Cisco Linksys WUSB54G User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
USB Network Adapter
Wireless-G
WUSB54G
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11g

Wireless-G USB Network 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.
This User Guide
The User Guide to the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter has been designed to make understanding networking
easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this guide:
In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:
Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like
this:
Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section in the “Table of Contents”.
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Adapter.
word: definition.
This checkmark means there is a note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Adapter.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
WUSB54G_V2-UG-40422NC JL

Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 4
Network Topology 4
Roaming 4
Network Layout 4
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 6
The USB Port 6
The LED Indicators 6
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 7
Using the Setup Wizard 7
Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 14
Connecting the Adapter 14
Using the Adapter’s Wall Mount 15
Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 16
Using the Wireless Network Monitor Icon 16
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 17
Link Information 17
Site Survey 20
Profiles 21
Creating a New Profile 22
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 29
Common Problems and Solutions 29
Frequently Asked Questions 30
Appendix B: Wireless Security 33
Security Precautions 33
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 33
Appendix C: Windows Help 36
Appendix D: Glossary 37
Appendix E: Specifications 44

Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Appendix F: Warranty Information 46
Appendix G: Regulatory Information 47
Appendix H: Contact Information 49

Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: USB Port 6
Figure 3-2: Front Panel 6
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7
Figure 4-3: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Mode Screen 8
Figure 4-4: Setup Wizard’s Ad-Hoc Mode Settings Screen 8
Figure 4-5: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security Screen 9
Figure 4-6: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - WEP Screen 9
Figure 4-7: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK Using TKIP Screen 10
Figure 4-8: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK Using AES Screen 10
Figure 4-9: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-TLS Screen 11
Figure 4-10: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP Screen 11
Figure 4-11: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS Screen 12
Figure 4-12: Setup Wizard’s Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP Screen 12
Figure 4-13: Setup Wizard’s Check Settings Screen 13
Figure 4-14: Digital Signature Not Found Screen 13
Figure 4-15: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 13
Figure 5-1: How the Adapter Connects to Your PC 14
Figure 5-2: Adapter’s USB Port 14
Figure 5-3: PC’s USB Ports 14
Figure 5-4: Digital Signature Not Found Screen 14
Figure 5-5: Using the Wall Mount - Step A 15
Figure 5-6: Using the Wall Mount - Step B 15
Figure 5-7: Using the Wall Mount - Step C 15
Figure 6-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 16
Figure 6-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 16
Figure 6-3: Windows XP - Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor 16
Figure 6-4: Link Information 17
Figure 6-5: More Information - Wireless Network Status 18
Figure 6-6: More Information-Network Statistics 19

Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Figure 6-7: Site Survey 20
Figure 6-8: WEP Key Needed for Connection 20
Figure 6-9: PSK (Pre-Shared Key) Needed for Connection 20
Figure 6-10: Profiles 21
Figure 6-11: Import a Profile 21
Figure 6-12: Export a Profile 21
Figure 6-13: Create a New Profile 22
Figure 6-14: Enter Profile Name 22
Figure 6-15: Network Settings for New Profile 22
Figure 6-16: Wireless Mode for New Profile 23
Figure 6-17: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings for New Profile 23
Figure 6-18: Wireless Security for New Profile 24
Figure 6-19: Wireless Security - WEP for New Profile 24
Figure 6-20: Wireless Security - PSK for New Profile 25
Figure 6-21: Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 26
Figure 6-22: Wireless Security - PSK + RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP for New Profile 26
Figure 6-23: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-TLS for New Profile 27
Figure 6-24: Wireless Security - RADIUS Using EAP-PEAP for New Profile 27
Figure 6-25: Confirm New Settings for New Profile 28
Figure 6-26: Congratulations for New Profile 28

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless networking
experience will be faster and easier than ever.
Connect your USB-equipped desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network at incredible speeds with the
Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. By incorporating two fast technologies—USB 2.0 and Wireless-G
(802.11g)—the Adapter delivers data rates up to 54Mbps (5 times as fast as 802.11b), without the trouble of
opening up the case of your desktop computer.
To install, simply plug the Adapter into any available USB port. (It's compatible with both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports,
but 2.0 will yield the fastest speeds.) It gets its power through the USB connection, so no power cord is
necessary. The included Setup Wizard walks you through configuring the Adapter to your wireless network
settings, step by step. The Wireless-G USB Network Adapter is also compatible with the Wireless-B (802.11b)
network standard, with data rates up to 11Mbps. And your wireless communications can be protected by 128-bit
encryption, so your data stays safe.
The Wireless-G USB Network Adapter's high-gain antenna lets you put your computer almost anywhere in the
building, without the cost and hassle of running cables. Now you don't have to drill holes in your walls and climb
through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network. Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with
your e-mail, access the Internet, use instant messaging to chat with friends, and share files and other resources
such as printers and hard disk storage space with other computers on the network.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you install and use the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. These
instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
adapter: a device that adds network functionality
to your PC.
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing,
storage, and/or transmission between users.
802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G USB Network 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 USB Network Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
This chapter instructs you on how to run the Adapter’s Setup Wizard and configure the Adapter.
• Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter
This chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC.
• Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter explains how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions,
regarding installation and use of the Adapter.
• Appendix B: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
• Appendix C: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix D: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix E: Specifications
This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.
• Appendix F: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G USB Network 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.

4
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
Wireless-G USB Network 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. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an
infrastructurenetworkcantalk to any computer in a wirednetworkinfrastructureviatheaccesspoint orwireless
router.
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.
Roaming
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, provided that they
both share the same channel and SSID.
Choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined
with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
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 802.11g adapters, such as the PC
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 the Wireless PrintServer.
infrastructure: a wireless network that is
bridged to a wired network via an access point.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peer-
to-peer) without the use of an access point.
roaming: the ability to take a wireless device
from one access point's range to another without
losing the connection.
ssid: your wireless network's name.
topology: the physical layout of a network.