Planning Your Network, Gateway’s Functions

Wireless-G ADSL Gateway

Chapter 2: Planning Your Network

The Gateway’s Functions

A Gateway is a network device that connects two networks together.

In this instance, the Gateway connects your Local Area Network (LAN), or the group of computers in your home or office, to the Internet. The Gateway processes and regulates the data that travels between these two networks.

The Gateway’s NAT feature protects your network of computers so users on the public, Internet side cannot “see” your computers. This is how your network remains private. The Gateway protects your network by inspecting every packet coming in through the Internet port before delivery to the appropriate computer on your network. The Gateway inspects Internet port services like the web server, ftp server, or other Internet applications, and, if allowed, it will forward the packet to the appropriate computer on the LAN side.

Remember that the Gateway’s ports connect to two sides. The LAN ports connect to the LAN, and the ADSL port connects to the Internet. The LAN ports transmit data at 10/100Mbps.

IP Addresses

What’s an IP Address?

IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every device on an IP-based network, including computers, print servers, and Gateways, requires an IP address to identify its “location,” or address, on the network. This applies to both the Internet and LAN connections. There are two ways of assigning an IP address to your network devices. You can assign static IP addresses or use the Gateway to assign IP addresses dynamically.

Static IP Addresses

A static IP address is a fixed IP address that you assign manually to a computer or other device on the network. Since a static IP address remains valid until you disable it, static IP addressing ensures that the device assigned it will always have that same IP address until you change it. Static IP addresses must be unique and are commonly used with network devices such as server computers or print servers.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Network

Figure 2-1: Network

ip (internet protocol): a protocol used to send data over a network

NOTE: Since the Gateway is a device that connects two networks, it needs two IP addresses—one for the LAN, and one for the Internet. In this User Guide, you’ll see references to the “Internet IP address” and the “LAN IP address.”

Since the Gateway uses NAT technology, the only IP address that can be seen from the Internet for your network is the Gateway’s Internet IP address.

However, even this Internet IP address can be blocked, so that the Gateway and network seem invisible to the Internet—see the Block WAN Requests description under Security in “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G ADSL Gateway.”

The Gateway’s Functions

WAG54G specifications

Nortel Networks WAG54G is a robust and versatile wireless access gateway that has made significant strides in providing seamless connectivity for both home and small business environments. Designed with the intention of integrating both wired and wireless networking, this device bridges the gap between traditional Ethernet connections and the burgeoning needs of modern wireless communication.

One of the key features of the WAG54G is its ability to deliver high-speed Internet access through multiple protocols, including ADSL and DSL. This flexibility allows users to enjoy fast Internet speeds while simultaneously managing their internal network. The device is equipped with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.

The WAG54G is powered by advanced 802.11g wireless technology, which offers wireless data rates of up to 54 Mbps. This enables users to stream videos, make VoIP calls, and engage in online gaming without significant lag, enhancing the overall user experience. The device supports a range of wireless security protocols, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption, ensuring that user data remains secure from potential threats and unauthorized access.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the WAG54G is its straightforward setup process. The unit comes with a user-friendly web interface that simplifies configuration, allowing users to customize their network settings with ease. The WAG54G also features multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections, making it an ideal solution for homes and offices with multiple devices requiring stable Internet connectivity.

In addition to its core functionalities, the WAG54G supports features such as network address translation (NAT) and a built-in firewall that enhances security while allowing multiple devices to share a single Internet connection. The device also incorporates features like DHCP server capabilities and UPnP support, streamlining network management.

Overall, Nortel Networks WAG54G delivers a compelling mix of performance, security, and manageability. Its combination of wired and wireless capabilities, alongside robust security measures, makes it suitable for various networking needs in today’s digital landscape. Users can count on the WAG54G to provide a reliable and efficient solution that supports the demands of modern Internet usage.