Linksys WPC54GS manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc . ® Model No . Notebook Adapter Wir eless- G WPC54GS User Guide WIRELESS GH z 2.4 802.11g with SpeedBooster[...]

Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Copyright and T rademarks Specifications 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 countrie s. Copyright © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product name[...]

Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Welcome 1 What’s in this Guide? 2 Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4 Network Topology 4 Roaming 4 Network Layout 5 Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter 6 The LED Indicators 6 Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration 7[...]

Wireless-G Noteb ook Adapter with SpeedBooster List of Figures Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6 Figure 4-1: The Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7 Figure 4-2: The Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 8 Figure 4-3: The Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen 8 Figure 4-4: The Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Screen 9 Figure 4-5: The Setup Wizard’s WEP Screen 9 Fi[...]

Wireless-G Noteb ook Adapter with SpeedBooster Figure 6-21: EAP-MD5 Authentication 25 Figure 6-22: EAP-PEAP Authentication 25 Figure 6-23: EAP-LEAP Authentication 25 Figure 6-24: RADIUS Settings 26 Figure 6-25: EAP-TLS Authentication 26 Figure 6-26: EAP-TTLS Authentication 27 Figure 6-27: EAP-MD5 Authentication 27 Figure 6-28: EAP-PEAP Authenticati[...]

1 Chapter 1: Introductio n Welcome Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Chapter 1: Introduction We lc o m e Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster . With this Adapter , your wireless networking experience will be faster and easier than ever . Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range[...]

2 Chapter 1: Introductio n What’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster What’ s in t his Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster . • Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide . • Chapter 2: [...]

3 Chapter 1: Introductio n What’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster • Appendix G: Regulator y Information This appendix supplies the Adapter ’ s regulator y information. • Appendix H: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including T echnical Support.[...]

4 Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network Network Topology Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network Network T opology A 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 e[...]

5 Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network Network Layout Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Network La yout Linksys 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?[...]

6 Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Noteboo k Adapter The LED Indicators Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter The LED Indicators The Network Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity . Po w e r Green . The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is powered[...]

7 Chapter 4: Software Installation and Co nfiguration Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration The Wireless Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Setup Wiza rd will guide you through the installation procedure . The Setup Wizard will install the WLAN Monitor and driver , as well as configure the Adapter[...]

8 Chapter 4: Software Installation and Co nfiguration The Installation Procedure Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster The Installation Procedur e 1. T o 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 ins[...]

9 Chapter 4: Software Installation and Co nfiguration The Installation Procedure Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 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 Nex t button, and g[...]

10 Chapter 4: Software Installation and Co nfiguration The Installation Procedure Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Click the Next button to continue.s. Clic k the Back button to return to the previous screen. Click the Help button for more information. WP A-PSK WP A-PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encrypti[...]

11 Chapter 4: Software Installation and Co nfiguration The Installation Procedure Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 7. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear . Click the Exit butto n. Proceed to “Chapter 5: Hardwar e Installation. ” Figure 4-8 : The Setup Wiza rd’ s Congratulatio[...]

12 Chapter 5: Hardware Installation Connecting the Adapter Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Chapter 5: Hardware Installation Connecting the Adapter 1. T u rn off your notebook PC. 2. Locate an available CardBus slot on your notebook PC. 3. With the connector pin end facing the CardBus slot and the label facing up, as shown in Figure 5-[...]

13 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Accessing the WLAN Monitor Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor Use the WLAN Monitor to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or create profiles that hold different configuration settings. Accessing the WLAN Monitor[...]

14 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Link Information Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Clicking the More I nformatio n button displays more information ab out the Adapter’s connection, as sho wn below: Wireless Network Status The Networks Settings screen provides informa tion on your current network settings. Wireless Ne[...]

15 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Link Information Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Click the Statisti cs button to go to the Network Statistics screen. Click the Back button to return to the initial Link Information screen. Click the Save to P rofile button to save the currently active connection to a profile . Wireles[...]

16 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Site Survey Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Site Survey The Site Survey screen displays a list of infrastructure and ad-hoc networks available for connection in the table on the right. This table shows the network’ s SSID, Channel, and the quality of the wireless signal the Adapter i[...]

17 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Profiles Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Profiles The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. The table on the right displays a list of infrastructure and ad-hoc network s available for connection This table shows the network’s pro[...]

18 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Creating a New Pr ofile 1. On the Profiles screen, click the New button to create a new profile . 2. Enter a name for th e new profile , and click the OK button. Click the Cancel button to return to the Profiles screen without ente[...]

19 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 3. The Wireless Mode 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[...]

20 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 5. The Network Settings screen will appear next. If your network has a DHCP server , click the radio button next to Obtain an IP address automati cally (DHCP) . Clic k the Next button to continue, or clic k the Cancel button to ret[...]

21 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 6. The Wireless Security screen will appear . Select WEP , WPA-PSK, WP A Radius, or Radius for the Encr yption Method. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy , WP A-PSK sta nds for Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key , which is [...]

22 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster WP A-PSK WP A-PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Click the Next button to continue and the screen in Figure 6-17 appears. Click the Back button to return to the previous screen. Select th[...]

23 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster WP A RADIUS features WPA used in coordination with a RADIUS server . (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is con nected to the Router .) WP A Radius offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption key[...]

24 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Figure 6-19: EAP-TLS Authentication Figure 6-20: EAP- TTLS Authentication The screen in Figure 6-20 appears next. Select the Authentication Method from the drop-down menu. The options are described below . EAP-TLS Enter the Login n[...]

25 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster EAP-MD5 Enter the Login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the password of your wireless network in the Password field. Click the Next button to continue . Click the Back button to return to the previous s[...]

26 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster RADIUS RADIUS features WP A used in coordination with a RADIUS ser ver . (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Route r .) It offers five aut hentication methods: EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS , EAP -MD5, EAP- PEAP [...]

27 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster EAP-TTLS Enter the Login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the password of your wireless network in the Password field. Select V alidate server cerificate to make sure that the certificate for the server [...]

28 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 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. Select V alidate server cerificate to make sure that the certificate for the server [...]

29 Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monito r Creating a New Profile Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 7. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next showing the new settings. T o save the new settings, click the Save button. T o edit the new settings, click the Back button. T o exit the Wireless Network Monitor , click Exit . [...]

30 Appendix A: Troublesh ooting Common Problems and So lutions Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix consists of two parts: “Common Problems and Solutions” and “F requently Asked Questions. ” This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur d uring the installation and operation o[...]

31 Appendix A: Troublesh ooting Frequently Asked Questions Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Frequently Ask ed Questions Can I run an ap plication from a remote computer over the wireless network? This will depend on whether or not the application is des igned to be used over a network. Consult the application’ s user guid e to determ[...]

32 Appendix A: Troublesh ooting Frequently Asked Questions Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 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 nod[...]

33 Appendix A: Troublesh ooting Frequently Asked Questions Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Wou ld the informati on be inter cepted while transmitti ng 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 feature of scra mbling. [...]

34 Appendix B: Wireless Security Security Precautions Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix B: Wireless Securit y Linksys wants to make wir eless networking as safe and easy for you as possible . Th e current generation of Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require specific action on your part for [...]

35 Appendix B: Wireless Security Security Threats Facing Wireless Netwo rks Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster 1. Disable Broadcast 2. Make it unique 3. Change it often Most wireless networking devices will give you the optio n of broadcasting the SSID . While this option may be more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless[...]

36 Appendix B: Wireless Security Security Threats Facing Wireless Netwo rks Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster WP A-PSK . If you do not have a RADIUS server , Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, and enter a password in the Passphrase field of 8-63 char acters. WP A RADIUS . WP A used in coordination with a RADIUS server . (T his s[...]

37 Appendi x C: Wind ows Hel p Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix C: Windows Help All wireless products require Microsoft Windows. Windows is the most used operating system in the world and comes with many features that help make networking easier . These features can be accessed through Windows Help and are described in this ap[...]

38 Appendix D: Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix D: Glossar y 802.11a - An IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 5GHz. 802.11b - An IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating fre[...]

39 Appendix D: Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Buffer - A shared or assigned memor y area that is us ed to support and coordinate different computing and networking activities so one isn't held up by the other . Byte - A unit of data that is usually eight bits long Cable Modem - A device that con nects a computer to the [...]

40 Appendix D: Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster DTIM ( D elivery T raffic I ndication M essage) - A message included in data packets that can increase wireless efficiency . Dynamic IP Address - A temporar y IP address assigned by a DHCP server . EAP ( E xtensible A uthentication P rotocol) - A general authentication protocol u[...]

41 Appendix D: Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster IEEE (The I nstitute of E lectrical and E lectronics E ngineers) - An independent institute that de velops networking standards. Infrastructure - A wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point. IP ( I nternet P rotocol) - A protocol used to send data ov[...]

42 Appendix D: Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster OFDM ( O rthogonal F requency D ivision M ultiplexing) - Frequency transmission that separates the data stream into a number of lower -speed data streams, which are then transmitted in parallel to prevent information from being lost in transit. P acket - A unit of data sent over [...]

43 Appendix D: Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Software - Instructions for the computer . A series of instr uctions that perfor ms a particular task is called a "program". SOHO ( S mall O ffice/ H ome O ffice) - Market segment of professionals who work at home or in small offices. SPI ( S tateful P acket I nspection[...]

44 Appendix D: Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster UDP ( U ser D atagram P rotocol) - A network protocol for transmitting data that does not require ackno wledgement from the recipient of the data that is sent. Upgrade - T o replace existing softw are or firmware with a newer version. Upload - T o transmit a file over a network. [...]

45 Appendix E: Specifications Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix E: Specifications Standards IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b Channels 11 Channels (USA, Canada) 13 Channels (Europe , Japan) LEDs Power , Link T ransmit Power 18 dBm Protocols 802.11b: CCK (11 Mbps), DQPSK (2 Mbps), DBPSK (1 Mbps ); 802.11g: OFDM Network Protocols TCP/IP[...]

46 Appendix F: Warranty Information Wireless-G Noteb ook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix F: Warrant y Information LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys warrants to Y ou that, for a pe riod of three years (the “Warranty Period”), your Linksys Product will be substantially free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use . Y our exclusive reme[...]

47 Appendix G: Regulatory Informatio n Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix G: Regulator y Information FCC ST A TEMENT This product has been tested and complies with the specification s for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pr ovide reasonable protection against harmful in[...]

48 Appendix G: Regulatory Informatio n Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster EN 300-328-1, EN 300-328-2 T echnic al requirements for Radio equipment. Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFT A countries. Outdoor use may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation. Contact local Aut[...]

49 Appendix H: Contact Inf ormation Wireless-G Noteb ook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix H: Contact Information Need to contact Linksys? Visit us online for information on the latest products and updates to your existing products at: http://www .linksys.com or ftp.linksys.com Can't find information about a product you want to buy on the web[...]