any available wireless network. Select thenetwork you want. If you have already enabled WEP encryption on your network, skip aheadto step 3. If you have NOTenabled WEP encryp-tion on your network,the screen in Figure 4-4will appear. Check thebox next to Allow me toconnect to the selectedwireless network, eventhough it is not secure.Then click the Connectbutton and continue tostep 4.3. The screen in Figure 4-5 will appear. Enter the WEP key of your wirelessnetwork in the Network key field, and re-enter it in the Confirm network keyfield. Then, click the Connect button.Figure 4-4Note: Steps 2 and 3 are the instructions and screenshots for WindowsXP with Service Pack 1 installed. If you have not installed ServicePack 1, select the network you want, and click the Connect button. Ifthe network has WEP encryption enabled, enter the WEP key in theNetwork key field, and then click the Connect button.Note: Wireless Zero Configuration does not support the use of apassphrase. Enter the exact WEP key used by your access point.Wireless-G PCI Adapter94. The screen in Figure 4-6 willappear if your connection isactive.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 wireless in the Windows XP search engine.Congratulations!Your PC is now connected to your wireless network.Figure 4-5Figure 4-6
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter11Instant Wireless®Series101. To install the Adapter, click the Install button on the Welcome screen,Figure 5-1. Click User Guide to view the User Guide or click Exit to exitthe Setup Wizard.2. After reading the License Agreement, shown in Figure 5-2, click the Nextbutton to continue the installation, or click the Cancel button to end theinstallation.3. The Setup Wizard will display a screen similar to that shown in Figure 5-3,asking you to choose a wireless mode. Click the Infrastructure Moderadio button if you want your wireless computers to network with comput-ers on your wired network using a wireless access point. Click the Ad-HocMode radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to networkdirectly with each other. Do not use Ad-Hoc mode if you want your wire-less computers to communicate with computers on your wired network. Setup Wizard Instructions for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 Figure 5-2Chapter 5: Software Installationand Configuration for Windows98SE, Me, and 2000The Wireless-G PCI Adapter’s Setup Wizard will guide you through the instal-lation procedure for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000. The Setup Wizard willinstall the WLAN Monitor and driver, as well as configure the Adapter. Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The SetupWizard should run automatically, and Figure 5-1 should appear. If it does not,click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears, enterD:\setup.exe (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive). Figure 5-1Overview Important for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: You must runthe Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.Wireless-G Notebook Adapter13Instant Wireless®Series12Network 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 beallowed on the network. 5. The SetupWizard will askyou to reviewyour settings (asin Figure 5-5)before it startsto copy files.Click the Nextbutton to savethese settings,or click theBack button tochange any set-tings.6. After the fileshave been suc-cessfully copied,the screen inFigure 5-6 willappear. Clickthe Exit button.Proceed to “Chapter 6: Hardware Installation for Windows 98SE, Me, and2000.”Figure 5-5Figure 5-6In the SSID field, enter the SSID of your wireless network. The SSID mustbe identical for all devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (alllowercase). Click the Next button, or click the Back button to return to theprevious page.4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-HocMode, you’ll see a screen similar to that shown in Figure 5-4. Select thecorrect operating channel for your network from the Channel drop-downmenu. Then, select the Network Mode from the drop-down menu. Click theNext button, and go to Step 5. Click the Back button to change any settings.Channel - Thechannel youchoose shouldmatch the chan-nel set on theother devices inyour wirelessnetwork. If youare unsure aboutwhich channelto use, select thedefault channel(Channel 6).Figure 5-3Figure 5-4
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter15Instant Wireless®SeriesChapter 6: Hardware Installation forWindows 98SE, Me, and 20001. Turn off your desktop PC. 2. Open your PC case and locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard.Check with your computer manufacturer for instructions. 3. Slide the PCI Adapter into the PCI slot. Make sure that all of its pins aretouching the slot's contacts. You may have to apply a bit of pressure to slidethe adapter all the way in. After the adapter is firmly in place, secure its fas-tening tab to your PC's chassis with a mounting screw. Then, close your PC.4. Attach the external antenna to the adapter’s antenna port.5. Power on your desktop PC.You have now completed the hardware installation forthe Adapter.If you want to check the link information, search for available wirelessnetworks, or make additional configuration changes, proceed to“Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and2000.”14Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitorfor Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000Use the WLAN Monitor to check the link information, search for availablewireless networks, or create profiles that hold different configuration settings.After installing the Adapter, the WLAN Monitor icon will appearin your system tray. Double-click the icon (see Figure 7-1).The Link Information screen (Figure 7-2) will appear. From this screen, you canfind out how strong the current wireless signal is and how good the connec-tion’s quality is. You can also click the More Information button to view addi-tional status information about the current wireless connection. To search foravailable wireless networks, click the Site Survey tab. To perform configura-tion changes, click the Profiles tab.Figure 7-1Figure 7-2Accessing the WLAN MonitorOverviewMake sure that you do Chapter 5 and install the software with theSetup Wizard before you install the hardware.Wireless-G Notebook Adapter17Instant Wireless®SeriesThe Link Information screen displays signal strength and link quality informa-tion about the current connection and provides a button to click for additionalstatus information. Ad-Hoc Mode or Infrastructure Mode - The screen indicates whether theAdapter 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 net-work connection.Click the X(Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.Click the MoreInformationbutton to viewmore informa-tion about thewireless net-work connec-tion. A screensimilar to thatshown in Figure7-3 will appear.TCP/IP SettingIP Address - The IP Address of the Adapter.Subnet Mask - The Subnet Mask of the Adapter.Default Gateway - The Default Gateway address of the Adapter.DHCP - The status of the DHCP client.DNS - The DNS address of the Adapter.16Wireless Network StatusState - The status of the wireless network connection.SSID - The unique name of the wireless network. Wireless Mode - 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 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. Click theX(Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.The Site Surveyscreen, Figure7-4, displays alist of infra-structure andad-hoc networksavailable forconnection.SSID - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network. Signal - The percentage of signal strength.Site SurveyFigure 7-4Link InformationFigure 7-3

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