Linksys NWR04B manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Connecting the Router

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Network Everywhere® Series

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless LAN is exactly like a regular LAN, except that each computer in the LAN uses a wireless adapter to connect to the network through a wireless con- nection. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio channel.

The wireless adapter provides LAN access for wireless workstations. An inte- grated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of wireless adapter users and this Router compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each PC equipped with a wireless adapter in a BSS can talk to any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via this Router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a PC with a wire- less adapter to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for two PCs equipped with a wireless adapter Since this Router is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infra- structure LAN is doubled.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con- tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs that are equipped with a wireless adapter, and are within one ESS, must be configured with the same ESS ID.

Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, it is recommended to select a feasible radio channel and optimum Router position. Proper positioning com- bined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

Wireless Cable/DSL Router

Chapter 3: Connecting the Router

Before You Start

Before plugging everything together, it’s always a good idea to have everything you’ll need to get the Router up and running. Depending upon how you con- figure the Router in Chapter 6: The Router’s Web-based Utility, you may need some of the following values from your ISP:

When connecting through a Static IP connection, be sure to have 1) Your broadband-configured PC’s fixed Internet IP Address, 2) Your broadband- configured PC’s Computer Name and Workgroup Name, 3) Your Subnet Mask, 4) Your Default Gateway, and 5) Your Primary DNS IP address.

When connecting through a PPPoE connection, be sure to have 1) Your PPPoE User Name and 2) Your PPPoE Password.

The installation technician from your ISP should have left this information with you after installing your broadband connection. If not, you can call your ISP to request the data.

Once you have the above values, you can begin the Router’s installation and setup.

Connecting Your Hardware Together and Booting Up

Once you are sure that you have the above values on hand, you can begin the Installation and Setup of the Router.

1.Power everything down, including your PCs, your cable or DSL modem and the Router.

2.Connect an Ethernet cable from one of your PC’s Ethernet ports to one of the Router’s LAN ports. Do the same with all the PCs you wish to connect to the Router.

In addition to accessing the Router through an Ethernet connection, a wire- less connection can be used to access the Router. See the “For Wireless Connections” note that follows these connection instructions.

3.Connect another Ethernet cable from your cable or DSL modem to the Router’s Internet port.

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Contents Page Copyright & Trademarks Table of Contents An Introduction to LANs and WANs Wireless Cable/DSL RouterFeatures IntroductionPorts 4, 3 PowerRouter’s Ports InternetRouter’s LEDs PowerConnecting the Router Planning Your Wireless NetworkConfiguring Windows 98 SE and Millennium PCs Configuring the PCsOverview Configuring Windows 2000 PCs Configuring Windows XP PCs Setup Wizard’s Title Screen Using the Setup WizardSetting Up the Router with a Cable Connection Preparing to Set UpChannel SsidSet Additional Setting Up the Router with a DSL ConnectionSsid Logging Router’s Web-based UtilitySetup Fixed IP Obtain an IP Address AutomaticallyPPPoE PasswordDhcp StatusHelp LogIP Filtering AdvancedNetwork Everywhere Series Forwarding UPnP ForwardingPort Range Forwarding Triggering PortStatic Routing Dynamic RoutingDMZ Host MAC Address Clone WirelessNetwork Everywhere Series For Windows XP Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Need to set a static IP address on a PCFor Windows 98 SE and Me Want to test my Internet connectionNeed to set up a server behind my Router Am not able to access the Router’s web interface SetupCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work TCP UDPMy 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 Diag LED is flashingFull/Col LED keeps flickering continuously Click the Advanced = Filter tabNeed to use port triggering Diag LED stays lit continuouslyFrequently Asked Questions Allows Pptp packets to pass through Network Everywhere Series Step One Pinging an IP Address Appendix B How to Ping Your ISP’s E-mail and Web AddressesStep Two Pinging for a Web Address Appendix C Configuring Wireless Security Figure C-2 Figure C-3 Configuring Wireless Security in Windows XPFigure C-6 Figure C-10 For Windows 2000 and XP Figure D-3Figure D-6 Appendix E GlossaryNetwork Everywhere Series Network Everywhere Series Network Everywhere Series Network Everywhere Series Environmental Appendix F SpecificationsAppendix G Warranty Information TX16 dBm 40mW. RX 11Mbps -78dBmCopyright 2002 Network Everywhere. All rights reserved Appendix H Contact InformationTechnical Support Fax Web site

NWR04B specifications

The Linksys NWR04B is a versatile and robust wireless router designed to cater to both home and small office environments. Known for its reliable performance and ease of use, this router is equipped with a range of features that ensure stable connectivity and enhanced productivity.

One of the standout characteristics of the NWR04B is its wireless technology. Utilizing the 802.11n standard, it offers fast data transfer rates, significantly reducing latency and buffering issues. The router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, allowing users to choose the optimal band for their specific networking needs. The dual-band feature not only enhances the speed of the network but also provides a stable connection, minimizing interference from other devices.

The Linksys NWR04B is designed with security in mind. It integrates advanced security protocols such as WPA2 encryption, ensuring that users' data remains safe from unauthorized access. The built-in firewall adds another layer of protection, safeguarding the internal network from potential threats. This is particularly important in today’s digital landscape, where cybersecurity is a significant concern.

In terms of connectivity, the NWR04B comes with multiple Ethernet ports, enabling wired connections for devices that require a more stable and secure connection than wireless offers. This is ideal for gaming consoles, PCs, and network-attached storage devices. Moreover, the router supports Quality of Service (QoS) settings, allowing users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications, such as video streaming or online gaming. This ensures a smoother and more reliable experience for high-bandwidth activities.

Another notable feature is its easy setup process. The Linksys NWR04B includes an intuitive web-based interface that guides users through the initial configuration without extensive technical knowledge. Additionally, it supports various connectivity options, including DHCP, Static IP, and PPPoE, catering to diverse internet service providers.

Overall, the Linksys NWR04B presents a well-rounded solution for anyone looking to upgrade their home or small office network. With its reliable dual-band performance, robust security features, and user-friendly setup, it stands out as an excellent choice for both tech-savvy users and novices alike. Whether streaming high-definition content, participating in video calls, or engaging in online gaming, the NWR04B delivers a seamless Internet experience, making it a valuable asset in any digital setup.