Introduction, Welcome | Linksys RV082 manual

10/100 8-Port VPN Router

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the 10/100 8-Port VPN Router. The Linksys 10/100 8-Port VPN Router is an advanced Internet-sharing network solution for your small business needs. Like any router, it lets multiple computers in your office share an Internet connection. But the unique dual Internet ports on the 10/100 8-Port VPN Router let you connect a second Internet line as a backup to insure that you're never disconnected. Or, use both Internet ports at the same time, and let the router balance your office's requirements between them for maximum bandwidth efficiency.

The 10/100 8-Port VPN Router also features a built-in 8-port full-duplex 10/100 Ethernet switch to connect eight PCs directly, or you can connect more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need.

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) capability creates encrypted “tunnels” through the Internet, allowing up to 50 remote office or traveling users to securely connect into your office network from off-site. Users connecting through a VPN tunnel are attached to your company's network — with secure access to files, e-mail, and your intranet — just as if they were in the building. You can also use the VPN capability to allow users on your small office network to securely connect out to a corporate network.

The 10/100 8-Port VPN Router can serve as a DHCP Server, and has a powerful SPI firewall to protect your PCs against intruders and most known Internet attacks. It can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet, and has IP address filtering so you can specify exactly who has access to your network. Configuration is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility.

As the heart of your small office network, the connection-redundant Linksys 10/100 8-Port VPN Router gives you the connection reliability your business needs.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Bandwidth: the transmission capacity of a given device or network

network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users

Full-duplex: the ability of a networking device to receive and transmit data simultaneously

LAN (Local Area Network): the computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.

Ethernet: a network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.

firewall: security measures that protect the resources of a local network from intruders

Browser: an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.

IP: a protocol used to send data over a network

IP Address: the address used to identify a computer or device on a network

Welcome

RV082 specifications

The Linksys RV082 is a robust dual WAN VPN router that stands out in the market for small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable network connectivity and security. Designed to meet the demands of a dynamic business environment, the RV082 offers a host of features that enhance both performance and reliability.

One of the primary attributes of the RV082 is its dual WAN capability. This feature allows businesses to connect to two different internet connections simultaneously, ensuring uninterrupted internet access. In case one connection fails, the router can automatically switch to the other, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity. This failover capability is essential for businesses that rely heavily on internet connectivity.

The RV082 also boasts impressive VPN support, enabling secure communication between remote users and branch offices. With support for up to 50 simultaneous VPN connections, the router accommodates a growing workforce that may require access to the company’s network from remote locations. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with telecommuting employees or those that operate across multiple locations.

Security is a paramount concern for any business, and the RV082 addresses this with various built-in security features. It utilizes advanced firewall capabilities, including Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and Denial of Service (DoS) protection, safeguarding internal networks from external threats. The router also supports strong encryption protocols such as IPSec and PPTP, ensuring that sensitive data transmitted over the VPN remains secure.

Performance-wise, the RV082 includes eight switched LAN ports, allowing numerous devices to connect directly to the network without the need for additional hardware. This feature simplifies network management and helps keep connectivity organized. Furthermore, the router supports Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, which allows businesses to allocate bandwidth effectively among different applications and users, promoting seamless performance even during high traffic periods.

The user-friendly web-based interface facilitates easy configuration and management, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise. Additionally, the RV082’s compact design ensures that it can fit into nearly any office environment without taking up too much space.

In summary, the Linksys RV082 is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a dependable and secure networking solution. With its dual WAN capabilities, extensive VPN support, robust security features, and user-friendly management tools, the RV082 successfully meets the challenging needs of modern business networking.