Frequently Asked Questions

Instant BroadbandTM Series

What is the maximum number of IP addresses that the Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router will support? The Router will support up to 253 IP addresses.

Is IPSec Pass-Thru supported by the Router? Yes, it is a built-in feature that the

router automatically enables.

Where is the Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router installed on the network? In a typ- ical environment, the Router is installed between the Cable/DSL Modem and the LAN. Plug the Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router into the Cable/DSL Modem’s Ethernet port.

Does the Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router support IPX or AppleTalk? No. TCP/IP is the only protocol standard for the Internet and has become the global stan- dard for communications. IPX, a NetWare communications protocol used only to route messages from one node to another, and AppleTalk, a commu- nications protocol used on Apple and Macintosh networks, can be used from LAN to LAN connections, but those protocols cannot connect from WAN to LAN.

Does the WAN connection of the Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router support 100Mb Ethernet? Because of the speed limitations of broadband Internet connections, the Cable/DSL Router’s current hardware design supports 10Mb Ethernet on its WAN port. It does, of course, support 100Mbps over the auto-sensing Fast Ethernet 10/100 switch on the LAN side of the router.

What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for? Network Address Translation (NAT) translates multiple IP addresses on the private LAN to one public address that is sent out to the Internet. This adds a level of security since the address of a PC connected to the private LAN is never transmitted on the Internet. Furthermore, NAT allows the Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router to be used with low cost Internet accounts, such as DSL or cable modems, when only one TCP/IP address is provided by the ISP. The user may have many private addresses behind this single address provided by the ISP.

EtherFast® Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router with 4-Port Switch

Does the Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router support any operating system other than Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, or Windows XP? Yes, but Linksys does not at this time provide technical support for setup, configuration or troubleshooting of any non-Windows operating systems.

Does the Cable/DSL router support ICQ send file? Yes, with the following fix: ICQ menu-> preference -> connections tab-> check “I am behind a firewall or proxy,” and set the firewall time-out to 80 seconds in firewall setting. The Internet user can then send a file to a user behind the router.

How do I get Napster to work with the Router? Napster is fully compatible with the Router, but you must make sure that, during installation, you select “no idea” when asked about your firewall selection. Set your proxy settings to “No Proxy Server” in your File>Preferences.

I set up an Unreal Tournament Server, but others on the LAN cannot join. What do I need to do? If you have a dedicated Unreal Tournament server running, you need to create a static IP for each of the LAN computers and forward ports 7777, 7778, 7779, 7780, 7781, and 27900 to the IP address of the server. If you want to use the UT Server Admin, forward another port (8080 usually works well), and then in the [UWeb.WebServer] section of the server.ini file, set the ListenPort to 8080 (to match the mapped port above) and ServerName to the IP assigned to the router from your ISP.

Can multiple gamers on the LAN get on one game server and play simultaneously with just one public IP address? It depends on which network game or what kind of game server you are using. For example, Unreal Tournament supports multi-login with one public IP.

How do I get Half-Life: Team Fortress to work with the Router? The default client port for Half-Life is 27005. The computers on your LAN need to have “+clientport 2700x” added to the HL shortcut command line; the x would be 6, 7, 8, and on up. This lets multiple computers connect to the same server. One problem: Version 1.0.1.6 won’t let multiple computers with the same CD key connect at the same time, even if on the same LAN (not a problem with 1.0.1.3). As far as hosting games, the HL server does not need to be in the DMZ. Just forward port 27015 to the local IP of the server computer. There remains, however, a problem with people being booted after a few minutes with an “illegible server message.”

BEFSR41W specifications

The Linksys BEFSR41W is a versatile wireless broadband router that has been a popular choice for both home and small office environments since its introduction. Designed to offer reliable internet connectivity, the BEFSR41W combines wired and wireless capabilities, ensuring that users can connect multiple devices efficiently.

One of the standout features of the Linksys BEFSR41W is its integrated 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch, which allows users to connect their wired devices directly. This is particularly useful for users who require stable connections for activities such as gaming or streaming high-definition content. The router supports the IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

In terms of wireless capabilities, the BEFSR41W operates on the 802.11b and 802.11g standards, providing maximum wireless data rates of up to 54 Mbps. This enables users to experience reasonably fast wireless internet speeds for everyday online activities such as browsing and emailing. The router's built-in antenna offers decent coverage, making it suitable for smaller homes and office spaces.

Security is a key consideration for any network device, and the Linksys BEFSR41W incorporates several features to help safeguard users' data. It supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption methods, allowing users to set up secure connections and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Additionally, the router includes a built-in firewall to help prevent external attacks and threats.

Another significant characteristic of the BEFSR41W is its easy setup process. The router comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that simplifies the configuration process. Users can easily set up their network, configure security settings, and manage connected devices without needing specialized technical skills.

Additionally, the router is designed for longevity, with robust build quality ensuring reliability over time. It is also backward compatible with older wireless standards, which provides flexibility for users who have legacy devices in their network.

In conclusion, the Linksys BEFSR41W is a solid option for anyone seeking a dependable routing solution that balances both wired and wireless connectivity. With its blend of features, ease of use, and security options, it remains a relevant choice for users looking to establish a basic home or small office network.