® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2.4 GHz Wireless-G 802.11g WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 and Using the Wireless-G Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder The Front Panel Using the Wi-Fi Finder The Side Panels Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Starting the Setup Wizard Connecting the Adapter Setting Up the A
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Appendix E: Glossary Appendix F: Specifications Appendix G: Warranty Information Appendix H: Regulatory Information Appendix I: Contact Information 46 53 54 55 57
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder List of Figures Figure 3-1: Front Panel Figure 3-2: Wi-Fi Finder’s Wireless Network Screen Figure 3-3: Wi-Fi Finder’s ON/OFF Switch and Buttons Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement Figure 4-3: The Connecting the Adapter Screen Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Network Figure 4-5: Available Wireless Network Figure 4-6: Wireless Security - WEP Figure 4-7: Wireless Security - WPA Personal Figure 4-8: Congratulation
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection Figure 5-8: Profiles Figure 5-9: Import a Profile Figure 5-10: Export a Profile Figure 5-11: Create a New Profile Figure 5-12: Available Wireless Network Figure 5-13: Available Wireless Network Figure 5-14: WEP Key Needed for Connection Figure 5-15: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection Figure 5-16: The Congratulations Screen Figure 5-17: Available Wireless Network Figure 5-18: Network Settings Figure 5-19: Wireles
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder. With this Adapter, your wireless networking experience will be faster and easier than ever. network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder What’s in this Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder. • Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the 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: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder • Appendix H: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information. • Appendix I: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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. 802.11a: A wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 5GHz.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Chapter 3: Getting to Know and Using the Wireless-G Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder The Front Panel The Network Adapter's LEDs and Wi-Fi Finder LCD screen are located on the Front Panel. Wi-Fi Finder’s Wireless Network Screen USB Connector Link LED Power LED Figure 3-1: Front Panel LEDs Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on. Link Green. The Link LED lights up when there is wireless activity.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Using the Wi-Fi Finder Wireless Network’s Security Status (Secured or Unsecured) Battery Power Status Low or Normal (Normal shown, Low is displayed as small amount of black) Wireless Mode B = 802.11b G = 802.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Figure 3-3: Wi-Fi Finder’s ON/OFF Switch and Buttons ON/OFF Switch The ON/OFF switch is located on the side panel. Slide the button to the right side to turn on the Wi-Fi Finder. Scan The Scan button is located on the side panel. Push the Scan button to scan for a wireless network.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder The Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder is set up with the Setup Wizard that comes on the CD enclosed with the Adapter. This chapter will guide you through the setup procedure. IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to do so or the setup will not work.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 3. Windows will begin copying the files onto your PC. 4. The Setup Wizard will now prompt you to connect the Adapter to your PC’s USB port. Once you’ve connected, click Next. 5. If prompted by Windows, Windows 98SE and ME users will need to restart their PCs. Connecting the Adapter 1. Insert the USB connector end of the Adapter into the USB port of the PC. 2. The Power LED should light up when the Adapter is plugged in.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks The available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by SSID. Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click the Connect button. (If you do not see your network listed, you can click the Refresh button to bring the list up again.) If the network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 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 passphrase must match the devices on your wireless network. Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup If your network is not listed with the available networks, click Manual Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the Adapter manually. 1. After clicking Manual Setup, the Network Settings screen 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 2. 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. Then, 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 4. The Wireless Security screen will appear. This step will configure wireless security. If your wireless network doesn’t use wireless security, select Disabled and then click the Next button to continue. Proceed to Step 5. Select WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or Radius for the Encryption Method.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder WPA Personal 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.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder RADIUS RADIUS uses the security of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) It offers two authentication methods: EAP-TLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. EAP-TLS Enter the Login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 5. The next screen displays all of the Adapter’s settings. If these are correct, you can save these settings to your hard drive by clicking Save. Click Next to continue and finish the setup. If these settings are not correct, click Back to change your settings. To exit the setup, click Exit. Figure 4-20: Confirm New Settings 6. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 NOTE: The Wireless Network Monitor should only be accessed AFTER connecting the Adapter.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Profiles The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. The table on the left displays a list of available profiles with their profile names and SSIDs. Profile - The name of the profile is displayed here. SSID - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Creating a New Profile On the Profiles screen, click the New button to create a new profile. Enter a name for the new profile, and click the OK button. Click the Cancel button to return to the Profiles screen without entering a name. The Available Wireless Network screen will appear. This screen provides two options for setting up the Adapter • Available Networks. Use this option if you already have a network set up.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks The available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by SSID. Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click the Connect button. (If you do not see your network listed, you can click the Refresh button to bring the list up again.) If the network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 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 passphrase must match the devices on your wireless network. Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup If your network is not listed among the available networks, click Manual Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the adapter manually. 1. After clicking Manual Setup, the Network Settings screen 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 2. 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. Then, 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 4. The Wireless Security screen will appear. This step will configure wireless security. If your wireless network doesn’t use wireless security, select Disabled and then click the Next button to continue. Proceed to Step 6. Select WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or Radius for the Encryption Method.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder WPA Personal WPA Personal offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type. Enter a Passphrase of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field. The passphrase must match the devices on your wireless network. Click the Next button to continue to the Confirm New Settings screen or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder RADIUS RADIUS uses the security of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) It offers two authentication methods: EAP-TLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. EAP-TLS Enter the Login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 5. The next screen displays all of the Adapter’s settings. If these are correct, you can save these settings to your hard drive by clicking Save. Click Next to continue. If these settings are not correct, click Back to change your settings. Figure 5-28: Confirm New Settings 6. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Connect to Network to connect to your network.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix provides solutions to problems usually encountered during the installation and operation of the 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.My computer does not recognize the USB Network Adapter. • Make sure that the USB Network Adapter is properly inserted into the USB port.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to 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).
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration If your computer is running Windows XP, then this choice will be available. If you want to use Windows XP Wireless Configuration to control the Adapter, instead of using the Wireless Network Monitor, then right-click on the Wireless Network Monitor and select Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 Configuration does not support the use of a passphrase.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder WPA-Personal. If you do not have a RADIUS server, select the type of algorithm you want to use, 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.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 the Access Point, TCP/IP must be enabled. TCP/IP is a set of instructions, or protocol, all PCs follow to communicate over a network.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Appendix E: Glossary 802.11a - A wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 5GHz. 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.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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. IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) - A VPN protocol used to implement secure exchange of packets at the IP layer.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) - A protocol that enables specialized applications, such as Internet phone calls, video, and audio, to occur in real time. RTS (Request To Send) - A networking method of coordinating large packets through the RTS Threshold setting. Server - Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to files, printing, communications, and other services.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - A set of instructions PCs use to communicate over a network. 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 has no directory or password capability. Throughput - The amount of data moved successfully from one node to another in a given time period.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Appendix F: Specifications Model WUSBF54G Standards IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, USB 1.1, USB 2.0 Channels 11 Channels (US, Canada) 13 Channels (Europe) 14 Channels (Japan) LEDs Power, Link Transmitted Power 18dBm (Typical)@11Mbps 16dBm (Typical)@54Mbps Receive Sensitivity -73dBm (Typical)@54Mbps, -84dBm (Typical)@11Mbps Power Consumption Active: TX 380mA (Max.) & RX 200mA (Max.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Appendix G: Warranty Information LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys warrants to the original end user purchaser ("You") that, for a period of three years for the hardware and a period of one year for the battery, (the "Warranty Period"). Your Linksys product will be free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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 USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder 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.
