Introduction, Welcome | Linksys WAG300N specification

Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway. The Gateway will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely and with a greater range of up to three times farther than standard Wireless-G.

The incredible speed of Wireless-N makes it ideal for media-centric applications like streaming video and Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, so your network can handle multiple data streams at the same time, with no degradation in performance.

How does the Gateway do all of this? By connecting the Internet, as well as your computers and peripherals, to the Gateway, then the Gateway can direct and control communications for your network. Plus, since the Gateway is wireless, Internet access can be shared over the wireless broadcast as well as the wired network.

Use wireless security to secure your wireless network while the whole network is protected through a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) technology. The Gateway also offers VPN passthrough and other features, which can be configured through the easy-to-use, browser-based utility.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing Internet access and 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 not only are useful in homes and offices, but also can 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. Since the Gateway has wireless capabilities, it can bridge your wired and wireless networks, letting them communicate with each other.

Linksys recommends using the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Gateway. 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 Gateway, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway.

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.

spi (stateful packet inspection) firewall: a technology that inspects incoming packets of information before allowing them to enter the network.

firewall: Security measures that protect the resources of a local network from intruders.

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

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

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

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

WAG300N specifications

The Linksys WAG300N is a highly versatile wireless modem router, designed to meet the needs of both home and small office environments. This device combines multiple functionalities, featuring a Wireless-N access point, a 4-port Ethernet switch, and an integrated DSL modem. Its compatibility with ADSL2+ standards allows for seamless internet connectivity, ensuring that users can experience high-speed internet up to 24 Mbps, depending on their DSL connection.

One of the defining characteristics of the WAG300N is its support for the IEEE 802.11n wireless standard, which provides significantly improved data transfer rates over its predecessors. This technology allows for speeds of up to 300 Mbps, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming high-definition videos, online gaming, and large file downloads. The router's MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology enhances wireless coverage, enabling connections at greater distances and through obstacles like walls.

Security is a key concern for Linksys, and the WAG300N addresses this with a variety of robust features. It supports WPA, WPA2, and WEP encryption for secure wireless connection and includes a built-in firewall to protect the network from unwanted intrusions. Parental controls are also available, allowing users to manage internet access, ensuring a safer online environment for children.

The Linksys WAG300N is easy to set up and manage thanks to its web-based interface. Users can quickly configure the device using the installation CD or through a straightforward online setup wizard. Furthermore, firmware updates can be performed easily, allowing users to keep their devices secure and up to date with the latest features.

In terms of design, the WAG300N boasts a sleek black casing with LED indicators for power, internet connectivity, and wireless activity, enabling users to monitor device status at a glance. Its compact size ensures it does not occupy excessive space, making it an attractive addition to any office or home environment.

Overall, the Linksys WAG300N is a powerful networking device that offers great performance, advanced security features, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their internet connectivity experience. Whether for casual browsing or resource-intensive tasks, the WAG300N stands out with its blend of speed, reliability, and versatility.