Cisco Systems WRT54G manual What is Spread Spectrum?, What is WEP?, What is a MAC Address?

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Wireless-G Broadband Router

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver 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.

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 Router?

Press the Reset button on the back panel for about ten seconds. This will reset the Router to its default settings.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Contents Jameco Part Number 487058UsersGuide 54Mbps GHz Wireless- G Word definition Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix ATroubleshootingBroadband Router’s Back Panel List of Figures18 Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Figure B-12 WEP Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Broadband Router Roaming Network TopologyNetwork Layout Back Panel Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband RouterDMZ Front PanelHardware Installation Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband RouterConnecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Overview Configuring the PCsConfiguring Windows 98 and Millennium PCs Properties Configuring Windows 2000 PCsConfiguring Windows XP PCs Configuring the PCs Configuring Windows XP PCs Password Screen Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband RouterInternet Setup Setup Tab Basic SetupPPPoE Connection Type Router IP Time Setting 11 Setup Tab Ddns Setup Tab Ddns12 Setup Tab MAC Address Clone Setup Tab MAC Address Clone13 Setup Tab Advanced Routing Gateway Setup Tab Advanced RoutingCorrectly Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings16 Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter18 Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless SettingsWireless-G Broadband Router Security Tab VPN Passthrough Security Tab Firewall21 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Pre-Shared Key Security Tab Wireless Security23 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius 25 Access Restrictions Tab Access Restrictions Tab28 Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward29 Applications and Gaming DMZ Applications and Gaming Tab DMZAdministration Tab Log Administration Tab Management32 Administration Tab Diagnostics Administration Tab DiagnosticsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory Defaults37 Status Tab Router Status Tab Router38 Status Tab Local Network Status Tab Local Network39 Status Tab Wireless Status Tab WirelessNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Open a command prompt. For Windows 98 and Me Wireless-G Broadband Router TCP UDP Can’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work VPN IpsecFirmware 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 disconnecting Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router? Frequently Asked QuestionsPower LED keeps flashing Where is the Router installed on the network?Does the Router support ICQ send file? What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What is ISM band? What is ad-hoc mode?What is infrastructure mode? What is roaming?What is a MAC Address? What is Spread Spectrum?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WEP?Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network How do I resolve issues with signal loss?What Are The Risks? Appendix B Wireless SecurityBrief Overview Passive Attacks Active Attacks Maximizing Wireless SecurityCommon Sense Solutions Ssid WEP WPA WPA Radius Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Figure C-1 Upgrade FirmwareTCP/IP Appendix D Windows HelpWindows 2000 or XP Instructions Windows 98 or Me InstructionsFigure E-3 MAC Address/Physical Address For the Router’s Web-based UtilityAppendix F Glossary Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix G Specifications Wireless-G Broadband Router Limited Warranty Appendix H Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix I Regulatory InformationWireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix J Contact Information

WRT54G specifications

The Cisco Systems WRT54G is a cornerstone of home and small office networking, renowned for its robust features and reliability since its release in 2002. Widely acknowledged as one of the first consumer-grade routers to combine wireless and wired networking capabilities, the WRT54G has earned a legacy as a hallmark of simplicity and performance.

At the heart of its functionality is the 802.11g wireless standard, which allows for wireless connections at speeds of up to 54 Mbps. This technology ensures a reliable connection over significant distances, making it suitable for various home and office environments. The WRT54G operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which provides compatibility with many devices but can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices.

One of the standout features of the WRT54G is its user-friendly web interface, allowing even non-technical users to easily configure their network settings. This feature promotes security by enabling users to modify their network name, set up encryption protocols like WEP or WPA, and create a guest network for visitors. The router also incorporates a built-in firewall and supports Network Address Translation (NAT), adding an additional layer of security to users’ private networks.

The WRT54G boasts four Ethernet ports for wired connections, accommodating multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for users with desktop computers, gaming consoles, or network-attached storage devices requiring stable, high-speed connections. The ability to connect devices through Ethernet ensures that users can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and fast network, especially in environments where wireless connectivity may be limited.

Another distinguishing characteristic of the WRT54G is its open-source firmware capability, which has led to a devoted community of enthusiasts who have developed alternative firmware for greater customization and advanced features. This flexibility not only enhances the router's lifespan but also caters to users who require specific functionalities, such as advanced Quality of Service (QoS) settings or more extensive parental controls.

In conclusion, the Cisco Systems WRT54G remains a significant player in the realm of consumer networking due to its innovative features, ease of use, and adaptability. While newer models have since emerged, the WRT54G's enduring reputation speaks to its reliability and solid performance, making it a preferred choice for many users seeking to establish a dependable network.
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