Linksys WGA54AG manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming, Network Layout

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Wireless A/G Game Adapter

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 adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, provided that they both share the same channel and SSID.

Choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

Network Layout

Wireless A/G products offer the most flexibility, because they can connect to 802.11a networks, or they can connect to networks with 802.11g and/or 802.11b devices—depending on the settings you configure on the dual-band products.

The Wireless A/G Game Adapter is compatible with all 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g routers, as well as access points. It will also communicate with other wireless notebook adapters for your laptop computers, wireless PCI adapters for your desktop PCs, and wireless USB adapters when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with wireless print servers.

topology: the physical layout of a network.

network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer- to-peer) without the use of an access point.

access point: a device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

roaming: the ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection.

ssid: your wireless network's name.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

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Network Topology

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Contents Wireless A/ G Copyright and Trademarks Word definitionTable of Contents Appendix a Troubleshooting Appendix B Wireless SecurityLED Indicators List of FiguresXbox’s Main Menu Welcome IntroductionAdapter a device that adds network functionality to your PC What’s in this Guide? Wireless A/G Game Adapter Roaming Planning Your Wireless NetworkNetwork Topology Network LayoutPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Getting to Know the Wireless A/G Game Adapter Game Adapter’s LED IndicatorsGame Adapter’s Side Panel Overview Fast Setup for the Wireless A/G Game AdapterInstructions Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Computer Proceed to the next section, Starting the Setup WizardStarting the Setup Wizard Setup Wizard’s Welcome ScreenEasy Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play Setup Wizard’s Password ScreenSetup Wizard’s Confirmation Screen Then click the Next buttonAdvanced Setup Wizard Configuration for Head-to-Head Play Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen12 Setup Wizard’s 5GHz Manual Configuration Screen 13 Setup Wizard’s 5GHz Security Settings Screen Encryption encoding data transmitted in a network15 Setup Wizard’s 2.4 GHz Security Settings Screen 18 Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen Setup Wizard Configuration for Internet Play 20 Setup Wizard’s Basic Settings Screen21 Setup Wizard’s 5GHz Security Settings Screen 23 Setup Wizard’s Network Settings Screen Connecting the Game Adapter to Your Game Console 25 Setup Wizard’s Congratulations ScreenSetting up the Wireless A/G Game Adapter for Xbox Connecting the Game Adapter to Your XboxSetting up the Game Adapter Using Your Xbox Xbox’s Settings ScreenOn the Network Settings screen, select Advanced Xbox’s Advanced ScreenOn the Wireless Status screen, select Settings Xbox’s Wireless Settings ScreenXbox’s Select Network Screen 12 Xbox’s Security KEY Screen 14 Xbox’s Wireless Status Screen Wireless A/G Game Adapter Accessing the Web Configuration Utility Utility’s Enter Network Password ScreenSetup Tab Utility’s Setup ScreenWEP Encryption IP Address This IP Address must be unique to your network Advanced Settings TabGateway Enter the IP address of your network’s Gateway here Cloning Help Tab Utility’s Help ScreenDon’t know how to change the Game Adapter’s IP address Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Setup Wizard doesn’t seem to work properlyWhat is the Ieee 802.11b standard? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Ieee 802.11a standard? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What Ieee 802.11a features are supported?What Ieee 802.11b features are supported? What is ad-hoc mode?What is Spread Spectrum? What is roaming?What is ISM band? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is WEP? Security Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless A/G Game Adapter Appendix C Glossary Wireless A/G Game Adapter Wireless A/G Game Adapter Wireless A/G Game Adapter Wireless A/G Game Adapter Wireless A/G Game Adapter Wireless A/G Game Adapter Appendix D Specifications Reset, Network Mode Infra, AdHoc-A, AdHoc-B10~85% Non Condensing Appendix E Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix F Regulatory Information FCC StatementEC Declaration of Conformity Europe FranceAppendix G Contact Information Linksys

WGA54AG specifications

The Linksys WGA54AG is a wireless gaming adapter designed to connect gaming consoles, such as the PlayStation and Xbox, to a wireless network. By providing a bridge between wired gaming consoles and wireless routers, this device ensures that gamers can enjoy online multiplayer gaming without the constraints of long ethernet cables.

One of the main features of the WGA54AG is its support for multiple wireless standards. It operates on both the IEEE 802.11g and 802.11a protocols, allowing it to offer flexible connectivity options. With the ability to reach wireless speeds of up to 54 Mbps in 802.11g mode and even higher speeds in 802.11a mode, this adapter is well-suited for bandwidth-intensive gaming activities.

The WGA54AG incorporates advanced security features to protect users' gaming sessions. It supports WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), and WPA2 encryption methods to ensure a secure connection. This is crucial for gamers who are concerned about data security while gaming online.

Another significant characteristic of the WGA54AG is its easy setup and intuitive user interface. With a simple installation process that includes an easy-to-read LED indicator that shows connectivity status, users can quickly get their devices up and running. The adapter also features a built-in Ethernet port that allows it to connect to any wired gaming console or PC.

In addition, the WGA54AG is equipped with advanced QoS (Quality of Service) technology, which prioritizes gaming traffic, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted online experience. This is particularly important during competitive gameplay where latency and lag can significantly impact performance.

The compact design of the WGA54AG makes it ideal for use in various gaming setups without occupying too much space. Furthermore, its ability to support multiple devices simultaneously enhances its utility for households with multiple gamers.

Overall, the Linksys WGA54AG wireless gaming adapter stands out for its robust features, supporting dual-band wireless standards, strong security measures, ease of setup, and optimized gaming performance. It delivers a reliable and effective solution for gamers looking to enhance their online gaming experience with wireless convenience.
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