® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2.4 GHz Wireless-G 802.11g Range Expander WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-G Range Expander 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 Range Expander 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 Range Expander The Front Panel The Side Panel The Recess for the Power Plate Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview Connection to a Wired Network for Setup Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Connection for Auto Configuration Chapter 5: Setting Up the
Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix D: Windows Help Appendix E: Glossary Appendix F: Specifications Appendix G: Warranty Information Appendix H: Regulatory Information Appendix I: Contact Information 31 32 36 37 38 40
Wireless-G Range Expander List of Figures Figure 3-1: Front Panel Figure 3-1: Front Panel with Ethernet Network Cable Connected Figure 3-2: Recess for the Power Plate Figure 4-1: Connecting the Ethernet Network Cable Figure 4-2: Using the Power Plate with Cord Figure 4-3: Using the Power Plate with Plug Figure 4-4: Using the Power Plate with Cord Figure 4-5: Using the Power Plate with Plug Figure 5-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen Figure 5-2: Check Your Wireless Network Figure 5-3: Confirm Wireless Network
Wireless-G Range Expander Figure 6-4: WEP Security Figure 6-5: Setup Tab - Password Figure 6-6: File Download Figure 6-7: Setup Tab - Help Figure 6-8: Firmware Upgrade Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 19 21 21 22 22 30
Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Range Expander. This Range Expander will allow you to expand your network beyond the range of your current access point or wireless router. How does the Range Expander do this? Once on your network, the Range Expander repeats the signal to all devices within its range.
Wireless-G Range Expander What’s in this User Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Range Expander. • Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Range Expander’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 Range Expander This chapter describes the physical features of the Range Expander.
Wireless-G Range Expander • Appendix F: Warranty Information This appendix supplies the Range Expander’s warranty information. • Appendix G: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Range Expander’s regulatory information. • Appendix H: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Wireless-G Range Expander 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 Range Expander Network Layout Linksys Wireless-B and Wireless-G access points and routers have been designed for use with 802.11b and 802.11g products. Products using the 802.11g and 802.11b standards can communicate with each other. Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b adapters, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB connectivity.
Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander The Front Panel The Range Expander's adjustable antenna, LEDs, and Ethernet network port are located on the front panel. Antenna Make sure the antenna is positioned straight up into the air, no matter how the Range Expander is positioned. LEDs LINK Blue/Red. The LINK LED lights up when the Range Expander is powered on. This LED will light up blue when the Range Expander has connected to an access point or wireless router.
Wireless-G Range Expander The Recess for the Power Plate The back of the Range Expander has a two-pronged recess where its power plates can be connected. Two power plates come with the Range Expander, one with two prongs for direct connection to a power outlet, and another with a cord to reach a power outlet. Either of these power plate can be slid into the recess and is fully connected when the orange tab snaps into place.
Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview Linksys recommends that you connect the Range Expander to your wired network for setup. Proceed to the “Connection to a Wired Network for Setup” section. If you want to configure the Range Expander using your wireless network, proceed to the “Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup” section if you have security enabled. Proceed to the “Connection for Auto Configuration” section if you have security disabled.
Wireless-G Range Expander Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Linksys recommends that you have the Range Expander in the same room as your access point or wireless router during setup. Connect the appropriate power plate and connect it to a power outlet, preferably a surge protector. Proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander.
Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview The first part of this chapter explains how to configure the Range Expander. The remainder of the chapter describes how to move the Range Expander to its final location. Running the Setup Wizard NOTE: You won’t need to use the Setup Wizard, if you set up the Range Expander using the Auto configuration button.
Wireless-G Range Expander 4. The Setup Wizard will run a search for your wireless network. If found, you will be asked to confirm the settings. If the settings are correct, click Continue and proceed to step 7. If you’d like to choose a different wireless network, proceed to step 5. If no wireless network is found, a screen will notify you when no access point is detected on your network. Click Continue to survey your network for any access points or wireless routers, and proceed to step 5.
Wireless-G Range Expander 6. If security is disabled, then proceed to step 7. If security is enabled, the appropriate Security Settings screen will appear. Enter the WEP or WPA settings. Then click Next to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard. WEP On the WEP Security Settings screen, select the level of WEP encryption, WEP (64-bits) or WEP (128-Bits). Then enter the passphrase or the WEP key. The passphrase can consist of no more than 16 alphanumeric characters.
Wireless-G Range Expander 7. Now that the Setup Wizard has found an access point or wireless router with which to communicate, it will now search for the Range Expander. Select the one you want. Then, click Yes to continue, or click No to return to the Welcome screen of the Setup Wizard. Figure 5-9: Choose the Range Expander 8. You will be asked to enter its password. Enter the default password, admin. Then, click Enter to continue. To exit this Setup Wizard, click Exit.
Wireless-G Range Expander 9. The Configure Network Address Settings screen will appear. Enter an IP Address and appropriate Subnet Mask for the Range Expander. Then enter the IP Address of your network gateway, as well as a descriptive name for the Range Expander. Then, click Next to continue or Back to return to the previous screen. • IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. (The default IP address is 192.168.1.240.) If you are not sure about what to do, keep the default IP address.
Wireless-G Range Expander 11. You should now review the settings you've chosen. If these settings are correct, click Yes to save these settings. If you wish to change any of the settings, click No. You will exit the Setup Wizard and can start it again to change your settings. Figure 5-13: Confirmation Screen 12. The configuration performed with the Setup Wizard is complete. Click Online Registration to register the Range Expander, or click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
Wireless-G Range Expander Moving the Range Expander 1. If necessary, disconnect the Ethernet network cable from your network router and the Range Expander. 2. Unplug the power plate from the power outlet. 3. Locate an optimum location for the Range Expander. The best placement is usually at the edge of your wireless network. 4. Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position that will best cover your wireless network.
Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview The Range Expander has been designed to be functional right out of the box, setting it up with the Auto configuration button or the Setup Wizard. However, if you'd like to change these settings, the Range Expander can be configured through your web browser and Web-based Utility. This chapter describes the Web-based Utility and its different features.
Wireless-G Range Expander The Setup Tab Basic Setup The first screen that appears displays the Basic Setup screen. This allows you to change the Range Expander's general settings. Change these settings as described here and click Save Settings to apply your changes, or click Cancel Changes to cancel your changes. If you require more information, click Help. • Firmware. This will display the Range Expander's current firmware version. Firmware can be upgraded from the Help tab. • Name.
Wireless-G Range Expander your network. Click Enable to broadcast the SSID to all wireless devices in range. Click Disable to increase network security and prevent the SSID from being seen during a site survey. • Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to correspond with your network settings. All devices in your wireless network must use the same channel to function correctly. • Wireless Security. To disable wireless security, select the Disable radio button.
Wireless-G Range Expander Keys 1-4. WEP keys enable you to create an encryption scheme for wireless transmissions. If you are not using a Passphrase, then manually enter a set of values. (Do not leave a key field blank, and do not enter all zeroes. These are not valid key values.) If you are using 64-bit WEP encryption, then the key must be exactly 10 hexadecimal characters in length. If you are using 128-bit WEP encryption, then the key must be exactly 26 hexadecimal characters in length.
Wireless-G Range Expander Password The Password screen allows you to change the Range Expander's password or restore factory defaults. You can also back up or restore the Range Expander’s configuration file. • Password. This password protects access to the Web-based Utility. Enter the new password in the Password field. Then enter it again in the next field to confirm it. • Restore Factory Defaults. To restore the Range Expander's factory default settings, click the Yes radio button.
Wireless-G Range Expander Help The Help screen offers a variety of resources. If you want help information about the Setup and Password tabs in this Web-based Utility, click the Help tab. You can also access the Linksys website, online User Guide for the Range Expander, or the Adobe website (to download the free Adobe Reader program). You can also upgrade the Range Expander’s firmware using this screen.
Wireless-G Range Expander 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 Range Expander. 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 Range Expander 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 communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. The 802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz. What is the IEEE 802.11g standard? It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.
Wireless-G Range Expander What is Roaming? Roaming is the ability of a portable computer to communicate continuously while it and its user are moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a single access point. Before using the roaming function, the user must make sure that the workstation is set to the same channel number used by the access point of the dedicated coverage area. To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless network must incorporate a number of different functions.
Wireless-G Range Expander (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.
Wireless-G Range Expander 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 Range Expander 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 Range Expander 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 Range Expander Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware The Range Expander's firmware is upgraded through the Web-Utility's Help tab. Follow these instructions: 1. Go to the Linksys website, www.linksys.com and proceed to the product page for the Range Expander. 2. Download the firmware upgrade file, and extract it on your computer. 3. Click the Upgrade Firmware button on the Help screen. 4.
Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix D: Windows Help Almost 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 within a network, TCP/IP must be enabled. TCP/IP is a set of instructions, or protocol, all PCs follow to communicate over a network.
Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix E: Glossary 802.11b - A wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz. 802.11g - A 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. Access Point - A device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network.
Wireless-G Range Expander Download - To receive a file transmitted over a network. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - An always-on broadband connection over traditional phone lines. DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum) - Frequency transmission with a redundant bit pattern resulting in a lower probability of information being lost in transit. Dynamic IP Address - A temporary IP address assigned by a DHCP server. Encryption - Encoding data transmitted in a network.
Wireless-G Range Expander MAC (Media Access Control) Address - The unique address that a manufacturer assigns to each networking device. Mbps (MegaBits Per Second) - One million bits per second; a unit of measurement for data transmission. mIRC - An Internet Relay Chat program that runs under Windows. Multicasting - Sending data to a group of destinations at once. Network - A series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.
Wireless-G Range Expander SSID (Service Set IDentifier) - Your wireless network's name. Static IP Address - A fixed address assigned to a computer or device that is connected to a network. Static Routing - Forwarding data in a network via a fixed path. Subnet Mask - An address code that determines the size of the network. Switch - 1. A data switch that connects computing devices to host computers, allowing a large number of devices to share a limited number of ports. 2.
Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix F: Specifications Standards IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b Port Ethernet Buttons Auto configuration/Mode, Reset LEDs Blue/Red-LINK, Blue-ACTIVITY Transmit Power 802.11g: Typ. 13±1 1dBm @ Normal Temp Range 802.11b: Typ: 15±1 1dBm @ Normal Temp Range Security features WEP WEP key bits 64/128 Dimensions (W x H x D) 3.18" x 8.27" x 1.77" (80.7 mm x 210 mm x 45 mm) Power Input: 115-230V AC 0.2A, Output: 3.3V DC 1.5A Certification FCC, CE, UL Operating Temp.
Wireless-G Range Expander 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 Range Expander 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 Range Expander 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. Outdoor use may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation. Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.
Wireless-G Range Expander 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.
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits 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. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
IC statement Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause interference and 2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. IMPORTANT NOTE: IC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
