Appendix A: Troubleshooting; Common Problems And Solutions; Frequently Asked Questions - Linksys WUSB12 User Manual

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Common Problems and Solutions

This chapter provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installa-
tion and operation of the Wireless Compact USB Adapter. Read the descrip-
tions 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 Wireless Compact USB Adapter.
• Make sure that the Adapter is properly inserted into the USB port.
• Also, make sure that the USB Controller is enabled in the BIOS. Refer to
your motherboard's user guide for more information.
2. The Wireless Compact USB Adapter does not work properly.
• Reinsert the Adapter into the notebook or desktop's USB port.
• For Windows 98SE or Me, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
Select the Device Manager tab, and select the Adapter. You will find the
Wireless Compact USB Adapter if it has been installed successfully. If you
see a yellow exclamation mark, the resources may be in conflict, and you
must follow the steps below:
• Uninstall the driver software from your PC.
• Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as spec-
ified in this User Guide.
3. I cannot communicate with a wired computer linked via an access point in the
infrastructure configuration.
• Make sure that the notebook or desktop PC is powered on.
• Make sure that the Wireless Compact USB Adapter is configured with the
same channel, SSID, and WEP encryption as the other computers in the
infrastructure LAN.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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Instant Wireless Series
™
Wireless Compact USB Adapter
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 IEEE 802.11b features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11b functions:
• CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
• Multi-Channel Roaming
• Automatic Rate Selection
• RTS/CTS feature
• Fragmentation
• Power Management
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
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