Cisco Linksys WET11 User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
Ethernet Bridge
Wireless-B
WET11
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11b

Wireless-B 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 © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
How to Use this Guide
Your guide to the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge has been designed to make understanding networking with the
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 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 Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge.
word: definition.
This checkmark means there is a Note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Wireless-B
Ethernet Bridge.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
WET11_v2-EU-UG-31016NC TE/KL

Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 4
Network Topology 4
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode 4
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 6
The Back Panel 6
The Front Panel 7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Setup 8
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge 9
Overview 9
Setup Wizard 9
Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Network Use 13
Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility 14
Overview 14
Starting the Web-based Utility 14
Setup 15
Password 17
Advanced 18
Status 19
Help 20
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 21
Common Problems and Solutions 21
Frequently Asked Questions 22
Appendix B: Wireless Security 25
A Brief Overview 25
What Are the Risks? 25
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 32
Appendix D: Windows Help 33
Appendix E: Glossary 34
Appendix F: Specifications 40
Appendix G: Warranty Information 42

Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 43
Appendix I: Contact Information 46

Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Figure 2-1: Infrastructure Mode 4
Figure 2-2: Ad-Hoc Mode 5
Figure 2-3: Wireless Bridging Using Two Bridges 5
Figure 3-1: Back Panel 6
Figure 3-2: Front Panel 7
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 8
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power Adapter 8
Figure 5-1: Welcome 9
Figure 5-2: Check Connection 9
Figure 5-3: List of Bridges 10
Figure 5-4: Password 10
Figure 5-5: Mode Settings 10
Figure 5-6: Wireless Settings 11
Figure 5-7: IP Settings 11
Figure 5-8: Security Settings 11
Figure 5-9: WEP Key 12
Figure 5-10: Confirmation 12
Figure 5-11: Congratulations 12
Figure 7-1: Access the Web-based Utility 14
Figure 7-2: Setup Tab 15
Figure 7-3: Site Survey 16
Figure 7-4: WEP Encryption 17
Figure 7-5: Password Tab 17
Figure 7-6: Advanced Settings Tab 18
Figure 7-7: Status Tab 19
Figure 7-8: Help Tab 20
Figure B-1: Warchalking 25
Figure B-2: WEP Encryption 31

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge. The versatile Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge can make any
wired Ethernet-equipped device a part of your wireless network. At home, use the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge to
connect game consoles, set-top boxes, or computers into your wireless network to share your high-speed
network connection. In the office, convert your Ethernet-wired printer, scanner, camera, notebook or desktop
into a wireless networked device.
It's completely driver-free, so it works on any platform and under any operating system! Since there are no
drivers to load, setup is a snap—just plug it into your device and configure the network settings through your
web browser.
You can also use the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge as a kind of “cable-less cable” to connect remote areas
together. Maybe Shipping is all the way across the warehouse from Receiving. Or maybe you want to set up a
home office in your detached garage. With a Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge in the garage, and another one (or a
Wireless Access Point) in the house, you're connected—with no cabling hassle.
Let the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge from Linksys open up exciting new possibilities for your wireless network.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking
standard that specifies a maximum
data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an
operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
Ethernet: an IEEE standard network
protocol that specifies how data is
placed on and retrieved from a
common transmission medium.

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Wireless-B 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-B Ethernet Bridge
This chapter describes the physical features of the Bridge.
• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Setup
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Bridge to your network for setup.
• Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
This chapter explains how to set up the Bridge using the Setup Wizard.
• Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Network Use
This chapter explains how to connect the Bridge to a network device so the device can join your wireless
network.
• Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility
This chapter explains how to use the Web-Based Utility to configure the settings on the Bridge.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding
installation and use of the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge.
• Appendix B: Wireless Security
This appendix explains the risks of wireless networking and some solutions to reduce the risks.
• Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware
This appendix instructs you on how to upgrade the firmware on the Bridge should you need to do so.
• Appendix D: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix E: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
• 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.
• Appendix I: 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-B 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.
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure
and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an
access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating directly with each other.
Choosing between these two modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or
peripherals with a wired network or not.
If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired network or need to share a peripheral,
such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in Infrastructure
mode. The basis of Infrastructure mode centers around an access point, which serves as the main point of
communications in a wireless network (see Figure 2-1). Access points transmit data to PCs equipped with
wireless network cards, which can roam within a certain radial range of the access point. Multiple access points
can be arranged to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and can be set up to communicate with your
Ethernet hardware as well.
If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only with the other computers on the
wireless network, then the Ad-Hoc mode can be used. Ad-Hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless
transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for an access point. The
drawback of this mode is that in Ad-Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to communicate with
computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the wireless-equipped computers is
limited by the distance and interference directly between them.
Figure 2-2 shows a typical scenario of four Wireless-B Ethernet Bridges in ad-hoc mode. Figure 2-3 shows a
typical wireless bridging scenario using two Wireless-B Ethernet Bridges. Each wireless network is connected to
a Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge through a switch. A separate notebook computer is equipped with a wireless
network adapter and can communicate with either wireless network when it is configured with the appropriate
SSID and channel.
SSID: your wireless network’s name.
LAN (Local Area Network): the
computers and networking products
that make up your local network.
Figure 2-1: Infrastructure Mode
Ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly to each other
(peer-to-peer) without the use of an
access point.
Infrastructure: a wireless network
that is bridged to a wired network via
an access point.

5
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
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 products that work with the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge.
Figure 2-3: Wireless Bridging Using Two Bridges
Figure 2-2: Ad-Hoc Mode

6
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
The Back Panel
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
The Back Panel
All connections to the Bridge are made through the ports in its back panel, shown in Figure 3-1.
Reset The Reset button resets the Bridge to its factory default settings.
X-II The X-II (MDI/MDI-X) slide switch offers a choice between two settings. Use the X setting if you
are connecting the Bridge to a network adapter. Use the II setting if you are connecting the
Bridge to a hub or switch.
LAN The LAN port is where you will connect the Ethernet network cable.
Power The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.
Important: Resetting the Wireless-B Ethernet
Bridge will erase all of your settings (WEP
encryption, wireless settings, etc.) and replace
them with the factory defaults. Do not reset the
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge if you want to retain
these settings.
Figure 3-1: Back Panel

7
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
The Front Panel
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
The Front Panel
Network activity with the Bridge is shown on the LEDs, shown in Figure 3-2.
PWR Green. The PWR LED will light up when the Bridge is powered on.
DIAG Green. The DIAG LED will light up when there is a connection error. Re-establish the
connection to eliminate the error.
LAN Green. The LAN LED will be lit steadily when the Bridge is connected to the wired network. The
LED will flash when there is wired network traffic.
WLAN Green. The WLAN LED will be lit steadily when the Bridge is connected to the wireless
network. The LED will flash when there is wireless network traffic.
Figure 3-2: Front Panel

8
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Setup
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-B 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. The X-II (MDI/MDI-X) slide switch offers a choice between two settings. Slide the X-II switch to the X position
if you are connecting the Bridge to a PC’s network adapter. Slide the X-II selection switch to the II position if
you are connecting the Bridge to a hub or switch.
4. 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.
5. Plug the supplied power adapter into the Power port on the back panel of the Bridge, shown in Figure 4-2.
Then plug the other end into an electrical outlet.
Proceed to the next section, “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge.”
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power Adapter

9
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Overview
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Overview
Now that you’ve connected the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge to your wired network, you are ready to set it up. The
Setup Wizard will guide you through all the necessary steps.
Setup Wizard
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.exe (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).
• Setup - Click the Setup button to proceed with the Setup Wizard.
• User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open the PDF file of this User Guide.
• LINKSYS Web - Click the LINKSYS Web button to access the Linksys website using an active Internet
connection.
• Exit - Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.
2. Click the Setup button to begin the setup process.
3. Make sure the Bridge is correctly connected to your wired network (see Figure 5-2). Then click the Next
button.
Figure 5-2: Check Connection
Figure 5-1: Welcome

10
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Setup Wizard
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
4. The screen shown in Figure 5-3 displays a list of Wireless-B 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-B Ethernet Bridge, so you can use it to access the Web-based Utility later. Then
click the Yes button.
5. For security purposes, you will be asked for your password in order to access the Bridge, as shown in Figure
5-4. In lowercase letters, enter admin in the Password field (later you can change the password through the
Web-based Utility). Then click the Enter button.
6. The screen shown in Figure 5-5 shows a choice of two wireless modes. Click the Infrastructure 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 radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to network directly with
each other. Do not use the Ad-Hoc mode if you want to network your wireless computers with computers on
your wired network.
In the WB Name field, enter a unique name for the Bridge. Memorable names are helpful, especially if you are
using multiple bridges on the same network. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to
the previous screen.
Figure 5-4: Password
Figure 5-3: List of Bridges
Figure 5-5: Mode Settings

11
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Setup Wizard
Wireless-B 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. Then click
the Next button.
• SSID - The SSID is the unique name shared among all devices in a wireless network. The SSID must be
identical for all devices in the wireless network. It is case-sensitive and must not exceed 32 alphanumeric
characters, which can be any keyboard character.
• Channel - From the drop-down menu, select the appropriate channel to match your network’s channel setting
(available for Ad-Hoc mode only). All devices in your wireless network must use the same channel in order to
function correctly.
8. The IP Settings screen will appear next, shown in Figure 5-7. If your network has a router or DHCP server
automatically assigning IP addresses, click the radio button next to Automatically obtain an IP address
(DHCP). Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen. Then proceed
to step 9.
If you need to set a static IP address on the Bridge, click the radio button next to Set IP configuration
manually to select this option. Enter an IP Address, IP Mask, and Gateway appropriate to your network. You
must specify an IP address on this screen. If you are unsure about the IP Mask and Gateway, it is better to
leave these two fields blank. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous
screen. Then proceed to step 9.
• IP Address - This IP address must be unique to your network.
• IP Mask - The Bridge’s IP Mask (also known as Subnet Mask) must be the same as your wired network’s
Subnet Mask.
• Gateway - Enter the IP address of your network’s Gateway (usually this is the router’s IP address).
9. The Security Settings screen, shown in Figure 5-8, appears next. Enable or disable Wired Equivalent Privacy
(WEP) encryption for your wireless network. If you enable WEP, select the level of WEP encryption, and then
enter a Passphrase. (If you want to enter a WEP key manually, then click the Next button.) If you want to
disable WEP encryption, keep the default, Disabled. Click the Next button to continue.
• WEP (Disabled/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP) - In order to utilize WEP encryption, select 64-bit or 128-bit WEP
from the drop-down menu. Then enter a Passphrase. (If you want to enter a WEP key manually, then click the
Next button.) If you do not want to use WEP encryption, keep the default setting, Disabled.
• Passphrase - Instead of manually entering a WEP key, you can enter a Passphrase, so a WEP key will be
automatically generated after you click the Next button. The Passphrase is case-sensitive and should have 16
Figure 5-7: IP Settings
Figure 5-6: Wireless Settings
Figure 5-8: Security Settings

12
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Setup Wizard
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
or fewer alphanumeric characters. It must match the passphrase of your wireless network and is compatible
with Linksys wireless products only. (You will have to enter the WEP key(s) manually on any non-Linksys
wireless products.)
10. If you entered a Passphrase, then you will see the automatically generated WEP key in the Key 1 field, shown
in Figure 5-9. Click the Next button, and proceed to step 11.
If you did not enter a Passphrase, then enter a WEP key in the Key 1 field. If you are using 64-bit WEP
encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 128-bit WEP
encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters
are “0”-“9” and “A”-“F”. Then click the Next button, and proceed to step 11.
11. 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.
12. The next screen, shown in Figure 5-11, shows that the configuration is complete. To configure any other
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridges on your network, run this Setup Wizard again. To register the Bridge, click the
Online Registration button. To exit the Setup Wizard, click the Exit button.
The Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge is now successfully configured for your network.
Go to “Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Network Use.”
Advanced users: For advanced configuration, proceed to “Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-B Ethernet
Bridge Web-based Utility.”
Figure 5-9: WEP Key
Figure 5-10: Confirmation
Figure 5-11: Congratulations

13
Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for Network Use
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 6: Connecting the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge for
Network Use
1. After configuration, unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet, and unplug the Ethernet network cable
from the PC, hub, or switch.
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-B Ethernet Bridge is complete.
If you want to use the Bridge’s Web-based Utility, refer to “Chapter 7: The Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Web-based Utility.”
Note: If you do not have an active connection
to the Ethernet-ready network device, then
change the position of the X-II switch.

14
Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility
Overview
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based
Utility
Overview
The Bridge is designed to function properly after configuration using the Setup Wizard. However, if you would like
to change these settings or make more advanced configuration changes, use your web browser and the
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility. This chapter explains how to use the Utility.
Starting the Web-based Utility
1. Open your web browser, and enter the IP address of the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge (the default is
192.168.1.225). Press the Enter key, and the screen shown in Figure 7-1 will appear. In lowercase letters,
enter the default password, admin, in the Password field. Click the OK button. You can set a new password
on the Password screen later.
2. The Utility’s Setup screen, shown in Figure 7-2, will appear.
The Utility provides a convenient, web-browser-based way to alter the Bridge’s settings. It offers five main
tabs:
• Setup - Enables you to configure the IP address and wireless settings.
• Password - Allows you to change the password or reset all settings to factory defaults.
• Advanced - Lets you change the advanced wireless settings and clone a MAC address onto the Bridge.
• Status - Displays the Bridge’s current settings.
• Help - Provides explanations of various configuration settings and links to online technical support resources.
Have You: Enabled TCP/IP on your PCs? PCs
communicate over the network with this
protocol. Refer to “Appendix D: Windows
Help” for more information on TCP/IP.
Note: The Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge is
designed to function properly after using the
Setup Wizard. This chapter is provided solely
for those who wish to perform more advanced
configuration or monitoring.
Figure 7-1: Access the Web-based Utility

15
Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge Web-based Utility
Setup
Wireless-B 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. For
more information, refer to “Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware.”
• MAC Address - The MAC Address of the Bridge is displayed here.
LAN
• Device Name - You may assign any name to the Bridge. Unique, memorable names are helpful, especially if
you are using multiple bridges on the same wireless network.
• Configuration Type - If the Bridge will obtain an IP address automatically from a DHCP server, such as a
router, then select Automatic Configuration-DHCP. If you are assigning the Bridge a static IP address, then
select Static IP Address, and enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway address in the IP Address,
Subnet Mask, and Gateway fields.
Wireless
• SSID - The SSID is the network name shared among all devices in a wireless network. The SSID must be
identical for all devices in the wireless network. It is case-sensitive and must not exceed 32 alphanumeric
characters, which may be any keyboard character (do not use any spaces). Make sure this setting is the same
for all devices in your wireless network. For added security, Linksys recommends that you change the default
SSID (linksys) to a name of your choice.
To search for available wireless networks, click the Site Survey button.
• Network Type - Choose a wireless operating mode for the Bridge. Keep the default setting, Infrastructure, if
you want your wireless-equipped device to communicate with computers and other devices on your wired
network using a wireless access point. Select Ad-Hoc button if you want multiple wireless-equipped devices
to communicate directly with each other.
If you chose Ad-Hoc mode, then select the correct operating channel for your network in the Channel drop-
down menu. The channel you choose should match the channel set on the other devices in your wireless
network.
Figure 7-2: Setup Tab