Linksys Router WAP54G User Manual

							4Chapter 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 PCs signal, providing that they 
both share the same channel and SSID.
Before using the roaming capabilities, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. 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 points range to another without losing the 
connection.
ssid: your wireless networks name 
						

							5Chapter 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. 
						

							6Chapter 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 Points 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 Point enters SecureEasySetup mode, the Cisco logo will turn white and start 
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.
PowerRed. The Power LED lights up when the Access Point is powered on.
ActGreen. 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.
LinkOrange. 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. 
						

							7Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point
The Back Panel
Wireless-G Access Point
The Back Panel
The Access Points Ethernet network and power ports, as well as the Reset button, are located on the back panel.
LAN PortThe Ethernet network port connects to an Ethernet network device, such as a switch or router.
Reset ButtonThere are two ways to reset the Access Points factory defaults. Either press the Reset button, 
for approximately ten seconds, or use the Administration - Factory Defaults screen of the 
Access Points Web-based Utility.
Power PortThe Power port connects to the Access Point’s power adapter.Figure 3-2: Back Panelport: 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. 
						

							8Chapter 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 
						

							9Chapter 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 youve 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. 
						

							10Chapter 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 
						

							11Chapter 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 
						

							12Chapter 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 the Access 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 Ye s 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 Utilitys Administration - 
Management tab.)Figure 5-6: Select the Access Point Screen
Figure 5-7: Password 
Screen 
						

							13Chapter 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 Gateway settings. If you are not sure what changes you should make, 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 Points 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:If you have already set up your network using your router’s SecureEasySetup feature, 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.