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 6: 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 How to Use This User GuideCopyright and Trademarks Table of Contents Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix B Wireless Security 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 Network Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Network LayoutPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Broadband an always-on, fast Internet connection Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband RouterBack Panel 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 TriggeringDevice Priority Applications and Gaming Tab DMZQoS 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 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 TCPCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster Need to upgrade the firmware To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultMy power LED will not stop flashing 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 the Ieee 802.11g standard? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is roaming? What is ad-hoc mode?What is infrastructure mode? What is ISM band?What is WEP? What is Spread Spectrum?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is a MAC Address?Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network How many channels/frequencies are available with the Router?Security 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 FirmwareNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpShared Resources 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 Standards Appendix G SpecificationsModel Operating Humidity Warranty Years LimitedStorage Temp 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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