Linksys WAP54GPE - Wireless-G Exterior Access Point User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
Exterior Access Point
Wireless-G
WAP54GPE
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11g

Wireless-G Exterior 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 © 2004 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 Exterior 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
WAP54GPE-UG-50224 KL
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 Exterior 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 4
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point 5
The LEDs 5
The Ports 6
The Reset Button and Ground 7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point 8
Overview 8
Hardware Installation 8
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point 10
Setup Wizard 10
Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point 17
Overview 17
Navigating the Utility 17
Accessing the Utility 19
The Setup Tab 19
The Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Tab 21
The Wireless - Wireless Security Tab 22
The Wireless - Wireless Network Access Tab 25
The Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Tab 25
The AP Mode Tab 27
The Administration - Management Tab 30
The Administration - Log Tab 31
The Administration - Factory Default Tab 33
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab 33
The Administration - Language Upgrade Tab 34
The Administration - Reboot Tab 34

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
The Administration - Config Management Tab 35
The Status - Local Network Tab 35
The Status - Wireless Tab 36
The Status - System Performance Tab 37
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 39
Frequently Asked Questions 39
Appendix B: Wireless Security 43
Security Precautions 43
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 43
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 46
Appendix D: Windows Help 47
Appendix E: Glossary 48
Appendix F: Specifications 55
Appendix G: Warranty Information 57
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 58
Appendix I: Contact Information 60

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Front Panel 5
Figure 3-2: Ethernet Network Port 6
Figure 3-3: Antenna Port 6
Figure 3-4: Reset Button 7
Figure 4-1: Mark the Locations of the Two Wall-Mount Slots 8
Figure 4-2: Attach the Mounting Plate 8
Figure 4-3: Ground the Access Point 9
Figure 4-4: Attach the Access Point to the Wall 9
Figure 5-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 10
Figure 5-2: Connecting the Access Point 11
Figure 5-3: Select an Access Point 11
Figure 5-4: Login Screen 12
Figure 5-5: Configure Network Address Settings Screen 12
Figure 5-6: Wireless Settings Screen 13
Figure 5-7: Wireless Security Settings - WEP Screen 14
Figure 5-8: Wireless Security Settings - WPA-Personal Screen 15
Figure 5-9: Wireless Power Management Screen 15
Figure 5-10: Confirmation Screen 16
Figure 5-11: Congratulations Screen 16
Figure 6-1: Login Screen 19
Figure 6-2: Setup - Automatic Configuration - DHCP Screen 19
Figure 6-3: Setup - Static IP Address Screen 20
Figure 6-4: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings Screen 21
Figure 6-5: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA Pre-Shared Key) Screen 22
Figure 6-6: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise Screen 23
Figure 6-7: Wireless Security - RADIUS Screen 24
Figure 6-8: Wireless Settings - WEP Screen 24
Figure 6-9: Wireless - Wireless Network Access Screen 25

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
Figure 6-10: Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings Screen 25
Figure 6-11: AP Mode Screen 27
Figure 6-12: Wireless Repeater Diagram 28
Figure 6-13: Site Survey Screen 28
Figure 6-14: Wireless Bridge Diagram 29
Figure 6-15: Administration - Management Screen 30
Figure 6-16: The Administration - Log Screen 31
Figure 6-17: Administration - Factory Default Screen 33
Figure 6-18: Administration - Firmware Upgrade Screen 33
Figure 6-19: Administration - Language Upgrade Screen 34
Figure 6-20: Administration - Reboot Screen 34
Figure 6-21: Administration - Config Management Screen 35
Figure 6-22: Status - Local Network Screen 35
Figure 6-23: Status - Wireless Screen 36
Figure 6-24: Status - System Performance Screen 37
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade 46

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point. This Access Point will allow you to network
wirelessly better 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. In fact, the
Wireless-G Exterior Access Point can support communications on up to eight wireless networks, using Virtual
Local Area Network (VLAN) technology.
The Wireless-G Exterior Access Point also offers the convenience of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, so it
can receive data and power over a single Ethernet network cable. And with the advantage of its weather-proof
housing, you can mount the Access Point outside to extend your wireless networking range and mobility to the
outdoors. You can even connect wired networks in two different buildings, by using two Access Points set to
Wireless Bridge mode.
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.
poe (power over ethernet): a technology enabling an
Ethernet network cable to deliver both data and power.
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 Exterior Access Point
What’s in this User Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Wireless-G Exterior 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 Exterior Access Point
This chapter describes the physical features of the Access Point.
• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Access Point to your network.
• Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point
This chapter explains how to use the Setup Wizard to configure the settings on the Access Point.
• Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior 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 Wireless-G
Exterior 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 Exterior 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 Exterior 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 Exterior 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.
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.
Network Layout
The Wireless-G Exterior 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 Power over Ethernet (PoE)—or a PoE injector, such as the Linksys WAPPOE or WAPPOE12.
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.
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