® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2.4 GHz 802.11g WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 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 © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome What’s in this User Guide? Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network Network Topology Roaming Network Layout Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter The LED Indicators Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Starting the Setup Connecting the Adapter Setting up the Adapter Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor Using
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix G: Warranty Information Appendix H: Regulatory Information Appendix I: Contact Information 47 48 54
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 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: Connecting the Adapter Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Network Figure 4-5: WEP Key Needed for Connection Figure 4-6: WPA - Personal Needed for Connection Figure 4-7: PSK2 Needed for Connection Figure 4-8: Congratulations Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Network Figure 4-10: Network Settings Figure 4-11: Wireless Mode Figure 4-1
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Figure 5-9: Profiles Figure 5-10: Import a Profile Figure 5-11: Export a Profile Figure 5-12: Create a New Profile Figure 5-1: WEP Key Needed for Connection Figure 5-2: WPA - Personal Needed for Connection Figure 5-3: PSK2 Needed for Connection Figure 5-4: Congratulations Figure 5-13: Available Wireless Network Figure 5-14: Network Settings Figure 5-15: Wireless Mode Figure 5-16: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Figure 5-17: Wireless Security - WEP Figure 5-18: Wireless Se
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster. Setting up your network and your Wireless-G Network Adapter with RangeBooster is easier than ever. adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC. How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network, whether it’s using the Wireless-G (802.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster • Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor This chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor. • Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding installation and use of the Adapter. • Appendix B: Wireless Security This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help protect your wireless network.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network Network Topology 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 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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Network Layout 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” 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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter The LED Indicators The Network Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity. Power Link Figure 3-1: Front Panel 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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Starting the Setup The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the driver and Wireless Network Monitor, as well as connect and configure the Adapter. IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to do so or the setup will not work. Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Connecting the Adapter 1. Locate an available CardBus slot on your notebook PC. 2. With the connector pin end facing the CardBus slot and the label facing up, slide the Adapter into the CardBus slot until it locks in place. 3. Windows will begin copying the driver files to your computer. If Windows asks you for the original Windows CD-ROM, insert the CD-ROM, and direct Windows to its correct location (e.g., D:\). 4. Then, click Next. 5.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 1. If you have wireless security enabled on your network, continue to step 2. If you don’t have wireless security enabled, continue to step 3. 2. If your network has the wireless security WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) enabled, this screen will appear. Select 64-bit or 128-bit. Then enter a passphrase or WEP key. Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster If your network has the wireless security PSK2 (Pre-shared key 2) enabled, this screen will appear. Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field. Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3. Figure 4-7: PSK2 Needed for Connection 3. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Connect to Network to connect to your network.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Manual Setup If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Manual Setup. 1. Click Manual Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the adapter manually. 2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor will appear. If your network has a router or other DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP).
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Settings screen will appear. Select the correct operating channel for your wireless network. 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, keep the default setting. Click the Next button. Click the Back button to change any settings. 5.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster WPA Enterprise WPA Enterprise features WPA security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) WPA Enterprise offers two authentication methods, EAPTLS and PEAP, as well as two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster RADIUS RADIUS 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 PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. 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 authentication server in the Server Name field (this is optional).
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 6. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next and show the new settings. To save the new settings, click the Save button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button. To exit the Manual Setup through the Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit. Figure 4-19: Confirm New Settings 7. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings and return to the Link Information screen.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor Use the Wireless Network Monitor to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or create profiles that hold different configuration settings. Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor After installing the Adapter, the Wireless Network Monitor icon will appear in the system tray of your computer. If the Wireless Network Monitor is enabled, then the icon will be green.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless Network Status The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings. Status - This shows the status of the wireless network connection. SSID - This is the unique name of the wireless network. Wireless Mode - The mode of the wireless network currently in use is displayed here. Transfer Rate - The data transfer rate of the current connection is shown here.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless Network Statistics The Wireless Networks Statistics screen provides statistics on your current network settings. Transmit Rate - This is 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 - This is the rate at which data is received.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Site Survey The Site Survey screen displays a list of available networks in the table on the left. The table shows each network’s SSID, Channel, and the quality of the wireless signal the Adapter is receiving. You may click SSID, CH (Channel), or Signal, to sort by that field. SSID - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here. CH - This is the channel that the network uses.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster If the network has PSK2 wireless security enabled, then you will see the PSK2 Needed for Connection screen. Enter the network’s Passphrase or pre-shared key in the Passphrase field. To connect to the network, click Connect. To cancel the connection, click Cancel. Profiles The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Delete - Select the profile you want to delete, and then click the Delete button. Create a New Profile The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Network screen. This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter. • Available Wireless Network. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up. The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this screen.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 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”. Then click Connect and proceed to Step 3. If your network has the wireless security WPA Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access) enabled, this screen will appear.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Manual Setup If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Manual Setup. 1. Click Manual Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the adapter manually. Figure 5-13: Available Wireless Network 2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor will appear. If your network has a router or other DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP).
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 3. The Wireless Mode screen shows a choice of two wireless modes. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want to connect to another wireless device directly without using a wireless router or access point. Enter the SSID for your network. Infrastructure Mode - Use this mode if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster WEP WEP - Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. It is casesensitive 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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster PSK2 Enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length. Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen. Figure 5-19: Wireless Security - PSK2 wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster WPA Enterprise WPA Enterprise features WPA security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) WPA Enterprise offers two authentication methods, EAPTLS and PEAP, as well as two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster RADIUS RADIUS 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 PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. 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 authentication server in the Server Name field (this is optional).
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 6. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next and show the new settings. To save the new settings, click the Save button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button. To exit the Manual Setup through the Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit. Figure 5-24: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 7. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings immediately and return to the Link Information screen.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix consists of two parts: “Common Problems and Solutions” and “Frequently Asked Questions.” This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the Wireless-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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 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. 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 network).
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster What is ad-hoc mode? When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped computers are configured to communicate directly with each other. This type of 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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration If your computer is running Windows XP, then this choice will be available. If you want to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration to control the Adapter, instead of using the Wireless Network Monitor, then rightclick on the Wireless Network Monitor and select Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 2. The screen that appears will show any available wireless network. Select the network you want. Click the Connect button. NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 are the instructions and screenshots for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed. If your network does not have wireless security enabled, go to step 3. If your network does have wireless security enabled, go to step 4. Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 3.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 4. If your network uses wireless security WEP, enter the WEP Key used into the Network Key and Confirm network key fields. If your network uses wireless security WPA Personal, enter the Passphrase used into the Network Key and Confirm network key fields. Click the Connect button. Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security NOTE: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration does not support the use of a passphrase.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix C: 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. So, keep the following in mind whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster 1. Disable Broadcast 2. Make it unique 3. Change it often Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. While this option may be more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless network. 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”.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster WPA-Personal. 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 characters. WPA Enterprise. WPA used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router or other device.) WPA Enterprise offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. RADIUS. WEP used in coordination with a RADIUS server.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix D: 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 appendix. TCP/IP Before a computer can communicate with an access point or wireless router, TCP/IP must be enabled.
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix E: Glossary This glossary contains some basic networking terms you may come across when using this product. For more advanced terms, see the complete Linksys glossary at http://www.linksys.com/glossary. Access Point - A device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - Removes the Router's firewall protection from one PC, allowing it to be "seen" from the Internet. DNS (Domain Name Server) - The IP address of your ISP's server, which translates the names of websites into IP addresses. Domain - A specific name for a network of computers. Download - To receive a file transmitted over a network. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - An always-on broadband connection over traditional phone lines.
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster IP Address - The address used to identify a computer or device on a network. IPCONFIG - A Windows 2000 and XP utility that displays the IP address for a particular networking device. IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) - A VPN protocol used to implement secure exchange of packets at the IP layer. ISP (Internet Service Provider) - A company that provides access to the Internet. LAN - The computers and networking products that make up your local network.
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) - An Ethernet connector that holds up to eight wires. Roaming - The ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection. Router - A networking device that connects multiple networks together. Server - Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to files, printing, communications, and other services.
Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) - a wireless encryption protocol that provides dynamic encryption keys for each packet transmitted. Topology - The physical layout of a network. TX Rate - Transmission Rate. Upgrade - To replace existing software or firmware with a newer version. Upload - To transmit a file over a network. URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - The address of a file located on the Internet.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix F: Specifications Standards IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b Channels 11 Channels (USA, Canada) 13 Channels (Europe) LEDs Power, Link Protocols 802.11b: CCK (11 Mbps), DQPSK (2 Mbps), DBPSK (1 Mbps); 802.11g: OFDM Transmitted Power 802.11g: 16 ± 1 dBm (Typical) 802.11b: 19 ± 1 dBm (Typical) Receive Sensitivity 11Mbps @ -90dBm (Typical) 54Mbps @ -78dBm (Typical) Security Features WEP, WPA WEP Key Bits 64, 128 Bit Dimensions 4.76" x 0.59" x 2.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix G: Warranty Information LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys warrants to You that, for a period of three years (the “Warranty Period”), your Linksys Product will be substantially free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. 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.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix H: Regulatory Information FCC Statement This product has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) This document contains important information for users with regards to the proper disposal and recycling of Linksys products.
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster For more information, visit www.linksys.com.
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix I: 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.
