® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2.4 GHz 802.11g Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 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 © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Welcome What’s in this Guide? 1 2 Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology Network Layout Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge The Back Panel The Front Panel Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge for Setup Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge for Network Use Connection to a Network Device Placement Options Ch
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Appendix E: Glossary Appendix F: Specifications Appendix G: Warranty Information Appendix H: Regulatory Information Appendix I: Contact Information 37 43 45 46 48
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge List of Figures Figure 2-1: Infrastructure Network Figure 2-2: Ad-Hoc Network Figure 2-3: Network Using Wireless Bridging Figure 3-1: Back Panel Figure 3-2: Front Panel Figure 4-1: Connect to the Network Figure 4-2: Connect the Power Figure 5-1: Welcome Figure 5-2: Connection Figure 5-3: List of Bridges Figure 5-4: Password Figure 5-5: Mode Settings Figure 5-6: Wireless Settings Figure 5-7: IP Settings Figure 5-8: Security Settings-WEP Figure 5-9: Security Settings-WPA-PSK Figure
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Figure 7-10: RADIUS-TTLS Figure 7-11: Password Tab Figure 7-12: Advanced Settings Tab Figure 7-13: Status Tab Figure 7-14: Help Tab Figure 7-15: Firmware Upgrade Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade 23 24 24 26 27 27 35
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge. The versatile Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge can make any wired Ethernet-equipped device a part of your wireless network. At home, use the Bridge to connect game consoles, set-top boxes, or computers to your Wireless-G network and its shared high-speed Internet connection. In the office, convert your Ethernet-wired printer, camera, notebook or desktop into a wireless networked device.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge What’s in this Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge. • Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge applications and this user guide. • Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network This chapter describes the basics of wireless networking. • Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge This chapter describes the physical features of the Bridge.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge • Appendix E: Glossary This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking. • Appendix F: Specifications This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Bridge. • Appendix G: Warranty Information This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Bridge. • Appendix H: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Bridge.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the same wireless network.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Network Layout The Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g routers, such as model numbers BEFW11S4 and WRT54G, as well as access points, including model numbers WAP11 and WAP54G.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge The Back Panel All connections to the Bridge are made through the ports on its back panel, shown in Figure 3-1. Reset When pressed, the Reset button resets the Bridge to its factory default settings. Important: If you reset the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge, you will erase all of your settings (WEP encryption, wireless settings, etc.) and replace them with the factory defaults.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge The Front Panel The LEDs indicate network activity experienced by the Bridge. (See Figure 3-2.) Power Green. The Power LED will light up when the Bridge is powered on. While the Bridge is booting up and performing a self-test, the Power LED will flash. It will stop flashing and remain lit when the self-test has ended. Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED will be lit steadily when the Bridge is connected to the wired network. The LED will flash when there is wired network traffic.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge for Setup 1. Attach the Bridge’s antenna. 2. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the LAN port on the back panel of the Bridge, shown in Figure 4-1. 3. Plug the other end of the Ethernet network cable into the RJ-45 port of the hub, switch, or PC you wish to use to configure the Bridge. 4. Plug the supplied power cable into the Power port on the back panel of the Bridge, shown in Figure 4-2.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Now that you’ve connected the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge to your wired network, you are ready to set it up. The Setup Wizard will guide you through all the necessary steps. 1. Insert the Setup CD-ROM into your PC’s CD-ROM drive. The Setup Utility should run automatically, and the screen in Figure 5-1 should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears, enter D:\setup.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 4. The screen shown in Figure 5-3 displays a list of Wireless-G Ethernet Bridges on your network, along with the status information for each Bridge. (If you have only one Bridge on your network, it will be the only one displayed.) Select the Bridge you are currently installing by clicking its name in the Selection box. Write down the IP address of the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge, so you can use it to access the Web-based Utility later. Then click the Yes button.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 7. The Wireless Settings screen, shown in Figure 5-6, will now appear. Enter your wireless network’s SSID. If you chose Ad-Hoc mode, select the channel at which the network broadcasts its wireless signal. If you have Wireless-G (802.11g) and Wireless-B (802.11b) devices in your network, then keep the default Network Mode setting, Mixed. If you have only Wireless-G devices, select G-Only. Then click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 9. The Security Settings (Optional) screen, shown in Figure 5-8, appears next. From the drop-down menu, select one of the wireless security mode options supported by the Bridge: WPA PSK (Pre-Shared Key) and WEP. (WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access, which is a security standard stronger than WEP encryption. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. If you do not want to use the security function, keep the default setting, Disabled. The security modes are briefly discussed below.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 10. Review your settings on the Confirmation screen, shown in Figure 5-10. Write down the Bridge’s IP Address if you want to configure advanced settings through the Bridge’s Web-based Utility. Click the Yes button to save these settings. Click the No button to exit the Setup Wizard. Figure 5-10: Confirmation 11. The next screen, shown in Figure 5-11, shows that the configuration is complete.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge for Network Use Connection to a Network Device 1. After configuration, unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet, and unplug the Ethernet network cable from the PC. 2. Plug the Ethernet network cable into the RJ-45 port on the Ethernet-ready network device you wish to add to the wireless network. 3. Plug the power cable into a local electrical outlet. The installation of the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge is complete.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Stand Option 1. The Bridge has eight rubber inserts, four on each side. Remove the two rubber inserts that are adjacent to the power port. 2. The Bridge includes two triangular stands. Insert a stand into an opening. Push the stand up to snap it into place. 3. Repeat step 2 using the second stand. 4. Place the Bridge in an appropriate location. 5. If necessary, adjust the antenna so that it points straight up in the air. (See Figure 6-2.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility Overview The Bridge is designed to function properly after you configure it using the Setup Wizard. However, if you would like to change these basic settings or make advanced configuration changes, use your web browser and the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility. This chapter explains how to use the Utility. Starting the Web-based Utility 1.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Setup The Setup screen, shown in Figure 7-2, lets you configure the wired and wireless network settings for the Bridge. • Firmware - The version number of the Bridge’s firmware is displayed here. Firmware should be upgraded ONLY if you experience problems with the Bridge. Firmware updates are posted at www.linksys.com. • MAC Address - The MAC Address of the Bridge is displayed here. LAN • Device Name - You may assign any name to the Bridge.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge • Wireless Site Survey The Wireless Site Survey screen, shown in Figure 7-3 shows all the wireless networks detected by the Bridge and their general information. You can use this screen to connect to one of these networks. For each wireless network detected, the following information is displayed: • SSID - The network name. To join a wireless network, click its SSID. • MAC Address - The MAC address of the network’s access point. • Channel - The channel setting.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge If you click Edit Security Settings, The Security screen, as shown in Figure 7-5, will appear. From the dropdown menu, select one of the four wireless security modes supported by the Bridge: WPA Pre-Shared Key, WPA RADIUS, RADIUS, and WEP. (WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access, which is a security standard stronger than WEP encryption. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, while RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) .
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge WPA Pre-Shared Key WPA gives you TKIP for the encryption method. Enter a WPA Shared Key of 8-32 characters. (See Figure 7-6.) Enter a key shared between the Bridge and the server. Click the Apply button to save your changes. If your page doesn’t automatically refresh itself, then click the Refresh button of your web browser. Click the View Log button to view a log. The Log Table screen appears in Figure 7-7. The log shows the authentication process.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge RADIUS This option features WEP used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) It offers three authentication methods: MD5, TLS, and TTLS. EAP Type MD5 Select a Default Key (choose which Key to use), and a level of WEP encryption, 64 bits 10 hex digits or 128 bits 26 hex digits. Then either generate a WEP key using a Passphrase or enter the WEP key manually. (See Figure 7-8.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge TLS TLS is a mutual authentication method that uses digital certificates.Select TLS from the EAP Type drop-down menu. Enter the Login name of your wireless network in the User ID field. Enter the User Certificate and Root Certificate in the fields or click the Browse button to browse for it, then upload it. • EAP Type - The authentication method that your network uses. Select TLS from the drop-down menu. • User ID -Your User ID is the Login name of your wireless network.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge TTLS TTLS is a mutual authentication method that uses digital certificates. Select TTLS from the EAP Type dropdown menu. Enter the Login name of your wireless network in the User ID field and the password in the Password field. Enter the Root Certificate in the field or click the Browse button to browse for it, then upload it. • EAP Type - The authentication method that your network uses. Select TTLS from the drop-down menu.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Password The Password screen, shown in Figure 7-11, lets you change the Bridge’s Password and restore the factory default settings. • Administrative Password - It is strongly recommended that you change the factory default password of the Bridge from admin to a new password that you create. All users who try to access the Bridge’s Web-based Utility will be prompted for the Bridge’s Password. The new Password must not exceed 12 characters in length and must not include any spaces.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge whether a wireless device uses shared key or open system authentication, and then it will transmit data using the appropriate authentication type. • RTS Threshold - This value should remain at its default setting of 2347. The range is 0-2347 bytes. Should you encounter inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications are recommended. If a network packet is smaller than the preset RTS threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will not be enabled.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Status The Status screen displayed the Bridge’s current status and settings. All information is read-only. • Device Name - The name you have assigned to the Bridge is displayed here. • Firmware Version - The version number of the Bridge’s firmware is displayed here. Firmware updates are posted at www.linksys.com. Firmware should be upgraded ONLY if you experience problems with the Bridge. To upgrade the Bridge’s firmware, use the Help screen.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge • Link Quality - The quality of the Bridge’s connection is displayed here. Click the Refresh button to obtain the most up-to-date settings and statistics. Click the Help button for additional on-screen information. Help The Help screen offers links to all of the help information for the Web-based Utility’s screens and the Bridge’s online technical support resources (all information is read-only). You can also upgrade the Bridge’s firmware.(See Figure 7-14.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 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 Ethernet Bridge. 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 can’t connect to the access point.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 4. The Bridge-enabled PC won’t communicate with a wireless-enabled PC or printer. Perform the following steps: • Check that the wireless-enabled PC or printer is on the same wireless network as the PC using the Bridge. • Make sure that the SSID and network mode are the same for all devices connected to the same wireless network. • If the wireless LAN settings are okay, make sure that all the devices are on the same IP network. 5. The Web-based Utility won’t open.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 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 multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network? Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN. Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge What is ISM band? The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 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 Ethernet Bridge 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 Ethernet Bridge WPA Pre-Shared Key. If you do not have a RADIUS server, Select the type of algorithm, TKIP, and 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. RADIUS. WEP 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 Ethernet Bridge Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware You can use the Bridge’s Web-based Utility to upgrade the firmware; however, firmware should be upgraded ONLY if you experience problems with the Bridge. NOTE: If you upgrade the Bridge’s firmware, you may lose its configuration settings. To upgrade the Bridge’s firmware, follow these instructions: 1. Download the Bridge’s firmware upgrade file from the Linksys website, www.linksys.com. 2. Extract the file on your computer. 3.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Appendix D: Windows Help Almost all Linksys 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 Bridge, TCP/IP must be enabled. TCP/IP is a set of instructions, or protocol, all PCs follow to communicate over a network.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Appendix E: 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 Ethernet Bridge Buffer - A block of memory that temporarily holds data to be worked on later when a device is currently too busy to accept the data. 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 loss in a network. CTS (Clear To Send) - A signal sent by a device to indicate that it is ready to receive data.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Dynamic IP Address - A temporary IP address assigned by a DHCP server. Encryption - Encoding data to prevent it from being read by unauthorized people. Ethernet - An IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Finger - A program that tells you the name associated with an e-mail address. Firewall - Security measures that protect the resources of a local network from intruders. Firmware - 1.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 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. ISM band - Radio band used in wireless networking transmissions. ISP (Internet Service Provider) - A company that provides access to the Internet. LAN (Local Area Network) - The computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) - A type of broadband connection that provides authentication (username and password) in addition to data transport. PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) - A VPN protocol that allows the Point to Point Protocol (PPP) to be tunneled through an IP network. This protocol is also used as a type of broadband connection in Europe. Preamble - Part of the wireless signal that synchronizes network traffic.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - A network protocol for transmitting data that requires acknowledgement from the recipient of data sent. 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 uses UDP and 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 Ethernet Bridge Appendix F: Specifications Model WET54G v.2 Standards IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u Ports One 10/100 Auto-Cross Over (MDI/MDI-X) Port, Power Port Buttons Reset Button Cabling Type Category 5 or better LEDs Power, Ethernet, Wireless-G Transmit Power 16 ± 1 dBm @ 11Mbps CCK 12 ± 1 dBm @ 54Mbps OFDM Security Feature WEP Encryption, WPA, RADIUS WEP Key Bits 64/128-bit Protocols 802.11b: CCK (11Mbps), CCK (5.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge Storage Temp.
Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge 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 Ethernet Bridge 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 Ethernet Bridge 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 Ethernet Bridge 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.
