Linksys WRT54GS manual Introduction, Welcome

Page 8

Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

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

How does the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster do all of this? A router is a device that allows access to an Internet connection over a network. With the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster, this access can be shared over the four switched ports and via the wireless network, broadcast at either 11Mbps for Wireless-B or 54Mbps for Wireless-G. In addition, WEP encryption provides greater security opportunities while the whole network is protected through a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and NAT technology. All of these security features, as well as full configurability, are accessed through the easy-to-use browser-based utility.

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 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. The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster bridges wireless networks of both 802.11b and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other. And since this Router has SpeedBooster technology, your wireless network performance increases by up to 30% from old 802.11g standards. In fact, even non-SpeedBooster-equipped devices on your network will see a speed improvement when communicating with SpeedBooster-enhanced equipment!

With your networks all connected, wired, wireless, and the Internet, you can now share files and Internet access—and even play games. All the while, the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster protects your networks from unauthorized and unwelcome users.

You should always use the Setup CD-ROM when you first install 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 Broadband Router with SpeedBooster, 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-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1

Welcome

Page 7 Page 9
Image 8
Page 7 Page 9
Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks Word definitionTable of Contents Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix B Wireless Security List of Figures Router’s Back Panel20 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Enterprise Figure E-3 MAC Address/Physical Address Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Planning Your Wireless Network Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure ModeNetwork Topology Network LayoutPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router Back PanelFront Panel Cisco logoConnecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router OverviewConnecting Your Network Devices Diagram for Connection to Another Router Connecting Your Network Devices Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router Password ScreenSetup Tab Basic Setup Internet SetupPPPoE Connection Type Telstra Cable Connection Type Router IP Time Setting Setup Tab Ddns DdnsSetup Tab MAC Address Clone 15 Setup Tab MAC Address CloneSetup Tab Advanced Routing 16 Setup Tab Advanced Routing GatewayWireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings 18 Wireless Tab Basic Wireless SettingsWireless Tab Wireless Security 19 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Personal22 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2 Enterprise 24 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WEP Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter 25 Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterWireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Security Tab Firewall 28 Security Tab FirewallSecurity Tab VPN Passthrough 29 Security Tab VPN PassthroughAccess Restrictions Tab Internet Access To create an Internet Access policyBlocked Services Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward 34 Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardApplications & Gaming Tab Port Triggering Port TriggeringApplications and Gaming Tab DMZ Applications and Gaming Tab QoSWireless QoS Administration Tab Management Administration Tab LogAdministration Tab Diagnostics 40 Administration Tab DiagnosticsAdministration Tab Factory Defaults Administration Tab Firmware UpgradeAdministration Tab Config Management 45 Administration Tab Config ManagementStatus Tab Router 46 Status Tab RouterStatus Tab Local Network 48 Dhcp Clients TableStatus Tab Wireless 49 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 To start over, I need to set the Router to factory default My power LED will not stop flashingNeed to upgrade the firmware Firmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashingCannot connect to the Internet My wireless-G speed seems to be slow How do I turn on SpeedBooster on my router?Frequently Asked Questions Where is my SecureEasySetup button?Where is the Router installed on the network? Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router?What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for? Does the Router support ICQ send file?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? What is DMZ Hosting? What are the advanced features of the Router?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? Is the Router cross-platform compatible?What Ieee 802.11b features are supported? What is ad-hoc mode?What is infrastructure mode? What is roaming?What is ISM band? What is Spread Spectrum?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WEP?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my networkSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Figure C-1 Upgrade Firmware Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareAppendix D Windows Help TCP/IPWindows 98SE or Me Instructions Windows 2000 or XP InstructionsFor the Router’s Web-based Utility Figure E-4 MAC Address Filter ListAppendix 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 Appendix G Specifications WRT54GSFCC, IC-03, CE, Wi-Fi 802.11b, 802.11g, WPA2, WMM Appendix H Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix 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
Related manuals
Manual 105 pages 46.42 Kb

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.
Top Page Image Contents