2

Chapter 1: Introduction

What’s in this Guide?

Wireless-G Range Expander

What’s in this Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Range Expander.

•

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter describes the Range Expander’s applications and this User Guide.

•

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

This chapter discusses a few of the basics about wireless networking.

•

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander

This chapter describes the physical features of the Range Expander.

•

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander

This chapter describes the steps for connecting the Range Expander to your wireless network.

•

Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Range Expander

This chapter instructs you on how to use the Range Expander’s Setup Wizard and configure the Range

Expander.

•

Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expander

This chapter show you how to configure the Range Expander with the Web Utility.

•

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This appendix describes some potential problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions,

regarding installation and use of the Adapter.

•

Appendix B: Wireless Security

This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help

protect your wireless network.

•

Appendix C: Windows Help

This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing

the TCP/IP protocol.

•

Appendix D: Glossary

This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

•

Appendix E: Specifications

This appendix provides the Range Expander’s technical specifications.

3

Chapter 1: Introduction

What’s in this Guide?

Wireless-G Range Expander

•

Appendix F: Warranty Information

This appendix supplies the Range Expander’s warranty information.

•

Appendix G: Regulatory Information

This appendix supplies the Range Expander’s regulatory information.

•

Appendix H: 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 Range Expander

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 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 can 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 can 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.

Should 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.

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.

topology

: the physical layout of a network

5

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Layout

Wireless-G Range Expander

Network Layout

Linksys wireless access points and wireless routers have been designed for use with 802.11b, and 802.11g

products. With 802.11g products communicating with the 802.11b standard and some products incorporating

both “a” and “g”, products using these standards can communicate with each other.

Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such at the PC Cards for

your laptop computers, PCI Card for your desktop PC, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB

connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with the wireless PrintServer.

When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, network ports on access points and

wireless routers can be connected to any of Linksys's switches or routers.

With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at

www.linksys.com for more information about wireless products.

6

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander

The Front Panel

Wireless-G Range Expander

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander

The Front Panel

The Range Expander's LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front

panel. In addition, the Range Expander’s antenna is adjustable and located on the front panel. Make sure the

antenna is positioned straight up into the air, however the Range Expander is positioned.

LINK

Blue/Red

. The

LINK

LED lights up when the Range Expander is powered on. This light will

appear blue when the Range Expander has connected to a functioning access point or

wireless router. When there is no access point or wireless router with which to connect, this

light will appear red.

ACTIVITY

Blue

. The

ACTIVITY

LED lights whenever there is a successful wireless connection and will

flash when there is wireless network activity.

The Side Panel

On the Range Expander's side panel, you will find the Reset and Auto configuration buttons.

Auto configuration

The

Auto configuration

button can be used to easily connect the Range Expander to the

nearest wireless network, via an access point or wireless router. Simply connect the power

and press the

Auto configuration

button. Your wireless network must have WEP disabled

for this feature to function.

Important:

Resetting the Range Expander will

erase all of your settings (WEP Encryption and

Wireless settings, etc.) and replace them with the

factory defaults. Do not reset the Range Expander

if you want to retain these settings.

Figure 3-1: The Front Panel

wep

- a method of encrypting network data transmitted

on a wireless network for greater security.