®
Instant Wireless Series
Wireless-B
Notebook Adapter
Use this Guide to install: WPC11
User Guide
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
Features
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1
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
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27
28
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
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2
Appendix B: Glossary
32
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
2
Appendix C: Specifications
40
Environmental
40
Chapter 3: Getting to Know
the Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
The Adapter’s LEDs
4
4
Appendix D: Warranty Information
Appendix E: Contact Information
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42
Chapter 4: Using the Setup Wizard to
Configure Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000
5
9
Chapter 5: Hardware Installation
Chapter 6: Driver Installation and Configuration for
Windows XP
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10
10
12
Overview
Driver Installation for Windows XP
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows
98SE, Me, and 2000
Overview
Accessing the WLAN Monitor
Link Information
Site Survey
14
14
14
15
17
19
21
Profiles
Creating a New Profile
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Instant Wireless® Series
Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless
The Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
Network
The Linksys Wireless-B Notebook Adapter lets your notebook communicate
with the popular 802.11b wireless network standard. 802.11b wireless net-
works are commonly found in corporate environments, and are used in homes
for household Internet connectivity without the need for running cables.
They're also popping up all over the country in coffee shops, airports, hotels,
convention centers, and other public spaces offering "on the go" connectivity to
mobile users.
Network Topology
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area net-
work (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.
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
The included Setup Wizard will walk you through configuring the adapter to
your network's settings, step by step. Then just slide it into your notebook's PC
Card slot and enjoy network access with your notebook computer, while retain-
ing true mobility.
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which
they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configura-
tion is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an
access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers com-
municating directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes
depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or periph-
erals with a wired network or not.
Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the
Internet, and share files and other resources such as printers and network stor-
age with other computers on the network, wherever you wander. At home, you
can surf the web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out
on the patio. To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-B Notebook
Adapter can secure all wireless transmissions with up to 128-bit data encryp-
tion.
If the computers on the
wireless network need to
be accessed by a wired
network or need to share a
peripheral, such as a print-
er, 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
Join the wireless revolution. With the Linksys Wireless-B Notebook Adapter,
you'll be ready to connect to the wireless world, wherever you go.
Features
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
11 Mbps High-Speed Data Transfer Rate with Automatic Fallback
Plug-and-Play Operation Provides Easy Setup
802.11b, DSSS, 2.4GHz-Compliant
Supports up to 128-bit WEP Encryption Security
Compatible with Virtually All Major Network Operating Systems
Free Driver Upgrades via Web
Integrated Equalizer Recovers Weak Signals and Enhances Sensitivity
Sturdy Metal Design with Integrated Antenna
Works with All Standard Internet Applications
Clear Channel Assessment Increases Network Throughput
Hardware Buffer Chaining Provides High Performance While Reading and
Writing Buffers
Figure 2-1
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.
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Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
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 wire-
less transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, elimi-
nating 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 direct-
ly between them.
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the
Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
The Adapter’s LEDs
The Adapter has two LEDs to let you know how the card is functioning. Here
are a description of those LEDs:
Power
Link
Green. The Power LED lights up when the PC Card is pow-
ered on.
Green. The Link LED lights up and stays solid when the
Adapter is inserted correctly and a link is established with
the notebook. The LED flashes when data is transmitted or
received..
Figure 2-2
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Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
1. To install the PC Card, click the Install button on the Welcome screen,
Figure 4-1. Click User Guide to view the User Guide or click Exit to exit
the Setup Wizard.
Chapter 4: Using the Setup Wizard
to Configure Windows 98SE, Me,
and 2000
2. After reading the License Agreement on the following screen, shown in
Figure 4-2, click the Next button to continue the installation, or click the
Cancel button to end the installation.
The Adapter’s Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedure
for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000. The Setup Wizard will install the WLAN
Monitor and driver, as well as configure the PC Card.
Important for Windows XP users: Do NOT run the Setup Wizard.
Proceed directly to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”
Important for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: You must run
the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.
Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup
Wizard should run automatically, and Figure 4-1 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).
Figure 4-2
3. The next screen in the Setup Wizard, shown in Figure 4-3, will ask you to
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 but-
ton if you want multiple wireless computers to network directly with each
other.
Figure 4-1
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In the SSID field, enter the SSID (Network Name) of your wireless net-
work. The SSID must be identical for all devices in the network. The
default set-
5. The next screen, shown in Figure 4-5, 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.
ting is linksys
(all
lower-
case). Click
the Next but-
ton, or click
the Back but-
ton to return
to the previ-
ous page.
Figure 4-3
Figure 4-5
4. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc
Mode, the screen shown in Figure 4-4 will appear and you will need to
select the correct operating channel for your network from the Channel
drop-down menu. Click the Next button, and go to Step 5. Click the Back
button to change any settings.
6. After the files have been successfully copied, the screen in Figure 4-6 will
appear. Click the Exit button.
Channel - The channel you choose should match the channel set on the
other devices
in your wire-
less network
or using the
channel to set
the wireless
network. If
you
are
unsure about
which chan-
nel to use,
Figure 4-6
select
the
default chan-
nel (Channel
6).
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Hardware Installation.”
Figure 4-4
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Chapter 5: Hardware Installation
Chapter 6: Driver Installation and
Important for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000 users: You must run
the Setup Wizard to install the software before installing the hardware.
Configuration for Windows XP
Overview
Important for Windows XP users: You must install the PC Card’s
hardware before installing the software.
After inserting it into your notebook, you will install the driver and configure
the Adapter.
1. Turn off your notebook PC.
Driver Installation for Windows XP
2. Locate an available PC Card slot on your notebook PC.
1. Windows XP will automatically detect the PC Card. Insert the Setup CD-
ROM into the CD-ROM drive. From the screen shown in Figure 6-1, click
the radio button next to Install the software automatically
(Recommended). Then, click the Next button.
3. With the PC Card’s
label facing up, as
shown in Figure 5-1,
slide the PC Card
completely into the
PC Card slot.
4. Restart your note-
book PC.
Figure 5-1
5. Windows will begin copying the driver files to your computer. (Windows
2000 users may see a digital signature screen. This is normal. Click Yes to
continue, and then click the Finish button to end the hardware detection
process.) If Windows asks you for the original Windows CD-ROM, insert
the CD-ROM, and direct Windows to its proper location (e.g., D:\).
If your PC is using Windows 98SE, Me, or 2000, proceed to the next sec-
tion, “Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98SE, Me, and
2000.”
Figure 6-1
If your PC is using Windows XP, proceed to “Chapter 6: Driver
Installation and Configuration for Windows XP.”
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Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
2. The following screen, shown in Figure 6-2, mentions Windows XP com-
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration
patibility. The
Adapter has
been tested and
is compatible
with Windows
XP. Click the
C o n t i n u e
Anyway but-
ton to contin-
ue.
ForWindows 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 PC Card.
1. After installing the PC Card, 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
2. The screen that appears
will show any available
wireless network. Select
the network you want.
Figure 6-2
3. When Windows has finished installing the driver, click the Finish button on
If this network has WEP
encryption enabled, go to
step 3. If this network
does not have WEP
encryption enabled, then
the screen in Figure 6-4
will appear. Check the
box next to Allow me to
connect to the selected
wireless network, even
though it is not secure.
Then click the Connect
the screen that appears (shown in Figure 6-3).
Figure 6-4
button and go to step 4.
Note: In Steps 2 and 3, these 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.
Figure 6-3
You have now completed the PC Card’s driver installation. To configure
the PC Card, proceed to the next section, “Windows XP Wireless Zero
Configuration.”
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3. The screen in Figure 6-
5 will appear. Enter the
WEP key of your wire-
less network in the
Network key field, and
re-enter it in the
Confirm network key
Chapter 7: Using the WLAN Monitor
for Windows 98SE, Me, and 2000
Overview
Use the WLAN Monitor to check the link information, search for available
wireless networks, or create profiles that hold different configuration settings.
field.
Click
the
Connect button.
Accessing the WLAN Monitor
After installing the Adapter, its WLAN Monitor icon will appear in your sys-
tem tray. Double-click the icon (see Figure 7-1).
The Link Information screen, shown in Figure 7-2, will appear.
From this screen, you can find out how strong the current wire-
less signal is and how good the connection’s quality is. You can
Figure 7-1
also click the More Information button to view additional status information
about the current wireless connection. To search for available wireless net-
works, click the Site Survey tab. To perform configuration changes, click the
Profiles tab.
Figure 6-5
4. The screen in Figure 6-6 will
appear if your connection is
active.
Figure 6-6
For more information about WEP, refer to your access point’s documentation,
For more information about wireless networking on a Windows XP computer,
enter the keyword wireless in the Windows XP search engine.
Congratulations!
Your notebook is now connected to your wireless network.
Figure 7-2
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Link Information
The Link Information screen, shown in Figure 7-3, displays signal strength and
link quality information about the current connection and provides a button to
click for additional status information.
Figure 7-4
Wireless Network Status
State - The status of the wireless network connection.
SSID - The unique name of the wireless network.
Wireless Mode - The mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Transfer Rate - The data transfer rate of the current connection.
Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
WEP - The status of the WEP encryption security feature.
MAC - The MAC address of the wireless network’s device you connect to.
Figure 7-3
TCP/IP Setting
Ad-Hoc Mode or Infrastructure Mode - The screen indicates whether the
Adapter is currently working in ad-hoc or infrastructure mode.
IP Address - The Adapter’s IP Address.
Subnet Mask - The Adapter’s Subnet Mask.
Default Gateway - The Adapter’s Default Gateway address.
DNS - The Adapter’s DNS address.
Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength, from 0 to
100%.
DHCP - The status of the DHCP client.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless net-
Save to Profile - Click this button to save the current connection profile to.
work connection, from 0 to 100%.
Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates signal strength, from 0 to
Click the More Information button to view more information about the wire-
100%.
less network connection, shown in Figure 7-4.
Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless net-
Click the X (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.
work connection, from 0 to 100%.
Click the Back button to return to the initial Link Information screen. Click the
X (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.
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Site Survey
The Site Survey screen, shown in Figure 7-5, displays a list of infrastructure and
ad-hoc networks available for connection.
Figure 7-6
In the WEP drop-down box, select the type of WEP encryption used by the
wireless network: 64-bit/10 hex.characters, or 128-bit/26 hex.characters
WEP.
Figure 7-5
SSID - The SSID or unique name of the wireless network.
Signal - The percentage of signal strength, from 0 to 100%.
If the wireless network uses a passphrase, enter the passphrase in the
Passphrase field. If the wireless network uses a WEP key, enter the WEP key
in the Key 1 field.
Site Information
Wireless Mode - The mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
WEP - The status of the WEP encryption security feature.
MAC - The MAC address of the wireless network’s device.
Surveyed at - The time at which the wireless network was scanned.
Click the OK button to complete the network connection return to Link infor-
mation, or click the Cancel button to cancel the network connection and return
to the Site Survey screen.
On the Site Survey screen, click the X (Close) button in the upper right corner
to exit the WLAN Monitor.
Refresh - Click the Refresh button to perform a new search for wireless
devices.
Connect - To connect to one of the networks on the list, select the wireless net-
work, and click the Connect button. If the wireless network has WEP encryp-
tion enabled, you will see the screen shown in Figure 7-6.
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Import - Click the Import button to import a profile that has been saved in
another location. Select the appropriate file, in the screen that appears (Figure
7-8), and click the Open button.
Profiles
The Profiles screen, shown in Figure 7-7, lets you save different configuration
profiles for different network setups. You can also import or export profiles.
The default profile holds the initial configuration saved when you ran the Setup
Wizard.
Figure 7-8
Export - To save the profile(s) in a different location, click the Export button.
Direct Windows to the appropriate folder, from the screen that appears (Figure
7-9), and enter the file name and click Save.
Figure 7-7
Profile - Name of the setting profile.
SSID - The wireless network’s unique name, as set in the connection profile.
Profile Information
Network Type - The mode of the wireless network currently in use.
Transfer Rate - The data transfer rate of the connection. (In Auto mode, the
Adapter dynamically shifts to the fastest data transfer rate possible at any given
time.)
Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set.
WEP - The status of the WEP encryption security feature.
Figure 7-9
Connect - To connect to a wireless network using a specific profile, select the
profile, and click the Connect button.
Delete - Click the Delete button to delete a profile.
Edit - Select a profile, and click the Edit button to change an existing profile.
Click the X (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.
New - Click the New button to create a new profile. See the next section,
“Creating a New Profile,” for detailed instructions.
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2. The Choose a wireless mode screen (Figure 7-12) shows a choice of two
wireless modes. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want
your wireless computers to communicate with computers on your wired
network via a wireless access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button
if you want multiple wireless computers to communicate directly with each
other. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the
previous screen.
Creating a New Profile
1. On the Profiles screen, shown in Figure 7-10, click the New button to cre-
ate a new profile.
Infrastructure Mode - This mode allows wireless and wired networks to
communicate through an access point.
Ad-Hoc Mode - This mode allows wireless-equipped computers to com-
municate directly with each other. No access point is used.
Figure 7-10
2. When the Create connection profile screen (Figure 7-11) appears, enter a
name for the new profile. Click OK to save the profile name or click
Cancel to return to the previous screen.
Figure 7-12
Figure 7-11
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3. The Wireless Settings screen, shown in Figure 7-13, will appear. If you
chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 4 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode,
select the correct operating channel for your network from the Channel
drop-down menu. Click the Next button, and go to Step 4. Click the Back
button to change any settings.
4. The Network Setting screen, shown in Figure 7-14, will appear.
If your network has a DHCP server, click the radio button next to Obtain
an IP address automatically (DHCP). Click the Next button to continue,
or click the Back button to return to the previous screen. Then go to Step 5.
Channel - The channel you choose should match the channel set on the
other devices in your wireless network or what channel you want set up
your network. If you are unsure about which channel to use, select the
default channel (Channel 6).
If your network does not have a DHCP server, click the radio button next to
Specify the IP address. Enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default
Gateway, and DNS appropriate for your network. Enter each address in this
format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (the x’s represent the numbers that make up each
address). You must specify the IP Address and Subnet Mask on this screen.
If you are unsure about the Default Gateway and DNS addresses, then leave
these fields alone.
Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previ-
ous screen. Then go to Step 5.
IP Address - This IP Address must be unique to your network.
Subnet Mask - The PC Card’s Subnet Mask must be the same as your
wired network’s Subnet Mask.
Default Gateway - Enter the IP address of your network’s Gateway here.
DNS - Enter the DNS addresses of your Ethernet (wired) network here.
Figure 7-13
Figure 7-14
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5. The Security Settings screen, shown in Figure 7-15, will appear. Enable or
disable Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption for your wireless net-
work. If you enable WEP, enter a Passphrase or WEP key. Click the Next
button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.
6. The Confirm New
Settings
screen
(Figure 7-16) will
appear. To save the
new settings, click
the Yes button. To
cancel the settings
and return to the
WEP (Disabled/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP) - If you do not want to use
WEP encryption, choose Disabled. To use WEP encryption (recommended
to increase network security), select 64-bit/10 hex. characters or 128-
bit/26 hex. characters WEP from the drop-down menu, and enter either a
Passphrase or WEP key.
Profiles
screen,
click the Exit but-
ton. To edit the new
settings, click the
Back button.
Passphrase - Instead of manually entering WEP keys, you can enter a
Passphrase, so that a WEP key is automatically generated. It is case-sensi-
tive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This
passphrase must match the passphrase of your wireless network and is com-
patible with other Linksys wireless products only. (If you have any non-
Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key(s) manually on those prod-
ucts.)
Figure 7-16
7. The Congratulations screen will appear next. Click Activate new settings
now to implement the new settings immediately and return to the Link
Information screen.
Click Activate new
settings later to
keep the current
settings active, and
WEP Key - This WEP key must match the WEP key of your wireless net-
work. If you are using 64-bit WEP encryption, then the key must consist of
exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 128-bit WEP encryp-
tion, then the key must consist of exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. Valid
hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.
return
to
the
Profiles screen so
that you can edit
your profile or cre-
ate another profile.
Key Index - The default transmit key number is 1. If your network’s access
point or wire-
less
router
uses transmit
key number
2, 3, or 4,
then select
the appropri-
ate number in
the Key Index
d r o p - d ow n
box.
Figure 7-17
You have successfully created a connection profile. Click the X (Close) but-
ton in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.
Figure 7-15
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If the Adapter does not function after attempting the above steps,
remove the card and do the following:
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This chapter provides solutions to problems usually occurring during the instal-
lation and operation of the Adapter. Read the description below to solve your
problems. If you can’t find an answer here, check the Linksys website at
•
•
Uninstall the driver software from your PC.
Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as
specified in this User Guide.
3. I cannot communicate with the other computers linked via the Ethernet
in the Infrastructure configuration.
• Make sure that the notebook PC to which the Adapter is associated is pow-
ered on.
Common Problems and Solutions
• Make sure that your Adapter is configured on the same channel and with the
same security options as the other computers in the Infrastructure configura-
tion.
1. My computer does not recognize the Adapter.
Make sure that the Adapter is properly inserted into the cardbus slot. Note
that the card can be inserted either way, but is correct only when it is insert-
ed so that the “Instant Wireless” logo on the front of the card cannot be seen.
If in doubt, try inserting the card both ways. The card will slide in further
when it is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless net-
work?
This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over
a network. Consult the application’s documentation to determine if it supports
operation over a network.
2. The Adapter does not work properly.
• Reinsert the Adapter into your notebook’s cardbus slot. A beep should be
heard if the card is properly inserted.
• For non-Windows environments, make sure that a cardbus card service driv-
er is installed on your PC.
• Open the Control Panel and click on the PC Card. Check whether it has a
PCMCIA card in one of the sockets or not. If you find the Adapter in one of
the sockets, it means the card has been detected properly. If you see a yellow
question mark, the resources are conflicting.
• Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Select the device man-
ager and click the Adapter. You will find the Adapter if it is installed suc-
cessfully. If you see the yellow exclamation mark, the resources are conflict-
ing. Click PCMCIA card and then click PCMCIA card service. You will
see the status of the Adapter. If there is a yellow question mark, please check
the following:
Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network?
Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area net-
work). Refer to the game’s documentation for more information.
What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?
The IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN standards subcommittee formulates stan-
dards for the industry. The objective is to enable wireless LAN hardware from
different manufacturers to communicate.
What IEEE 802.11 features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11 functions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
Multi-Channel Roaming
Automatic Rate Selection
RTS/CTS feature
Fragmentation
Power Management
•
•
Make sure that your notebook has a free IRQ.
Make sure that you have inserted the right card and installed the prop-
er driver.
What is Ad-hoc?
An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with an Adapter, con-
nected as an independent wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applica-
ble at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.
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What is Infrastructure?
What is ISM band?
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configura-
tion. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to a cen-
tral database, or wireless application for mobile workers.
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 Roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu-
ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a sin-
gle Wireless Network Access Point.
What is Spread Spectrum?
Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique devel-
oped by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communica-
tions 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).
To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a
number of different functions. Each node and Wireless Network Access Point,
for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node
must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually trans-
mitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF
networking technology that links Wireless Network Access Points and nodes.
In such a system, the user’s end node undertakes a search for the best possible
access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and qual-
ity, as well as the message load currently being carried by each Wireless
Network Access Point and the distance of each Wireless Network Access Point
to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the
right Wireless Network Access Point and registers its address. Communications
between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the
backbone.
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 transmis-
sion, 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.
As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the sys-
tem to determine whether it is in touch with the original Wireless Network
Access Point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer
receives acknowledgment from its original Wireless Network Access Point, it
undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new Wireless Network Access Point,
it then re-registers, and the communication process continues.
What is BSS ID?
A specific Ad-hoc LAN is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). Computers in a
BSS must be configured with the same BSS ID.
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 fea-
ture of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryp-
tion function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up
depending upon their needs.
What is ESSID?
An Infrastructure configuration could also support roaming capability for
mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service
Set (ESS). Users within an ESS could roam freely between BSSs while main-
taining a continuous connection to the wireless network stations and Wireless
Network Access Points.
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Can Instant Wireless® products support file and printer sharing?
Instant WirelessTM products perform the same function as LAN products.
Therefore, Instant WirelessTM products can work with Netware, Windows
NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing.
Appendix B: Glossary
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.
What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40 bit
shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
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.
Backbone - The part of a network that connects most of the systems and net-
works together and handles the most data.
Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of a given facility, in terms of how
much data the facility can transmit in a fixed amount of time; expressed in bits
per second (bps).
Bit - A binary digit. The value - 0 or 1-used in the binary numbering system.
Also, the smallest form of data.
BSS (Basic Service Set) - An infrastructure network connecting wireless
devices to a wired network using a single access point.
Buffer - A buffer is a shared or assigned memory area used by hardware
devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or with different
sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without
being held up by the other. In order for a buffer to be effective, the size of the
buffer and the algorithms for moving data into and out of the buffer need to be
considered by the buffer designer. Like a cache, a buffer is a "midpoint holding
place" but exists not so much to accelerate the speed of an activity as to sup-
port the coordination of separate activities.
CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) - In local
area networking, this is the CSMA technique that combines slotted time-divi-
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sion multiplexing with carrier sense multiple access/collision detection
(CSMA/CD) to avoid having collisions occur a second time. This works best if
the time allocated is short compared to packet length and if the number of sit-
uations is small.
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.
Database - A database is a collection of data that is organized so that its con-
tents can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit
pattern for all data transmitted. 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 end-
point), the DSSS signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference
is inherently rejected (ignored).
Default Gateway - The routing device 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 con-
nection 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 dis-
tribute 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.
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.
ESS (Extended Service Set) - A set of more than two or more BSSs (multiple
access points) forming a single network.
Ethernet - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed
on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has a transfer rate of
10 Mbps. Forms the underlying transport vehicle used by several upper-level
protocols, including TCP/IP and XNS.
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 espe-
cially useful in education and other environments where users change fre-
quently. Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks
in which there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.
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.
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.
Fragmentation - Breaking a packet into smaller units when transmitting over
a network medium that cannot support the original size of the packet.
Gateway - A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible
Domain - A subnetwork comprised of a group of clients and servers under the
control of one security database. Dividing LANs into domains improves per-
formance and security.
communications protocols.
Hardware - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunica-
tions, and other information technology devices. The term arose as a way to dis-
tinguish the "box" and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer
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from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be
known as the software.
IRQ (Interrupt ReQuest) - A hardware interrupt on a PC. There are 16 IRQ
lines used to signal the CPU that a peripheral event has started or terminated.
Hop - The link between two network nodes.
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 avail-
able worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place con-
venient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.
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 well-being
of our members."
LAN (LocalArea Network) - 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).
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.
MAC (Media Access Control) Address - A unique number assigned by the
manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter,
that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level.
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 infra-
structure 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.
Mbps (Megabits per second) - One million bits per second; unit of measure-
ment for data transmission.
Network - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data
between users.
NIC (Network Interface Card) - A board installed in a computer system, usu-
ally a PC, to provide network communication capabilities to and from that com-
puter system. Also called an adapter.
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.
Node - A network junction or connection point, typically a computer or work
station.
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 requestor or the e-mail sender and can respond
by sending another message using the IP address it received.
Notebook (PC) - A notebook computer is a battery-powered personal comput-
er generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conve-
niently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary
offices, and at meetings. A notebook computer, sometimes called a laptop com-
puter, typically weighs less than five pounds and is three inches or less in thick-
ness.
Packet - A unit of data routed between an origin and a destination in a network.
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Passphrase - Used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP
encryption process by automatically generating the WEP encryption keys for
Linksys products.
Spread Spectrum - Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequen-
cy technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-crit-
ical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency
for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is con-
sumed 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).
PC Card - A credit-card sized removable module that contains memory, I/O,
or a hard disk.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) - An
industry group organized in 1989 to promote standards for a credit card-size
memory or I/O device that would fit into a personal computer, usually a note-
book or laptop computer.
Subnet Mask - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub-
groups, or subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP
address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.
Plug-and-Play - The ability of a computer system to configure expansion
boards and other devices automatically without requiring the user to turn off
the system during installation.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with
the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram)
between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling
the actual delivery of the data (routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the
individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi-
cient delivery over the network. TCP is known as a "connection oriented" pro-
tocol due to requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of
receipt to the sender of the packet resulting in transmission control.
Roaming - In an infrastructure mode wireless network, this refers to the abili-
ty to move out of one access point's range and into another and transparently
reassociate and reauthenticate to the new access point. This reassociation and
reauthentication should occur without user intervention and ideally without
interruption to network connectivity. A typical scenario would be a location
with multiple access points, where users can physically relocate from one area
to another and easily maintain connectivity.
RTS (Request To Send) - An RS-232 signal sent from the transmitting station
to the receiving station requesting permission to transmit.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - The basic com-
munication language or set of protocols for communications over a network
(developed specifically for the Internet). TCP/IP defines a suite or group of
protocols and not only TCP and IP.
Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs
a particular task is called a "program." The two major categories of software are
"system software" and "application software." System software is made up of
control programs such as the operating system and database management sys-
tem (DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the
user.
Throughput - The amount of data moved successfully from one place to anoth-
er in a given time period.
Topology - A network's topology is a logical characterization of how the
devices on the network are connected and the distances between them. The
most common network devices include hubs, switches, routers, and gateways.
Most large networks contain several levels of interconnection, the most impor-
tant of which include edge connections, backbone connections, and wide-area
connections.
A common misconception is that software is data. It is not. Software tells the
hardware how to process the data.
SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) - Market segment of professionals who
work at home or in small offices.
WAN (Wide Area Network)- A communications network that covers a rela-
tively large geographic area, consisting of two or more LANs. Broadband com-
munication over the WAN is often through public networks such as the tele-
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phone (DSL) or cable systems, or through leased lines or satellites. In its most
basic definition, the Internet could be considered a WAN.
Appendix C: Specifications
Standards:
IEEE 802.11b
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64-
bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
Channels:
11 Channels (US, Canada)
13 Channels (Europe)
14 Channels (Japan)
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associat-
ed devices that communicate with each other wirelessly.
LEDs:
Power, Link
Transmit Power:
Protocols:
3.3V
CCK, QPSK, BPSK
64 Bit and 128 Bit
WEP key bits:
Environmental
Dimensions:
Unit Weight:
Power:
4.5" x 2.1" x 0.3" (115 mm x 54 mm x 7.5 mm)
1.65 oz. (47g)
5V DC, 275mA Tx, 225mA Rx,
200mA Standby
Certifications:
FCC Class B, CE Mark, Telec
32ºF to 131ºF (0ºC to 55ºC)
-4ºF to 158ºF (-20ºC to 70ºC)
0% to 90% Non-Condensing
0% to 95% Non-Condensing
Operating Temp.:
Storage Temp.:
Operating Humidity:
Storage Humidity:
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Appendix D: Warranty Information
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.
Appendix E: Contact Information
For help with the installation or operation of the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter,
contact Linksys Technical Support at one of the phone numbers or Internet
addresses below.
Sales Information
Technical Support
RMA (Return Merchandise
Authorization) Issues
Fax
800-546-5797 (LINKSYS)
800-326-7114
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID
FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDEN-
TAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE
OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCU-
MENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY PROD-
UCT.
949-265-6655
E-mail
Web
FTP Site
ftp.linksys.com
LINKSYS OFFERS CROSS SHIPMENTS, A FASTER PROCESS FOR PRO-
CESSING AND RECEIVING YOUR REPLACEMENT. LINKSYS PAYS
FOR UPS GROUND ONLY. ALL CUSTOMERS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA SHALL BE HELD
RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. PLEASE
CALL LINKSYS FOR MORE DETAILS.
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