Linksys WUSB54AG User manual

Instant Wireless® Series
WirelessA/GUSBNetwork
Adapter
Use this guide to install:
WUSB54AG
User Guide

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice.Copyright © 2003 Linksys, All
Rights Reserved. Instant Wireless, Linksys, and the Linksys logo are registered
trademarks ofLinksys Group, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are
registered trademarksof Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names
are the propertyof their respective proprietors.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Instant Wireless® Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI
Adapter will be free from physical defects in material and workmanship for three year
from the date of purchase, when used within the limits set forth in the Specifications
chapter of this User Guide.
This Warranty is valid and may be processed only in the country of purchase.
If the product proves defective during this warranty period, go to the Linksys website
at www.linksys.com for complete RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization)
assistance. You can also call Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a RMA
Number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE
FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN
REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. When
returning a product, mark the RMA Number clearly on the outside of the package and
include a copy of your original proof of purchase.
All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall
be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE
PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT,
ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS
OFFERS NO REFUNDS FOR ITS PRODUCTS.
Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory,
with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all
accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance,
merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to
revise or update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify
any individual or entity.
Please direct all inquiries to:
Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

FCC STATEMENT
The Instant Wireless Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter has been tested and found
to comply with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which is
found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver's
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by
Linksys could void the user's authority to operate the device.
FCC Caution: Operation within the 5150 to 5250GHz band is restricted to indoor use
only.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
To comply with the FCC and ANSI C95.1 RF exposure limits, the antenna(s) for this
device must comply with the following:
• Access points with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz integrated antenna must operate with a
separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons using the cable provided and
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
End-users must be provided with specific operations for satisfying RF exposure
compliance.
Note: Dual antennas used for diversity operation are not considered co-located.
INDUSTRY CANADA (CANADA)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
The use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely outdoors
may require the user to obtain a license for the system according to the Canadian regulations.
Cisco-Linksys, LLC declares that WUSB55AG ( FCC ID: Q87-WUSB54AG ) 
is limited in CH1~CH11 for 2.4GHz by specified firmware controlled in U.S.A.

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)
Linksys Group declares that the Instant Wireless® Series products included in the
Instant Wireless® Series conform to the specifications listed below, following the
provisions of the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC, EMC directive 89/336/EEC,
and Low Voltage directive 73/23/EEC:
For 11Mbps, 2.4 GHz devices with 100 mW radios, the following standards were
applied:
• ETS 300-826, 301 489-1 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• ETS 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
For 54Mbps, 5 GHz devices with 40 mW radios, the following standards were applied:
• ETS 301 489-1, 301 489-17 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• ETS 301-893 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
Caution: The frequencies used by 802.11a wireless LAN devices are not yet
harmonized within the European community, 802.11a products are designed for use
only in specific countries, and are not allowed to be operated in countries other than
those of designated use. Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.
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.
Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level
of above 100 mW equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) are considered as not
compliant with the above mentioned directive and are not allowed for use within the
European community and countries that have adopted the European R&TTE directive
1999/5/EC and/or the CEPT recommendation Rec 70.03.
For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact Linksys
Corporate Compliance.
• Linksys Group vakuuttaa täten että Instant Wireless Wireless A/G USB Network
Adapter tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY, direktiivin 89/336/EEC ja direktiivin
73/23/EEC oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden
ehtojen mukainen.
• Linksys Group déclare que la Instant Wireless Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter
est conforme aux conditions essentielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive
1999/5/EC, la directive 89/336/EEC, et à la directive 73/23/EEC.
To prevent radio interference to the licensed service (i.e. co-channel Mobile Satellite systems) 
this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum 
shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.
Because high power radars are allocated as primary users (meaning they have priority) in 
5250-5350 MHz, these radars could cause interference and/or damage to license exempt LAN 
devices.

• Belgique B L'utilisation en extérieur est autorisé sur le canal 11 (2462 MHz), 12
(2467 MHz), et 13 (2472 MHz). Dans le cas d'une utilisation privée, à l'extérieur d'un
bâtiment, au-dessus d'un espace public, aucun enregistrement n'est nécessaire pour
une distance de moins de 300m. Pour une distance supérieure à 300m un
enregistrement auprès de l'IBPT est requise. Pour une utilisation publique à l'extérieur
de bâtiments, une licence de l'IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et licences,
veuillez contacter l'IBPT.
• France F:
2.4 GHz Bande : les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz
respectivement)
sont complétement libres d'utilisation en France (en utilisation intérieur).
Pour ce qui est des autres canaux, ils peuvent être soumis à autorisation selon le
départment. L'utilisation en extérieur est soumis à autorisation préalable et très
restreint.
5 GHz Bande: Conformément aux décisions de la CEPT, l'utilisation des fréquences
de la bande 5150 MHz - 5350 MHz est autorisée à l'intérieur des bâtiments avec une
puissance maximale de 200 mW, et interdite en extérieur. La bande 5470 MHz - 5725
MHz n'est pas ouverte aujourd'hui.
Vous pouvez contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications
(http://www.art-telecom.fr) pour de plus amples renseignements.
2.4 GHz Band: only channels 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, and 2472 MHz
respectively) may be used freely in France for indoor use. License required for
outdoor installations.
5 GHz Band: frequencies in the 5150 MHz - 5350 MHz band may be used indoor
with maximum power of 200 mW. Their use is forbidden outdoors. The 5470 MHz -
5725 MHz band is not currently open.
Please contact ART (http://www.art-telecom.fr) for procedure to follow.
• Deutschland D: Anmeldung im Outdoor-Bereich notwending, aber nicht
genehmigungspflichtig.
Bitte mit Händler die Vorgehensweise abstimmen.
• Germany D: License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for
procedure to follow.
• Italia I: E' necessaria la concessione ministeriale anche per l'uso interno. Verificare
con i rivenditori la procedura da seguire. L'uso per installazione in esterni non e'
permessa.
• Italy I: License required for indoor use. Use with outdoor installations not allowed.
• The Netherlands NL License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller
for

procedure to follow.
• Nederlands NL Licentie verplicht voor gebruik met buitenantennes. Neem contact op
met verkoper voor juiste procedure.
TableofContents
Chapter1:Introduction
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter
Chapter4:SoftwareInstallationandConfigurationforWindows2000
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation
Chapter 6: Driver Installation for Windows XP
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
CommonProblemsandSolutions
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Appendix B: Glossary
AppendixC:Specifications
Environmental
AppendixD:WarrantyInformation
AppendixE:ContactInformation
Chapter1:Introduction
The Linksys Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter installs in most desktops
and lets you put your computer almost anywhere in the building, without the
cost and hassle of running network 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 network storage with other computers on
the network.
The Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter connects you with Wireless-A
(802.11a) and Wireless-G (draft 802.11g) networks at an incredible 54Mbps!
And for added versatility, it can also interoperate with all the 11Mbps Wireless-
B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots
around the country. And whichever mode you choose, your wireless communications
are protected by up to 152-bit encryption, so your data stays secure.
So don’t hassle with running cables through your house—get your desktop connected
the easy way with the versatile Linksys Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter .

• One Adapter Connects to Either 2.4GHz (802.11b or Draft 802.11g) or
5GHz (802.11a) Networks
• Advanced Security Features with up to 152-Bit WEP Encryption
• Easy-to-Use Setup Wizard
• Detailed Monitoring and Performance Utility
• IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and Draft 802.11g Compliant
• Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, Toll-Free US
Calls
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
Chapter2:PlanningYourWireless
Network
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 for wireless devices.
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.
Figure 2-1.
If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessed 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. (See Figure 2-1.) The basis of infrastructure mode centers around an
access point, which serves as the main point of communications in a wireless network. 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 (wired) 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. (See Figure 2-2.) 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
Chapter3:GettingtoKnowthe
WirelessA/GUSBNetworkAdapter
The Network Adapter is connected to your PC through its USB port. All power
is provided through the USB connection, making a power adapter unnecessary.
The Network Adapter’s LEDs show you how the Adapter is functioning.
Power Green. This LED will light up to let you know that the Adapter is
adequately powered over the USB connection.
Link Green. The Link LED will be lit steadily when the Network
Adapter is connected to your wireless network. The LED will
blink when there is wireless network traffic.
Chapter4:SoftwareInstallationand
ConfigurationforWindows2000
The Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation
procedure. The Setup Wizard will install the WLAN Monitor and driver, as well as configure the
Adapter.
1. Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should run
automatically. 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).
2. Read the License Agreement and click the Next button to continue the installation. If you click the
Cancel button, you will end the installation.
3. The following screen will ask for some information about your wireless network. In the SSID field,
enter your network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). The SSID is your network name and must be
identical for all devices in the network. The default setting is linksys (all lowercase).
Next, choose a wireless 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.
Click the Next button to continue, or click the Back button to return to the previous page.
4. If you chose I n f r a s t r u c t u r e
Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, select the correct operating channel for your
network from the Channel dropdown menu.
Then, select the Network Mode from the dropdown
menu. Click the Next button, and go to Step 5. Click the Back button to change any settings.
Channel - The channel you choose should match the channel set on the other devices in your wireless
network. If you are unsure about which channel to use, select the default channel (Channel 6).
Network Mode - Keep the default setting, Mixed, if you have Wireless-A and Wireless-G devices in
your network.
5. The Setup Wizard will ask you to review your settings before it starts to copy files. Click the Next
button to save these settings, or click the Back button to change any settings.
6. At this point, you may see a warning screen, such as that asking if you’d like to
cease installation. You can click the Yes button to continue; the Adapter will function properly.
7. After the files have been successfully copied. Click the Exit button.
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”
Chapter5:HardwareInstallation
Important for Windows 2000 users: You must run the Setup Wizard
to install the software before installing the hardware.
Important for Windows XP users: You must install the Adapter’s
hardware before installing the software.

1. The Adapter comes with the USB cable you will use to connect the Adapter
to your PC. (See Figure 5-1.)
Figure 5-1
2. Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port of the Adapter.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to one of the USB
ports on your computer (see Figure 5-2).
Figure 5-2
4. When Windows 2000 begins installing the Network Adapter’s driver file, a
screen similar to that shown in Figure 5-3 will appear, stating that a digital
signature was not found. This software has been tested and found to work
properly with Windows 2000. Click the Yes button to continue installation.
Figure 5-3

If your PC is running Windows XP, proceed to “Chapter 6: Driver
Installation for Windows XP.”
If your PC is running Windows 2000, the installation of the Wireless-B
USB Network Adapter is complete. If you want to check the link information,
search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration
changes, proceed to “Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor.”
Chapter6:DriverInstallationfor
WindowsXP
After connecting the Adapter to your PC, as shown in Chapter 5, you’ll need to install the driver.
1. Windows XP will automatically detect the Adapter.
Insert the Setup CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
Click the radio button next to
Install the software automatically
(Recommended)
(asshowninFigure6-1).
Figure 6-1
Then click the Next button.
2. A screen similar to that shown asking if you wish to discontinue installation.
This software has been tested and found to work properly with Windows XP. Click the
Continue Anyway button to continue installation.

Figure 6-2
3. The next screen shows that the Wizard is complete. Click the
Finish button. The drivers are now installed.
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
Note for Windows XP users: Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool. Use Windows XP
Wireless Zero Configuration (in the system tray at the bottom of your screen) to configure the Adapter.
1. After installing the Adapter, the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration icon will appear in your
computer’s system tray (see Figure 6-3). Double-click the icon.
Figure 6-3
Note: Steps 2 and 3 are the instructions and screenshots for Windows XP with Service Pack 1 installed.
If you have not installed Service Pack 1, select the network you want, and click the Connect button. If
the network has WEP encryption enabled, enter the WEP key in the Network key field, and then click
the Connect button.
2. The screen that appears will show any available wireless network. Select the network you want.
If this network has WEP encryption enabled, go to step 3.
If this network does not have WEP encryption enabled, then Figure 6-4 will appear. Make sure the
box next to Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network, even though it is not secure is
checked. Then click the Connect button, and go to step 4.

Figure 6-4
3. If WEP is enabled, the screen in Figure 6-5 will appear. Enter the WEP key of your wireless network
in the Network key field, and re-enter it in the Confirm network key field. Then click the Connect
button, and go to step 4.
Figure 6-5
Note: Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration does not support
the use of a passphrase. Enter the exact WEP key used by your access
point.
4. The screen in Figure 6-6 will appear if your connection is active.
Figure 6-6
For more information about wireless networking on a Windows XP computer,
click Start and then Help and Support. Enter the keyword wireless in the
field provided, and press the Enter key.
Congratulations! The installation of the Wireless-G USB Network

Adapter is complete.
AppendixA:Troubleshooting
This chapter provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the
Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter. Read thedescriptions below to solve your problems. If you can’t
find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.
1. The Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter does not work properly.
• Reinsert the Adapter into the PC’s USB slot.
• For Windows 98 or Me, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
Select the Device Manager tab, and select the Adapter. You will find the
Adapter if it has been installed successfully. If you see a yellow exclamation
mark, the resources may be in conflict, and you must follow the steps below:
• Uninstall the driver software from your PC.
• Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as specified
in this User Guide.
2. I cannot communicate with a wired computer linked via an access point in the
infrastructure configuration.
• Make sure that the PC is powered on.
• Make sure that the Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter is configured with the same SSID and WEP
encryption as the other computers in your wireless network.
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).
Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.
What is the IEEE 802.11a standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11a standard
allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to communicate,
provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11a standard. The 802.11a standard states a
maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating
frequency of 5GHz.
What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard
allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to communicate,
provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. The 802.11b standard states a

maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
What IEEE 802.11a features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11a functions:
• OFDM protocol
• Multi-Channel Roaming
• Automatic Rate Selection
• RTS/CTS feature
• Fragmentation
What IEEE 802.11b features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11b functions:
• CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
• Multi-Channel Roaming
• Automatic Rate Selection
• RTS/CTS feature
• Fragmentation
• Power Management
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.
What is ISM band?
The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth
for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band.
Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available
worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient
high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.
What is Spread Spectrum?
Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed
by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications
systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability,
integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the
case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in
effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that 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).
What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that
changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver.
Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To
an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise.
Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern
for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping
code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can
be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission,
statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original
data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS
appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband
receivers.
Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security feature
of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption function
(WEP) to enhance security and access control.
Can Instant Wireless products support printer sharing?
Instant Wireless products perform the same function as LAN products.
Therefore, Instant Wireless products can work with NetWare, Windows
NT/2000, or other network operating systems to support printer or file sharing.
What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40/64
bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
AppendixB:Glossary
802.11a - One of the IEEE standards for wireless networking hardware.
Products that adhere to a specific IEEE standard will work with each other,
even if they are manufactured by different companies. It specifies a maximum
data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 5GHz. The 802.11a
standard uses the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) transmission
method. Additionally, the 802.11a standard supports 802.11 features
such as WEP encryption for security.
802.11b - One of the IEEE standards for wireless networking hardware.

Products that adhere to a specific IEEE standard will work with each other,
even if they are manufactured by different companies. The 802.11b standard
specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps, an operating frequency of
2.4GHz, and WEP encryption for security. 802.11b networks are also referred
to as Wi-Fi networks.
802.11g - A proposed, but as yet unratified extension of the IEEE 802.11 standard
for wireless networking hardware. The draft 802.11g specifications used
by Linksys specify a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps using OFDM
modulation, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, backward compatibility with
IEEE 802.11b devices, and WEP encryption for security.
Adapter - Printed circuit board that plugs into a PC to add to capabilities or
connectivity to a PC. In a networked environment, a network interface card
(NIC) is the typical adapter that allows the PC or server to connect to the
intranet and/or Internet.
Ad-hoc Network - An ad-hoc network is a group of computers, each with a
wireless adapter, connected as an independent 802.11 wireless LAN. Ad-hoc
wireless computers operate on a peer-to-peer basis, communicating directly
with each other without the use of an access point. Ad-hoc mode is also
referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) or as peer-to-peer
mode, and is useful at a departmental scale or SOHO operation.
Bit - A binary digit. The value - 0 or 1-used in the binary numbering system.
Also, the smallest form of data.
Boot - To cause the computer to start executing instructions. Personal computers
contain built-in instructions in a ROM chip that are automatically executed
on startup. These instructions search for the operating system, load it and pass
control to it.
CTS (Clear To Send) - An RS-232 signal sent from the receiving station to the
transmitting station that indicates it is ready to accept data.
Default Gateway - The router used to forward all traffic that is not addressed
to a station within the local subnet.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A protocol that lets network
administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet
Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization’s network. Using the Internet’s set of
protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet needs a
unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a connection
to the Internet, an IP address must be assigned to each machine.
Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and,
if computers move to another location in another part of the network, a new IP

address must be entered. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and distribute
IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP
address when a computer is plugged into a different place in the network.
DHCP uses the concept of a “lease” or amount of time that a given IP address
will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a
user is likely to require the Internet connection at a particular location. It’s especially
useful in education and other environments where users change frequently.
Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks
in which there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.
DHCP supports static addresses for computers containing Web servers that
need a permanent IP address.
DNS - The domain name system (DNS) is the way that Internet domain name
are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A domain name
is a meaningful and easy-to-remember “handle” for an Internet address.
Driver - A workstation or server software module that provides an interface
between a network interface card and the upper-layer protocol software running
in the computer; it is designed for a specific NIC, and is installed during the
initial installation of a network-compatible client or server operating system.
DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit
pattern for all transmitted data. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping
code). Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission,
statistical techniques embedded in the receiver can recover the original data
without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears
as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband
receivers. However, to an intended receiver (i.e., another wireless LAN endpoint),
the DSSS signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference
is inherently rejected (ignored).
Dynamic IP Address - An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client
station in a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server. Network devices that
serve multiple users, such as servers and printers, are usually assigned static IP
addresses.
Encryption - A security method that applies a specific algorithm to data in
order to alter the data's appearance and prevent other devices from reading the
information.
FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) - FHSS continuously changes
(hops) the carrier frequency of a conventional carrier several times per second
according to a pseudo-random set of channels. Because a fixed frequency is not
used, and only the transmitter and receiver know the hop patterns, interception

of FHSS is extremely difficult.
Firmware - Code that is written onto read-only memory (ROM) or programmable
read-only memory (PROM). Once firmware has been written onto the
ROM or PROM, it is retained even when the device is turned off.
Gateway - A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible
communications protocols.
Hardware - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications,
and other information technology devices. The term arose as a way to distinguish
the “box” and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer
from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be
known as the software.
IEEE - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE
describes itself as “the world’s largest technical professional society—promoting
the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences
for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the wellbeing
of our members.”
The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and
international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has
many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the
IEEE Computer Society.
Infrastructure Network - An infrastructure network is a group of computers
or other devices, each with a wireless adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless
LAN. In infrastructure mode, the wireless devices communicate with each
other and to a wired network by first going through an access point. An infrastructure
wireless network connected to a wired network is referred to as a
Basic Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single network is
referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastructure mode is useful at
a corporation scale, or when it is necessary to connect the wired and wireless
networks.
IP (Internet Protocol) - The method or protocol by which data is sent from one
computer to another on the Internet. It is a standard set of rules, procedures, or
conventions relating to the format and timing of data transmission between two
computers that they must accept and use to be able to understand each other.
IP Address - In the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol (IP)
today, an IP address is a 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or
receiver of information that is sent in packet across the Internet. When you
request an HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet Protocol part of TCP/IP
includes your IP address in the message (actually, in each of the packets if more

than one is required) and sends it to the IP address that is obtained by looking
up the domain name in the Uniform Resource Locator you requested or in the
e-mail address you're sending a note to. At the other end, the recipient can see
the IP address of the Web page requester or the e-mail sender and can respond
by sending another message using the IP address it received.
IPCONFIG - A utility that provides for querying, defining and managing IP
addresses within a network. A commonly used utility, under Windows NT and
2000, for configuring networks with static IP addresses.
ISP - An ISP (Internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals
and companies access to the Internet and other related services such as Web site
building and virtual hosting.
LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated
devices that share a common communications line and typically share the
resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for
example, within an office building).
MAC Address - The MAC (Media Access Control) address is your computer’s
unique hardware number.
Mbps (Megabits per second) - One million bits per second; unit of measurement
for data transmission.
mIRC - mIRC runs under Windows and provides a graphical interface for logging
onto IRC servers and listing, joining and leaving channels.
Motherboard - A motherboard is the physical arrangement in a computer that
contains the computer's basic circuitry and components.
Network - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data
between users.
Network Mask - also known as the “Subnet Mask.”
NIC (Network Interface Card) - A board installed in a computer system, usually
a PC, to provide network communication capabilities to and from that computer
system. Also called an adapter.
OFDM - Developed for wireless applications, Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing (OFDM) technology offers superior performance-increased data
rates and more reliable transmissions-than previous technologies, such as
DSSS. OFDM is a scheme in which numerous signals of different frequencies
are combined to form a single signal for transmission on the medium.
OFDM works by breaking one high-speed data stream into a number of lowerspeed
data streams, which are then transmitted in parallel. Each lower speed
stream is used to modulate a subcarrier. Essentially, this creates a multi-carrier
transmission by dividing a wide frequency band or channel into a number of