® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2.4 GHz Wireless-B 802.11b Ethernet Bridge WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 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 © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Welcome What’s in this Guide? 1 2 Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge The Back Panel The Front Panel Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Setup Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Overview Setup Wizard Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Network Use Chapter 7: Using the Wireles
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Appendix H: Regulatory Information Appendix I: Contact Information 43 46
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Figure 2-1: Infrastructure Mode Figure 2-2: Ad-Hoc Mode Figure 2-3: Wireless Bridging Using Two Bridges Figure 3-1: Back Panel Figure 3-2: Front Panel Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable Figure 4-2: Connect the Power Adapter Figure 5-1: Welcome Figure 5-2: Check Connection Figure 5-3: List of Bridges Figure 5-4: Password Figure 5-5: Mode Settings Figure 5-6: Wireless Settings Figure 5-7: IP Settings Figure 5-8: Security Settings Figure 5-9: WEP Key Figure 5-10: Confirm
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge. The versatile Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge can make any wired Ethernet-equipped device a part of your wireless network. At home, use the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge to connect game consoles, set-top boxes, or computers into your wireless network to share your high-speed network connection.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge What’s in this Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge. • Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge applications and this user guide. • Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network This chapter describes the basics of wireless networking. • Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge This chapter describes the physical features of the Bridge.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge • Appendix F: Specifications This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Bridge. • Appendix G: Warranty Information This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Bridge. • Appendix H: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Bridge. • Appendix I: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the same wireless network.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 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 products that work with the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge The Back Panel All connections to the Bridge are made through the ports in its back panel, shown in Figure 3-1. Figure 3-1: Back Panel Reset The Reset button resets the Bridge to its factory default settings. X-II The X-II (MDI/MDI-X) slide switch offers a choice between two settings. Use the X setting if you are connecting the Bridge to a network adapter.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge The Front Panel Network activity with the Bridge is shown on the LEDs, shown in Figure 3-2. PWR Green. The PWR LED will light up when the Bridge is powered on. DIAG Green. The DIAG LED will light up when there is a connection error. Re-establish the connection to eliminate the error. LAN Green. The LAN LED will be lit steadily when the Bridge is connected to the wired network. The LED will flash when there is wired network traffic. WLAN Green.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Setup 1. Attach the Bridge’s antenna. 2. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the LAN port on the back panel of the Bridge, shown in Figure 4-1. 3. The X-II (MDI/MDI-X) slide switch offers a choice between two settings. Slide the X-II switch to the X position if you are connecting the Bridge to a PC’s network adapter.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Overview Now that you’ve connected the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge to your wired network, you are ready to set it up. The Setup Wizard will guide you through all the necessary steps. Setup Wizard 1. Insert the Setup CD-ROM into your PC’s CD-ROM drive. The Setup Utility should run automatically, and the screen in Figure 5-1 should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 4. The screen shown in Figure 5-3 displays a list of Wireless-B Ethernet Bridges on your network, along with the status information for each Bridge. (If you have only one Bridge on your network, it will be the only one displayed.) Select the Bridge you are currently installing by clicking its name in the Selection box. Write down the IP address of the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge, so you can use it to access the Web-based Utility later. Then click the Yes button. 5.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 7. The Wireless Settings screen, shown in Figure 5-6, will now appear. Enter your wireless network’s SSID. If you chose Ad-Hoc mode, select the channel at which the network broadcasts its wireless signal. Then click the Next button. • SSID - The SSID is the unique name shared among all devices in a wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all devices in the wireless network.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge or fewer alphanumeric characters. It must match the passphrase of your wireless network and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (You will have to enter the WEP key(s) manually on any non-Linksys wireless products.) 10. If you entered a Passphrase, then you will see the automatically generated WEP key in the Key 1 field, shown in Figure 5-9. Click the Next button, and proceed to step 11. If you did not enter a Passphrase, then enter a WEP key in the Key 1 field.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Network Use 1. After configuration, unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet, and unplug the Ethernet network cable from the PC, hub, or switch. 2. Plug the Ethernet network cable into the RJ-45 port on the Ethernet-ready network device you wish to add to the wireless network. 3. Plug the power cable into a local electrical outlet. The installation of the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge is complete.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility Overview The Bridge is designed to function properly after configuration using the Setup Wizard. However, if you would like to change these settings or make more advanced configuration changes, use your web browser and the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility. This chapter explains how to use the Utility. Starting the Web-based Utility 1.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Setup The Setup screen, shown in Figure 7-2, lets you configure the wired and wireless network settings for the Bridge. • Firmware - The version number of the Bridge’s firmware is displayed here. Firmware should be upgraded ONLY if you experience problems with the Bridge. Firmware updates are posted at www.linksys.com. For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware.” • MAC Address - The MAC Address of the Bridge is displayed here.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge • WEP - To enable WEP encryption, click the Enable radio button. To increase wireless network security, using WEP encryption is strongly recommended. Then click the Edit WEP Settings button to configure the WEP settings. To disable WEP encryption, keep the default, Disable. An acronym for Wired Equivalent Privacy, WEP is an encryption method used to protect your wireless data communications.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge • WEP Encryption - In order to use WEP encryption, select 64-Bit (10 hex digits) or 128-Bit (26 hex digits) from the drop-down menu. • Passphrase - Instead of manually entering WEP keys, you can enter a Passphrase. This Passphrase is used to generate one or more WEP keys. It is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. (The Passphrase function is compatible with Linksys wireless products only.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Advanced Use the Advanced Settings screen, shown in Figure 7-6, to customize advanced wireless settings and clone a MAC address onto the Bridge. Wireless • Transmission Rate - The default setting is Auto. The range is from 1 to 11Mbps. The rate of data transmission should be set depending on the speed of your wireless network.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Status The Status screen displays the Bridge’s current status and settings. All information is read-only. • Device Name - The name you have assigned to the Bridge is displayed here. • Firmware Version - The version number of the Bridge’s firmware is displayed here. Firmware should be upgraded ONLY if you experience problems with the Bridge. Firmware updates are posted at www.linksys.com. For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge • Link Quality - The percentage of the Bridge’s wireless signal strength is displayed here. Click the Refresh button to obtain the most up-to-date settings and statistics. Click the Help button for additional on-screen information. Help The Help screen offers links to all of the help information for the Web-based Utility’s screens and the Bridge’s online technical support resources. All information is read-only.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 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-B Ethernet Bridge. Read the descriptions 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. I can’t connect to the access point.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 4. The Bridge-enabled PC won’t communicate with a wireless-enabled PC or printer. Perform the following steps: • Check that the wireless-enabled PC or printer is on the same wireless network as the PC using the Bridge. • Make sure that the SSID and network mode are identical for all devices connected to the same wireless network. • If the wireless network settings are fine, then make sure that all the devices are on the same IP network. 5.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network? Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN. Refer to the game’s user guide for more information. 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. The ad-hoc wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe. What is Spread Spectrum? Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Appendix B: Wireless Security A Brief Overview Whenever data—in the form of files, e-mails, or messages—is transmitted over your wireless network, it is open to attacks. Wireless networking is inherently risky because it broadcasts information on radio waves. Just like signals from your cellular or cordless phone can be intercepted, signals from your wireless network can also be compromised. What are the risks inherent in wireless networking? Read on.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge But even WEP has its problems. WEP’s encryption algorithm is referred to as “simple”, which also means “weak”, because the technology that scrambles the wireless signal isn’t too hard to crack for a persistent hacker. There are five common ways that hackers can break into your network and steal your bandwidth as well as your data. The five attacks are popularly known as: 1. Passive Attacks 2. Jamming Attacks 3. Active Attacks 4. Dictionary-building or Table Attacks 5.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Active Attacks Hackers use Active Attacks for three purposes: 1) stealing data, 2) using your network, and 3) modifying your network so it's easier to hack in the next time. In an Active Attack, the hacker has gained access to all of your network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) and is in your network. Once in your wireless network, the hacker has access to all open resources and transmitted data on the network.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge examples below, your implementation and administration of network security measures is the key to maximizing wireless security. No preventative measure will guarantee network security but it will make it more difficult for someone to hack into your network. Often, hackers are looking for an easy target. Making your network less attractive to hackers, by making it harder for them to get in, will make them look elsewhere.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 5) SSID There are a few things you can do to make your SSID more secure: a. Disable broadcast b. Make it unique c. Change it often Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. This is a option for convenience, allowing anyone to log into your wireless network. In this case, however, anyone includes hackers. So don't broadcast the SSID. A default SSID is set on your wireless devices by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is “linksys”.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge PCs unprotected by a firewall router should at least run firewall software, and all PCs should run up-to-date antiviral software. 8) WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is often looked upon as a panacea for wireless security concerns. This is overstating WEP's ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker’s job more difficult. WEP encryption implementation was not put in place with the 802.11 standard.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge The solution, then, is to segment your network up into multiple groups. If your network had 80 users and you used four WEP keys, a hacker would have access to only ¼ of your wireless network resources. In this way, multiple keys reduce your liability. Finally, be sure to change your WEP key regularly, once a week or once a day. Using a “dynamic” WEP key, rather than one that is static, makes it even harder for a hacker to break into your network and steal your resources.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware The Bridge’s firmware is upgraded with the firmware utility on the Linksys website at http://linksys.com/download. Firmware should be upgraded ONLY if you experience problems with the Bridge. 1. Go to http://linksys.com/international. 2. Select your region. 3. Select the appropriate country. 4. Click the product’s tab. 5. Click Network Adapters. 6. Select WET11 - Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge. 7. Select Firmware. 8.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Appendix D: Windows Help All 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. TCP/IP Before a computer can communicate with the Bridge, TCP/IP must be enabled. TCP/IP is a set of instructions, or protocol, all PCs follow to communicate over a network.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Appendix E: 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. 802.11g - An IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 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. CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) - A method of data transfer that is used to prevent data loss in a network. CTS (Clear To Send) - A signal sent by a device to indicate that it is ready to receive data.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Dynamic IP Address - A temporary IP address assigned by a DHCP server. Encryption - Encoding data to prevent it from being read by unauthorized people. Ethernet - An IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Finger - A program that tells you the name associated with an e-mail address. Firewall - Security measures that protect the resources of a local network from intruders. Firmware - 1.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 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. ISM band - Radio band used in wireless networking transmissions. ISP (Internet Service Provider) - A company that provides access to the Internet. LAN (Local Area Network) - The computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) - A type of broadband connection that provides authentication (username and password) in addition to data transport. PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) - A VPN protocol that allows the Point to Point Protocol (PPP) to be tunneled through an IP network. This protocol is also used as a type of broadband connection in Europe. Preamble - Part of the wireless signal that synchronizes network traffic.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - A network protocol for transmitting data that requires acknowledgement from the recipient of data sent. Telnet - A user command and TCP/IP protocol used for accessing remote PCs. TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) - A version of the TCP/IP FTP protocol that uses UDP and has no directory or password capability. Throughput - The amount of data moved successfully from one node to another in a given time period.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Appendix F: Specifications Model WET11 Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Storage Humidity Appendix F: Specifications 5% to 90%, Non-Condensing 41
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Appendix G: Warranty Information LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys warrants to You that, for a period of two 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-B Ethernet Bridge 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-B Ethernet Bridge Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdoor use may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation. Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge An FCC compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this equipment. This equipment is designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible modular jack, which is FCC Part 68 compliant. Connection to the telephone network should be made by using the standard modular telephone jack.
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 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/international If you experience problems with any Linksys product, you can e-mail us at: Austria Belguim Denmark France Germany Italy Netherlands Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Latin America U.S. support.at@linksys.com support.be@linksys.com support.dk@linksys.com support.
