® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. Wireless-G Game Adapter WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-G Game 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 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Welcome What’s in this Guide? 1 2 Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology Roaming Network Layout Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Game Adapter The Game Adapter’s LEDs The Game Adapter’s Side Panel Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless-G Game Adapter Overview Instructions Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ 4 4 4 4 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 Overview Connecting the Gam
Wireless-G Game Adapter Frequently Asked Questions Appendix B: Wireless Security Security Precautions Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C: Glossary Appendix D: Specifications Appendix E: Warranty Information Appendix F: Regulatory Information Appendix G: Contact Information 36 39 39 39 42 49 51 52 54
Wireless-G Game Adapter List of Figures Figure 3-1: LEDS Figure 3-2: Side Panel Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable Figure 4-2: Connect the Power Figure 5-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable Figure 5-2: Connect the Power Figure 5-3: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen Figure 5-4: Searching for the Game Adapter Screen Figure 5-5: Setup Wizard’s Password Screen Figure 5-6: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen Figure 5-7: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen Figure 5-8: Setup Wizard’s Confirmation Scr
Wireless-G Game Adapter Figure 6-4: Xbox’s SETTINGS Screen Figure 6-5: Xbox’s NETWORK SETTINGS Screen Figure 6-6: Xbox’s ADVANCED Screen Figure 6-7: Xbox’s WIRELESS STATUS Screen Figure 6-8: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen Figure 6-9: Xbox’s SELECT NETWORK Screen Figure 6-10: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen Figure 6-11: Xbox’s SECURITY TYPE Screen Figure 6-12: Xbox’s SECURITY KEY Screen Figure 6-13: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen Figure 6-14: Xbox’s WIRELESS STATUS Screen Figure 6-15: Xbox’s WIRELESS DETA
Wireless-G Game Adapter Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Game Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless gaming experience will be faster and easier than ever. How does the Game Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Game Adapter allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network, whether it’s using the Wireless-G (802.11g), or Wireless-B (802.11b) standard.
Wireless-G Game Adapter What’s in this Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Game Adapter. • Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Game Adapter’s applications and this User Guide. • Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network This chapter discusses a few of the basics about wireless networking. • Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Game Adapter This chapter describes the physical features of the Game Adapter.
Wireless-G Game Adapter • Appendix E: Specifications This appendix provides the Game Adapter’s technical specifications. • Appendix F: Warranty Information This appendix supplies the Game Adapter’s warranty information. • Appendix G: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Game Adapter’s regulatory information. • Appendix H: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology topology: the physical layout of a network. 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.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 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 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 products that work with the Wireless-G Game Adapter.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Game Adapter The Game Adapter’s LEDs The Game Adapter's LEDs indicate the status of its power and connections. Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Game Adapter is powered on. Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED lights up when the Game Adapter has an active wired connection. It will flash when data is transmitted or received. Wireless-G Green. The Wireless LED lights up when the Game Adapter has an active wireless connection.
Wireless-G Game Adapter The Game Adapter’s Side Panel The Game Adapter’s mode switch, Reset button, and ports are located on the side panel of the Game Adapter. Figure 3-2: Side Panel Switch The switch is used to set the Game Adapter’s mode. The switch allows you to set the Game Adapter to Ad-hoc or Infrastructure mode. If you will run the Setup Wizard or connect the Game Adapter directly to your Xbox, then set the switch to the Infrastructure position.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless-G Game Adapter Overview The Fast Setup directions are provided for any gamer playing over a wireless network with WEP encryption disabled and SSID broadcast enabled. If you need to change the Game Adapter’s settings to match those of your wireless network, proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ Overview This chapter provides instructions on how to connect the Game Adapter to your computer and then set up the Game Adapter for the kind of gaming you do. If you are connecting the Game Adapter directly to your Xbox, proceed to “Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for Xbox®.” Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Computer 1.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Starting the Setup Wizard Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and the Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears, enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive). On the Welcome screen, you have the following choices: Click Here to Start - Click the Click Here to Start button to begin the software installation process.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 2. When the Game Adapter has been located, enter its default password, admin. Then click Enter.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 2. Select one of the Easy settings. When setting up the first Game Adapter, click the Adapter 1 radio button. When setting up the second Game Adapter, click the Adapter 2 radio button. When Adapter 2 is selected, the Game Adapter’s IP address will automatically change, so it won’t conflict with the IP address of Adapter 1. Then click the Next button. Figure 5-7: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen 3.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 4. Now that the settings have been confirmed, click the Online Registration button to register the Game Adapter, or click the Exit button to close the Setup Wizard. Proceed to the section, “Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console.” Figure 5-9: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play Use these Advanced Setup instructions to modify the Game Adapter’s settings for head-to-head play. 1.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 2. Click the Advanced | Manual Configuration radio button. Then click the Next button. Figure 5-11: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen 3. In the SSID field, enter the SSID or network name for your wireless network. NOTE: An SSID is the network name shared by all devices in a wireless network. Your network’s SSID should be unique to your network and identical for all devices within the network. Select the correct operating channel for your wireless network.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 4. On the Security Settings screen for your wireless network, your security options are 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, or WPA Personal. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA is a stronger security method than WEP. Select the method used on the other devices on your wireless network. • If you select 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP from the drop-down menu, enter a passphrase or WEP key. Click the Next button.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 5. The Network Settings screen will appear. Enter an IP Address, IP Mask (also known as Subnet Mask), and Gateway appropriate for your network setup. You must specify the IP Address on this screen. If you are unsure about the IP Mask and Gateway, do not change these fields. Click the Next button IP Address - This IP Address must be unique to your network. IP Mask - The Game Adapter’s IP Mask must be the same as your wired network’s IP or Subnet Mask.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 7. Now that the settings have been confirmed, click the Online Registration button to register the Game Adapter, or click the Exit button to close the Setup Wizard. Proceed to the section, “Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console.” Figure 5-17: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen Setup Wizard Configuration for Internet Play The Console to Internet Setup lets you configure the Game Adapter’s settings for playing games over a broadband Internet connection. 1.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 2. In the SSID field, enter the SSID or network name for your Wireless-G (2.4GHz, 802.11g) and/or Wireless-G (2.4GHz, 802.11b) network. The channel will be selected automatically. Click the Next button. NOTE: An SSID is the network name shared by all devices in a wireless network. Your network’s SSID should be unique to your network and identical for all devices within the network. Figure 5-19: Setup Wizard’s Basic Settings Screen 3.
Wireless-G Game Adapter • WPA Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or AES for encryption. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length. Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down menu. Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field. The longer and more complex your Passphrase is, the more secure your network will be.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 5. On the Confirmation screen, verify that the Game Adapter’s settings are correct. Then click the Yes button to save these settings. 6. Now that the settings have been confirmed, click the Online Registration button to register the Game Adapter, or click the Exit button to close the Setup Wizard. Proceed to the section, “Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for Xbox® Overview This chapter provides instructions on how to connect and set up the Game Adapter for Xbox gaming. If you are using a different game console, refer to “Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation® or GameCube™.” Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Xbox 1. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the Game Adapter’s Network port. 2.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Setting up the Game Adapter Using Your Xbox 1. To set up the Game Adapter, select SETTINGS on the Xbox main menu. Figure 6-3: Xbox’s Main Menu 2. On the SETTINGS screen, select Network Settings.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 3. On the NETWORK SETTINGS screen, select ADVANCED. Figure 6-5: Xbox’s NETWORK SETTINGS Screen 4. On the ADVANCED screen, select WIRELESS.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 5. On the WIRELESS STATUS screen, select SETTINGS. Figure 6-7: Xbox’s WIRELESS STATUS Screen 6. On the WIRELESS SETTINGS screen, select NETWORK NAME.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 7. On the SELECT NETWORK screen, select the name of the wireless network you want to use. (You may need to scroll down to see additional network names.) If you do not see the network you want to use, select OTHER and then enter the name of the wireless network you want to use. Select DONE to save the name of your wireless network. Figure 6-9: Xbox’s SELECT NETWORK Screen 8. The Game Adapter will be automatically configured except for its security setting.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 9. On the SECURITY TYPE screen, select the appropriate level of WEP encryption, 64-BIT WEP or 128-BIT WEP. Figure 6-11: Xbox’s SECURITY TYPE Screen 10. On the SECURITY KEY screen, enter the WEP key in hexadecimal characters and then select DONE. 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.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 11. On the WIRELESS SETTINGS screen, select APPLY to save your new settings. Figure 6-13: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen 12. On the WIRELESS STATUS screen, click MORE to see additional details.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 13. After you have reviewed the network settings, click OK to exit this screen, Figure 6-15: Xbox’s WIRELESS DETAILS Screen 14. Go back to the Xbox main menu, and set your Xbox to multiplayer gaming. Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-G Game Adapter is complete.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-G Game Adapter Web Configuration Utility Overview This chapter will describe each web page of the Utility and each page’s key functions. You can use the Utility to change the Game Adapter’s settings. You can also restore the Game Adapter to its factory default settings, change the password used to access its Utility, and upgrade its firmware.
Wireless-G Game Adapter The Setup Tab The Basic Setup screen is the first screen you see when you access the Utility. Firmware - This shows the version number and date of the firmware that is currently installed. MAC - The MAC address of the Game Adapter is displayed here. Network Type - Select the type of network you are using, Wireless-G Mode (for 802.11g and/or 802.11b networking) or Wireless-A Mode (for 802.11a networking). SSID - Enter the SSID or name of your wireless network.
Wireless-G Game Adapter To connect to one of these networks, select a network and then click the Connect button. If you want to update this list of wireless networks, click the Refresh button. When you have finished making changes, click the Apply button to save your changes, or click the Cancel button to undo your changes. For help information, click Help. WEP Encryption Use the WEP Encryption screen to change the Game Adapter’s wireless security settings.
Wireless-G Game Adapter The Advanced Settings Tab Use the Advanced Settings screen to change the Game Adapter’s advanced wireless settings, clone a MAC address onto the Game Adapter, change the password, or restore its default settings. LAN IP Address - Select Obtain IP address automatically (DHCP) if your network router automatically assigns IP addresses. Select Use the following IP settings if you want to assign a static or fixed IP address to the Game Adapter.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Security Administrative Password - You should always change the Game Adapter’s password from its factory default, admin. All users who try to access the Game Adapter’s Utility will be prompted for the Game Adapter’s password. Enter the new password in the first field, and then re-enter the password in the second field to confirm it. Restore Factory Defaults - To clear all of the Game Adapter’s settings and reset them to their factory defaults, click the Yes radio button.
Wireless-G Game Adapter The Help Tab The Help screen offers links to the Linksys website, the online version of this User Guide, and the Adobe website. You can also use this screen to upgrade the Game Adapter’s firmware. NOTE: Firmware should be upgraded ONLY if you experience problems with the Game Adapter. Linksys Website - Click this link to visit www.linksys.com. Online manual in PDF format - Click this link to view the online version of this User Guide.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 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 Game 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. I cannot connect to the Game Adapter.
Wireless-G Game Adapter 6. Power on the second Game Adapter. The Game Adapter should now work properly. 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.
Wireless-G Game Adapter • Power Management 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. 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 Game Adapter 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-G Game 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. So, keep the following in mind whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.
Wireless-G Game Adapter SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID: 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 Game Adapter WPA Pre-Shared Key. If you do not have a RADIUS server, select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, enter a password in the Pre-Shared key field of 8-64 characters, and enter a Group Key Renewal period time between 0 and 99,999 seconds, which instructs the Router or other device how often it should change the encryption keys. WPA RADIUS. 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.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Appendix C: 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-G Game Adapter Buffer - A shared or assigned memory area that is used 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 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 collisions.
Wireless-G Game Adapter DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) - A message included in data packets that can increase wireless efficiency. 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.
Wireless-G Game Adapter IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - An independent institute that develops networking standards. Infrastructure - A wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point. IP (Internet Protocol) - A protocol used to send data over a network. 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.
Wireless-G Game Adapter OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) - 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. Packet - A unit of data sent over a network. Passphrase - Used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP encryption process by automatically generating the WEP encryption keys for Linksys products.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a “program”. SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) - Market segment of professionals who work at home or in small offices. SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall - A technology that inspects every incoming packet of information before allowing it to enter the network. Spread Spectrum - Wideband radio frequency technique used for more reliable and secure data transmission.
Wireless-G Game Adapter UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A network protocol for transmitting data that does not require acknowledgement from the recipient of the data that is sent. 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. VPN (Virtual Private Network) - A security measure to protect data as it leaves one network and goes to another over the Internet.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Appendix D: Specifications Model WGA54G Standards IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g Ports Power, Ethernet Button/Switch Reset, Network Mode (Infrastructure, AdHoc) Cabling Type Category 5 LEDs Power, Ethernet, Wireless-G Transmit Power 14dBm ± 1dBm Security Features WEP, WPA WEP Key Bits 64, 128 Warranty 3 Years Dimensions 6.30" x 3.94" x 1.42" (160 mm x 100 mm x 36 mm) Unit Weight 0.44 lbs. (0.2 kg) Power 12V, 0.5A Certifications FCC, IC-03 Operating Temp.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Operating Humidity 10~85% Non Condensing Storage Humidity 5~90% Non Condensing Appendix D: Specifications 50
Wireless-G Game Adapter Appendix E: 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. This limited warranty extends only to the original purchaser.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Appendix F: 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 Game Adapter EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE) Linksys declares that this product 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. EN 609 50 Safety EN 300-328-1, EN 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment. Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries.
Wireless-G Game Adapter Appendix G: 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.