Linksys WMA11B - Wireless-B Media Adapter User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
Media Adapter
Wireless-B
WMA11B
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11b

Wireless-B Media Adapter
Copyright and Trademarks
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.
How to Use this Guide
This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Adapter 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
WMA11B-UG-30912E JL

Wireless-B Media Adapter
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its
Remote Controller 4
Front Panel 4
Back Panel 4
Remote Controller 5
Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your Network for Setup7
Overview 7
Connection to a Wired Network for Setup 7
Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Using Windows XP Only 8
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter 9
Overview 9
Running the Setup Wizard 9
Using the Adapter Utility 16
Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your TV and Stereo 18
Overview 18
Instructions 18
Placement Options 21
Using the TV Setup 22
Chapter 6: Using the Media Navigator 26
Overview 26
Music Menus 26
Pictures Menu 29
Help 31
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 32
Common Problems and Solutions 32
Frequently Asked Questions 34
Appendix B: Wireless Security 37
A Brief Overview 37
What Are The Risks? 37

Wireless-B Media Adapter
Appendix C: Planning Your Use of the Wireless-B Media Adapter 44
Overview 44
Using the Adapter as Part of Your Wireless Network 44
Using the Adapter as Part of Your Wired Network 44
Appendix D: Creating a Playlist 45
Appendix E: Setting a Static IP Address on Your PC 46
Appendix F: Windows Help 48
Appendix G: Glossary 49
Appendix H: Specifications 55
Appendix I: Warranty Information 57
Appendix J: Regulatory Information 58
Appendix K: Contact Information 61

Wireless-B Media Adapter
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Front Panel 4
Figure 2-2: Back Panel 4
Figure 2-3: Remote Controller 6
Figure 3-1: Example of a Connection to a Wired Computer for Setup 7
Figure 3-2: Example of a Connection to a Wireless-equipped Computer
for Setup 7
Figure 3-3: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 7
Figure 3-4: Connect the Power 8
Figure 4-1: Welcome Screen 9
Figure 4-2: Installing the Adapter Screen 9
Figure 4-3: Windows Installer Screen 10
Figure 4-4: Microsoft .NET Framework Screen 10
Figure 4-5: Microsoft .NET Framework Package Screen 10
Figure 4-6: License Agreement Screen 11
Figure 4-7: Select Music and Pictures Folders Screen 11
Figure 4-8: Connection for Setup Screen 12
Figure 4-9: Adapter Selection Screen 12
Figure 4-10: Connection after Setup Screen 13
Figure 4-11: Basic Settings Screen 13
Figure 4-12: Basic Wireless Settings Screen 14
Figure 4-13: Wireless Security Settings Screen 15
Figure 4-14: Confirmation Screen 15
Figure 4-15: Congratulations Screen 16
Figure 4-16: Utility Icon 16
Figure 4-17: Select Media Folder Manager 16
Figure 4-18: Media Folder Manager 17
Figure 4-19: Browse for Folder 17
Figure 4-20: Start Menu 17

Wireless-B Media Adapter
Figure 5-1: Unplug the Power 18
Figure 5-2: Connection to Your TV and Stereo 19
Figure 5-3: Connection to Your TV Only 20
Figure 5-4: Connect the Power 21
Figure 5-5: Vertical Position 21
Figure 5-6: Welcome Screen 22
Figure 5-7: Windows Installer Screen 22
Figure 5-8: Installing the Adapter Utility Screen 22
Figure 5-9: Microsoft .NET Framework Screen 23
Figure 5-10: Microsoft .NET Framework Package Screen 23
Figure 5-11: License Agreement Screen 23
Figure 5-12: Select Music and Pictures Folders Screen 24
Figure 5-13: Utility Congratulations 24
Figure 5-14: Media Adapter Setup 25
Figure 6-1: Main Menu Screen 26
Figure 6-2: Music Screen 26
Figure 6-3: Choose Music Screen 27
Figure 6-4: All Songs Screen 27
Figure 6-5: Choose Artists Screen 27
Figure 6-6: Now Playing Screen 28
Figure 6-7: Music Options Screen 28
Figure 6-8: Pictures Screen 29
Figure 6-9: Choose Pictures Screen 29
Figure 6-10: Now Showing Screen 29
Figure 6-11: Picture Options Screen 30
Figure 6-12: Help Screen 31
Figure 6-13: Music Help Screen 31
Figure B-1: Warchalking 37
Figure C-1: Example of a Wireless Network 44
Figure C-2: Example of a Wired Network 44

Wireless-B Media Adapter
Figure E-1: XP Default Interface 46
Figure E-2: XP Classic Interface 46
Figure E-3: Network Connection 46
Figure E-4: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) 47
Figure E-5: IP Address 47

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-B Media Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-B Media Adapter. ThisMedia Adapter lets you bring the digital pictures and
music stored on your computer to your Home Entertainment Center, without running cables through the house.
Using a wireless connection, the Media Adapter displays your digital photographs on the TV for the whole family
to enjoy. And your digital music collection is finally freed from those little computer speakers and can play in full
glory through your stereo system.
How does the Media Adapter do all of this? The Wireless-B Media Adapter sits by your home stereo and television
and connects to them using standard consumer electronics cables. Then it connects to your home network by
Wireless-B (802.11b) wireless networking, or if you prefer, it can be connected via standard 10/100 Ethernet
cabling. Using the included remote control and the user-friendly menus on your TV, you can browse through the
digital pictures on your computer by folder, filename, or thumbnail. You can view pictures one at a time, or watch
an automatically created slideshow of all the pictures in a given folder. The Media Adapter supports four popular
picture formats: JPG, GIF, TIF and BMP. Use the remote control’s Zoom button to get a close-up of the details in
your pictures.
You can also use the remote to browse your MP3 or WMA formatted music collection by title, artist, genre, folder,
or playlist. Choose the music you want, and let the Wireless-B Media Adapter play it through your stereo system.
You can even let music play in the background while you browse your pictures.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you integrate the Media Adapter into your network. These instructions
should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-B Media Adapter.
Ethernet: an IEEE standard network
protocol that specifies how data is
placed on and retrieved from a
common transmission medium.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking
standard that specifies a maximum
data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an
operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-B Media Adapter
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-B Media Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter and its Remote Controller.
• Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to YourNetwork for Setup
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Adapter to your network before you run the Setup Wizard.
• Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
This chapter instructs you on how to use the Setup Wizard for setup and configuration of the Adapter. It also
explains how to use the Wireless-B Media Adapter Utilityon your PC, so you can sendpictures and music files
to the Adapter.
• Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to YourTV and Stereo
This chapter explains how to connect the Adapter to your TV and stereo system. If you prefer to set up the
Adapter from your TV, without using a computer, then refer to this chapter.
• Chapter 6: Using the Media Navigator
This chapter describes the menus of the Media Navigator, which lets you easily select pictures to show and
music to play.
• 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: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
• Appendix C: Planning Your Use of the Wireless-B Media Adapter
This appendix explains how you can integrate the Wireless-B Media Adapter into your network.
• Appendix D: Creating a Playlist
This appendix instructs you on how to create a playlist for your music selections, if you want to listen to the
songs in a specific sequence.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-B Media Adapter
• Appendix E: Setting a Static IP Address on Your PC
This appendix explains how to set a static IP address on your PC, if you have set a static IP address on the
Adapter and you also need a static IP address set on your PC.
• Appendix F: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix G: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix H: Specifications
This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Adapter.
• Appendix I: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Adapter.
• Appendix J: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Adapter.
• Appendix K: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

4
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller
Front Panel
Wireless-B Media Adapter
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and
Its Remote Controller
Front Panel
On the Adapter’s front panel, it has three LEDs to let you know how the Adapter is functioning. There is also a
Power button. See Figure 2-1.
Ready Green. The Ready LED flashes when the Adapter is establishing a connection to the host
computer. It stops flashing and stays lit when the Adapter is connected to the host computer.
Wireless Green. The Wireless LED lights up when there is a connection to a wireless network. Itflashes
when data is transmitted to or received from the wireless network.
Ethernet Green. The Ethernet LED lights up when there is a connection to a wired network. It flashes
when data is transmitted to or received from the wired network.
(Power) The Power button allows you to power on and off the Adapter.
Back Panel
On the Adapter’s back panel, it features seven ports and two buttons, Uplink and Reset. (See Figure 2-2.)
Power The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.
Figure 2-1: Front Panel
Figure 2-2: Back Panel
Ethernet: an IEEE standard network protocol
that specifies how data is placed on and
retrieved from a common transmission.

5
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller
Remote Controller
Wireless-B Media Adapter
LAN The LAN port is where you will connect the Ethernet network cable.
Uplink The Uplink button is used only when the Adapter is connected to a wired network device. If
the Adapter is connected to a PC, then the Uplink button should be pushed in. If the Adapter is
connected to a switch, then the Uplink button should NOT be pushed in. If necessary, push the
Uplink button, and then power the Adapter off and back on again.
Video The Video port is where you will connect the video cable.
Left and Right The Left and Right ports are where you will connect the left and right audio cables.
S-Video The S-Video port is where you will connect the S-video cable.
Reset The Reset button is what you will push if you need to reset the Adapter.
(Antenna) The Antenna port is where you will attach the antenna.
Remote Controller
The Adapter includes a Remote Controller, which features several buttons that allow you to control the Media
Navigator. Use the remote to move through the Navigator’s Music, Pictures, or Help menus on your TV.
Before using the Remote Controller, insert the included AAA batteries into the battery compartment. Make sure
you align the batteries according to the compartment’s diagram.
Here are descriptions of the remote’s various buttons:
Power - This turns the Adapter on or off.
LAN (Local Area Network): the computers
and networking products that make up the
network in your home or office.
Note: When you want to reset the Adapter to its factory default settings, which are listed below,
press the Reset button and hold it in for 10 seconds.
• IP address: 192.168.1.230
• mode: ad-hoc
• SSID: linksys_wma11b
• channel: 6
• WEP encryption: disabled
IP address: the address used to identify a
computer or device on a network.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): a method
of encrypting data transmitted on a wireless
network for greater security.
SSID: your wireless network’s name.
Ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly to each other (peer-to-
peer) without the use of an access point.

6
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Wireless-B Media Adapter and Its Remote Controller
Remote Controller
Wireless-B Media Adapter
Menu - It displays the main menu.
Music - This displays the Music menu.
Pictures - It displays the Pictures menu.
Setup - As the Adapter is connecting to the TV, press this button to view the TV Setup screen. For more details,
refer to “Chapter 5: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your TV and Stereo.”
Select and arrows - Use the Select button to make a selection, like the Enter key on your computer’s keyboard.
Use the arrow keys to move through menus, songs, or pictures.
Page up and down - Use these buttons to scroll through lists of songs or pictures.
Volume up and down - Press these buttons to control the volume.
Zoom in and out - Use these buttons to make the on-screen picture larger or smaller.
Previous - Press this button to return to the previous screen.
Options - This displays the Music Options menu or the Picture Options menu.
Back - It goes back to the previous song or picture.
Next - This button goes to the next song or picture.
Play/Pause - It plays or pauses the song or slideshow.
Stop - This stops the song or slideshow, depending on which menu you are in.
Figure 2-3: Remote Controller

7
Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your Network for Setup
Overview
Wireless-B Media Adapter
Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your
Network for Setup
Overview
Connect the Adapter to a network or computer (see Figures 3-1 and 3-2), and then proceed to the appropriate
section for your setup. It is strongly recommended that you connect the Adapter to a wired network for setup.
If you wantto set up theAdapter directly from your TV (without usingyour computer), then proceed to“Chapter 4:
Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter.”
Connection to a Wired Network for Setup
1. Attach the antenna to the Adapter.
2. Connect the included Ethernet network cable to an Ethernet (LAN) port on your PC, router, or switch.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the LAN port on the Adapter (see Figure 3-3).
4. Connect the included power adapter to the Power port on the Adapter (see Figure 3-4).
5. Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet.
6. Press the Adapter’s power button, which is located on the Adapter’s front panel.
7. The Ethernet LED will light up. If it does not, then push the Uplink button on the Adapter’s back panel. Power
the Adapter off and back on again. Make sure the cable connections are secure.
Proceed to “Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter.”
Figure 3-2: Example of a Connection to a Wireless-
equipped Computer for Setup
Figure 3-1: Example of a Connection to a Wired
Computer for Setup
Figure 3-3: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable
Windows XP
Computer Only
Windows 2000
or XP Computer
Wireless-BMedia
Adapter
Wireless-BMedia
Adapter
NOTE FOR WINDOWS 2000 USERS: You must connect the Adapter to a wired network for setup.
You cannot set up the Adapter from a wireless-equipped PC unless you are running Windows XP.

8
Chapter 3: Connecting the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your Network for Setup
Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Using Windows XP Only
Wireless-B Media Adapter
Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Using Windows XP Only
1. Attach the antenna to the Adapter.
2. Connect the included power adapter to the Power port of the Antenna. See Figure 3-4.
3. Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet.
4. Press the Adapter’s power button, which is located on the Adapter’s front panel.
5. The Wireless LED will light up.
Proceed to “Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter.”
Figure 3-4: Connect the Power
NOTE FOR WINDOWS XP USERS: If your Windows XP computer is NOT using Windows XP’s built-in
wireless network configuration feature (also known as Wireless Zero Configuration), you must
connect the Adapter via an Ethernet network cable using the instructions in the previous section,
“Connection to a Wired Network for Setup.” Once the Adapter is configured, you can disconnect the
Adapter from the wired network and use it via your wireless network.

9
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Overview
Wireless-B Media Adapter
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Overview
This chapter will describe the Wireless-B Media Adapter Setup Wizard, which will guide you through the
installation and configuration procedure. When you run the Setup Wizard for the first time, you will be asked to
install the Wireless-B Media Adapter Utility on your PC, which may also be referred to as the host computer. You
must install the Adapter Utility so your PC can send music and pictures to the TV and stereo via the Adapter.
If you want to set up the Adapter using your TV (without running the Setup Wizard on a PC), then go to “Chapter 5:
Connecitng the Wireless-B Media Adapter to Your TV and Stereo.”
Running the Setup Wizard
1. Insert the Setup CD-ROM into your PC’s CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and Figure
4-1 should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears, enter
D:\setup.exe (where “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).
•Setup - Click the Setup button to begin the installation process.
•Install Utility on PC - Click the Install Utility on PC button to install the Adapter’s Utility on your PC.
•User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open the PDF file of this User Guide.
•LINKSYS Web - Click the LINKSYS Web button to visit the Linksys website, www.linksys.com.
•Exit - Click the Exit button to exit the Setup Wizard.
2. To install the Adapter, click the Setup button on the Welcome screen.
3. The screen shown in Figure 4-2 will appear. If you are using the Adapter for the first time, click Install to install
the Adapter Utility on your PC. (This Utility will enable your PC to send digital pictures and music files to the
Adapter.) If you have already installed the Adapter Utility on your PC, click Skip and proceed to step 9.
Figure 4-2: Installing the Adapter Screen
Figure 4-1: Welcome Screen
Note: Before you can use the Adapter, you must install the Adapter Utility on your Windows 2000 or
XP PC, so your PC will be able to communicate with the Adapter.

10
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard
Wireless-B Media Adapter
4. If the latest Windows Installer components are not detected on your PC, then you will see Figure 4-3, which
will ask you to update them. Click Next.
After these components are updated, you will be asked to reboot your PC. Click Yes. After the PC reboots, you
will be returned to the screen shown in Figure 4-2. Click Install and proceed to step 5.
5. If Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.0 is not detected on your PC, then you will see Figure 4-4, which will
ask you to install it. Click Next.
6. Windows will ask you if you want to install the Microsoft .NET Framework Package. Click Yes to proceed.
(This may take a few minutes.)
Figure 4-4: Microsoft .NET Framework
Screen
Figure 4-3: Windows Installer Screen
Figure 4-5: Microsoft .NET Framework
Package Screen

11
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard
Wireless-B Media Adapter
7. Read the License Agreement, and click Next if you accept the Agreement.
8. The Select Music and Picture Folders screen will appear. To use the music and pictures held in the default
folders, click Next. To use a different folder, click Add and follow the on-screen directions.
Figure 4-6: License Agreement Screen
Note: If your host computer is configured for multiple users and you have access to their folders,
then you can add each user’s folders.
Figure 4-7: Select Music and Pictures
Folders Screen

12
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard
Wireless-B Media Adapter
9. If you are setting up the Adapter using a wireless-equipped computer, click Next when you see the screen
shown in Figure 4-8. If you are setting up the Adapter using a wired computer, make sure the Adapter’s
Ethernet LED is solidly lit. This indicates that the Adapter is properly connected to your wired network. Then
click the Next button to continue.
10. The screen shown in Figure 4-9 displays a list of Wireless-B Media Adapters that have been found on your
network, along with the settings for the Adapter whose name is highlighted. To select the Adapter you are
currently installing, click its name in the Adapters Found box. Then click the Next button.
Figure 4-8: Connection for Setup Screen
Figure 4-9: Adapter Selection Screen

13
Chapter 4: Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter
Running the Setup Wizard
Wireless-B Media Adapter
11. On the screen shown in Figure 4-10, choose whether the Adapter will be connected to your wireless or wired
network AFTER you have configured it.
If you will connect the Adapter to your PC or router wirelessly, then click the Yes button for the Wireless
network choice.
If you will connect the Adapter to your PC or router using an Ethernet network cable, then click the Yes button
for the Wired network choice.
Click the Next button.
12. On the Basic Settings screen, shown in Figure 4-11, enter a unique name for the Adapter in the Device Name
field.
If you network has a router or other DHCP server, select Automatically for the Network Setting, and click the
Next button.
If the Adapter requires a static IP address, select Static IP for the Network Setting. Enter a unique IP Address
that is in the range of IP addresses appropriate for your network. In the Subnet Mask field, enter the Subnet
Mask of your network; all devices on your network must use the same Subnet Mask. You must specify an IP
Address and Subnet Mask for the Adapter on this screen. Then click the Next button.
Static IP address: afixedaddressassignedto
a computer or device connected to a network.
Figure 4-11: Basic Settings Screen
Figure 4-10: Connection after Setup Screen
Note: For more information, refer to “Appendix C: Planning Your Use of the Wireless-B Media
Adapter.”
Note: If you set a static IP address on the Adapter, then you may also need to set a static IP address
on your PC. For instructions, go to “Appendix E: Setting a Static IP Address on Your PC” after you
have set up the Adapter.