Instant Wireless® Series

5.If you chose Infrastructure mode, proceed to Step 6. If you chose Ad-Hoc mode, the Ad-Hoc Mode Setting screen, Figure 6-15, will appear.

Note: If you chose 5GHz + 2.4GHz in Step 2 for connection to both 802.11a and 54g networks, then go to Step 6. The Adapter will auto- matically select the best channel for you.

From the drop-down menu, select the channel you plan to use for your net- work. If you want the network to automatically choose a channel for you, then select Auto. Click the Next button to continue.

Figure 6-15

6.The Security Settings screen will appear (see Figure 6-16). Enable or dis- able Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption for your wireless net- work. If you enable WEP, select the level of WEP encryption, and then enter a Passphrase or WEP key. If you want to disable WEP encryption, select Disable. Click the Next button to continue.

WEP Level (Disable/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP/152-bit WEP) - If you do not want to use WEP encryption, choose Disabled. To use WEP encryption (recommended to increase network security), select 64-bit / 10 hex. char- acters, 128-bit / 26 hex. characters, or 152-bit / 32 hex. characters from the drop-down menu. Then enter either a Passphrase or WEP key.

Note: 152-bit / 32 hex. characters WEP encryption is available only for 802.11a networking.

Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter

Figure 6-16

Passphrase - Instead of manually entering WEP keys, you can enter a Passphrase, so a WEP key is automatically generated if you chose 64-bit / 10 hex. characters or 128-bit / 26 hex. characters WEP encryption. The passphrase is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This passphrase must match the passphrase of your wireless net- work and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (You will have to enter the WEP key(s) manually on any non-Linksys wireless products.)

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

WEP Key - This WEP key must match the WEP key of your wireless net- work. If you are using 64-bit WEP encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 128-bit WEP encryp- tion, then the key must consist of exactly 26 hexadecimal characters. If you are using 152-bit WEP encryption, then the key must consist of exactly 32 hexadecimal characters. Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.

Key Index - If you are using an access point and need to match its transmit key, choose the appropriate key number from the drop-down menu.

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Linksys WMP55AG manual Instant Wireless Series
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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.
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