User Manual

5. The Advanced tab allows you to set the Fragmentation Threshold, the

RTS/CTS Threshold, and the Preamble Type. The Fragmentation

Threshold Value indicates how much of the network resources are devot-

ed to recovering packet errors. The value should remain at its default set-

ting of 2,436. If you experience high packet error rates, you can decrease

this value, but it will likely decrease overall network performance. Only

minor modifications of this value are recommended.

The RTS Threshold Value should remain at its default setting of 2,437. A

preamble is a signal used to synchronize the transmission timing between

two or more systems. A series of transmission pulses is sent before the data

to indicate that "someone is about to transmit data". This ensures that sys-

tems receiving the information correctly interpret when the data transmis-

sion starts.

Security is used for WEP only. By selecting Deny Unencrypted Data

Frames, all unencrypted data will not be seen. For Authentication Type,

you may choose between Open System or Shared Key.

Shared Key is when both the sender and recipient share a secret key.

Both units use this key for an extended length of time, sometimes

indefinitely. Any eavesdropper that discovers the key may decipher all

packets until the key is changed.

Open System, the default setting, is when the sender and the recipi-

ent do not share a secret key. Each party generates its own key-pair

and asks the receiver to accept the (usually randomly) generated key.

Once accepted, this key is used for a short time only, then a new key

is generated and agreed upon. Even if the secret key is discovered,

only a small amount of data may be decrypted.

The Preamble Mode should be set to Long (if in a “noisy” network envi-

ronment), Short (if the environment is clear), or click OK to complete the

configuration.

6. The About tab shows you copyright and version information about the driv-

er, the configuration utility, and the firmware. The version number of the

driver may vary from this screen, depending on which version was shipped

with your Adapter. You can always visit www.linksys.com for the latest ver-

sion of the driver. Click OK to complete the configuration.

Wireless USB Network Adapter

Instant Wireless

Series

Note: In most

cases, you will not

need to change

these settings.