LINKSYS WUSB54GV4 Wireless-G USB Network Adapter ver. 4 User Manual Book

LINKSYS LLC Wireless-G USB Network Adapter ver. 4 Book

Contents

User Manual Part 1

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.®Model No.USB Network AdapterWireless-GWUSB54GUser GuideWIRELESSGHz2.4802.11g
Wireless-G 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 © 2004 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-G 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 Adapter.word: definition.This checkmark means there is a note of interest and is something you should pay special attention to while using the Adapter.This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need to do while using the Adapter.Figure 0-1: Sample Figure DescriptionWUSB54G_V2-UG-40422NC JL
Wireless-G USB Network AdapterTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction 1Welcome 1What’s in this Guide? 2Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 4Network Topology 4Roaming 4Network Layout 4Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 6The USB Port 6The LED Indicators 6Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 7Using the Setup Wizard 7Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 14Connecting the Adapter 14Using the Adapter’s Wall Mount 15Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 16Using the Wireless Network Monitor Icon 16Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 17Link Information 17Site Survey 20Profiles 21Creating a New Profile 22Appendix A: Troubleshooting 29Common Problems and Solutions 29Frequently Asked Questions 30Appendix B: Wireless Security 33Security Precautions 33Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 33Appendix C: Windows Help 36Appendix D: Glossary 37Appendix E: Specifications 44
Wireless-G USB Network AdapterAppendix F: Warranty Information 46Appendix G: Regulatory Information 47Appendix H: Contact Information 49
Wireless-G USB Network AdapterList of FiguresFigure 3-1: USB Port 6Figure 3-2: Front Panel 6Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen 8Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen 8Figure 4-5: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security Screen 9Figure 4-6: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WEP Screen 9Figure 4-7: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK Using TKIP Screen 10Figure 4-8: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK Using AES Screen 10Figure 4-9: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-TLS Screen 11Figure 4-10: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP Screen 11Figure 4-11: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS Screen 12Figure 4-12: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP Screen 12Figure 4-13: Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen 13Figure 4-14: Digital Signature Not Found Screen 13Figure 4-15: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 13Figure 5-1: How the Adapter Connects to Your PC 14Figure 5-2: Adapter’s USB Port 14Figure 5-3: PC’s USB Ports 14Figure 5-4: Digital Signature Not Found Screen 14Figure 5-5: Using the Wall Mount - Step A 15Figure 5-6: Using the Wall Mount - Step B 15Figure 5-7: Using the Wall Mount - Step C 15Figure 6-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 16Figure 6-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 16Figure 6-3: Windows XP - Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor 16Figure 6-4: Link Information 17Figure 6-5: More Information - Wireless Network Status 18Figure 6-6: More Information-Network Statistics 19
Wireless-G USB Network AdapterFigure 6-7: Site Survey 20Figure 6-8: WEP Key Needed for Connection 20Figure 6-9: PSK (Pre-Shared Key) Needed for Connection 20Figure 6-10: Profiles 21Figure 6-11: Import a Profile 21Figure 6-12: Export a Profile 21Figure 6-13: Create a New Profile 22Figure 6-14: Enter Profile Name 22Figure 6-15: Network Settings for New Profile 22Figure 6-16: Wireless Mode for New Profile 23Figure 6-17: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings for New Profile 23Figure 6-18: Wireless Security for New Profile 24Figure 6-19: Wireless Security - WEP for New Profile 24Figure 6-20: Wireless Security - PSK for New Profile 25Figure 6-21: Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 26Figure 6-22: Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP for New Profile 26Figure 6-23: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 27Figure 6-24: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP for New Profile 27Figure 6-25: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 28Figure 6-26: Congratulations for New Profile 28
1Chapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeWireless-G USB Network AdapterChapter 1: IntroductionWelcomeThank you for choosing the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless networking experience will be faster and easier than ever.Connect your USB-equipped desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network at incredible speeds with the Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. By incorporating two fast technologies—USB 2.0 and Wireless-G (802.11g)—the Adapter delivers data rates up to 54Mbps (5 times as fast as 802.11b), without the trouble of opening up the case of your desktop computer.To install, simply plug the Adapter into any available USB port. (It's compatible with both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports, but 2.0 will yield the fastest speeds.) It gets its power through the USB connection, so no power cord is necessary. The included Setup Wizard walks you through configuring the Adapter to your wireless network settings, step by step. The Wireless-G USB Network Adapter is also compatible with the Wireless-B (802.11b) network standard, with data rates up to 11Mbps. And your wireless communications can be protected by 128-bit encryption, so your data stays safe.The Wireless-G USB Network Adapter's high-gain antenna lets you put your computer almost anywhere in the building, without the cost and hassle of running cables. Now you don't have to drill holes in your walls and climb through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network. Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, use instant messaging to chat with friends, and share files and other resources such as printers and hard disk storage space with other computers on the network.Use the instructions in this Guide to help you install and use the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
2Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-G USB Network AdapterWhat’s in this Guide?This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G 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-G USB Network AdapterThis chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.• Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterThis chapter instructs you on how to run the Adapter’s Setup Wizard and configure the Adapter.• Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterThis chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC.• Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network MonitorThis chapter explains how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.• Appendix A: TroubleshootingThis appendix describes some potential 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.• Appendix E: SpecificationsThis appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.• Appendix F: Warranty InformationThis appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
3Chapter 1: IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide?Wireless-G USB Network Adapter• 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-G 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, provided that they both share the same channel and SSID.Choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.Network 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 as the PC Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with the Wireless PrintServer.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-G USB Network AdapterWhen 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 Wireless-G USB Network AdapterThe USB PortWireless-G USB Network AdapterChapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterThe USB PortThe Adapter’s USB port is located on the side of the Adapter. You will connect the included USB cable to this port and your PC’s USB port. All power is provided through the USB connection, so a power adapter is not needed.The LED IndicatorsThe Adapter's LEDs indicate the status of the Adapter’s power and wireless connection.Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is adequately powered by the USB connection.Link Green. The Link LED lights up when the Adapter has an active wireless connection. It will flash when data is transmitted.Figure 3-1: USB PortFigure 3-2: Front Panel
7Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterUsing the Setup WizardWireless-G USB Network AdapterChapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterThe Wireless-G USB Network Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the driver and Wireless Network Monitor, as well as configure the Adapter.Using the Setup WizardInsert 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.1. 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.Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome ScreenFigure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License AgreementNOTE: You must run the Setup Wizard before connecting the Adapter to your computer.
8Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterUsing the Setup WizardWireless-G USB Network Adapter3. 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. 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. Then, select the Network Mode from the drop-down menu. Click the Next button, and go to Step 5. Click the Back button to change any settings.Channel - The channel you choose should match the channel set on the other devices in your wireless network. If you are unsure about which channel to use, select the default channel (Channel 6).Network Mode - Select Mixed Mode if you want to allow Wireless-G and Wireless-B computers on the network, even though network speeds will be reduced. For maximum speed, select G-Only Mode; however, no Wireless-B users will be allowed on the network. Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode ScreenNOTE: Network SSIDs should be unique to your network and identical for all devices within the network.Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen
9Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterUsing the Setup WizardWireless-G USB Network Adapter5. Select the method of security you want to use: WEP, PSK, PSK + RADIUS, or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and PSK stands for Pre-Shared Key. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. If you don’t want to use encryption, select Disabled and then click the Next button to continue. Proceed to Step 7.Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen. 6. Proceed to the appropriate section for your security method: WEP, PSK, PSK-RADIUS, or RADIUS.WEPWEP - Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption from the drop-down menu, and enter a passphrase or WEP key.Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. It is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This passphrase must match the passphrase of your other wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (If you have any non-Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key manually on those products.)WEP Key - The WEP key you enter must match the WEP key of your wireless network. For 64-bit encryption, enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. For 128-bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.Advanced UsersTX Key - The default transmit key number is 1. If your network’s access point or wireless router uses transmit key number 2, 3, or 4, select the appropriate number from the TX Key drop-down box.Authentication -The default is set to Auto, so it will auto-detect for Shared Key or Open System authentication. For Shared Key authentication, both the sender and the recipient share a WEP key for authentication. For Open System authentication, the sender and the recipient do not share a WEP key for authentication. If you are not sure which authentication method to select, keep the default, Auto.Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-5: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security ScreenFigure 4-6: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WEP ScreenNOTE: If your network is using WPA-Personal or WPA-PSK security, then select PSK. If your network is using WPA-Enterprise or WPA-RADIUS security, then select PSK + RADIUS.
10Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterUsing the Setup WizardWireless-G USB Network AdapterPSKPSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length.Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type.Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a Pre-Shared Key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field. The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-7: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK Using TKIP ScreenFigure 4-8: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK Using AES Screen
11Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterUsing the Setup WizardWireless-G USB Network AdapterPSK + RADIUSPSK + RADIUS features a Pre-Shared Key used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK + RADIUS offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys, as well as two authentication methods, EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP.Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or EAP-PEAP.EAP-TLSIf you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field. From the Certificate drop-down menu, select the certificate you have installed to authenticate you on your wireless network. Select the type of encryption, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen.EAP-PEAPIf you selected EAP-PEAP, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the password of your wireless network in the Password field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field. From the Certificate drop-down menu, select the certificate you have installed to authenticate you on your wireless network. Select the type of encryption, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu.Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-9: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-TLS ScreenFigure 4-10: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP Screen
12Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network AdapterUsing the Setup WizardWireless-G USB Network AdapterRADIUSRADIUS features use of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) RADIUS offers two authentication types: EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP.Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or EAP-PEAP.EAP-TLSIf you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field. From the Certificate drop-down menu, select the certificate you have installed to authenticate you on your wireless network. Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen.EAP-PEAPIf you selected EAP-PEAP, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the password of your wireless network in the Password field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field. From the Certificate drop-down menu, select the certificate you have installed to authenticate you on your wireless network.Click the Next button to continue. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen.Figure 4-11: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS ScreenFigure 4-12: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP Screen

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