Linksys WTR54GS manual Appendix B Wireless Security, Security Precautions

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Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster

Appendix B: Wireless Security

Linksys wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The current generation of Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require specific action on your part for implementation. So, keep the following in mind whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.

Security Precautions

The following is a complete list of security precautions to take (at least steps 1 through 5 should be followed):

1.Change the default SSID.

2.Disable SSID Broadcast.

3.Change the default password for the Administrator account.

4.Enable MAC Address Filtering.

5.Change the SSID periodically.

6.Use the highest encryption algorithm possible. Use WPA if it is available. Please note that this may reduce your network performance.

7.Change the WEP encryption keys periodically.

For information on implementing these security features, refer to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster.”

Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless network, wireless networking products first listen for “beacon messages”. These messages can be easily decrypted and contain much of the network’s information, such as the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). Here are the steps you can take:

Change the administrator’s password regularly. With every wireless networking device you use, keep in mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your network administrator is the only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a hold of the administrator’s password, he, too, can change those settings. So, make it harder for a hacker to get that information. Change the administrator’s password regularly.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

Note: Some of these security features are available only through the network router or access point. Refer to the router or access point’s documentation for more information.

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Security Precautions

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Contents Wireless- G How to Use This User Guide Copyright and TrademarksWord definition Table of Contents Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix B Wireless Security Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked QuestionsRouter’s Front Panel Router’s Power Plug and Slide26 Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access Policy Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Network Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Ssid your wireless network’s namePlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Front Panel Router’s ports, LEDs, and buttons are located here PowerPower Plug and Slide Within Most of the Western HemisphereOutside of the Western Hemisphere Connecting the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Hardware InstallationOverview Connecting to the PC Configuring the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Incoming Internet Type How to Access the Web-based UtilitySetup Tab Basic Setup Internet SetupWireless Internet Type Wired Internet TypeInternet Connection Type Packet a unit of data sent over a network Static IP Connection TypePptp Connection Type Optional SettingsNetwork Setup Dhcp Server SettingRouter IP Time Settings Setup Tab DdnsManufacturer assigns to each networking device Setup Tab MAC Address CloneMAC Address Clone Mac address the unique address that a15 Setup Tab Advanced Routing Setup Tab Advanced RoutingBasic Wireless Settings Wireless Tab Basic Wireless SettingsWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Wireless Security Wireless Tab Wireless Security21 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2-Mixed Wireless Client List Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterWireless MAC Filter Access RestrictionAdvanced Wireless Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless SettingsWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Firewall Security Tab FirewallVPN Passthrough Security Tab VPN PassthroughAccess Restrictions Tab Internet Access Policy Internet Access PolicyTo create an Internet Access policy 29 Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access PCs List Port Range Forwarding Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardingWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Port Range Triggering Applications & Gaming Tab Port Range TriggeringDMZ Applications and Gaming Tab DMZManagement Administration Tab ManagementRouter Access Remote AccessBackup and Restore Log Administration Tab LogAdministration Tab Diagnostics DiagnosticsPing Test Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Factory DefaultsStatus Tab Router Router InformationInternet Connection Status Tab Local Network Local NetworkDhcp Server Wireless Network Status Tab WirelessAppendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Open a command prompt. For Windows 98SE and Me Protocol IP Address Enabled ApplicationStart ~ End Port Can’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Application Start ~ End Port Protocol IP Address EnabledWireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnecting To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultNeed to upgrade the firmware Firmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashingPower LED keeps flashing Does the Router support IPX or AppleTalk? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is the Router installed on the network? Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? Is the Router cross-platform compatible? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? Will the Router function in a Macintosh environment?What Ieee 802.11a features are supported? What is the Ieee 802.11a standard?What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What is infrastructure mode? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is ad-hoc mode?What is WEP? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? How do I reset the Router?Appendix B Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Windows 2000 or XP Instructions Windows 98SE or Me InstructionsFor the Router’s Web-based Utility Figure E-4 Wireless MAC Filter ListAppendix 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 Appendix I Regulatory Information Radio EN 300 EMC EN 301 489-1, EN 301 Safety ENBelgium Location Frequency Range MHz Power Eirp Applicable Power Levels in FranceOpen the Wireless Network Connection window FCC Statement Appendix J Contact Information Europe Mail AddressOutside 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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