Linksys WMCE54AG - Wireless A/G Media Center... User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
WIRELESS
Model No.
Media Center Extender
Wireless A/G
WMCE54AG
User Guide
GHz
2.4
802.11g
GHz
802.11a
5
Dual-Band Dual-Band

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
Copyrights and Trademarks
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc.
and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other
brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Microsoft and Windows
areregisteredtrademarksofMicrosoftCorporationintheU.S.A. and/orother countries.This product is protected bycertain
intellectual property rights of Microsoft Corporation. Use or distribution of such technology outside of this product is
prohibited without a license from Microsoft Corporation or an authorized Microsoft Corporation subsidiary.
How to Use this Guide
Your guide to the Media Center Extender has been designed to make understanding networking with the Extender easier
than ever. Look for thefollowing items when reading this User 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) isprovided with a figure number and description, like this:
Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section.
This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning and is
something that could damage your property or the Extender.
Thisquestionmarkprovidesyouwithareminderaboutsomethingyoumight
need to do while using the Extender.
This checkmark means there is anote of interest and is something you
should pay special attention to while using the Extender.
word: definition.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
WMCE54AG-UG-41029B JL
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.

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 1
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender 3
Front Panel 3
Back Panel 5
Remote Control 8
Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender 11
Before You Begin 11
Instructions for Connecting to a Wired Network 12
Instructions for Connecting the Extender 13
Chapter 4: Setting up the Media Center Extender 17
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 19
Common Problems and Solutions 19
Frequently Asked Questions 22
Appendix B: Wireless Security 25
Security Precautions 25
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 26
Appendix C: Updating the Extender’s Software Image 29
Appendix D: Windows Help 31
Appendix E: Glossary 33
Appendix F: Specifications 43
Appendix G: Warranty Information 45
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 47
Appendix I: Contact Information 49

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Front Panel 3
Figure 2-2: Back Panel 5
Figure 2-3: Remote Control 8
Figure 3-1: Wireless Network 11
Figure 3-2: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 12
Figure 3-3: Connect the Composite or S-Video Cable 13
Figure 3-4: Connect the Component Video Cables 13
Figure 3-5: Connect the Analog Audio Cables 14
Figure 3-6: Connect the Digital Audio Cable 14
Figure 3-7: Power on the Extender 15
Figure 3-8: Press the Power Button 15
Figure 3-9: Check the POWER Switch 15
Figure 4-1: Write down the Setup Key 17
Figure 4-2: Insert the Setup CD 17
Figure 4-3: Enter the Setup Key 18

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender. The Extender lets you send digital
video, pictures, and musicfrom your Media Center PC to your TV, without running cables through the house. Plus
you get to watch and pause live TV shows, or you can digitally record them so you can watch them later.
How does the Extender do all ofthis? It sits by your home TV and connects to it using standard video and audio
cables. Then it connects to your home network via Wireless-A (802.11a) or Wireless-G (802.11g)networking, or
if you prefer, it can be connected via standard 10/100 Ethernet cabling. Using the Extender’s remote control and
the user-friendly TV menus, you can browse through TV listings, recordings, digital music tracks, and more.
Use the instructions in this User Guide to help you integrate the Extender into your network. These instructions
should be all you need to get the most out of the Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender.
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Extender.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Extender’s applications and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
This chapter describes the physical features of the Extender and its remote control.
• Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender
This chapter explains how to connect the Extender.
ethernet: an IEEE standard network
protocolthat specifies howdatais placed
on and retrieved from a common
transmission medium.
802.11a: awireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer
rate of 54Mbps and an operating
frequency of 5GHz.
802.11g: a wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer
rateof 54Mbps,an operatingfrequencyof
2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with
802.11b devices.

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
2Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
• Chapter 4: Setting up the Media Center Extender
This chapter explains how to set up the Extender.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions,
regarding installation and use of the Extender.
• 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: Updating the System Image
This appendix explains how to update the Extender’s software image.
• Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as
installing the TCP/IP protocol.
• Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Extender.
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Extender.
• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Extender.
• Appendix I: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety ofLinksys resources,including Technical Support.

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
3
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Front Panel
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Front Panel
You can control the Extender through the front panel buttons or the remote control. The menus will be displayed
on the TV screen.
Infrared The infrared receiver accepts signals transmitted from the remote control.
LED Red. This LED will light up every time the Extender receives a command from the remote
control.
Start Button Press the square green button to view the main menu of the Extender.
Figure 2-1: Front Panel
Infrared LED Start
Button Navigation Pad with LED ENTER
Button BACK
Button Standby
Button

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
4Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Front Panel
Navigation Pad
with LED Press the left, right, up, or down arrows to navigate through the menus displayed on the TV
screen.
To indicate the status of the Extender, the LED can display one of three colors: green, blue,
and red.
Green. The Navigation Pad LED will light up green when the Extender is booting up and
working properly. The green LED will flash quickly when the Extender is updating its
software image.
Blue. The blue Navigation Pad LED will flash quicklywhen the Extender is resetting itself or
restoring its software image.
Red. The red Navigation Pad LED will flash quickly when a system failure has occurred.
Enter Button Use the Enter button to make a selection from the menus displayed on the TV screen.
Back Button Use the Back button to move back through the menus displayed on the TV screen.
Standby Button Press the Standby button to put the Extender in power-saving standby mode. Press this
button again to use the Extender. After exiting standby mode, the Extender will re-establish
its connection with the Media Center PC. (This may take several seconds.)

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
5
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Back Panel
Back Panel
On the Media Center Extender’s back panel, you have an attached powercord, switches, various ports, an
attached antenna, and an Ethernet button.
Components
Power Cord The power cord is attached to the Extender.
POWER Switch The POWER switch powers on or off the Extender.
IR-OUT Port The IR Out port is not used at this time.
Figure 2-2: Back Panel
Power
Cord
POWER
Switch DIGITAL
Audio Port
Audio (L and R)
Ports
VIDEO
Port
VIDEO
SELECT
Switch Antenna
IR-OUT
Port S-VIDEO
Port COMPONENT VIDEO Ports
USB
Ports
Ethernet
Port Ethernet Button

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
6Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Back Panel
AUDIO
The Extender offers two types of audio outputs, digital and analog. In most cases, you will use the AUDIO
(L and R) ports for analog audio; however, you have the option of digital audio if your TV offers a digital input.
DIGITAL The DIGITAL port is where you will connect the optical cable for digital audio output.
AUDIO (L and R) The Land Rports are where you will connect the left and right RCA audio cables.
VIDEO
The Extender offers three types of video outputs: composite (VIDEO port), S-video, and component video. In most
cases, you will use the VIDEO or S-VIDEO port; however, you have the option of component video if your TV offers
a component video input.
VIDEO The VIDEO port is where you will connect the RCA video cable.
S-VIDEO The S-VIDEO port is where you will connect the S-video cable.
VIDEO SELECT Use this switch to indicate the type of video the Extender is sending to your TV. For video or
S-video, set this switch to the left. For component video, then set this switch to the right.
COMPONENT
VIDEO These ports are where you will connect the component video cables (not included).
NOTE: Make sure the Extender is powered off before changing
the position of this switch.

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
7
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Back Panel
Additional Components
USB Ports The USB ports are not used at this time.
Ethernet Port The Ethernet port is where you will connect the Ethernet network cable if you are using a
wired Ethernet network.
Ethernet Button Press this button if the Extender is having difficulty communicating with your Media Center
PC over a wired Ethernet network.
Antenna The antenna is permanently attached to the Extender.

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
8Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Remote Control
Remote Control
The Extender includes a remote control. When you first want to use the remote, insert the included AA batteries
into the battery compartment. Then use the remote to navigate through menus and make selections on the TV
screen, as well as control slide shows, video, or music.
Here are descriptions of the remote’s various buttons:
(Power) This powers the Extender on or off.
My TV Press this button to view the My TV menu.
My Music Press this button to view the My Music menu.
My Pictures Press this button to view the My Pictures menu.
My Videos Press this button to view the My Videos menu.
RECORD This starts or stops a video recording.
STOP This stops the selection being played.
(Play) This starts the selection being played.
PAUSE This pauses the selection being played.
REW Press this button to rewind the selection being played.*
FWD Press this button to forward the selection being played.*
*disabled for video Figure 2-3: Remote Control

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
9
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Remote Control
REPLAY Press this button to replay your selection.
SKIP Press this button to skip the next selection.
BACK Press this button to go back through the menus.
MORE Press this button to get additional information.
OK (and arrows) Use the arrow buttons to move through menus. Use the OK button to make a selection.
VOL Press this button to raise or lower the volume of your TV or stereo.
Start Button Press the square green button to view theMedia Center Start screen.
CH/PG Use these buttons to change the channel on the TV or page through an extensive menu.
MUTE Press this button to mute the sound on the TV or stereo.
RECORDED TV Press this button to view the Recorded TV menu.
GUIDE Pressing this button displays the Program Guide for live TV.
LIVE TV Press this button if you want to watch live TV.
DVD MENU This button is not available at this time.
1-9, *, # Use these buttons to enter a channel number.
CLEAR Press this button to clear a selection or entry you have made.
ENTER Press this button after you have entered a channel number or made a selection.

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
10 Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender
Remote Control

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
11
Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender
Before You Begin
Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender
Before You Begin
For the Extender to work properly, make sure you have the following:
• A PC running Windows®XP Media Center Edition 2005
• A wired network
OR
a Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-G (802.11g), or Wireless A+G (802.11a + 802.11g) network
(A Wireless-B (802.11b) network will not work with the Media Center Extender.)
If the Extender will connect to a wired network, start with the “Instructions for Connecting to a Wired Network”
section. If the Extender will connect to a wireless network, proceed to the “Instructions for Connecting the
Extender” section.
Figure 3-1: Wireless Network

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
12 Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender
Instructions for Connecting to a Wired Network
Instructions for Connecting to a Wired Network
1. Connect the included Ethernet network cable from the Extender’s Ethernet port to an
Ethernet network port on your Media Center PC, router, or switch.
2. The Extender’s Ethernet port includes an LED in one corner. It will light up when the Extender
has successfully joined your wired network.
If the LED does not light up, push the Extender’s Ethernet X-II button on the back panel.
3. Proceed to the “Instructions for Connecting the Extender” section.
Figure 3-2: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
13
Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender
Instructions for Connecting the Extender
Instructions for Connecting the Extender
1. If you are using composite or S-video, connect the video cable from the Extender’s VIDEO outputto your TV’s
VIDEO input. Then make sure the VIDEO SELECT switch is set to the left.
If you are using component video, connect the component video cables (not included) from the Extender’s
COMPONENT VIDEO output to your TV’s COMPONENT VIDEO input. Then make sure the VIDEO SELECT switch
is set to the right.
Figure 3-3: Connect the Composite or S-Video Cable Figure 3-4: Connect the Component Video Cables
OR
OR
NOTE: Make sure the
Extender is powered off
before changing the position
of this switch.

Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender
14 Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender
Instructions for Connecting the Extender
2. If you are using analog audio, connect the RCA audio cable from the Extender’s left and right AUDIO outputs
to your TV’s AUDIO inputs.
If you are using a stereo with digital audio, connect the Toslink optical cable (not included) from the
Extender’s SPDIF digital AUDIO output to your stereo’s digital AUDIO input.
Figure 3-5: Connect the Analog Audio Cables Figure 3-6: Connect the Digital Audio Cable
OR