Linksys WRT54GS manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Network Layout

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Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless local area network is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the wireless network uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a wireless network share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the same wireless network.

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 wireless and wired network 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, 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.

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Broadband Router has been specifically designed for use with both 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 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Word definition Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix B Wireless Security Router’s Back Panel List of Figures20 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Enterprise Figure E-3 MAC Address/Physical Address Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Network Layout Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Network TopologyPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Back Panel Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband RouterCisco logo Front PanelOverview Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband RouterConnecting Your Network Devices Diagram for Connection to Another Router Connecting Your Network Devices Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Password Screen Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband RouterInternet Setup Setup Tab Basic SetupPPPoE Connection Type Telstra Cable Connection Type Router IP Time Setting Ddns Setup Tab Ddns15 Setup Tab MAC Address Clone Setup Tab MAC Address Clone16 Setup Tab Advanced Routing Gateway Setup Tab Advanced Routing18 Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings19 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Personal Wireless Tab Wireless Security22 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2 Enterprise 24 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WEP 25 Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterWireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster 28 Security Tab Firewall Security Tab Firewall29 Security Tab VPN Passthrough Security Tab VPN PassthroughTo create an Internet Access policy Access Restrictions Tab Internet AccessBlocked Services 34 Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardPort Triggering Applications & Gaming Tab Port TriggeringApplications and Gaming Tab QoS Applications and Gaming Tab DMZWireless QoS Administration Tab Log Administration Tab Management40 Administration Tab Diagnostics Administration Tab DiagnosticsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory Defaults45 Administration Tab Config Management Administration Tab Config Management46 Status Tab Router Status Tab Router48 Dhcp Clients Table Status Tab Local Network49 Status Tab Wireless Status Tab WirelessNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Open a command prompt. For Windows 98SE and Me Application Start and End Protocol IP Address Enabled Can’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Firmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashing To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultMy power LED will not stop flashing Need to upgrade the firmwareCannot connect to the Internet How do I turn on SpeedBooster on my router? My wireless-G speed seems to be slowIs IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is my SecureEasySetup button? Where is the Router installed on the network?Does the Router support ICQ send file? What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for?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? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What is roaming? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is ad-hoc mode? What is infrastructure mode?What is WEP? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network How do I resolve issues with signal loss?Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Figure C-1 Upgrade FirmwareTCP/IP Appendix D Windows HelpWindows 2000 or XP Instructions Windows 98SE or Me InstructionsFigure E-4 MAC Address Filter List For the Router’s Web-based UtilityAppendix F Glossary Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster WRT54GS Appendix G SpecificationsFCC, IC-03, CE, Wi-Fi 802.11b, 802.11g, WPA2, WMM Limited Warranty Appendix H Warranty InformationAppendix I Regulatory Information Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Router for Mobile Broadband Appendix J Contact Information
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WRT54GS specifications

The Linksys WRT54GS is a well-regarded wireless router that has earned its place in the annals of networking history due to its robust features and stellar performance. Initially released in the early 2000s, this model has become a favorite among both home and small business users, thanks to its reliability and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the WRT54GS is its support for the 802.11g wireless standard, which allows for data transfer rates up to 54 Mbps. This speed is sufficient for most everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming music, and even watching videos, making it a versatile choice for households with multiple devices. The router also includes backward compatibility with the older 802.11b standard, ensuring that users with older devices can still connect without issue.

The WRT54GS is equipped with a 4-port Ethernet switch, allowing for wired connections to additional devices. This is particularly advantageous for users who require stable, high-speed connections for gaming consoles or desktop computers. The Ethernet ports operate at speeds of up to 100 Mbps, further enhancing the overall network performance.

Security is a critical aspect of any networking device, and the WRT54GS does not disappoint. It supports various encryption protocols, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2, offering multiple layers of security to protect user data. The router also features a built-in firewall, which adds an additional layer of defense against external threats.

Another key characteristic of the WRT54GS is its user-friendly web-based interface, which simplifies the process of setting up and managing the network. Users can easily configure settings, set up parental controls, and manage connected devices without requiring advanced technical skills.

Additionally, the WRT54GS is renowned for its open-source firmware compatibility, enabling tech-savvy users to enhance its functionality with custom firmware options like DD-WRT or Tomato. These alternatives can unlock additional features such as improved bandwidth management, advanced VPN support, and enhanced wireless performance.

In summary, the Linksys WRT54GS is a reliable and versatile router with features that cater to a wide range of users. Its combination of robust wireless performance, extensive security options, and user-friendly configuration makes it an ideal choice for many. While more advanced options are available today, the WRT54GS remains a classic model that paved the way for future networking devices.
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