Cisco Linksys WRE54G User Manual
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Cisco Linksys WRE54G User Manual

Wireless-g range expander
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A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
2.4
GHz
Wireless-G
802.11g
User Guide
Range Expander
WIRELESS
WRE54G
Model No.

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Summary of Contents for Cisco Linksys WRE54G

  • Page 1 ® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. Wireless-G 802.11g User Guide Range Expander WIRELESS WRE54G Model No.
  • Page 2 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 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Wireless-G Range Expander Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome What’s in this User Guide? Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology Roaming Network Layout Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander The Front Panel The Side Panel The Recess for the Power Plate Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview...
  • Page 4 Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix D: Windows Help Appendix E: Glossary Appendix F: Specifications Appendix G: Warranty Information Appendix H: Regulatory Information Appendix I: Contact Information...
  • Page 5 Wireless-G Range Expander List of Figures Figure 3-1: Front Panel Figure 3-1: Front Panel with Ethernet Network Cable Connected Figure 3-2: Recess for the Power Plate Figure 4-1: Connecting the Ethernet Network Cable Figure 4-2: Using the Power Plate with Cord Figure 4-3: Using the Power Plate with Plug Figure 4-4: Using the Power Plate with Cord Figure 4-5: Using the Power Plate with Plug...
  • Page 6 Wireless-G Range Expander Figure 6-4: WEP Security Figure 6-5: Setup Tab - Password Figure 6-6: File Download Figure 6-7: Setup Tab - Help Figure 6-8: Firmware Upgrade Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome

    Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Range Expander. This Range Expander will allow you to expand your network: a series of computers or devices connected for the network beyond the range of your current access point or wireless router. purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.

  • Page 8: What's In This User Guide

    Wireless-G Range Expander What’s in this User 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.
  • Page 9 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. Chapter 1: Introduction What’s in this User Guide?

  • Page 10: Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

    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 ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

  • Page 11: Network Layout

    Wireless-G Range Expander Network Layout Linksys Wireless-B and Wireless-G access points and routers have been designed for use with 802.11b and 802.11g products. Products using the 802.11g and 802.11b standards can communicate with each other. Access points and wireless routers are 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.

  • Page 12: Chapter 3: Getting To Know The Wireless-G Range Expander

    Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range Expander The Front Panel The Range Expander's adjustable antenna, LEDs, and Ethernet network port are located on the front panel. Antenna Make sure the antenna is positioned straight up into the air, no matter how the Range Expander is positioned. LEDs LINK Blue/Red.

  • Page 13: The Recess For The Power Plate

    Wireless-G Range Expander The Recess for the Power Plate The back of the Range Expander has a two-pronged recess where its power plates can be connected. Two power plates come with the Range Expander, one with two prongs for direct connection to a power outlet, and another with a cord to reach a power outlet.

  • Page 14: Chapter 4: Connecting The Wireless-G Range Expander

    Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview Linksys recommends that you connect the Range Expander to your wired network for setup. Proceed to the “Connection to a Wired Network for Setup” section. If you want to configure the Range Expander using your wireless network, proceed to the “Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup”...

  • Page 15: Connection To A Wireless Network For Setup

    Wireless-G Range Expander Connection to a Wireless Network for Setup Linksys recommends that you have the Range Expander in the same room as your access point or wireless router during setup. Connect the appropriate power plate and connect it to a power outlet, preferably a surge protector. Proceed to “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander.”...

  • Page 16: Chapter 5: Setting Up The Wireless-G Range Expander

    Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview The first part of this chapter explains how to configure the Range Expander. The remainder of the chapter NOTE: You won’t need to use the Setup Wizard, if describes how to move the Range Expander to its final location.

  • Page 17: Figure 5-3: Confirm Wireless Network Settings

    Wireless-G Range Expander 4. The Setup Wizard will run a search for your wireless network. If found, you will be asked to confirm the settings. If the settings are correct, click Continue and proceed to step 7. If you’d like to choose a different wireless network, proceed to step 5.

  • Page 18: Figure 5-7: Wep Security Settings

    Wireless-G Range Expander wep: a method of encrypting network data transmitted 6. If security is disabled, then proceed to step 7. If security is enabled, the appropriate Security Settings screen on a wireless network for greater security. will appear. Enter the WEP or WPA settings. Then click Next to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard. wpa: a wireless security protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in On the WEP Security Settings screen, select the level of WEP encryption, WEP (64-bits) or WEP (128-Bits).

  • Page 19: Figure 5-9: Choose The Range Expander

    Wireless-G Range Expander 7. Now that the Setup Wizard has found an access point or wireless router with which to communicate, it will now search for the Range Expander. Select the one you want. Then, click Yes to continue, or click No to return to the Welcome screen of the Setup Wizard.

  • Page 20: Figure 5-11: Configure Network Address Settings

    Wireless-G Range Expander 9. The Configure Network Address Settings screen will appear. Enter an IP Address and appropriate Subnet Mask for the Range Expander. Then enter the IP Address of your network gateway, as well as a descriptive name for the Range Expander. Then, click Next to continue or Back to return to the previous screen. •...

  • Page 21: Figure 5-13: Confirmation Screen

    Wireless-G Range Expander 11. You should now review the settings you've chosen. If these settings are correct, click Yes to save these settings. If you wish to change any of the settings, click No. You will exit the Setup Wizard and can start it again to change your settings.

  • Page 22: Moving The Range Expander

    Wireless-G Range Expander Moving the Range Expander 1. If necessary, disconnect the Ethernet network cable from your network router and the Range Expander. 2. Unplug the power plate from the power outlet. 3. Locate an optimum location for the Range Expander. The best placement is usually at the edge of your wireless network.

  • Page 23: Chapter 6: Configuring The Wireless-G Range Expander

    Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expander Overview The Range Expander has been designed to be functional right out of the box, setting it up with the Auto Note: The Range Expander is designed to function configuration button or the Setup Wizard. However, if you'd like to change these settings, the Range Expander properly after using the Auto configuration button or can be configured through your web browser and Web-based Utility.

  • Page 24: The Setup Tab

    Wireless-G Range Expander The Setup Tab Basic Setup The first screen that appears displays the Basic Setup screen. This allows you to change the Range Expander's general settings. Change these settings as described here and click Save Settings to apply your changes, or click Cancel Changes to cancel your changes.

  • Page 25: Figure 6-3: Wpa Security

    Wireless-G Range Expander your network. Click Enable to broadcast the SSID to all wireless devices in range. Click Disable to increase network security and prevent the SSID from being seen during a site survey. • Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to correspond with your network settings. All devices in your wireless network must use the same channel to function correctly.
  • Page 26 Wireless-G Range Expander Keys 1-4. WEP keys enable you to create an encryption scheme for wireless transmissions. If you are not using a Passphrase, then manually enter a set of values. (Do not leave a key field blank, and do not enter all zeroes.

  • Page 27: Figure 6-5: Setup Tab - Password

    Wireless-G Range Expander Password The Password screen allows you to change the Range Expander's password or restore factory defaults. You can also back up or restore the Range Expander’s configuration file. • Password. This password protects access to the Web-based Utility. Enter the new password in the Password field.

  • Page 28: Figure 6-7: Setup Tab - Help

    Wireless-G Range Expander Help The Help screen offers a variety of resources. If you want help information about the Setup and Password tabs in this Web-based Utility, click the Help tab. You can also access the Linksys website, online User Guide for the Range Expander, or the Adobe website (to download the free Adobe Reader program).

  • Page 29: Appendix A: Troubleshooting

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix consists of two parts: “Common Problems and Solutions” and “Frequently Asked Questions.” This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the Wireless-G Range Expander. Read the description below to solve your problems. If you can't find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.
  • Page 30 Wireless-G Range Expander 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.
  • Page 31 Wireless-G Range Expander What is Roaming? Roaming is the ability of a portable computer to communicate continuously while it and its user are 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 workstation is set to the same channel number used by the access point of the dedicated coverage area.
  • Page 32 Wireless-G Range Expander (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.

  • Page 33: Appendix B: Wireless Security

    Wireless-G Range Expander 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.
  • Page 34 Wireless-G Range Expander 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.
  • Page 35 Wireless-G Range Expander WPA Pre-Shared Key. If you do not have a RADIUS server, select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, enter a password in the Pre-Shared key field of 8-64 characters, and enter a Group Key Renewal period time between 0 and 99,999 seconds, which instructs the Router or other device how often it should change the encryption keys.

  • Page 36: Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware The Range Expander's firmware is upgraded through the Web-Utility's Help tab. Follow these instructions: 1. Go to the Linksys website, www.linksys.com and proceed to the product page for the Range Expander. 2. Download the firmware upgrade file, and extract it on your computer. 3.

  • Page 37: Appendix D: Windows Help

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix D: Windows Help Almost all wireless products require Microsoft Windows. Windows is the most used operating system in the world and comes with many features that help make networking easier. These features can be accessed through Windows Help and are described in this appendix.

  • Page 38: Appendix E: Glossary

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix E: Glossary 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.
  • Page 39 Wireless-G Range Expander Download - To receive a file transmitted over a network. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - An always-on broadband connection over traditional phone lines. DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum) - Frequency transmission with a redundant bit pattern resulting in a lower probability of information being lost in transit.
  • Page 40 Wireless-G Range Expander MAC (Media Access Control) Address - The unique address that a manufacturer assigns to each networking device. Mbps (MegaBits Per Second) - One million bits per second; a unit of measurement for data transmission. mIRC - An Internet Relay Chat program that runs under Windows. Multicasting - Sending data to a group of destinations at once.
  • Page 41 Wireless-G Range Expander SSID (Service Set IDentifier) - Your wireless network's name. Static IP Address - A fixed address assigned to a computer or device that is connected to a network. Static Routing - Forwarding data in a network via a fixed path. Subnet Mask - An address code that determines the size of the network.

  • Page 42: Appendix F: Specifications

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix F: Specifications Standards IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b Port Ethernet Buttons Auto configuration/Mode, Reset LEDs Blue/Red-LINK, Blue-ACTIVITY Transmit Power 802.11g: Typ. 13±1 1dBm @ Normal Temp Range 802.11b: Typ: 15±1 1dBm @ Normal Temp Range Security features WEP key bits 64/128 Dimensions (W x H x D)

  • Page 43: Appendix G: Warranty Information

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix G: Warranty Information LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys warrants to You that, for a period of three years (the “Warranty Period”), your Linksys Product will be substantially free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Your exclusive remedy and Linksys' entire liability under this warranty will be for Linksys at its option to repair or replace the Product or refund Your purchase price less any rebates.

  • Page 44: Appendix H: Regulatory Information

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix H: Regulatory Information FCC STATEMENT This product has been tested and complies with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
  • Page 45 Wireless-G Range Expander EN 609 50 Safety EN 300-328-1, EN 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment. Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdoor use may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation. Contact local Authority for procedure to follow. Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level of above 100 mW equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) are considered as not compliant with the above mentioned directive and are not allowed for use within the European community and countries that have adopted the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC.

  • Page 46: Appendix I: Contact Information

    Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix I: Contact Information Need to contact Linksys? Visit us online for information on the latest products and updates to your existing products at: http://www.linksys.com or ftp.linksys.com Can't find information about a product you want to buy on the web? Do you want to know more about networking with Linksys products? Give our advice line a call at: 800-546-5797 (LINKSYS)
  • Page 47 Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
  • Page 48 IC statement Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause interference and 2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. IMPORTANT NOTE: IC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

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