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

ssid: your wireless network’s name.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly to each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access point.

Infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

adpater: a device that adds network functionality to your PC

ethernet: IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium

access point: a device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

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 How to Use This User Guide Copyright and TrademarksWord definition Table of Contents Appendix a Troubleshooting Appendix B Wireless SecurityCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions List of Figures Router’s Back Panel21 Additional Information Hardware Button 16 Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings 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 PanelBroadband an always-on, fast Internet connection Front Panel Cisco logoConnecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router OverviewConnecting Your Network Devices Connecting One Router to Another RouterWireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Setting up the Wireless-G Broadband Router Using the Setup WizardSetup Wizard’s Disconnect the Modem from PC Screen Setup Wizard’s Connect a Network Cable to a PC Screen Setup Wizard’s Power on the Router Screen Setup Wizard’s Check the Router’s Status Screen Cable or DhcpDSL PPPoE Static IPPptp L2TP 16 Setup Wizard’s Advanced Internet Settings Telstra Screen Telstra18 Setup Wizard’s Configure Wireless Settings Screen Using the Router’s SecureEasySetup Feature 19 Setup Wizard’s SecureEasySetup Screen24 Setup Wizard’s Confirm New Settings Screen 26 Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen Manually Configuring the Router’s Wireless Settings 27 Setup Wizard’s Configure Wireless Settings ScreenWPA-PSK WEP 64-Bit WEP 128-Bit33 Setup Wizard’s Congratulations Screen Using SecureEasySetup to Configure Your Notebook 34 Setup Wizard’s Welcome Start Wizard Screen37 Configure Wireless Settings #2 Screen 38 Your Wireless Settings Screen Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router Setup Tab Basic Setup Internet SetupPPPoE Connection Type Optional Settings Packet a funit of data sent over a networkRouter IP Setup Tab Ddns 12 Setup Tab DdnsSetup Tab MAC Address Clone 13 Setup Tab MAC Address CloneSetup Tab Advanced Routing 14 Setup Tab Advanced Routing GatewayWireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings 16 Wireless Tab Basic Wireless SettingsWireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Radius19 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter 21 Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterWireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings 23 Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless SettingsWireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Security Tab Firewall 24 Security Tab FirewallSecurity Tab VPN Passthrough Pptp a VPN protocol that allows the Point to Point ProtocolAccess Restrictions Tab Internet Access To create an Internet Access policyFtp a protocol used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network Url the address of a file located on the InternetApplications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward 30 Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardApplications & Gaming Tab Port Triggering Port TriggeringApplications and Gaming Tab DMZ QoSDevice Priority Ethernet Port PriorityApplication Port Priority Administration Tab Management Administration Tab LogAdministration Tab Diagnostics 36 Administration Tab DiagnosticsAdministration Tab Factory Defaults Administration Tab Firmware UpgradeAdministration Tab Config Management 41 Administration Tab Config ManagementStatus Tab Router 42 Status Tab RouterStatus Tab Local Network 43 Status Tab Local NetworkStatus Tab Wireless 45 Status Tab WirelessAppendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsNeed 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 TCPCan’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 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? 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? What is a MAC Address?Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network How many channels/frequencies are available with the Router?Appendix B Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Figure C-1 Upgrade Firmware Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareAppendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Windows 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 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Appendix G Specifications ModelStandards Warranty Years Limited Storage TempOperating Humidity Storage HumidityAppendix H Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix I Regulatory Information FCC StatementFrance Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster 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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