Linksys WAP54G - Wireless-G Access Point User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
Access Point
Wireless-G
WAP54G
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11g

Wireless-G Access Point
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.
How to Use this User Guide
The user guide to the Wireless-G Access Point has been designed to make understanding networking with the
Access Point 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.
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Access Point.
word: definition.
This checkmark means there is a note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Access Point.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Access Point.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
WAP54G_V3-UG-50509NC 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.

Wireless-G Access Point
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this User Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 4
Network Topology 4
Roaming 4
Network Layout 5
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point 6
The Front Panel 6
The Back Panel 7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point 8
Overview 8
Connections for Setup 8
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point 9
Overview 9
Using the Setup Wizard 9
Chapter 6: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service 25
Client Software Installation 25
Network Access 28
Your Account 29
Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point 36
Overview 36
Navigating the Utility 36
Accessing the Utility 38
The Setup - Network Setup Tab 38
The Setup - AP Mode Tab 40
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab 43
The Wireless - Wireless Security Tab 45
The Wireless - Wireless MAC Filter Tab 48
The Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Tab 49
The Administration - Management Tab 51
The Administration - SNMP Tab 52

Wireless-G Access Point
The Administration - Log Tab 53
The Administration - Factory Defaults Tab 54
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab 54
The Status - Local Network Tab 55
The Status - Wireless Network Tab 56
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 57
Frequently Asked Questions 57
Appendix B: Wireless Security 61
Security Precautions 61
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 61
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 64
Appendix D: Windows Help 65
Appendix E: Glossary 66
Appendix F: Specifications 73
Appendix G: Warranty Information 75
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 76
Appendix I: Contact Information 77

Wireless-G Access Point
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6
Figure 3-2: Back Panel 7
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable 8
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power 8
Figure 5-1: Welcome Screen 9
Figure 5-2: Connect the Network Cable to the Router or Switch Screen 10
Figure 5-3: Connect the Network Cable to the Access Point Screen 10
Figure 5-4: Power on the Access Point Screen 11
Figure 5-5: Check the Access Point’s Status Screen 11
Figure 5-6: Select the Access Point Screen 12
Figure 5-7: Password Screen 12
Figure 5-8: Basic Settings Screen 13
Figure 5-9: Configure Wireless Settings Screen 13
Figure 5-10: SecureEasySetup Screen 14
Figure 5-11: SecureEasySetup Logo 14
Figure 5-12: Additional Information - Hardware Button 14
Figure 5-13: Additional Information - Software Button 14
Figure 5-14: Configure Wireless Settings Screen 15
Figure 5-15: Confirm New Settings Screen 15
Figure 5-16: Congratulations Screen 16
Figure 5-17: Configure Wireless Settings Screen 17
Figure 5-18: Wireless Settings Screen 17
Figure 5-19: Security Settings Screen 18
Figure 5-20: WEP Settings Screen 18
Figure 5-21: WPA Personal Settings 19
Figure 5-22: WPA2 Personal Settings Screen 19
Figure 5-23: WPA2 Mixed Mode Settings Screen 20
Figure 5-24: Confirm New Settings Screen 21

Wireless-G Access Point
Figure 5-25: Congratulations Screen 21
Figure 5-26: Attention Screen 22
Figure 5-27: Linksys Wireless Guard Setup Screen 22
Figure 5-28: Securing Your Access Point Screen 23
Figure 5-29: Wireless Guard Password Screen 23
Figure 5-30: Adding Authorized Users Screen 24
Figure 5-31: Wireless Guard Congratulations Screen 24
Figure 6-1: Note 25
Figure 6-2: Configuring Windows Installer 25
Figure 6-3: Exit Other Applications 26
Figure 6-4: License Agreement 26
Figure 6-5: Destination Location 27
Figure 6-6: Copying Files 27
Figure 6-7: Restart Your Computer 28
Figure 6-8: The Network Access Screen 28
Figure 6-9: Member Login 29
Figure 6-10: Home 30
Figure 6-11: Network Administration 30
Figure 6-12: Modify Access Control 31
Figure 6-13: Add Guest 31
Figure 6-14: Add Member 32
Figure 6-15: Welcome 32
Figure 6-16: Subscriber Information 33
Figure 6-17: Account Finances 33
Figure 6-18: Credentials Information 34
Figure 6-19: Congratulations 34
Figure 7-1: Login Screen 38
Figure 7-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration - DHCP Screen 38
Figure 7-3: Setup - Static IP Screen 39
Figure 7-4: Setup - AP Mode Screen 40

Wireless-G Access Point
Figure 7-5: Site Survey Screen 40
Figure 7-6: Wireless Repeater Diagram 41
Figure 7-7: Wireless Bridge Diagram 42
Figure 7-8: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Screen 43
Figure 7-9: Press the SecureEasySetup Button for Your Wireless Client 43
Figure 7-10: Waiting for Completion of SecureEasySetup 44
Figure 7-11: SecureEasySetup Completed Screen 44
Figure 7-12: Confirm Reset 44
Figure 7-13: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Personal) Screen 45
Figure 7-14: Wireless Security - WPA2-Personal Screen 45
Figure 7-15: Wireless Security - WPA2-Mixed Screen 46
Figure 7-16: Wireless Security - WPA-Enterprise Screen 46
Figure 7-17: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen 47
Figure 7-18: Wireless Security - WEP Screen 47
Figure 7-19: Wireless - Wireless MAC Filter Screen 48
Figure 7-20: Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Screen 49
Figure 7-21: Administration - Management Screen 51
Figure 7-22: Administration - SNMP Screen 52
Figure 7-23: Administration - Log Screen 53
Figure 7-24: View Log Screen 53
Figure 7-25: Administration - Factory Defaults Screen 54
Figure 7-26: Administration - Firmware Upgrade Screen 54
Figure 7-27: Status - Local Network Screen 55
Figure 7-28: Status - Wireless Network Screen 56
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade 64

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-G Access Point
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
ThankyouforchoosingtheWireless-GAccessPoint.ThisAccessPointwillallowyoutonetworkwirelesslybetter
than ever.
How does the Access Point do all of this? An access point allows for greater range and mobility within your
wireless network while also allowing you to connect the wireless network to a wired environment.
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 on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is
why the network is called "wired".
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. This is sometimes called
a WLAN, or Wired Local Area Network. The Access Point bridges wireless networks of both 802.11g and 802.11b
standards and wired networks.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Access Point, set it up, and configure it to bridge your
different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Access Point.
802.11b: a wireless networking standard that specifies a
maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating
frequency of 2.4GHz.
802.11g: a 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.
ethernet: network protocol that specifies how data is
placed on and retrieved from a common transmission
medium.
lan (local area network): the computers and networking
products that make up your local network.
network: a series of computers or devices connected
together.
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.

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?
Wireless-G Access Point
What’s in this User Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Access Point.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Access Point’s applications and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
This chapter describes the basics of wireless networking.
• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter describes the physical features of the Access Point.
• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Access Point to your network.
• Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter explains how to use the Setup Wizard to configure the settings on the Access Point.
• Chapter 6: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service
This chapter explains how to use the Linksys Wireless Guard service to secure your network.
• Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point
This chapter explains how to use the Access Point’s Web-based Utility for advanced configuration.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some frequently asked questions regarding installation and use of the Access Point.
• Appendix B: Wireless Security
This appendix explains the risks of wireless networking and some solutions to reduce the risks.
• Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware
This appendix instructs you on how to upgrade the Access Point’s firmware.
• Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes some of the ways Windows can help you with wireless networking.
• Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the Access Point’s technical specifications.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?
Wireless-G Access Point
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Access Point’s warranty information.
• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Access Point’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
Wireless-G Access Point
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, such as the
Wireless-G 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 may 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 may 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.
Beforeusingtheroamingcapabilities,chooseafeasibleradio channel and optimum accesspointposition.Proper
access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
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

5
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Layout
Wireless-G Access Point
Network Layout
The Wireless-G Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11g and 802.11b products. The Access Point is
compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b adapters, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI
Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. These wireless
products can also communicate with a 802.11g or 802.11b Wireless PrintServer.
To link your wired network with your wireless network, connect the Access Point’s Ethernet network port to any
switch or router.
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 wireless products.

6
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
The Front Panel
Wireless-G Access Point
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
The Front Panel
The Access Point's LEDs, which indicate activity and status information, are located on the front panel.
(Cisco logo) Orange/White. The Cisco logo is the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup button. It lights up when
the Access Point is powered on. The Cisco logo is orange when the SecureEasySetup feature
is not used, while the color white indicates that the SecureEasySetup feature is being used.
When the Access Pointenters SecureEasySetup mode,theCiscologowill turn whiteandstart
flashing. Then the Access Point will generate its SSID (network name) and WPA-Personal (also
called WPA-PSK) key. If the Access Point successfully associates with a client using
SecureEasySetup, the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay white. If the association is
unsuccessful, then the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay orange.
To clear the SSID and WPA-Personal key, press and hold down the Cisco logo for ten seconds.
The Cisco logo will turn orange to indicate a successful reset.
Power Red. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is powered on.
Act Green. The Act LED lights up when the Access Point is ready for wireless use. It flashes when
the Access Point is transmitting or receiving data wirelessly.
Link Orange. The Link LED lights up when the Access Point is successfully connected to a device
through the Ethernet network port. The LED flashes when the Access Point is transmitting or
receiving data through the Ethernet network port.
Figure 3-1: Front Panel
NOTE: SecureEasySetup is a feature that makes it
easy to set up your wireless network. If you have
SecureEasySetup devices, run the Setup Wizard on
the Access Point’s Setup Wizard CD-ROM. Then
follow the on-screen instructions.

7
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
The Back Panel
Wireless-G Access Point
The Back Panel
The Access Point's Ethernet network and power ports, as well as the Reset button, are located on the back panel.
LAN Port The Ethernet network port connects to an Ethernet network device, suchas a switch or router.
Reset Button There are two ways to reset the Access Point's factory defaults. Either press the Reset button,
for approximately ten seconds, or use the Administration - Factory Defaults screen of the
Access Point's Web-based Utility.
Power Port The Power port connects to the Access Point’s power adapter.
Figure 3-2: Back Panel
port: the connection point on a computer or
networking device used for plugging in
cables or adapters
IMPORTANT: Resetting the Access Point will erase all of your settings
(including wireless security, IP address, and power output) and replace them
with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Access Point if you want to retain
these settings.

8
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point
Overview
Wireless-G Access Point
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point
Overview
This chapter explains how to connect the Access Point for setup.
Connections for Setup
1. Connect your Ethernet network cable to your network router or switch. Then connect the other end of the
network cable to the Access Point’s LAN (Ethernet network) port.
2. Connect the included power adapter to the Access Point’s Power port. Then plug the power adapter into an
electrical outlet. The LEDs on the front panel will light up as soon as the Access Point’s powers on.
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Access Point.”
Figure 4-1: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable
Figure 4-2: Connect the Power

9
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point
Overview
Wireless-G Access Point
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point
Overview
Now that you've connected the Access Point to your wired network, you are ready to begin setting it up. This
Setup Wizard will take you through all the steps necessary to configure the Access Point.
Using the Setup Wizard
1. 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).
2. On the Welcome screen, click the Click Here to Start or Setup button if this is the first time you are running
the Setup Wizard. These are your other choices:
Install Linksys Wireless Guard - Linksys Wireless Guard is a subscription service available to secure your
network. To install the client software needed to use this service, click the Install Linksys Wireless Guard
button, and proceed to “Chapter 6: Using the Linksys Wireless Guard Service.”
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.
Figure 5-1: Welcome Screen
NOTE: Before installing the client software on your computer, you should set up the Access Point
and sign up for the Linksys Wireless Guard service.

10
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point
Using the Setup Wizard
Wireless-G Access Point
3. Optimally, you should set up the Access Point using a PC on your wired network. Connect a network cable to
your network router or switch. Then click the Next button.
4. The screen shows how the Access Point should be connected as you run the Setup Wizard. Connect the other
end of the network cable to the Access Point’s Ethernet network port. Then click the Next button.
Figure 5-2: Connect the Network Cable to the Router or
Switch Screen
Figure 5-3: Connect the Network Cable to the Access
Point Screen

11
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point
Using the Setup Wizard
Wireless-G Access Point
5. Connect the power adapter to the Access Point and an electrical outlet. Then click the Next button.
6. Make sure the Access Point’s Power, Act, and Link LEDs are lit on its front panel. If they are not, check your
cable connections. Then click the Next button to continue.
Figure 5-4: Power on the Access Point Screen
Figure 5-5: Check the Access Point’s Status Screen

12
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point
Using the Setup Wizard
Wireless-G Access Point
7. The Setup Wizard will run a search for theAccess Point within your network and then display a list along with
the status information for the selected access point. If this is the only access point on your network, it will be
the only one displayed. If there are more than one displayed, select the Access Point by clicking on it. Click
the Yes button to change any settings, or click the No button to keep these settings.
8. You will be asked to sign onto the Access Point you have selected. Enter the default password, admin. Then,
click Enter. (This user name and password can be changed from the Web-based Utility's Administration -
Management tab.)
Figure 5-6: Select the Access Point Screen
Figure 5-7: Password
Screen

13
Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point
Using the Setup Wizard
Wireless-G Access Point
9. The Basic Settings screen will appear next. Enter a descriptive name in the Device Name field. Create a
password that will control access to the Access Point’s Web-based Utility and Setup Wizard.
If your network router will automatically assign an IP address to the Access Point, then select Automatic-
DHCP.
If you want to assign a static or fixed IP address to the Access Point, then select Static IP. Enter the IP
Address,Subnet Mask, and Default Gatewaysettings. If you arenotsure what changes you shouldmake, then
keep the default values.
Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.
Device Name - Enter a descriptive name for the Access Point.
Password - Enter a password that will control access to the Utility and Setup Wizard.
IP Address - This IP address must be unique to your network. (The default IP address is 192.168.1.245.)
Subnet Mask - The Access Point's Subnet Mask must be the same as the subnet mask of your Ethernet
network.
Default Gateway - Enter the IP address of your network gateway (usually your router).
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
10. There are two ways to configure the Access Point’s wireless settings, SecureEasySetup and manual
configuration.
If you have other SecureEasySetup devices, such as notebook adapters or printers, then you can use the
Access Point’s SecureEasySetup feature to configure your wireless network. Proceed to the section, “Using
the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup Feature.”
If you do not have other SecureEasySetup devices, then proceed to the section, “Manually Configuring the
Access Point’s Wireless Settings.”
Figure 5-8: Basic Settings Screen
Figure 5-9: Configure Wireless Settings Screen
NOTE: Ifyou havealready setup your network using yourrouter’sSecureEasySetupfeature, then
you cannot use the Access Point’s SecureEasySetup feature. You must manually configure the
Access Point’s wireless settings to match your existing network’s settings.