®
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
GHz
2,4
802.11g
Wireless-G
Notebook Adapter with SRX400
WIRELESS
User Guide
Model No.
WPC54GX4 (EU/LA)
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
Table of Contents
Welcome
What’s in This User Guide?
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Chapter 1: Introduction
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Network Topology
Roaming
Network Layout
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
The LED Indicators
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
with SRX400
Starting the Setup Wizard
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Setting Up the Adapter
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Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor
Link Information Screens
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Site Survey
Profiles
Creating a New Profile
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
Appendix C: Wireless Security
Security Precautions
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks
Appendix D: Windows Help
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Appendix E: Glossary
Appendix F: Specifications
Appendix G: Warranty Information
Appendix H: Regulatory Information
Appendix I: Contact Information
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Adapter’s LEDs
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Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement
Figure 4-3: Insert the Notebook Adapter Screen
Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Network Screen
Figure 4-5: Available Wireless Network Screen
Figure 4-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection
Figure 4-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Figure 4-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection
Figure 4-9: Congratulations Screen
Figure 4-10: Available Wireless Network Screen
Figure 4-11: Network Settings Screen
Figure 4-12: Wireless Mode Screen
Figure 4-13: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen
Figure 4-14: Wireless Security Screen
Figure 4-15: Wireless Security - WEP Screen
Figure 4-16: Wireless Security - WPA Personal Screen
Figure 4-17: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal Screen
Figure 4-18: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen
Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using PEAP Screen
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS Screen
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using PEAP Screen
Figure 4-22: Confirm New Settings Screen
Figure 4-23: Congratulations Screen
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon
Figure 5-2: Link Information Screen
Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status Screen
Figure 5-4: More Information - Wireless Network Statistics Screen
Figure 5-5: Site Survey Screen
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection
Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Figure 5-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection
Figure 5-9: Profiles Screen
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
Figure 5-10: Import a Profile
Figure 5-11: Export a Profile
Figure 5-12: Create a New Profile
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Figure 5-13: Available Wireless Network Screen
Figure 5-14: Available Wireless Network Screen
Figure 5-15: WEP Key Needed for Connection
Figure 5-16: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection
Figure 5-17: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection
Figure 5-18: Congratulations Screen
Figure 5-19: Available Wireless Network Screen
Figure 5-20: Network Settings Screen
Figure 5-21: Wireless Mode Screen
Figure 5-22: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen
Figure 5-23: Wireless Security Screen
Figure 5-24: Wireless Security - WEP Screen
Figure 5-25: Wireless Security - WPA Personal Screen
Figure 5-26: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal Screen
Figure 5-27: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen
Figure 5-28: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Using PEAP Screen
Figure 5-29: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS Screen
Figure 5-30: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using PEAP Screen
Figure 5-31: Confirm New Settings Screen
Figure 5-32: Congratulations Screen
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security
Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400. 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.
How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility
within your wireless network, whether it’s using the Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) standard.
But what does all of this mean?
adapter: a device that adds network functionality
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers
and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video
games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.
to your PC.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
PCs equipped with wireless cards and adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the
same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network.
The included Setup Wizard walks you through configuring the Adapter to your wireless network settings, step by
step. Use the instructions in this Guide to help you set up and connect the Adapter using the Setup Wizard. These
instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
802.11g an IEEE wireless networking standard that
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps
and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
What’s in This User Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400.
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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: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
This chapter shows you how to set up and connect the Adapter.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
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Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter explains how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding
installation and use of the Adapter.
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Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
This chapter instructs you on how to use Window XP Wireless Zero Configuration.
Appendix C: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
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Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
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Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
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.
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in This User Guide?
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
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.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peer-
to-peer) without the use of an access point.
Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless
router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an
infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless
router.
access point: a device that allows wireless-
equipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network. Also used to
expand the range of a wireless network
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the
effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data
within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.
infrastructure: a wireless network that is
bridged to a wired network via an access point.
Roaming
roaming: the ability to take a wireless device
from one access point's range to another without
losing the connection.
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your
wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they
both share the same channel and SSID.
ssid: your wireless network's name.
Before you consider enabling roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position.
Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
Network Layout
Linksys wireless access points and wireless 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 802.11b and 802.11g 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 products will also communicate with a wireless print server.
switch: a data switch that connects computing devices
to host computers, allowing a large number of devices
to share a limited number of ports
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.
router: a networking device that connects multiple
networks together
With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com/international for more information about wireless products.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Layout
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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
with SRX400
The LED Indicators
The Adapter's LEDs display information about the Adapter and its wireless connection.
Figure 3-1: Adapter’s LEDs
POWER
LINK
Green. The LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on.
Green. The LED lights up when the Adapter has an active wireless connection. It flashes when
the Adapter is transmitting or receiving data.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400
The LED Indicators
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