Linksys WMP55AG manual Starting the Wlan Monitor, Link Information

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Figure 6-1

Instant Wireless® Series

Chapter 6: Using the WLAN Monitor for Windows 98, Me, and 2000

Overview

Use the WLAN Monitor to check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration changes.

Important for Windows XP users: Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool. Use the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration (in the system tray at the bottom of your screen) to configure the Adapter. See “Chapter 4: Installation and Configuration for Windows XP.”

Starting the WLAN Monitor

After installing the Adapter, the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter WLAN Monitor icon (see Figure 6-1) will appear in the system tray, which is located at the bottom righthand corner of your screen. The top lefthand corner of the icon will light up blue

if the Adapter is installed and active. Its bottom righthand corner will light up yellow if the Adapter is connected to a wireless screen. The icon will remain dim if the Adapter is not installed or is disabled.

Double-click the WLAN Monitor icon, and the Link Information screen will appear. From this screen, you can find out how strong the Adapter’s wireless signal is and how good the connection’s quality is. Click the More Information button to view additional status information about the current wireless connection. To search for available wireless networks, click the Site Survey tab. To perform configuration changes, click the Profiles tab.

Figure 6-2

Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter

Link Information

The Link Information screen displays the Adapter’s signal strength and link quality information. Click the More information button for further information about your wireless connection (see Figure 6-4).

Figure 6-3

Ad-Hoc Mode or Infrastructure Mode - The screen indicates whether the Adapter is currently working in ad-hoc or infrastructure mode.

Signal Strength - The Signal Strength bar indicates the strength of the Adapter’s signal.

Link Quality - The Link Quality bar indicates the quality of the wireless net- work connection.

Click the More Information button to view more information about the wire- less network connection.

Click the X (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.

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Contents Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter Copyright & Trademarks Table of Contents Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter FeaturesIntroduction Planning Your Wireless Network Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure ModeNetwork Topology Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter’s LEDsHardware Installation OverviewDriver Installation for Windows XP Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Installation and Configuration for Windows 98, Me, Software Installation for Windows 98, Me,Instant Wireless Series Proceed to the next section, Hardware Installation Starting the Wlan Monitor Link InformationWireless Network Status Site SurveyProfiles Creating a New Profile Instant Wireless Series Instant Wireless Series Appendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsFrequently Asked Questions What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? Appendix B Glossary Instant Wireless Series Instant Wireless Series Instant Wireless Series Appendix C Specifications EnvironmentalAppendix D Warranty Information Appendix E Contact InformationCopyright 2003 Linksys, All Rights Reserved

WMP55AG specifications

The Linksys WMP55AG is a versatile network adapter designed to deliver robust wireless connectivity, catering to various user needs in the realm of home and office networking. Launched by Linksys, a revered name in the networking hardware domain, this adapter stands out for its combination of performance, compatibility, and user-friendly features.

One of the main features of the WMP55AG is its ability to operate across multiple wireless standards. It supports 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g protocols, making it a triple-mode solution that ensures compatibility with a wide array of wireless networks. This multi-standard support allows users to connect to virtually any Wi-Fi network, whether it is a legacy system or one utilizing more recent standards.

The WMP55AG is designed for PCI installation, meaning it can easily be integrated into desktop computers, providing a stable and powerful connection. With its internal antenna system, it ensures a strong signal and minimizes interference, which is crucial for maintaining seamless network performance, especially in environments with multiple competing signals.

In terms of speed, the WMP55AG can achieve data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps when operating in the 802.11g mode. This speed is sufficient for most internet browsing, streaming media, and online gaming needs. Moreover, when connected to an 802.11a network, users can benefit from higher throughput, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications.

Security is another critical aspect of the WMP55AG. It supports the latest Wi-Fi security protocols, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2, ensuring that users have multiple options to protect their wireless networks from unauthorized access.

Its ease of use is complemented by Linksys’ user-friendly setup software, which simplifies the process of installation and configuration. This feature is particularly advantageous for less tech-savvy users who may find the setup of networking devices daunting.

Overall, the Linksys WMP55AG delivers a reliable, flexible, and secure wireless networking solution. Its compatibility with multiple wireless standards, solid performance speeds, built-in security features, and straightforward installation make it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their desktop wireless connectivity. Whether for home use or office environments, the WMP55AG continues to be a relevant option in the landscape of wireless networking devices.