Linksys WUSB54GSC User manual

Model No.
USB Network Adapter
Wireless-G
WUSB54GSC
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11g
Compact
with SpeedBooster

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
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 © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
How to Use this User Guide
This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter
easier than ever. Look for the following 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) 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 Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.
This checkmark means there is a Note of interest and is something you should
pay special attention to while using the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need
to do while using the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.
word: definition.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
WUSB54GSC-UG-60518A RR
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.

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
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 5
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter 6
The LED Indicators 6
Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter 7
Starting the Setup Wizard 7
Creating a Profile 9
Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup 10
Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks 11
Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup 14
Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 21
Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 21
Link Information Screens 21
Site Survey 24
Profiles 25
Creating a New Profile 26
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 27
Common Problems and Solutions 27
Frequently Asked Questions 28
Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration 31
Appendix C: Wireless Security 34
Security Precautions 34
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 34
Appendix D: Windows Help 37
Appendix E: Glossary 38
Appendix F: Specifications 43

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Appendix G: Warranty Information 44
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 45
Appendix I: Contact Information 51

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6
Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7
Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7
Figure 4-3: Installing files 8
Figure 4-4: The Connecting the Adapter Screen 8
Figure 4-5: Creating a Profile 9
Figure 4-6: Available Wireless Network 9
Figure 4-7: SecureEasySetup 10
Figure 4-8: Searching for Wireless Network 10
Figure 4-9: SecureEasySetup Complete 10
Figure 4-10: Available Wireless Network 11
Figure 4-11: Secured Wireless Network Message 11
Figure 4-12: WEP Key Needed for Connection 12
Figure 4-13: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 12
Figure 4-14: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 13
Figure 4-15: The Congratulations Screen 13
Figure 4-16: Available Wireless Network 14
Figure 4-17: Network Settings 14
Figure 4-18: Wireless Mode 15
Figure 4-19: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 15
Figure 4-20: Wireless Security 16
Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - WEP 16
Figure 4-22: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 17
Figure 4-23: Wireless Security - WPA2 Personal 17
Figure 4-24: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 18
Figure 4-25: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 18
Figure 4-26: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 19
Figure 4-27: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 19
Figure 4-28: Confirm New Settings 20
Figure 4-29: Congratulations 20
Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 21

Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Figure 5-2: Link Information 21
Figure 5-3: Link Information - Wireless Network Status 22
Figure 5-4: Link Information - Wireless Network Statistics 23
Figure 5-5: Site Survey 24
Figure 5-6: WEP Key Needed for Connection 24
Figure 5-7: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 24
Figure 5-8: WPA2-Personal Needed for Connection 25
Figure 5-9: Profiles 25
Figure 5-10: Import a Profile 25
Figure 5-11: Export a Profile 26
Figure 5-12: Create a New Profile 26
Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 31
Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 31
Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon 31
Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 32
Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 32
Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 33
Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 33

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster. With this Adapter, your
wireless networking experience will be faster and easier than ever.
How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility
within your wireless network. Connecting to your PC via the USB port means that this Adapter leaves the PC’s
slots open for other purposes. This adapter communicates over the 802.11g wireless standard, one of the newest
wireless standards, to communicate with your network.
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. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.
PCs equipped with wireless cards and adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the
same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network.
And now, with SecureEasySetup, setting up your network and your Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter is
easier than ever.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Adapter, set it up, and configure it for your network.
These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.
802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a
maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency
of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.
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.

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the 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 Compact USB Adapter
This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.
• Chapter 4: Setting Up and Connecting the USB Adapter
This chapter shows you how to setup and connect the Adapter.
• Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor
This chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.
• 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: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration
This appendix describes how Windows XP users can use Window’s built-in wireless configuration to monitor
their Adapter.
• Appendix C: Wireless Security
This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help
protect your wireless network.
• 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 Adapter’s technical specifications.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.
• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.
• Appendix I: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

4
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster
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, providing that they
both share the same channel and SSID.
Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position.
Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
access point: device that allows wireless-
equipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly with each other (peer-
to-peer) without the use of an access point
infrastructure: Configuration in which a
wireless network is bridged to a wired
network via 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