Profiles

Instant Wireless® Series

Figure 6-7

In the WEP Level drop-down box, select the level of WEP encryption used by

the wireless network: 64-bit / 10 hex. characters, 128-bit / 26 hex. charac-

ters, or 152-bit / 32 hex. characters (152-bit WEP is only available for 802.11a networking).

If the wireless network uses a passphrase, and you’re using 64-bit or 128-bit WEP encryption, enter the passphrase in the Passphrase field. If the wireless network uses a WEP key, enter the WEP key in the Key 1 field.

Note: If you chose 152-bit / 32 hex. characters WEP encryption, you must manually enter a WEP key. You cannot use a passphrase.

Click the OK button to complete the network connection and return to the Link Information screen, or click the Cancel button to cancel the network connec- tion and return to the Site Survey screen.

On the Site Survey screen, click the X (Close) button in the upper right corner to exit the WLAN Monitor.

Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter

The Profiles screen lets you save different configuration profiles for different network setups. You can also import or export profiles. The default profile holds the configuration saved when you installed the Adapter.

Figure 6-8

Profile Name - The name of the profile.

SSID - The SSID of the wireless network.

Site Information

Wireless Type - The type of wireless connection: 802.11a, 54g, or both.

Network Mode - The network mode: Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure.

Transfer Rate - The Adapter is set to Auto mode, so it will dynamically shift to the fastest data transfer rate possible at any given time.

Channel - The channel to which the wireless network devices are set. WEP - The status of the WEP encryption security feature.

Connect - To connect to a wireless network using a specific profile, select the profile’s SSID, and click the Connect button.

Edit - Select the profile’s name, and click the Edit button to change an exist- ing profile.

New - Click the New button to create a new profile. See the next section, “Creating a New Profile.”

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.