Linksys 2.4 GHz 802.11g Wireless-G ADSL Gateway with 2 Ports WAG54GP2 - Manual (Page 98)

90 Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless-G ADSL Gateway with 2 Phone Ports
Will the information be intercepted while it is being transmitted through the air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption
function (WEP) to enhance security and access control.
What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as
described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
What is a MAC Address?
The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet
networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all
practical purposes, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a
computer logs onto the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for
the network.
How do I reset the Gateway?
Press the Reset button on the back panel for about ten seconds. This will reset the Gateway to its default settings.
How do I resolve issues with signal loss?
There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without testing. Every obstacle placed between
the Gateway and a wireless computer will create signal loss. Lead glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls
will inhibit the signal and reduce range. Start with the Gateway and your wireless computer in the same room
and move it away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment.
You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel.
I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.
WEP is probably enabled on the Gateway, but not on your wireless adapter (or vice versa). Verify that the same
WEP keys and levels (64 or 128) are being used on all nodes of your wireless network.
How many channels/frequencies are available with the Gateway?
There are eleven available channels, ranging from 1 to 11 (in North America).
If your questions are not addressed here, refer to the Linksys international website,
www.linksys.com/international.