Linksys WRT54GS manual Appendix B Wireless Security, Security Precautions

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Wireless-G Broadband 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 Broadband Router.”

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 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Word definition Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help 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 WirelessCommon Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingNeed to set a static IP address on a PC 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 Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks 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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