Appendix a Troubleshooting | Linksys WMP54G specification

Instant Wireless® Series

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Common Problems and Solutions

This chapter provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installa- tion and operation of the Wireless-G PCI Adapter. Read the descriptions below to solve your problems. If you can’t find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.

1.The Wireless-G PCI Adapter does not work properly.

•Reinsert the Wireless-G PCI Adapter into your PC’s PCI slot.

•Right click on My Computer and select Properties. Select the device manager and click on the Network Adapter. You will find the Wireless-G PCI Adapter if it is installed successfully. If you see the yellow exclama- tion mark, the resources are conflicting. You will see the status of the Wireless-G PCI Adapter. If there is a yellow question mark, please check the following:

•Make sure that your PC has a free IRQ (Interrupt ReQuest, a hardware interrupt on a PC.)

•Make sure that you have inserted the right adapter and installed the prop- er driver.

If the Wireless-G PCI Adapter does not function after attempting the above steps, remove the adapter and do the following:

•Uninstall the driver software from your PC.

•Restart your PC and repeat the hardware and software installation as specified in this User Guide.

2.I cannot communicate with the other computers linked via Ethernet in the Infrastructure configuration.

•Make sure that the PC to which the Wireless-G PCI Adapter is associated is powered on.

•Make sure that your Wireless-G PCI Adapter is configured on the same channel and with the same security options as with the other computers in the Infrastructure configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network? This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over a network. Consult the application’s user guide to determine if it supports oper- ation over a network.

Wireless-G Notebook Adapter

Can I play computer games with other members of the wireless network?

Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area net- work). Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.

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 commu- nicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. The 802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an oper- ating frequency of 2.4GHz.

What IEEE 802.11b features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11b functions:

•CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol

•Multi-Channel Roaming

•Automatic Rate Selection

•RTS/CTS feature

•Fragmentation

•Power Management

What is ad-hoc mode?

When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped com- puters are configured to communicate directly with each other. The ad-hoc wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.

What is infrastructure mode?

When a wireless network is set to infrastructure mode, the wireless network is configured to communicate with a wired network through a wireless access point.

What is roaming?

Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu- ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a sin- gle access point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must make sure that it is the same channel number with the access point of dedicated cov- erage area.

WMP54G specifications

The Linksys WMP54G is a high-performance wireless PCI adapter that was designed to bring reliable connectivity to desktop computers. Launched as part of Linksys' range of networking products, the WMP54G quickly gained popularity among users seeking a dependable solution for wireless networking in their homes or small offices.

One of the standout features of the WMP54G is its compliance with the 802.11g wireless standard. This technology allows for data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps, making it suitable for tasks such as streaming audio and video, online gaming, and file sharing. The adapter is also backward compatible with the 802.11b standard, enabling it to work seamlessly with older wireless devices, ensuring users are not left behind as they upgrade their equipment.

The WMP54G is equipped with a powerful external antenna that enhances its range and signal strength. This allows users to maintain a strong wireless connection even when they are far from the router, making it ideal for larger homes or office spaces. It also supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security protocols, providing users with multiple layers of security to protect their data and network from unauthorized access.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the WMP54G is its ease of installation and use. The adapter is provided with a user-friendly setup wizard that guides users through the configuration process, making it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy. Once installed, the WMP54G offers robust performance, with consistent connections and minimal interference.

The adapter's design is also compact and lightweight, making it a suitable option for machines with limited internal space. Its PCI form factor allows for easy integration into most desktop PCs. Additionally, it comes with status LEDs that indicate when the device is powered on, and when it is connected to a wireless network, providing users with instant feedback on their connection status.

In summary, the Linksys WMP54G is a versatile and reliable wireless adapter that has cemented its place in the networking landscape. With its familiarity with various standards, strong security features, and user-friendly installation, it remains a recommended choice for users looking to enhance their wireless connectivity at home or in the office.