® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2.4 GHz Wireless-G 802.11g Portable USB Adapter WIRELESS Model No.
Wireless-G Portable USB 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 © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 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 the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter The USB Port The LED Indicator Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Using the Setup Wizard Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Using the USB Extension Base Using the Adapter’s Wall Mount Chapter 6: Using t
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Appendix F: Warranty Information Appendix G: Regulatory Information Appendix H: Contact Information 47 48 50
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter List of Figures Figure 3-1: USB Port and Cord Figure 3-2: Front Panel Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen Figure 4-5: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security Screen Figure 4-6: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WEP Screen Figure 4-7: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK Using TKIP Screen Figure 4-8: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Secu
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Figure 6-9: PSK (Pre-Shared Key) Needed for Connection Figure 6-10: Profiles Figure 6-11: Import a Profile Figure 6-12: Export a Profile Figure 6-13: Create a New Profile Figure 6-14: Enter Profile Name Figure 6-15: Network Settings for New Profile Figure 6-16: Wireless Mode for New Profile Figure 6-17: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings for New Profile Figure 6-18: Wireless Security for New Profile Figure 6-19: Wireless Security - WEP for New Profile Figure 6-20: Wireless Security - PSK
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless networking experience will be faster and 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. Connecting to your PC via the USB port means that this Adapter leaves the PC’s slots open for other purposes. This adapter communicates over the 802.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter What’s in this Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter. • 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 Portable USB Adapter This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter • Appendix G: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information. • Appendix H: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Wireless-G Portable USB 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 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. Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter The USB Extension Base The USB port is located on the USB Estension Base. If desired, you can attach the Adapter here and attach the connector to the PC. The LED Indicator The Adapter's LED indicates the status of the Adapter’s wireless connection. Figure 3-1: USB Extension Base and Cord Figure 3-2: Front Panel Link Blue The Link LED lights up when the Adapter has an active wireless connection.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter The Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the driver and Wireless Network Monitor, as well as configure the Adapter. NOTE: You must run the Setup Wizard before connecting the Adapter to your computer. Using the Setup Wizard Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 3. The Setup Wizard will ask you to choose a network mode. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want your wireless computers to network with computers on your wired network using a wireless access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to network directly with each other. In the SSID field, enter the SSID of your wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all devices in the network.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 5. Select the method of security you want to use: WEP, PSK, PSK + RADIUS, or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and PSK stands for Pre-Shared Key. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. NOTE: If your network is using WPA-Personal or WPA-PSK security, then select PSK. If your network is using WPA-Enterprise or WPA-RADIUS security, then select PSK + RADIUS.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter PSK PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length. Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type. Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a Pre-Shared Key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter PSK + RADIUS PSK + RADIUS features a Pre-Shared Key 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 encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys, as well as two authentication methods, EAP-TLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.
Wireless-G Portable USB 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 7. The Setup Wizard will ask you to review your settings before it starts to install files. Click Next if you are satisfied with your settings, or click Back to change any settings. Figure 4-13: Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen 8. At this point, you may see a Digital Signature Not Found screen indicating that a digital signature was not found. The Adapter’s software has been tested and found to work successfully with Windows 2000. Click the Yes button to continue.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter IMPORTANT: You must run the Setup Wizard before connecting the Adapter to your computer. 1. To connect the Portable USB Adapter to your PC, simply plug the USB end into your PC’s available USP port. Raise the antenna and adjust the Adapter so the antenna is perpendicular to the ground.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 2. When Windows 2000 begins installing the Adapter’s driver file, a screen stating that a digital signature was not found may appear. This software has been tested and found to work properly with Windows 2000. Click the Yes button to continue the installation. The installation of the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter is complete.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Using the Adapter’s Wall Mount The Adapter’s Wall Mount allows you to easily attach the Adapter to your wall for better reception and more convenient placement. 1. Attach two screws to a wall at a distance of 1 1/2 inches apart. 2. Line up the mounting holes on the bottom of the Base with the screws, place the Base over the screws, and slide down into place. The installation of the Wireless-G Adapter is complete.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Chapter 6: 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. Using the Wireless Network Monitor Icon After installing the Adapter, the Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Wireless Monitor icon will appear in your system tray. If the Wireless Network Monitor is enabled, then the icon will be green.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor Besides selecting Turn on when you right-click the icon, you can also double-click the Wireless Network Monitor icon to activate the Wireless Network Monitor. Then the Link Information screen will appear. From this screen, you can find out how strong the current wireless signal is and how good the connection’s quality is.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Wireless Network Status The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on your current network settings. Status - 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. Channel - This is the channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
Wireless-G Portable USB 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-G Portable USB Adapter Site Survey The Site Survey screen displays a list of infrastructure and ad-hoc networks available for connection in the table on the left. This table shows the 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 setting that the network uses.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Profiles The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. The table on the left displays a list of infrastructure and ad-hoc networks available for connection. This table shows the network’s profile name and the wireless network’s SSID, as set in the connection profile. Profile Information For each profile selected, the following are listed: Wireless Mode - This is the mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Creating a New Profile 1. On the Profiles screen, click the New button to create a new profile. Figure 6-13: Create a New Profile 2. 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. 3. 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 Portable USB Adapter 4. The Wireless Mode screen shows a choice of two wireless modes. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want your wireless computers to communicate with computers on your wired network via a wireless access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to communicate directly with each other. Enter the SSID for your network. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 6. Select the method of security you want to use: WEP, PSK, PSK + RADIUS, or RADIUS. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and PSK stands for Pre-Shared Key. RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. NOTE: If your network is using WPA-Personal or WPA-PSK security, then select PSK. If your network is using WPA-Enterprise or WPA-RADIUS security, then select PSK + RADIUS.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter PSK PSK offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type. Then enter a Passphrase that is 8-63 characters in length. Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, for the Encryption Type. Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a Pre-Shared Key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter PSK + RADIUS PSK + RADIUS features a Pre-Shared Key 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 encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic encryption keys, as well as two authentication methods, EAP-TLS and PEAP. Authentication - Select the authentication method your network is using, EAP-TLS or PEAP.
Wireless-G Portable USB 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 8. 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 Wireless Network Monitor, click Exit. Figure 6-25: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 9. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Connect to Network to implement the new settings immediately and return to the Link Information screen.
Wireless-G Portable USB 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-G Portable USB 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 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 Portable USB Adapter 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 Portable USB Adapter 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 Portable USB Adapter 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 Portable USB 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-G Portable USB Adapter WPA Pre-Shared Key. If you do not have a RADIUS server, select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, 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. WPA RADIUS. 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Appendix C: 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Appendix D: 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 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. CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) - A method of data transfer that is used to prevent data collisions.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 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 Portable USB Adapter IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - An independent institute that develops networking standards. 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.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter 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 Portable USB Adapter SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - The standard e-mail protocol on the Internet. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - A widely used network monitoring and control protocol. Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a “program”. SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) - Market segment of professionals who work at home or in small offices.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter TX Rate - Transmission Rate. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A network protocol for transmitting data that does not require acknowledgement from the recipient of the data that is sent. 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-G Portable USB Adapter Appendix E: Specifications Model WUSB54GP Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, USB 1.1, USB 2.0 Cabling Type USB extension base with integrated USB Cable LEDs Link (Blue- Blinking when 802.11g RF signal is active) Frequency Band 2.400~2.4835GHz (Subject to local regulation) Peak Gain of Antenna 2.4 GHz => 2dBi Transmit Power 15 dBm (Typical)@11Mbps DSSS 14 dBm (Typical)@54Mbps OFDM Receive Sensitivity 802.11g: 11Mbps @ -83dBm, 54Mbps @-67dBm Data Rate 11,5.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Certifications FCC Operating Temp. 32ºF to 104ºF (0ºC to 40ºC) Storage Temp.
Wireless-G Portable USB Adapter Appendix F: 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 Portable USB Adapter Appendix G: 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 Portable USB Adapter 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 Portable USB Adapter Appendix H: 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.
