Cisco Systems WRK54G manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Network Layout

Page 10

Wireless-G Broadband Router

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the same wireless network.

ssid (service set identifier): your wireless network’s name.

Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode

Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or peripherals with a wired network or not.

If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired network or need to share a peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in Infrastructure mode. The basis of Infrastructure mode centers around a wireless router or an access point, such as the Wireless-G Broadband Router, which serves as the main point of communications in a wireless network. The Router transmits data to PCs equipped with wireless network adapters, which can roam within a certain radial range of the Router. You can arrange the Router and multiple access points to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and you can set up your wireless network to communicate with your Ethernet hardware as well.

If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only with the other computers on the wireless network, then the Ad-Hoc mode can be used. Ad-Hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for a wireless router or access point. The drawback of this mode is that in Ad-Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to communicate with computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the wireless- equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference directly between them.

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Broadband Router has been specifically designed for use with both your 802.11b and 802.11g products. Now, products using these standards can communicate with each other.

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

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

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

4

Network Topology

Page 9 Page 11
Image 10
Page 9 Page 11
Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks Word definitionTable of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help List of Figures Router’s Back Panel23 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this User Guide? Wireless-G Broadband Router Ssid service set identifier your wireless network’s name Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Network TopologyPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router Back PanelFront Panel DMZConnecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router OverviewConnecting Your Network Devices Hardware Installation for Connection to Another Router Router Wireless-G Broadband Multiple PCsConnecting the Power Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router Password ScreenSetup Tab Basic Setup Internet SetupPPPoE Connection Type L2TP Connection Type Optional Settings Network Address Server Settings Dhcp Setup Tab Ddns 13 Setup Tab Ddns DynDNS accountSetup Tab MAC Address Clone 15 Setup Tab MAC Address CloneSetup Tab Advanced Routing 16 Setup Tab Advanced Routing GatewayWireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings Wireless Tab Wireless Security 19 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Personal22 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2 Enterprise 23 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter 25 Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterWireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Synchronize the wireless networkSecurity Tab Firewall Security Tab VPN PassthroughAccess Restrictions Tab Internet Access To create an Internet Access policy33 Port Services Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward 34 Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardApplications & Gaming Tab Port Triggering Port TriggeringApplications and Gaming Tab DMZ Applications and Gaming Tab QoSAdd a New Application For the application Administration Tab Management Administration Tab LogAdministration Tab Diagnostics 41 Administration Tab DiagnosticsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Config Management Status Tab Router 47 Status Tab RouterStatus Tab Wireless Status Tab Local NetworkCommon Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Wireless-G Broadband Router Open a command prompt. For Windows 98SE and Me Application Start and End Protocol IP Address Enabled Can’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Wireless-G Broadband Router Firmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashing To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultNeed to upgrade the firmware My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnectingPower LED keeps flashing Frequently Asked Questions What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for? Does the Router support ICQ send file?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? Is the Router cross-platform compatible?What Ieee 802.11b features are supported? What is the Ieee 802.11b standard?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is ad-hoc mode?What is Spread Spectrum? What is ISM band?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? How do I reset the Router? What is WEP?What is a MAC Address? How do I resolve issues with signal loss?Security Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Broadband Router Figure C-1 Upgrade Firmware Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareAppendix D Windows Help TCP/IPWindows 98SE or Me Instructions Windows 2000 or XP InstructionsFor the Router’s Web-based Utility Figure E-4 MAC Address Filter ListAppendix F Glossary Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix G Specifications WRK54GOperating Temp Appendix H Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix I Regulatory Information FCC StatementSafety Notices Appendix J Contact Information

WRK54G specifications

The Cisco Systems WRK54G is a versatile wireless router designed to meet the demands of home and small office networking. Renowned for its reliability, it offers a range of features that cater to both casual users and tech-savvy individuals.

At its core, the WRK54G is built on the IEEE 802.11g standard, which supports data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps. This makes it suitable for various internet-based applications, including browsing, streaming, and online gaming. Additionally, it is backward compatible with the earlier 802.11b standard, ensuring that users with older devices can still enjoy connectivity.

One of the standout features of the WRK54G is its wireless connectivity, which allows users to connect multiple devices without the need for cumbersome cabling. This is especially beneficial in environments where mobility is essential. The router employs robust security protocols, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2, to safeguard the network from unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of data transmission.

In terms of hardware, the WRK54G is equipped with a built-in four-port Ethernet switch, enabling wired connections for devices that require stable and faster internet access, such as desktop computers and gaming consoles. This dual capability of wired and wireless networking makes it a flexible solution for diverse user needs.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the WRK54G is its support for Quality of Service (QoS) functionalities. QoS technology prioritizes bandwidth for specific applications, ensuring that essential services such as VoIP and video streaming receive the necessary resources for optimal performance. This feature is vital for users who rely on uninterrupted internet access for work or entertainment.

Additionally, the router features an intuitive web-based interface that simplifies setup and configuration. Users can easily manage their network settings, create a secure wireless environment, and monitor connected devices without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

In conclusion, the Cisco Systems WRK54G is a reliable and feature-rich wireless router that supports modern networking demands. With its solid performance, robust security measures, dual connectivity options, and user-friendly interface, it remains a practical choice for both home and small business users looking to establish a seamless network experience. Whether for streaming, gaming, or web browsing, the WRK54G provides a solid foundation for a comprehensive wireless networking solution.
Top Page Image Contents