is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized,

the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS)

generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original

data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the

need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

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 Router?

Press the Reset button on the back panel for about five seconds. This will reset the Router 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 Router and a wireless PC will create signal loss. Lead glass,

metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhibit the signal and reduce range. Start with the Router and your wireless PC 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 Router, 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 Router?

There are eleven available channels in most of North, Central and South America. There are 13 channels in most of Europe and Asia.

If your questions are not addressed here, refer to the Linksys website, www.linksys.com/international.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions