Linksys Router WAP54G User Manual

							54Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point
The Administration - Factory Defaults Tab
Wireless-G Access Point
The Administration - Factory Defaults Tab
On this screen you can restore the Access Point’s factory default settings.
Management
Write down any custom settings before you restore the factory defaults. Once the Access Point is reset, you will 
have to re-enter all of your configuration settings.
Factory Defaults
Restore Factory Defaults. To restore the Access Points factory default settings, click this button. Then follow 
the on-screen instructions.
Click Help for more information.
The Administration - Firmware Upgrade Tab
On this screen you can upgrade the Access Point’s firmware. Do not upgrade the firmware unless you are 
experiencing problems with the Access Point or the new firmware has a feature you want to use.
Firmware Upgrade
Before you upgrade the Access Point’s firmware, write down all of your custom settings. After you upgrade its 
firmware, you will have to re-enter all of your configuration settings. To upgrade the Access Point’s firmware:
1. Download the firmware upgrade file from the Linksys website, www.linksys.com.
2. Extract the firmware upgrade file on your computer.
3. On the Firmware Upgrade screen, enter the location of the firmware upgrade file in the field provided, or click 
the Browse button to find the file.
4. Click the Upgrade button, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also click the Cancel button to 
cancel the upgrade, or click the Help button for more information.
Click Help for more information.Figure 7-25: Administration - Factory Defaults Screen
Figure 7-26: Administration - Firmware Upgrade Screen
upgrade: to replace existing software or 
firmware with a newer version 
						

							55Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point
The Status - Local Network Tab
Wireless-G Access Point
The Status - Local Network Tab
The Local Network screen displays the Access Point’s current status information for the local network.
AP’s Information
Firmware Version. This is the version of the Access Point’s current firmware.
Local Network
MAC Address. The MAC address of the Access Point’s Local Area Network (LAN) interface is displayed here.
AP’s IP Address. This shows the Access Point’s IP Address, as it appears on your local network.
Subnet Mask. This shows the Access Point’s Subnet Mask.
Default Gateway. Displayed here is the IP address of the Access Point’s Default Gateway.
Click Help for more information.
Figure 7-27: Status - Local Network Screen 
						

							56Chapter 7: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point
The Status - Wireless Network Tab
Wireless-G Access Point
The Status - Wireless Network Tab
The Wireless Network screen displays the Access Point’s current status information for its wireless network.
Wireless Network
MAC Address. The MAC Address of the Access Point’s wireless interface is displayed here.
Mode. The Access Point’s mode is displayed here.
Network Name (SSID). The Access Point’s main SSID is displayed here.
Channel. The Access Point’s Channel setting for wireless broadcast is shown here.
Security. The wireless security setting for the Access Point is displayed here.
SSID Broadcast. Shown here is the setting of the Access Point’s SSID Broadcast feature.
Click Help for more information.
Figure 7-28: Status - Wireless Network Screen 
						

							57Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless-G Access Point
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the 
Wireless-G Access Point. Read the description below to solve your problems. If you cant find an answer here, 
check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Access Point act as my DHCP server?
No.  The Access Point is nothing more than a wireless hub, and as such cannot be configured to handle DHCP 
capabilities.
Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?
This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over a network. Consult the 
application’s user guide to determine if it supports operation over a network.
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 network). Refer to the game’s user 
guide for more information.
What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard allows wireless networking hardware 
from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. 
The 802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
What is the IEEE 802.11g standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11g standard allows wireless networking hardware 
from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11g standard. 
The 802.11g standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
What IEEE 802.11b 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 
  
						

							58Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless-G Access Point
What IEEE 802.11g features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11g functions: 
 CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol 
 OFDM protocol
 Multi-Channel Roaming 
 Automatic Rate Selection 
 RTS/CTS feature 
 Fragmentation
 Power Management 
What is Ad-hoc?
 An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter, connected as an independent 
wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applicable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.
What is Infrastructure?
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. Infrastructure is applicable to 
enterprise scale for wireless access to a central database, or wireless application for mobile workers.
What is roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer to communicate continuously while its user is moving freely 
throughout an area greater than that covered by a single Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the 
user must make sure that the computer is set to the same channel number as the Access Point of the dedicated 
coverage area. 
To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a number of different functions. Each 
node and Access Point, for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must 
maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving these functions 
simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology that links 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 quality, as well as the message load currently being carried by each Access 
Point and the distance of each Access Point to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next 
selects the right Access Point and registers its address. Communications between end node and host computer 
can then be transmitted up and down the backbone.
As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the system to determine whether it is in 
touch with the original Access Point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives 
acknowledgment from its original Access Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new Access Point, it 
then re-registers, and the communication process continues. 
						

							59Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless-G Access Point
What is the 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 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 Spread Spectrum?
Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in 
reliable, secure, mission-critical communications 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).
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 transmission, 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. 
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 feature of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers a 
variety of wireless security methods to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up depending upon 
their needs.
Can Linksys wireless products support file and printer sharing?
Linksys wireless products perform the same function as LAN products. Therefore, Linksys wireless products can 
work with NetWare, Windows NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing.
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.  
						

							60Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless-G Access Point
What is a MAC Address?  
The Media Access Control (MAC) address is 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.  For all 
practical purposes, this number is usually permanent.  Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a 
computer logs on to the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for 
the network.
How do I avoid interference?
Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to one another will generate 
interference.  When employing multiple Access Points, make sure to operate each one on a different channel 
(frequency).
How do I reset the Access Point?
Press the Reset button on the back of the Access Point for about ten seconds. This will reset the unit to its default 
settings.
How do I resolve issues with signal loss?
There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without testing. Every obstacle placed between 
an Access Point and wireless PC will create signal loss.  Leaded glass, metal, concrete floors, water, and walls 
will inhibit the signal and reduce range.  Start with your Access Point and your wireless PC in the same room and 
move it away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment.  
You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel. Also, 
open the Access Point’s Web-based Utility. Click the Wireless tab and then the Advanced Wireless tab. Make 
sure the Output Power is set to 100%.
Does the Access Point function as a firewall?
No. The Access Point is only a bridge from wired Ethernet to wireless clients. 
I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network. 
Wireless security, such as WEP or WPA, is probably enabled on the Access Point, but not on your wireless adapter 
(or vice versa).  Verify that the same wireless security settings are being used on all devices in your wireless 
network. 
What is the maximum number of users the Access Point can handle?
No more than 65, but this depends on the volume of data and may be fewer if many users create a large amount 
of network traffic.  
						

							61Appendix B: Wireless Security
Security Precautions
Wireless-G Access Point
Appendix B: Wireless Security
Linksys wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The current generation of 
Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require specific action on your part for 
implementation. So, keep the following in mind whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.
Security Precautions
The following is a complete list of security precautions to take (as shown in this User Guide) (at least steps 1 
through 5 should be followed):
1. Change the default SSID. 
2. Disable SSID Broadcast. 
3. Change the default password for the Administrator account. 
4. Enable MAC Address Filtering. 
5. Change the SSID periodically. 
6. Use the highest encryption algorithm possible. Use WPA if it is available. Please note that this may reduce 
your network performance. 
7. Change the WEP encryption keys periodically. 
To ensure network security, steps one through five should be followed, at least.
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 
Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless network, wireless networking 
products first listen for “beacon messages”. These messages can be easily decrypted and contain much of the 
network’s information, such as the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). Here are the steps you can take:
Change the administrator’s password regularly. With every wireless networking device you use, keep in 
mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your network administrator is the 
only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a hold of the administrator’s password, he, too, 
can change those settings. So, make it harder for a hacker to get that information. Change the administrator’s 
password regularly.
NOTE:Some of these security features are 
available only through the network router or 
access point. Refer to the router or access 
point’s documentation for more information. 
						

							62Appendix B: Wireless Security
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks
Wireless-G Access Point
SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID: 
1. Disable Broadcast 
2. Make it unique 
3. Change it often 
Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. While this option may be 
more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless network. This includes hackers. So, don’t broadcast 
the SSID.
Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is “linksys”.) 
Hackers know these defaults and can check these against your network. Change your SSID to something unique 
and not something related to your company or the networking products you use.
Change your SSID regularly so that any hackers who have gained access to your wireless network will have to 
start from the beginning in trying to break in.
MAC Addresses. Enable MAC Address filtering. MAC Address filtering will allow you to provide access to only 
those wireless nodes with certain MAC Addresses. This makes it harder for a hacker to access your network with 
a random MAC Address. 
WEP Encryption. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is often looked upon as a cure-all for wireless security 
concerns. This is overstating WEP’s ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker’s job 
more difficult.
There are several ways that WEP can be maximized:
1. Use the highest level of encryption possible 
2. Use “Shared Key” authentication
3. Change your WEP key regularly 
WPA. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is the newest and best available standard in Wi-Fi security. Four modes are 
available: WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, and RADIUS. WPA-Personal gives you a choice of two 
encryption methods: TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), which utilizes a stronger encryption method and 
incorporates Message Integrity Code (MIC) to provide protection against hackers, and AES (Advanced Encryption 
Standard), which utilizes a symmetric 128-Bit block data encryption. WPA2-Personal only uses AES encryption, 
which is stronger than TKIP. WPA-Enterprise offers two encryption methods, TKIP and AES, with dynamic 
encryption keys. RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) utilizes a RADIUS server for authentication. 
IMPORTANT:Always remember that each 
device in your wireless network MUST use the 
same encryption method and encryption key or 
your wireless network will not function properly. 
						

							63Appendix B: Wireless Security
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks
Wireless-G Access Point
WPA-Personal. If you do not have a RADIUS server, select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, 
and enter a password in the Passphrase field of 8-63 characters.
WPA2-Personal. Enter a password in the Passphrase field of 8-63 characters.
WPA-Enterprise. WPA used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS 
server is connected to the Router or other device.) WPA-Enterprise offers two encryption methods, TKIP and 
AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Enter the RADIUS server’s IP Address and port number, along with a key 
shared between the device and the server. Last, enter a Group Key Renewal period, which instructs the device 
how often it should change the encryption keys.
RADIUS. WEP used in coordination with a RADIUS server. (This should only be used when a RADIUS server is 
connected to the Router or other device.) First, enter the RADIUS server’s IP Address and port number, along 
with a key shared between the device and the server. Then, select a WEP key and a level of WEP encryption, 
and either generate a WEP key through the Passphrase or enter the WEP key manually.
Implementing encryption may have a negative impact on your network’s performance, but if you are transmitting 
sensitive data over your network, encryption should be used. 
These security recommendations should help keep your mind at ease while you are enjoying the most flexible 
and convenient technology Linksys has to offer.