Linksys WTR54GS manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Network Layout

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Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster

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.

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

ssid: 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 Travel Router with SpeedBooster, 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.

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

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

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.

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

access point: a device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

Network Layout

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

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

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Network Topology

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Contents Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use This User GuideWord definition Table of Contents Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix B Wireless Security Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows HelpRouter’s Power Plug and Slide Router’s Front Panel26 Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access Policy Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Ssid your wireless network’s name Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Network TopologyPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Router’s ports, LEDs, and buttons are located here Power Front PanelWithin Most of the Western Hemisphere Power Plug and SlideOutside of the Western Hemisphere Hardware Installation Connecting the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBoosterOverview Connecting to the PC Configuring the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Internet Setup How to Access the Web-based UtilitySetup Tab Basic Setup Incoming Internet TypeWired Internet Type Wireless Internet TypeInternet Connection Type Static IP Connection Type Packet a unit of data sent over a networkOptional Settings Pptp Connection TypeDhcp Server Setting Network SetupRouter IP Setup Tab Ddns Time SettingsMac address the unique address that a Setup Tab MAC Address CloneMAC Address Clone Manufacturer assigns to each networking deviceSetup Tab Advanced Routing 15 Setup Tab Advanced RoutingWireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings Basic Wireless SettingsWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Wireless Tab Wireless Security Wireless Security21 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2-Mixed Access Restriction Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterWireless MAC Filter Wireless Client ListWireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Advanced WirelessWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Security Tab Firewall FirewallSecurity Tab VPN Passthrough VPN PassthroughInternet Access Policy Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access PolicyTo create an Internet Access policy 29 Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access PCs List Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forwarding Port Range ForwardingWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Applications & Gaming Tab Port Range Triggering Port Range TriggeringApplications and Gaming Tab DMZ DMZRemote Access Administration Tab ManagementRouter Access ManagementBackup and Restore Administration Tab Log LogDiagnostics Administration Tab DiagnosticsPing Test Factory Defaults Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Firmware UpgradeRouter Information Status Tab RouterInternet Connection Local Network Status Tab Local NetworkDhcp Server Status Tab Wireless Wireless NetworkCommon Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Open a command prompt. For Windows 98SE and Me Application Protocol IP Address EnabledStart ~ End Port Application Start ~ End Port Protocol IP Address Enabled Can’t get the Internet game, server, or application to workWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster 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 Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is the Router installed on the network? Does the Router support IPX or AppleTalk?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? Will the Router function in a Macintosh environment? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? Is the Router cross-platform compatible?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What is the Ieee 802.11a standard?What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? What Ieee 802.11a features are supported?What is ad-hoc mode? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is infrastructure mode?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is WEP?How do I reset the Router? How do I resolve issues with signal loss?Security Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Shared Resources Appendix D Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Windows 98SE or Me Instructions Windows 2000 or XP InstructionsFigure E-4 Wireless MAC Filter List For the Router’s Web-based UtilityAppendix F Glossary Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Appendix G Specifications Storage Humidity Appendix H Warranty Information Radio EN 300 EMC EN 301 489-1, EN 301 Safety EN Appendix I Regulatory InformationBelgium Applicable Power Levels in France Location Frequency Range MHz Power EirpOpen the Wireless Network Connection window FCC Statement Europe Mail Address Appendix J Contact InformationOutside of Europe Mail Address Asia Pacific

WTR54GS specifications

The Linksys WTR54GS is a robust wireless router that combines performance and ease of use for home and small office networks. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it caters to users seeking reliable connectivity for multiple devices. One of its standout features is the Wireless-G technology, which provides a maximum data transfer rate of up to 54 Mbps. This makes it ideal for streaming videos, online gaming, and facilitating smooth internet browsing.

The WTR54GS supports 802.11g standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It also supports backward compatibility with 802.11b devices, which is essential for users with older equipment. Enhanced by SpeedBooster technology, the WTR54GS improves performance by increasing the range and speed of the wireless connection, which is particularly beneficial in larger homes or offices where signal strength might be a concern.

Security is a top priority for the Linksys WTR54GS, offering robust features such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols. This ensures that users can maintain a secure connection while protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. Additionally, the router features a built-in firewall that helps defend against potential intrusions, providing an added layer of security for the network.

Equipped with four Ethernet ports, the WTR54GS enables users to connect wired devices for more stable and faster connections. This is particularly useful for activities that require high bandwidth, such as video conferencing or online gaming. The router also includes an intuitive web-based setup interface, allowing users to configure and manage their network settings effortlessly.

Another notable characteristic of the Linksys WTR54GS is its support for Quality of Service (QoS) features, which prioritize bandwidth for important applications, ensuring that critical tasks receive the necessary resources for optimal performance. This is particularly useful for households with multiple users and devices competing for bandwidth.

Overall, the Linksys WTR54GS is a versatile and reliable router that provides excellent performance for various networking needs. With its combination of speed, security, and user-friendly features, it remains a popular choice for those looking to enhance their wireless networking experience.
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