Linksys WGA54G User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
Game Adapter
Wireless-G
WGA54G
User Guide
WIRELESS

Wireless-G Game 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 © 2005 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 Game 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”.
WGA54G-UG-50301A BW
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Game Adapter.
word: definition.
This checkmark means there is a note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Game Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Game Adapter.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known
to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Wireless-G Game 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 Game Adapter 6
The Game Adapter’s LEDs 6
The Game Adapter’s Side Panel 7
Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless-G Game Adapter 8
Overview 8
Instructions 8
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™ 9
Overview 9
Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Computer 9
Starting the Setup Wizard 10
Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play 11
Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play 13
Setup Wizard Configuration for Internet Play 17
Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console 20
Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for Xbox® 21
Overview 21
Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Xbox 21
Setting up the Game Adapter Using Your Xbox 22
Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-G Game Adapter Web Configuration Utility 29
Overview 29
Accessing the Web Configuration Utility 29
The Setup Tab 30
The Advanced Settings Tab 32
The Help Tab 34
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 35
Common Problems and Solutions 35

Wireless-G Game Adapter
Frequently Asked Questions 36
Appendix B: Wireless Security 39
Security Precautions 39
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 39
Appendix C: Glossary 42
Appendix D: Specifications 49
Appendix E: Warranty Information 51
Appendix F: Regulatory Information 52
Appendix G: Contact Information 54

Wireless-G Game Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: LEDS 6
Figure 3-2: Side Panel 7
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 8
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power 8
Figure 5-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 9
Figure 5-2: Connect the Power 9
Figure 5-3: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 10
Figure 5-4: Searching for the Game Adapter Screen 10
Figure 5-5: Setup Wizard’s Password Screen 11
Figure 5-6: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen 11
Figure 5-7: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen 12
Figure 5-8: Setup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen 12
Figure 5-9: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 13
Figure 5-10: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen 13
Figure 5-11: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen 14
Figure 5-12: Setup Wizard’s Basic Settings Screen 14
Figure 5-13: Setup Wizard’s Security Settings Screen (WEP) 15
Figure 5-14: Setup Wizard’s Security Settings Screen (WPA Personal) 15
Figure 5-15: Setup Wizard’s Network Settings 16
Figure 5-16: ScreenSetup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen 16
Figure 5-17: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen 17
Figure 5-18: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen 17
Figure 5-19: Setup Wizard’s Basic Settings Screen 18
Figure 5-20: Setup Wizard’s Security Settings Screen (WEP) 18
Figure 5-21: Setup Wizard’s Security Settings Screen (WPA Personal) 19
Figure 5-22: Setup Wizard’s Network Settings Screen 20
Figure 5-23: Setup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen 20
Figure 6-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 21
Figure 6-2: Connect the Power 21
Figure 6-3: Xbox’s Main Menu 22

Wireless-G Game Adapter
Figure 6-4: Xbox’s SETTINGS Screen 22
Figure 6-5: Xbox’s NETWORK SETTINGS Screen 23
Figure 6-6: Xbox’s ADVANCED Screen 23
Figure 6-7: Xbox’s WIRELESS STATUS Screen 24
Figure 6-8: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen 24
Figure 6-9: Xbox’s SELECT NETWORK Screen 25
Figure 6-10: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen 25
Figure 6-11: Xbox’s SECURITY TYPE Screen 26
Figure 6-12: Xbox’s SECURITY KEY Screen 26
Figure 6-13: Xbox’s WIRELESS SETTINGS Screen 27
Figure 6-14: Xbox’s WIRELESS STATUS Screen 27
Figure 6-15: Xbox’s WIRELESS DETAILS Screen 28
Figure 7-1: Utility’s Enter Network Password Screen 29
Figure 7-2: Utility’s Setup Screen 30
Figure 7-3: Utility’s WEP Encryption Screen 31
Figure 7-4: Utility’s Advanced Settings Screen 32
Figure 7-5: Utility’s Help Screen 34

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-G Game Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Game Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless gaming experience will be
faster and easier than ever.
How does the Game Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Game 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. Using this Adapter, your game console has the flexibility to communicate using any of the two wireless
networking standards.
But what does all of this mean?
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers
and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video
games. This is exactly what the Game Adapter is designed for—gaming over a wireless network. So, networks
are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.
PCs and game consoles equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome
cables. By sharing the same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network.
In most cases, you can use the “Fast Setup” chapter to quickly install the Game Adapter. If you need to configure
the Game Adapter’s settings, run the included Setup Wizard, which will walk you through its configuration, step
by step. Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect and set up the Game Adapter for your
PlayStation®2, GameCube™, or Xbox®.* These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the
Game Adapter.
*Your game console may require a network adapter that is sold separately.
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 Game Adapter
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Game Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Game 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 Game Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Game Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Fast Setup
If your wireless network uses no wireless security and has SSID broadcast enabled, then use this chapter to
quickly install the Game Adapter.
• Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
This chapter instructs you on how to connect and set up the Game Adapter for your PlayStation2 or
GameCube.
• Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for Xbox®
This chapter instructs you on how to connect and set up the Game Adapter for your Xbox.
• Chapter 7: Using the Wireless-G Game Adapter Web Configuration Utility
This chapter explains how to use the Game Adapter’s Utility to make configuration changes.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions,
regarding installation and use of the Game 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.
ssid (service set identifier): your wireless network’s name.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G Game Adapter
• Appendix E: Specifications
This appendix provides the Game Adapter’s technical specifications.
• Appendix F: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Game Adapter’s warranty information.
• Appendix G: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Game 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 Game 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
infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless
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
Wireless G products offer great flexibility, because they can connect to 802.11g networks, or they can connect to
networks with 802.11b devices—depending on the settings you configure on the dual-band products.
The Wireless-G Game Adapter is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g routers, as well as access points. It will
also communicate with other wireless notebook adapters for your laptop computers, wireless PCI adapters for
your desktop PCs, and wireless USB adapters when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. Wireless products will
also communicate with wireless print servers.
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.
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
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

5
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Layout
Wireless-G Game 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 products that work with the Wireless-G Game Adapter.

6
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Game Adapter
The Game Adapter’s LEDs
Wireless-G Game Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Game Adapter
The Game Adapter’s LEDs
The Game Adapter's LEDs indicate the status of its power and connections.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Game Adapter is powered on.
Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED lights up when the Game Adapter has an active wired connection. It will
flash when data is transmitted or received.
Wireless-G Green. The Wireless LED lights up when the Game Adapter has an active wireless connection. It will
flash when data is transmitted or received.
Figure 3-1: LEDS

7
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Game Adapter
The Game Adapter’s Side Panel
Wireless-G Game Adapter
The Game Adapter’s Side Panel
The Game Adapter’s mode switch, Reset button, and ports are located on the side panel of the Game Adapter.
Switch The switch is used to set the Game Adapter’s mode. The switch allows you to set the Game Adapter
to Ad-hoc or Infrastructure mode. If you will run the Setup Wizard or connect the Game Adapter
directly to your Xbox, then set the switch to the Infrastructure position. If you will follow the “Fast
Setup” instructions, then set the switch to the Adhoc position.
Reset The Reset button is used to reset the Game Adapter to its factory default settings. To restore the
factory defaults, press this button for approximately five seconds.
Network The Network port is where you will connect the Ethernet network cable to your computer for setup
or your game console for gaming.
Power The Power port is where you will connect the included power adapter.
Figure 3-2: Side Panel

8
Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless-G Game Adapter
Overview
Wireless-G Game Adapter
Chapter 4: Fast Setup for the Wireless-G Game Adapter
Overview
The Fast Setup directions are provided for any gamer playing over a wireless network with WEP encryption
disabled and SSID broadcast enabled. If you need to change the Game Adapter’s settings to match those of your
wireless network, proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or
GameCube™.” If you are connecting the Game Adapter directly to your Xbox, proceed to “Chapter 6: Setting up
the Wireless-G Game Adapter for Xbox®.”
Instructions
1. If the Game Adapter will be used for head-to-head play, move the back panel switch to the Adhoc position.
If the Game Adapter will be used for Internet play, move the back panel switch to the Infrasturcture position.
2. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the Game Adapter’s Network port.
3. Make sure your game console is powered off. Then plug the other end of the Ethernet network cable into the
Ethernet network port of your game console.
4. Plug the included power adapter into the Game Adapter’s Power port.
Then plug the other end into an electrical outlet, preferably a surge protector.
5. Power on your game console, and set it for multiplayer gaming.
Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-G Game Adapter is complete.
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power

9
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
Overview
Wireless-G Game Adapter
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for
PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
Overview
This chapter provides instructions on how to connect the Game Adapter to your computer and then set up the
Game Adapter for the kind of gaming you do. If you are connecting the Game Adapter directly to your Xbox,
proceed to “Chapter 6: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for Xbox®.”
Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Computer
1. Plug the included Ethernet network cable into the Game Adapter’s Network port.
Then plug the other end into the Ethernet network port of your router or computer.
2. Plug the included power adapter into the Game Adapter’s Power port.
Then plug the other end into an electrical outlet, preferably a surge protector.
Proceed to the next section, “Starting the Setup Wizard.”
Figure 5-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable
Figure 5-2: Connect the Power
NOTE: For best results, plug the Game Adapter into a router for setup.

10
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
Starting the Setup Wizard
Wireless-G Game Adapter
Starting the Setup Wizard
Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and the
Welcome screen 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).
On the Welcome screen, you have the following choices:
Click Here to Start - Click the Click Here to Start button to begin the software installation process.
Setup - You can also click the Setup button to begin the software installation process.
User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open the PDF file of this User Guide.
Exit - Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.
1. To install the Game Adapter, click the Click Here to Start button on the Welcome screen.
The Setup Wizard will search for the Game Adapter. If it cannot find it, you will be asked to check the Game
Adapter’s physical connections. Check the cable connections and click Continue. The Setup Wizard will
resume its search.
Figure 5-3: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen
Figure 5-4: Searching for the Game Adapter Screen

11
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play
Wireless-G Game Adapter
2. When the Game Adapter has been located, enter its default password, admin. Then click Enter.
Follow the instructions in the appropriate section for your setup:
“Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play” - a simple procedure to follow when you want to verify
that the settings are correct
““Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play” - a procedure that lets you modify the Game
Adapter’s settings for head-to-head play
“Setup Wizard Configuration for Internet Play” - a procedure for configuring the Game Adapter to play games over
a broadband Internet connection
After you have completed the appropriate instructions, refer to the instructions in the section, “Connecting the
Game Adapter to Your Game Console.”
Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play
Use these Easy Setup instructions when you want to verify that the Game Adapter’s settings are correct.
1. Select the Head to Head (Console to Console) radio button. Then click the Next button.
Figure 5-5: Setup Wizard’s Password Screen
Figure 5-6: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen

12
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
Easy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play
Wireless-G Game Adapter
2. Select one of the Easy settings. When setting up the first Game Adapter, click the Adapter 1 radio button.
When setting up the second Game Adapter, click the Adapter 2 radio button. When Adapter 2 is selected, the
Game Adapter’s IP address will automatically change, so it won’t conflict with the IP address of Adapter 1.
Then click the Next button.
3. On the Confirmation screen, verify that the Game Adapter’s settings are correct. Then click the Yes button to
save these settings.
Figure 5-7: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen
Figure 5-8: Setup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen

13
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play
Wireless-G Game Adapter
4. Now that the settings have been confirmed, click the Online Registration button to register the Game
Adapter, or click the Exit button to close the Setup Wizard.
Proceed to the section, “Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console.”
Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play
Use these Advanced Setup instructions to modify the Game Adapter’s settings for head-to-head play.
1. Select the Head to Head (Console to Console) radio button. Then click the Next button.
Figure 5-9: Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen
Figure 5-10: Setup Wizard’s Gaming Mode Screen

14
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Game Adapter for PlayStation®2 or GameCube™
Advanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play
Wireless-G Game Adapter
2. Click the Advanced | Manual Configuration radio button. Then click the Next button.
3. In the SSID field, enter the SSID or network name for your wireless network.
Select the correct operating channel for your wireless network. The channel you choose should match the
channel set on the other devices in your wireless network.
Click the Next button.
Figure 5-11: Setup Wizard’s Head to Head Setup Screen
Figure 5-12: Setup Wizard’s
Basic Settings Screen
NOTE: An SSID is the network name shared by all devices in a wireless
network. Your network’s SSID should be unique to your network and identical
for all devices within the network.