Linksys WMCE54AG User Manual
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Linksys WMCE54AG User Manual

Linksys WMCE54AG User Manual

5ghz 802.11a/2.4ghz 802.11g dual-band wireless a/g media center extender
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®
A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
Dual-Band
Dual-Band
Wireless
A/G
5
GHz
2.4
GHz
802.11a
802.11g
Media Center Extender

User Guide

WIRELESS
WMCE54AG
Model No.

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  • Page 1: User Guide

    ® A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. Dual-Band Dual-Band Wireless 802.11a 802.11g Media Center Extender User Guide WIRELESS WMCE54AG Model No.
  • Page 3 Copyrights and Trademarks 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 © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
  • Page 4 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome What’s in this Guide? Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender Front Panel Back Panel Remote Control Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender Before You Begin Instructions for Connecting to a Wired Network Instructions for Connecting the Extender Chapter 4: Setting up the Media Center Extender Appendix A: Troubleshooting...
  • Page 6 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender List of Figures Figure 2-1: Front Panel Figure 2-2: Back Panel Figure 2-3: Remote Control Figure 3-1: Wireless Network Figure 3-2: Connect the Ethernet Network Cable Figure 3-3: Connect the Composite or S-Video Cable Figure 3-4: Connect the Component Video Cables Figure 3-5: Connect the Analog Audio Cables Figure 3-6: Connect the Digital Audio Cable...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: Introduction

    Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender. The Extender lets you send digital video, pictures, and music from your Media Center PC to your TV, without running cables through the house. Plus you get to watch and pause live TV shows, or you can digitally record them so you can watch them later.
  • Page 8 • Appendix H: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Extender. • Appendix I: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support. Chapter 1: Introduction What’s in this Guide?

  • Page 9: Chapter 2: Getting To Know The Media Center Extender

    Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender Front Panel You can control the Extender through the front panel buttons or the remote control. The menus will be displayed on the TV screen. Infrared The infrared receiver accepts signals transmitted from the remote control. Red.
  • Page 10 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Navigation Pad with LED Press the left, right, up, or down arrows to navigate through the menus displayed on the TV screen. To indicate the status of the Extender, the LED can display one of three colors: green, blue, and red.

  • Page 11: Back Panel

    Back Panel On the Media Center Extender’s back panel, you have an attached power cord, switches, various ports, an attached antenna, and an Ethernet button. Components Power Cord The power cord is attached to the Extender. POWER Switch The POWER switch powers on or off the Extender. IR-OUT Port The IR Out port is not used at this time.
  • Page 12 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender AUDIO The Extender offers two types of audio outputs, digital and analog. In most cases, you will use the AUDIO (L and R) ports for analog audio; however, you have the option of digital audio if your TV offers a digital input. DIGITAL The DIGITAL port is where you will connect the optical cable for digital audio output.
  • Page 13 Additional Components USB Ports The USB ports are not used at this time. Ethernet Port The Ethernet port is where you will connect the Ethernet network cable if you are using a wired Ethernet network. Ethernet Button Press this button if the Extender is having difficulty communicating with your Media Center PC over a wired Ethernet network.

  • Page 14: Remote Control

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Remote Control The Extender includes a remote control. When you first want to use the remote, insert the included AA batteries into the battery compartment. Then use the remote to navigate through menus and make selections on the TV screen, as well as control slide shows, video, or music.
  • Page 15 REPLAY Press this button to replay your selection. SKIP Press this button to skip the next selection. BACK Press this button to go back through the menus. MORE Press this button to get additional information. OK (and arrows) Use the arrow buttons to move through menus. Use the OK button to make a selection. Press this button to raise or lower the volume of your TV or stereo.
  • Page 16 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Media Center Extender Remote Control...

  • Page 17: Chapter 3: Connecting The Media Center Extender

    Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender Before You Begin For the Extender to work properly, make sure you have the following: • A PC running Windows ® XP Media Center Edition 2005 • A wired network a Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-G (802.11g), or Wireless A+G (802.11a + 802.11g) network (A Wireless-B (802.11b) network will not work with the Media Center Extender.) If the Extender will connect to a wired network, start with the “Instructions for Connecting to a Wired Network”...

  • Page 18: Instructions For Connecting To A Wired Network

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Instructions for Connecting to a Wired Network 1. Connect the included Ethernet network cable from the Extender’s Ethernet port to an Ethernet network port on your Media Center PC, router, or switch. 2. The Extender’s Ethernet port includes an LED in one corner. It will light up when the Extender has successfully joined your wired network.

  • Page 19: Instructions For Connecting The Extender

    Instructions for Connecting the Extender 1. If you are using composite or S-video, connect the video cable from the Extender’s VIDEO output to your TV’s VIDEO input. Then make sure the VIDEO SELECT switch is set to the left. If you are using component video, connect the component video cables (not included) from the Extender’s COMPONENT VIDEO output to your TV’s COMPONENT VIDEO input.

  • Page 20: Figure 3-5: Connect The Analog Audio Cables

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender 2. If you are using analog audio, connect the RCA audio cable from the Extender’s left and right AUDIO outputs to your TV’s AUDIO inputs. If you are using a stereo with digital audio, connect the Toslink optical cable (not included) from the Extender’s SPDIF digital AUDIO output to your stereo’s digital AUDIO input.

  • Page 21: Figure 3-7: Power On The Extender

    3. Plug the Extender’s power cord into an electrical outlet. Figure 3-7: Power on the Extender 4. The Extender will automatically power on. If it does not, press the standby button on the Extender’s front panel, and then check the POWER switch on the Extender’s back panel.
  • Page 22 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Chapter 3: Connecting the Media Center Extender Instructions for Connecting the Extender...

  • Page 23: Chapter 4: Setting Up The Media Center Extender

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Chapter 4: Setting up the Media Center Extender 1. Power on your TV, and select the video input that displays the Extender’s Setup Key Screen (press the INPUT, SOURCE, or TV/VIDEO button on your TV’s remote control). 2.

  • Page 24: Figure 4-3: Enter The Setup Key

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender 4. The Media Center Extender Setup wizard will automatically run. When the Media Center PC asks you for the Setup Key, enter the Setup Key you previously wrote down. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions displayed by the Media Center PC. 6.

  • Page 25: Appendix A: Troubleshooting

    Appendix A: Troubleshooting This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the Extender. 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 26 3. I need to update the Extender’s software image. To update the Extender’s software image, follow these instructions: A. Download the Extender’s software image update file from the Linksys website, www.linksys.com. B. Extract the zip file on your Media Center PC and save the Extender’s .mcx file.
  • Page 27 4. When I use the Extender on my wireless network, I see choppy video and dropped frames, or I hear choppy audio and distorted sounds. Follow these instructions until your problem is solved: A. You may be using a Wireless-B (802.11b) network, which is not supported by the Extender. Make sure the Extender is connected to a Wireless-A (802.11a) or Wireless-G (802.11g) network.

  • Page 28: Frequently Asked Questions

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Frequently Asked Questions What version of Windows XP Media Center do I need? You must use Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. The Extender does not support previous versions. I don’t have Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, but I do have a previous version. How do I get an upgrade? For more information, contact the manufacturer of your Media Center PC.
  • Page 29 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.
  • Page 30 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender What is ad-hoc mode? When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped computers are configured to communicate directly with each other. The ad-hoc wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.

  • Page 31: Appendix B: Wireless Security

    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.

  • Page 32: Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

    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.
  • Page 33 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.
  • Page 34 These security recommendations should help keep your mind at ease while you are enjoying the most flexible and convenient technology Linksys has to offer. Appendix B: Wireless Security Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks...

  • Page 35: Appendix C: Updating The Extender's Software Image

    To update the Extender’s software image, follow these instructions: 1. Download the Extender’s software image update file from the Linksys website, www.linksys.com. 2. Extract the zip file on your Media Center PC and save the Extender’s .mcx file.
  • Page 36 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix C: Updating the Extender’s Software Image...

  • Page 37: Appendix D: Windows Help

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix D: Windows Help ® Almost all Linksys 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 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix D: Windows Help...

  • Page 39: Appendix E: Glossary

    Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix E: Glossary 802.11a - A wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 5GHz. 802.11b - A wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
  • Page 40 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Bit - A binary digit. Boot - To start a device and cause it to start executing instructions. Bridge - A device that connects different networks. Broadband - An always-on, fast Internet connection. Browser - An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.
  • Page 41 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) - Allows the hosting of a website, FTP server, or e-mail server with a fixed domain name (e.g., www.xyz.com) and a dynamic IP address. Default Gateway - A device that forwards Internet traffic from your local area network. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A networking protocol that allows administrators to assign temporary IP addresses to network computers by “leasing”...
  • Page 42 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) - A general authentication protocol used to control network access. Many specific authentication methods work within this framework. EAP-PEAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) - A mutual authentication method that uses a combination of digital certificates and another system, such as passwords. EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security) - A mutual authentication method that uses digital certificates.
  • Page 43 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Half Duplex - Data transmission that can occur in two directions over a single line, but only one direction at a time. Hardware - The physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other information technology devices. HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) - The communications protocol used to connect to servers on the World Wide Web.
  • Page 44 Passphrase - Used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP encryption process by automatically generating the WEP encryption keys for Linksys products. Ping (Packet INternet Groper) - An Internet utility used to determine whether a particular IP address is online.
  • Page 45 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Power over Ethernet (PoE) - A technology enabling an Ethernet network cable to deliver both data and power. PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) - A type of broadband connection that provides authentication (username and password) in addition to data transport.
  • Page 46 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a “program”. SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) - Market segment of professionals who work at home or in small offices. SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall - A technology that inspects incoming packets of information before allowing them to enter the network.
  • Page 47 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) - A version of the TCP/IP FTP protocol that has no directory or password capability. Throughput - The amount of data moved successfully from one node to another in a given time period. TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) - a wireless encryption protocol that provides dynamic encryption keys for each packet transmitted.
  • Page 48 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associated devices that communicate with each other wirelessly. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) - a wireless security protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.

  • Page 49: Appendix F: Specifications

    Appendix F: Specifications Model WMCE54G Standards 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.3u Ports Ethernet, USB, Video Out (Composite, S-Video, Component), Audio Out (Analog R/L, SPDIF Optical), IR Out Buttons Power, Standby, MDI/MDI-X, Video Select, Enter, Back, Up, Down, Left, Right Cabling Type CAT 5 Ethernet, RCA Audio, RCA Video, S-Video, Toslink Optical, Component Video LEDs Power, IR Receive...
  • Page 50 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dimensions 17.00" x 2.00" x 12.25" (W x H x D) (431.8 mm x 50.8 mm x 311.2 mm) Unit Weight 5.71 oz. (2.59 kg) Power 100V~240V AC Certifications FCC, UL Operating Temp. -32ºF ~ 104ºF (0ºC ~ 40ºC) Storage Temp.

  • Page 51: Appendix G: Warranty Information

    LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys warrants to You that, for a period of one year (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 52 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender IN NO EVENT WILL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT. The foregoing limitations will apply even if any warranty or remedy provided under this Agreement fails of its essential purpose. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to You.

  • Page 53: Appendix H: Regulatory Information

    Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance Linksys declares that the Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender (FCC ID: Q87-WMCE54AG) is limited in channels 1-11 for the 2.4GHz band by the specified firmware, which is controlled in the USA.
  • Page 54 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix H: Regulatory Information...

  • Page 55: Appendix I: Contact Information

    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: Or fax your request in to: If you experience problems with any Linksys product,...
  • Page 56 Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix I: Contact Information...
  • Page 58 www.linksys.com...

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