2.4 GHz Wireless-N PCI Adapter WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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 © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI Adapter Overview The PCI Card The Antenna Stand Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N PCI Adapter Starting the Setup Connecting the Adapter Setting up the Adapter Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor Using the Wireles
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Appendix F: Specifications Appendix G: Warranty Information Appendix H: Regulatory Information Appendix I: Contact Information 50 52 53 59
Wireless-N PCI Adapter List of Figures Figure 3-1: Connectors and LED Figure 3-2: Antenna Stand and Cables Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement Figure 4-3: Installing the Adapter Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Networks Figure 4-5: WEP Key Needed for Connection Figure 4-6: PSK Needed for Connectio Figure 4-7: PSK2 Needed for Connectio Figure 4-8: Congratulations Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Networks Figure 4-10: Network Settings Figure 4-11: Wireless Mode Figure
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Figure 5-5: Connect Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection Figure 5-7: PSK Needed for Connection Figure 5-8: PSK2 Needed for Connection Figure 5-9: Profiles Figure 5-10: Available Wireless Networks Figure 5-11: WEP Key Needed for Connection Figure 5-12: PSK Needed for Connection Figure 5-13: PSK2 Needed for Connection Figure 5-14: Congratulations Figure 5-15: Available Wireless Networks Figure 5-16: Network Settings Figure 5-17: Wireless Mode Figure 5-18: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Figu
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N PCI Adapter. Setting up your network and the Adapter is easier than ever. 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 with Wireless-N, it has even better range and speed. adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter • Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor This chapter show you 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. • Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration This appendix describes how to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI Adapter 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. With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at www.linksys.com for more information about wireless products.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N PCI Adapter Overview The Adapter has two parts, the PCI card and antenna stand. The PCI Card The Adapter's connectors attach the antenna stand’s cables to the PCI card of the Adapter. ANT, CENTER ANT, ANT The antenna connectors are connection points for the PCI card’s antenna cables. LED Figure 3-1: Connectors and LED Green. The LED lights up when the Adapter has an active wireless connection.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N PCI Adapter Starting the Setup The Wireless-N PCI Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the driver and Wireless Network Monitor, as well as connect and configure the Adapter. IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to do so or the setup will not work. Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 4. The Setup Wizard will now prompt you to install the Adapter into your PC. Click Next and power off your PC. After installing the Adapter, as shown below, and restarting your PC, the Setup Wizard will continue. Connecting the Adapter 1. If you haven’t already done so, power off your desktop PC before installing the Adapter. 2. Open your PC case and locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard. Check with your computer manufacturer for instructions. 3.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Available Wireless Networks wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security. The available networks are listed in the table on the center of the screen by Wireless Network Name. 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.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter PSK2 If your network has the wireless security PSK2 enabled, this screen will appear. Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Then click Connect and proceed to step 3. Figure 4-7: PSK2 Needed for Connection 3. After the software has been successfully installed, the Congratulations screen will appear. Click Finish to exit. For more information about the Wireless Network Monitor, refer to “Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Advanced Setup If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Advanced Setup. 1. Click Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the Adapter manually. Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Networks 2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor will appear. If your network has a router or other DHCP server, click the Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP) radio button.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 3. 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. Enter the Wireless Network Name for your network. Infrastructure Mode - Use this mode if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 5. If your wireless network doesn’t have wireless security, select Disabled, and then click the Next button to continue. Proceed to step 6. If your wireless network has wireless security, select the method of security used: WEP, PSK, PSK2 PSK+RADIUS, PSK2+RADIUS or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. PSK is a stronger security method than WEP. PSK2 is a stronger security method than PSK. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter PSK PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or AES for encryption. Then enter a Pre-shared Key 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. Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter PSK+RADIUS PSK+RADIUS features PSK security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK+RADIUS 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-N PCI Adapter PSK2+RADIUS PSK2+RADIUS Enterprise features PSK2 security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK2+RADIUS offers two authentication methods, EAPTLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. EAP-TLS If you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter RADIUS RADIUS features use of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) RADIUS offers two authentication types: EAP-TLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. EAP-TLS If you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field (this is optional).
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 5. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next and show the new settings. To save the new settings, click the Save button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button. To exit the Advanced Setup through the Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit. Figure 4-23: Confirm New Settings 6. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings and return to the Link Information screen.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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 After installing the Adapter, the Wireless Network Monitor icon will appear in the system tray of your computer. If the Wireless Network Monitor is enabled, then the icon will be green.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Wireless Network Status The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings. Radio Band - This shows the radio band used on the network. Wireless Network Name - This is the unique name (SSID) of the wireless network. Wireless Mode - The mode of the wireless network currently in use is displayed here. Wide Channel - This displays the Wireless-N primary channel used with a 40 MHz radio band network.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI Adapter Connect The Connect screen displays a list of available networks in the table on the left. The table shows each network’s Wireless Network Name, Channel, and the quality of the wireless signal the Adapter is receiving. You may click Wireless Network Name, CH (Channel), or Signal, to sort by that field. Wireless Network Name - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here. CH - This is the channel that the network uses.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter • PSK Needed for Connection If the network has the wireless security PSK enabled, then you will see the PSK Needed for Connection screen. Select the appropriate encryption type, TKIP or AES. Enter the network’s Pre-shared Key in the Pre-shared Key field. To connect to the network, click the Connect button. To cancel the connection, click the Cancel button.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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 Wireless Network Names. Profile - The name of the profile is displayed here. Wireless Network Name - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network is displayed here.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Creating a New Profile The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Networks screen. It provides two options for setting up the Adapter. • Available Wireless Networks (for most users). Use this option if you already have a network configured. The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on-screen. You can choose one of these networks and click the Connect button to connect to it. Click the Refresh button to update the Available Wireless Network list.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter WEP Key - The WEP key you enter must match the WEP key of your wireless network. For 64-bit encryption, enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. For 128-bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”. Then click Connect and proceed to step 3. PSK If your network has the wireless security PSK enabled, this screen will appear.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Advanced Setup If your network is not listed with the available networks, you can use Advanced Setup. 1. Click Advanced Setup on the Available Wireless Network screen to set up the Adapter manually. Figure 5-15: Available Wireless Networks 2. The Network Settings screen from the Wireless Network Monitor will appear. If your network has a router or other DHCP server, click the Obtain network settings automatically (DHCP) radio button.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 3. 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. Enter the Wireless Network Name for your network. Infrastructure Mode - Use this mode if you want to connect to a wireless router or access point.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 1. If your wireless network doesn’t have wireless security, select Disabled, and then click the Next button to continue. Proceed to step 6. If your wireless network has wireless security, select the method of security used: WEP, PSK, PSK2 PSK-RADIUS, PSK2-RADIUS, or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. PSK is a stronger security method than WEP. PSK2 is a stronger security method than PSK. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter PSK PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select TKIP or AES for encryption. Then enter a Pre-shared Key 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. Pre-shared Key - Enter a Pre-shared Key of 8-63 characters in the Pre-shared Key field. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter PSK+RADIUS PSK+RADIUS features PSK security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK+RADIUS 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-N PCI Adapter PSK2+RADIUS PSK2+RADIUS features PSK2 security used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) PSK2+RADIUS offers two authentication methods, EAPTLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. EAP-TLS If you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter RADIUS RADIUS features use of a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is connected to the Router.) RADIUS offers two authentication types: EAP-TLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP. EAP-TLS If you selected EAP-TLS, enter the login name of your wireless network in the Login Name field. Enter the name of the authentication server in the Server Name field (this is optional).
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 5. The Confirm New Settings screen will appear next and show the new settings. To save the new settings, click the Save button. To edit the new settings, click the Back button. To exit the Advanced Setup through the Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit. Figure 5-29: Confirm New Settings 6. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings and return to the Link Information screen.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI 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. The Wireless-N PCI Adapter does not work properly.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter What is the IEEE 802.11g standard? It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11g standard allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11g standard. The 802.11g standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz. What 802.11b features are supported? The product supports the following 802.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology that links access points and nodes. In such a system, the user’s end node undertakes a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the message load currently being carried by each access point and the distance of each access point to the wired backbone.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter What is WPA? WPA is Wi-Fi Protected Access, a wireless security protocol that can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server. What is RADIUS? RADIUS is Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, which uses an authentication server to control network access.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Appendix B: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration If your computer is running Windows XP, then this choice will be available. If you want to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration to control the Adapter, instead of using the Wireless Network Monitor, then right-click the Wireless Network Monitor and select Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI Adapter 4. If your network uses wireless security WEP, enter the WEP Key used in the Network Key and Confirm network key fields. If your network uses wireless security WPA Personal, enter the Passphrase used in the Network Key and Confirm network key fields. Click the Connect button. Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security NOTE: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration does not support the use of a passphrase. Enter the exact WEP key used by your access point. 5.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI Adapter WPA-Enterprise and WPA2-Enterprise use WPA/WPA2 security and a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server for authentication. RADIUS uses a RADIUS server. WPA/WPA2-Personal. Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES (AES is automatically selected for WPA2Personal), and enter a password in the Pre-shared Key field of 8-63 characters. WPA/WPA2-Enterprise. This method is WPA or WPA2 used in coordination with a RADIUS server.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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 with an access point or wireless router, TCP/IP must be enabled. TCP/IP is a set of instructions, or protocol, all PCs follow to communicate over a network.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Appendix E: Glossary This glossary contains some basic networking terms you may come across when using this product. For more advanced terms, see the complete Linksys glossary at http://www.linksys.com/glossary. 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.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - Removes the Router's firewall protection from one PC, allowing it to be “seen” from the Internet. DNS (Domain Name Server) - The IP address of your ISP's server, which translates the names of websites into IP addresses. Domain - A specific name for a network of computers. Download - To receive a file transmitted over a network. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - An always-on broadband connection over traditional phone lines.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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. ISP (Internet Service Provider) - A company that provides access to the Internet. LAN - The computers and networking products that make up your local network.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) - An Ethernet connector that holds up to eight wires. Roaming - The ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection. Router - A networking device that connects multiple networks together. Server - Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to files, printing, communications, and other services. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - The standard e-mail protocol on the Internet.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) - a wireless encryption protocol that provides dynamic encryption keys for each packet transmitted. Topology - The physical layout of a network. TX Rate - Transmission Rate. Upgrade - To replace existing software or firmware with a newer version. Upload - To transmit a file over a network. URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - The address of a file located on the Internet.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Appendix F: Specifications Model WMP300N Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, draft IEEE 802.11n Channels 802.11b/802.11g/Wireless-N (20MHz) 11 Channels (USA, Canada) 13 Channels (Europe) LEDs ACT Protocols 802.11b: CCK, QPSK, BPSK 802.11g: OFDM Wireless-N: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM Transmitted Power 802.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Storage Temp.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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. This limited warranty extends only to the original purchaser.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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-N PCI Adapter User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) This document contains important information for users with regards to the proper disposal and recycling of Linksys products.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Appendix H: Regulatory Information 55
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Appendix H: Regulatory Information 56
Wireless-N PCI Adapter Appendix H: Regulatory Information 57
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster For more information, visit www.linksys.com.
Wireless-N PCI Adapter 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.
