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Linksys WPC55AG User Manual

Dual-band wireless a+g notebook adapter
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®
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
5
+
GHz
802.11a
Dual-Band
2.4
GHz
Wireless
A+G
802.11g

User Guide

Notebook Adapter
WIRELESS
WPC55AG
Model No.

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Summary of Contents for Linksys WPC55AG

  • Page 1: User Guide

    ® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. 802.11a Dual-Band Wireless 802.11g User Guide Notebook Adapter WIRELESS WPC55AG Model No.
  • Page 2 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Copyright and Trademarks 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 countries. Copyright © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome What’s in this Guide? Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology Roaming Network Layout Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter The LED Indicators Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration The Installation Procedure Chapter 5: Hardware Installation...
  • Page 4 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter List of Figures Figure 3-1: Front Panel Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s Network Mode Screen Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen Figure 4-5: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Channel Screen Figure 4-6: Setup Wizard’s Finalize Settings Screen Figure 4-7: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen Figure 5-1: Installing the Adapter...
  • Page 5 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Figure 6-22: EAP-PEAP Settings Figure 6-23: RADIUS Setting Figure 6-24: EAP-TLS Settings Figure 6-25: EAP-PEAP Settings Figure 6-26: LEAP Settings Figure 6-27: Confirm New Settings for New Profile Figure 6-28: Congratulations for New Profile...

  • Page 6: Chapter 1: Introduction

    The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter lets your notebook communicate with all three wireless connected for the purpose of data sharing, network standards. With one PC Card, you can connect to Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-G (802.11g) and storage, and/or transmission between users.

  • Page 7: What's In This Guide

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter What’s in this Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter. • Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide. •...
  • Page 8 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter • Appendix G: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information. • Appendix H: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support. Chapter 1: Introduction What’s in this Guide?

  • Page 9: Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless 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...

  • Page 10: Network Layout

    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 wired 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.

  • Page 11: Chapter 3: Getting To Know The Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter The LED Indicators The Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity. Figure 3-1: Front Panel Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on. Link Green.

  • Page 12: Chapter 4: Software Installation And Configuration

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Chapter 4: Software Installation and Configuration The Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the driver and WLAN Monitor, as well as configure the Adapter. NOTE: You must run the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.

  • Page 13: The Installation Procedure

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter The Installation Procedure 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.

  • Page 14: Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard's Wireless Mode Screen

    The Setup Wizard provides three SSID fields. In the SSID 1 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). In the SSID 2 and SSID 3 fields, enter alternative SSIDs. When attempting to connect to the network, the Adapter will first try SSID 1.

  • Page 15: Figure 4-6: Setup Wizard's Finalize Settings Screen

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter 6. 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. 7. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click the Exit button.

  • Page 16: Chapter 5: Hardware Installation

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Chapter 5: Hardware Installation NOTE: You must run the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware. Connecting the Adapter 1. Turn off your notebook PC. 2. Locate an available CardBus slot on your notebook PC. 3.

  • Page 17: Chapter 6: Using The Wlan Monitor

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Chapter 6: Using the WLAN 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 After installing the Adapter, the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter WLAN Monitor icon will appear in your system tray.

  • Page 18: Figure 6-3: More Information - Network Settings

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Network Settings The Networks Settings screen provides information on your current network settings. Status - The status of the wireless network connection. SSID - The SSID of the wireless network. Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set. Security - The status of the security feature.

  • Page 19: Figure 6-4: More Information - Network Statistics

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Network Statistics The Networks Statistics screen provides statistics on your current network settings. Transmit Rate - The data transfer rate of the current connection. (In Auto mode, the Adapter dynamically shifts to the fastest data transfer rate possible at any given time.) Receive Rate - The rate that data is received.

  • Page 20: Site Survey

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Site Survey The Site Survey screen displays a list of infrastructure and ad-hoc networks available for connection in the table on the left. This table shows the network’s SSID, channel, and the quality of the wireless signal the Adapter is receiving.

  • Page 21: Profiles

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Profiles The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. The table on the left displays a list of infrastructure and ad-hoc networks available for connection. This table shows the network’s profile name and SSID, as set in the connection profile.

  • Page 22: Creating A New Profile

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Creating a New Profile 1. On the Profiles screen, click the New button to create a new profile. 2. Enter a name for the new profile, and click the OK button. Click the Cancel button to return to the Profiles screen without entering a name.

  • Page 23: Figure 6-12: Network Setting For New Profile

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter 4. The Network Setting screen will appear next. If your network has a DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP). Click the Next button to continue, or click the Cancel button to return to the Profiles screen.

  • Page 24: Figure 6-14: Wireless Settings For New Profile

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter 6. The Wireless Settings screen will appear. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 7 now. If you chose Ad- Hoc Mode, select the correct operating channel for your network from the Channel drop-down menu. If you are setting up an 802.11g profile, then select the Network Mode from the drop-down menu.

  • Page 25: Figure 6-16: Wep Settings

    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.) Figure 6-16: WEP Settings Transmit Key - The default transmit key number is 1.

  • Page 26: Figure 6-17: Wpa-Psk Setting

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter WPA-PSK After you select WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access - Pre-Shared Key) and click the Next button, then the screen in Figure 6-18 will appear. WPA-PSK offers two encryption types, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Encryption Type - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type.

  • Page 27: Figure 6-19: Wpa-Radius Setting

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter WPA-RADIUS WPA-RADIUS features WPA used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) WPA RADIUS offers two encryption types, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys, as well as two authentication methods, EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP.

  • Page 28: Figure 6-21: Eap-Tls Settings

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter The screen in Figure 6-21 will appear next. Select EAP-TLS or EAP-PEAP from the Authentication Method drop-down menu. The options are described on the next page. EAP-TLS If you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the name of the server in the Server Name field.

  • Page 29: Figure 6-23: Radius Setting

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter RADIUS RADIUS features WEP used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) If you selected RADIUS, then the screen in Figure 6-24 will appear. RADIUS offers two authentication types: EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP.

  • Page 30: Figure 6-25: Eap-Peap Settings

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter EAP-PEAP If you selected EAP-PEAP, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the name of the server in the Server Name field. Enter the password of your wireless network in the Password field.

  • Page 31: Figure 6-27: Confirm New Settings For New Profile

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter 8. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next, showing the new settings. To save the new settings, click the Yes button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button. To cancel these new settings, click the Cancel button.

  • Page 32: Appendix A: Troubleshooting

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter. Read the description below to solve your problems. If you can't find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com. Common Problems and Solutions 1.

  • Page 33: Frequently Asked Questions

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter 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 operation over a network.
  • Page 34 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter • Fragmentation • Power Management What IEEE 802.11g features are supported? The product supports the following IEEE 802.11g functions: • CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol • OFDM protocol • Multi-Channel Roaming • Automatic Rate Selection • RTS/CTS feature •...
  • Page 35 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter acknowledgment from its original access point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new access point, it then re-registers, and the communication process continues. What is ISM band? The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM ism band: radio bandwidth utilized in wireless transmissions.

  • Page 36: Appendix B: Wireless Security

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Appendix B: Wireless Security Linksys wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The current generation of Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require specific action on your part for implementation.
  • Page 37 This includes hackers. So, don’t broadcast the SSID. Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is “linksys”.) Hackers know these defaults and can check these against your network. Change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use.
  • Page 38 These security recommendations should help keep your mind at ease while you are enjoying the most flexible and convenient technology Linksys has to offer. Appendix B: Wireless Security Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks...

  • Page 39: Appendix C: Windows Help

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Appendix C: Windows Help Most Linksys 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 appendix.

  • Page 40: Appendix D: Glossary

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Appendix D: Glossary 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 frequency of 2.4GHz.
  • Page 41 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Buffer - A block of memory that temporarily holds data to be worked on later when a device is currently too busy to accept the data. Cable Modem - A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the Internet.
  • Page 42 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Dynamic IP Address - A temporary IP address assigned by a DHCP server. EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) - A general authentication protocol used to control network access. Many specific authentication methods work within this framework. EAP-PEAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) - A mutual authentication method that uses a combination of digital certificates and another system, such as passwords.
  • Page 43 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - An independent institute that develops networking standards. Infrastructure - Currently installed computing and networking equipment. Infrastructure Mode - Configuration in which a wireless network is bridged to a wired network via an access point.
  • Page 44 Passphrase - Used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP encryption process by automatically generating the WEP encryption keys for Linksys products. Ping (Packet INternet Groper) - An Internet utility used to determine whether a particular IP address is online.
  • Page 45 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - The standard e-mail protocol on the Internet. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - A widely used network monitoring and control protocol. Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a “program”.
  • Page 46 Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Upload - To transmit a file over a network. URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - The address of a file located on the Internet. VPN (Virtual Private Network) - A security measure to protect data as it leaves one network and goes to another over the Internet.

  • Page 47: Appendix E: Specifications

    Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter Appendix E: Specifications Standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g Interface CardBus LEDs Power, Link Transmit Power 11 dBm to 17 dBm Modulation 802.11a and 802.11g: OFDM; 802.11b: CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK Security Features WEP, WPA, RADIUS, TKIP, AES, LEAP WEP Key Bits 64, 128, 152 Bits Protocol...

  • Page 48: Appendix F: Warranty Information

    Your exclusive remedy and Linksys' entire liability under this warranty will be for Linksys at its option to repair or replace the Product or refund Your purchase price less any rebates.

  • Page 49: Appendix G: Regulatory Information

    Canadian regulations. EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE) Linksys declares that the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter conforms to the specifications listed below, following the provisions of the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC: EN 301 489-1, 301 489-17 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
  • Page 50 European community and countries that have adopted the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC. For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact Linksys Corporate Compliance. Linksys vakuuttaa täten että Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä...

  • Page 51: Appendix H: Contact Information

    Can't find information about a product you want to buy on the web? Do you want to know more about networking with Linksys products? Give our advice line a call at: 800-546-5797 (LINKSYS) Or fax your request in to:...

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