Linksys WTR54GS manual Introduction, Welcome

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Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster. The Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely while away from home.

How does the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster do all of this? The Router has a built-in access point, which lets you connect SpeedBooster-enhanced and regular Wireless-G and Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also an Ethernet port to connect your wired PC. The Router function ties it together and lets your PCs share a wired or wireless Internet connection. The travel-friendly form factor includes a built-in power supply and antenna, and it comes with a travel case. Just plug the Router directly into the wall, and connect the hotel's fast Internet service cable. Then use the Router's push button setup feature to easily connect and configure your wireless devices. You just push the button on the Router and on your other SecureEasySetup-enabled wireless device to automatically create a WPA or WEP encryption-secured wireless connection. You can also use multiple devices on a single hotspot account in a coffee shop or airport lounge and be protected with WPA Personal encryption or a powerful SPI firewall. The Router also supports VPN pass-through and it can serve as a DHCP Server.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the network is called “wired”.

PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster bridges wireless networks of 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other.

Linksys recommends using the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. If you do not wish to run the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM, then use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster, set it up, and configure it to bridge your network. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster.

Chapter 1: Introduction

nat (network address translation): NAT technology translated IP addresses of a local area network to a different IP address for the Internet.

mbps: one million bits per second; a unit of measurement for data transmission.

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

lan (local area network): the computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.

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

802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

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Welcome

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Contents Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use This User GuideWord 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 PowerWithin 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 Incoming Internet Type How to Access the Web-based UtilitySetup Tab Basic Setup Internet SetupWired Internet Type Wireless Internet TypeInternet Connection Type Packet a unit of data sent over a network Static IP Connection TypePptp Connection Type Optional SettingsDhcp Server Setting Network SetupRouter 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 PassthroughInternet Access Policy Access Restrictions Tab 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 LogDiagnostics Administration Tab DiagnosticsPing Test Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Factory DefaultsRouter Information Status Tab RouterInternet Connection Local Network Status Tab Local NetworkDhcp Server Wireless Network Status Tab WirelessCommon 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 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?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 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 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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