LINKSYS WUSB11V4 Wireless USB Network Adapter User Manual Book

LINKSYS LLC Wireless USB Network Adapter Book

Contents

Part 1

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.®Model No.USB Network AdapterWireless-BWUSB11User GuideWIRELESSGHz2.4802.11b
Wireless-B USB Network 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 © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. This User GuideThe User Guide to the Wireless-B USB Network Adapter has been designed to make understanding networking easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this guide:In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like this:Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the "List of Figures" section in the “Table of Contents”. This exclamation point means there is a Caution or warning and is something that could damage your property or the USB Network Adapter.word: definition.This checkmark means there is a Note of interest and is something you should pay special attention to while using the USB Network Adapter.This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the USB Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Descriptionwusb11 v3-UG-31029NC KL
Wireless-B USB Network AdapterTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction 1Welcome 1What’s in this Guide? 2Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4Network Topology 4Roaming 4Network Layout 5Chapter 3: Getting to Know the USB Network Adapter 6The USB Port 6The LED Indicators 6Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 7The Installation Procedure 8Chapter 5: Hardware Installation 11Connecting the Adapter 11Using the Adapter’s Wall Mount 13Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for Windows XP 15Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration 16Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 18Accessing the WLAN Monitor 18Link Information 18Site Survey 20Profiles 21Creating a New Profile 23Appendix A: Troubleshooting 27Common Problems and Solutions 27Frequently Asked Questions 28Appendix B: Wireless Security 31Security Precautions 31Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 31Appendix C: Windows Help 34Appendix D: Glossary 35
Wireless-B USB Network AdapterAppendix E: Specifications 38Appendix F: Warranty Information 40Appendix G: Regulatory Information 41Appendix H: Contact Information 44
Wireless-B USB Network AdapterList of FiguresFigure 3-1: Back Panel 6Figure 3-2: Front Panel 6Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome screen 7Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 8Figure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s Network Mode screen 8Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Channels screen 9Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s Finalize Settings screen 9Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 10Figure 5-1: How the Adapter connects to your PC 11Figure 5-2: The Adapter’s USB Port 11Figure 5-3: A PC’s USB port 11Figure 5-4: The Adapter’s LEDs 12Figure 5-5: Positioning the LEDs antenna 12Figure 5-6: The Adapter’s Wall Mount 13Figure 5-7: Using the Wall Mount - Step A 13Figure 5-8: Using the Wall Mount - Step B 14Figure 5-9: Using the Wall Mount - Step C 14Figure 6-1: Install Software Automatically 15Figure 6-2: wizard Finished 15Figure 6-3: The Zero Configuration Icon 16Figure 6-4: Zero Configuration Connection without WEP 16Figure 6-5: Zero Configuration Connection with WEP 17Figure 6-6: Zero Configuration Active Wireless Connection 17Figure 7-1: The WLAN Monitor icon 18Figure 7-2: The Link Information screen 18Figure 7-3: More Link Information 19Figure 7-4: Site Survey 20Figure 7-5: WEP Encryption 20Figure 7-6: Profiles 21Figure 7-7: Importing a Profile 22
Wireless-B USB Network AdapterFigure 7-8: Exporting a Profile 22Figure 7-9: Creating a New Profile 23Figure 7-10: Enter Profile Name 23Figure 7-11: Network Settings for New Profile 24Figure 7-12: Network Mode for New Profile 24Figure 7-13: Wireless Channels for New Profile 25Figure 7-14: Security Settings for New Profile 25Figure 7-15: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 26Figure 7-16: Congratulations for New Profile 26
1Chapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeWireless-B USB Network AdapterChapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeThank you for choosing the Wireless-B USB Network Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless networking experience will be faster and 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. Connecting to your PC via the USB port means that this Adapter leaves the PC’s slots open for other purposes. This adapter communicates over the 802.11b wireless standard, one of the most popular wireless standards, to communicate with your network.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. Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Access Point, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Access Point. 802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.
2Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-B USB Network AdapterWhat’s in this Guide?This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-B USB Network 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-B USB Network AdapterThis chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.• Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000This chapter instructs you on how to install the Adapter’s Setup Wizard and Configure the Adapter for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000.• Chapter 5: Hardware InstallationThis chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC.• Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for Windows XPThis chapter explains how to install the Adapter’s driver and use Windows Zero Configuration.• Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000This chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s WLAN 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: Wireless SecurityThis appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help protect your wireless network.• Appendix C: Windows HelpThis appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing the TCP/IP protocol.• Appendix D: GlossaryThis appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
3Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-B USB Network Adapter• Appendix E: SpecificationsThis appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.• Appendix F: Warranty InformationThis appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.• Appendix G: Regulatory InformationThis appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.• Appendix H: Contact InformationThis appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
4Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork TopologyWireless-B USB Network 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.
5Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork LayoutWireless-B USB Network 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.
6Chapter 3: Getting to Know the USB Network AdapterThe USB PortWireless-B USB Network AdapterChapter 3: Getting to Know the USB Network AdapterThe USB PortThe Adapter’s USB port is located on the side of the Adapter. You will attach the included USB cable to this port. The other end of the cable will connect to your PC’s USB port.The 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 Green. The Link LED lights up when the Adapter has an active connection. Figure 3-1: Back PanelFigure 3-2: Front Panel
7Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000Wireless-B USB Network AdapterChapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000The Wireless Wireless-B USB Network 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 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:Install - Click the Install button to begin the software installation process. User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open the PDF file of this User Guide. Exit - Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard. software: instructions for the computerNOTE: Windows XP Users. Do NOT run the Wireless-B USB Network Adapter Setup Wizard. Proceed directly to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”NOTE: Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users. You must run the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome screenwlan: a group of computers and associated devices that communicate with each other wirelessly.
8Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000The Installation ProcedureWireless-B USB Network AdapterThe Installation Procedure1. To install the Adapter, click the Install button on the Welcome screen.2. After reading the License Agreement, click the Next button if you agree, or click the Cancel button to end the installation.3. The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a network mode. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want your wireless computers to network with computers on your wired network using a wireless access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to network directly with each other. In the SSID field, enter the SSID of your wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase). Click the Next button. Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License AgreementFigure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s Network Mode screenNOTE: Network SSIDs should be unique to your network and identical for all devices within the network.
9Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000The Installation ProcedureWireless-B USB Network Adapter4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, select the correct operating channel for your network. The channel you choose should match the channel set on the other devices in your wireless network. Then click the Next button. 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.If you’re using Windows 2000, you may see a Windows Digital Signature warning. As this product has been tested to work with Windows, you may continue.Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Channels screenFigure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s Finalize Settings screen
10Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000The Installation ProcedureWireless-B USB Network Adapter6. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click the Exit button.Proceed to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”Figure 4-6: The Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen
11Chapter 5: Hardware InstallationConnecting the AdapterWireless-B USB Notebook AdapterChapter 5: Hardware InstallationConnecting the Adapter1. The Adapter comes with the USB cable you will use to connect the Adapter to your PC. Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port of the Adapter.Connect the other end of the USB cable to one of the USB ports on your computer. Figure 5-2: The Adapter’s USB PortFigure 5-1: How the Adapter connects to your PCFigure 5-3: A PC’s USB portNOTE: Windows XP Users. You must install the Adapter’s hardware before installing the software.NOTE: Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users. You must run the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.
12Chapter 5: Hardware InstallationConnecting the AdapterWireless-B USB Notebook Adapter2. The Power LED should light up when the Adapter is plugged in. (Make sure your PC is powered on.)Raise the antenna. Make sure the antenna is positioned straight up into the air, at a 90º angle from the Adapter. This will ensure optimum wireless operating range and performance.If your PC is running Windows XP, proceed to “Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for Windows XP.”If your PC is running Windows 98SE, Me, or 2000, the installation of the Wireless-B USB Network Adapter is complete. If you want to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes, proceed to “Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000.”Figure 5-4: The Adapter’s LEDsFigure 5-5: Positioning the LEDs antennaNOTE: If you want to attach the Adapter onto your wall, go to the next section, “Using the Adapter’s Wall Mount,” before proceeding to the appropriate chapter for your PC’s operating system.
13Chapter 5: Hardware InstallationUsing the Adapter’s Wall MountWireless-B USB Notebook AdapterUsing the Adapter’s Wall MountThe Adapter’s Wall Mount allows you to easily attach the Adapter onto your wall for better reception and more convenient placement. 1. Attach the separate adhesive strip of velcro to the wall where you will be mounting the Adapter. 2. To attach the Wall Mount to the Adapter, slide the Wall Mount into the grooves on the back panel of the Adapter, as shown in Steps A, B, and C.Figure 5-6: The Adapter’s Wall MountFigure 5-7: Using the Wall Mount - Step A
14Chapter 5: Hardware InstallationUsing the Adapter’s Wall MountWireless-B USB Notebook Adapter 3. Using the velcro strip on the Adapter’s Wall Mount, attach the Adapter to the velcro strip on your wall.If your PC is running Windows XP, proceed to “Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for Windows XP.”If your PC is running Windows 98SE, Me, or 2000, the installation of the Wireless-B USB Network Adapter is complete. If you want to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes, proceed to “Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000.”Figure 5-9: Using the Wall Mount - Step CFigure 5-8: Using the Wall Mount - Step B

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