Cisco Systems BEFSR41 manual Introduction, Welcome

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EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch. This Router will allow your computers to share a high-speed Internet connection as well as resources, including files and printers.

How does the Router do all of this? By connecting your computers and peripherals to the Router and connecting the Router to your cable or DSL modem, then the Router can direct and control communications for your network.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing Internet access and computer resources. Multiple computers can share Internet access, so you don’t need more than one high-speed Internet connection. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer’s hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks not only are useful in homes and offices, but also can be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the network is called “wired”.

To create your network, install and set up the Router. To guide you through the process, Linksys strongly recommends that you run the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM. If you prefer to manually set up the Router, use the instructions in the Quick Installation or this User Guide to help you. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Router.

Chapter 1: Introduction

lan (local area network): the computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office

ethernet: an IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium

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Contents Cable/DSL Router Copyright and Trademarks How to Use this GuideWord definition Table of Contents Ethernet Adapter Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix B Upgrading FirmwareBack Panel List of Figures23 Administration Tab Management Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch An Introduction to Local Area Networks Networking BasicsUse of IP Addresses Networking Basics Use of IP Addresses Getting to Know the Router Reset Button Reset button can be used in one of two waysFront Panel Overview Connecting the RouterUsing the Setup Wizard Using the Quick Installation or User GuideExample of a Typical Network Connection InstructionsSetup Configuring the RouterSecurity Status How to Access the Web-based UtilityAdministration Applications & GamingObtain an IP Automatically Setup Tab Basic SetupInternet Setup Internet Connection TypePPPoE Static IPRAS Heart Beat Signal Heart Beat SignalOptional Settings Network SetupPacket a unit of data sent over a network Router IP Network Address Server Settings DhcpDynDNS.org Setup Tab DdnsTZO.com MAC Clone Setup Tab MAC Address CloneStatic Routing Setup Tab Advanced RoutingAdvanced Routing Dynamic Routing14 Routing Table Entry List Filter MAC Address Security Tab FilterFilter IP Address Range Filter Port RangeConfiguring the Router Security Tab Filter VPN Passthrough Security Tab VPNPort Range Forwarding Applications & Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardingPort Range Forwarded Range Applications & Gaming Tab Port TriggeringPort Triggering Triggered RangeUPnP Forwarding Applications & Gaming Tab UPnP ForwardingEtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch DMZ Applications & Gaming Tab DMZApplication Priority Applications & Gaming Tab QoSDevice Priority Ethernet Port PriorityEtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch Remote Router Access Administration Tab ManagementRouter Access Local Router AccessConfiguring the Router Administration Tab Management Log Administration Tab LogFactory Defaults Administration Tab Factory DefaultsUpgrade Firmware Administration Tab Firmware UpgradeInformation Status Tab RouterLocal Network Status Tab Local NetworkNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions For Windows 98 and MillenniumFor Windows XP For WindowsWant to test my Internet connection EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch Am not able to access the Router’s Web-based Utility Setup Need to set up a server behind my Router Application Start and End Protocol IP Address EnabledCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work For Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultFor Netscape 4.7 or higher Firmware upgrade failed Need to upgrade the firmwareMy DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnecting Need to use port triggering Does the Router support IPX or AppleTalk? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is the Router installed on the network? Is IPSec Passthrough supported by the Router?Does the Router support ICQ send file? If all else fails in the installation, what can I do?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? Is the Router cross-platform compatible? What is DMZ Hosting?Which modems are compatible with the Router? How do I get mIRC to work with the Router? How can I check whether I have static or Dhcp IP addresses?Appendix B Upgrading Firmware Figure B-1 Upgrade FirmwareWindows 2000 or XP Instructions Windows 98 or Me InstructionsFigure C-3 MAC Address/Physical Address For the Router’s Web-based UtilityShared Resources Appendix D Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch Packet a unit of data sent over a network EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch Ports Appendix F SpecificationsFour 10/100 RJ-45 Switched Ports Model BEFSR41 ver StandardsStorage Humidity Operating HumidityLimited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationNeed to contact Linksys? Appendix I Contact InformationInformation section in this Guide

BEFSR41 specifications

The Cisco Systems BEFSR41 is a versatile and robust broadband router that has gained popularity for its reliability and feature set, catering to both home users and small businesses. This device integrates an 802.3 Ethernet switch with a wide area network (WAN) port, allowing users to connect multiple local area network (LAN) devices to the internet simultaneously.

One of the standout features of the BEFSR41 is its ability to support up to four Ethernet ports, which facilitates easy connection for computers, printers, and other network devices. This multi-port functionality promotes efficient resource sharing within a network, enabling users to share files, printers, and Internet access seamlessly. The router operates using a robust NAT (Network Address Translation) technology, which enhances network security by ensuring that local IP addresses are not exposed directly to the internet.

The BEFSR41 supports DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), allowing for automatic IP address assignment to connected devices, which simplifies the network setup for users. Furthermore, its built-in firewall features help protect against unauthorized access and potential threats from the internet, making it an ideal choice for small office or home office settings. The router also supports port forwarding, allowing users to configure access for specific applications, such as online gaming or video conferencing.

In terms of connectivity, the BEFSR41 is designed for high-speed broadband connections, making it suitable for DSL or cable internet services. The device offers a straightforward setup process, typically involving a web-based interface that simplifies configuration for users of all technical levels. The compact design and ease of installation make it a convenient choice for those looking to enhance their home or office network.

Additionally, the BEFSR41 supports basic Quality of Service (QoS) features, which enable prioritization of traffic for applications that require higher bandwidth or lower latency. Users can configure these settings to ensure that critical applications receive the necessary resources, promoting a smoother experience during activities like streaming or video calls.

Lastly, the Cisco BEFSR41 is known for its durability and longevity, reflecting the high standards associated with Cisco products. Although newer models and technologies have emerged since its launch, the BEFSR41 remains a solid option for users seeking a reliable and efficient router for basic networking needs. Whether for a small business or a home network, this device offers the essential features and functionality to support daily internet activities.
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