Linksys E4200 manual How to control access to your wireless network, Wireless Wireless MAC Filter

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Linksys E-Series

How to control access to your wireless network

Why would I need to control access to my wireless network? If you used Cisco Connect to configure your router, your wireless network is already secure. By default, Cisco Connect enables industry-standardWPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security using WPA2/WPA mixed mode. Cisco Connect configures your network with a complex, 10-character password that is almost impossible to compromise. If you set up your wireless network manually and have not enabled wireless security, your wireless network will be an “open” network that almost anyone nearby with a Wi-Fi-enabled device could access.

What is MAC filtering? The best way to secure your wireless network is to use Cisco Connect to automatically configure and secure it. However, if you choose not to use the built-in security features of your router, you can still control access to your wireless network using MAC filtering.

Every network device has a unique, 12-digit MAC (Media Access Control) address. Using MAC filtering, you can allow only known MAC addresses onto your network. You can also exclude specific MAC addresses or deny them access to your wireless network.

Example: Because each MAC filtering configuration is unique, the following procedure uses the simplified example of setting up MAC filtering to allow one wireless device access to the network.

To set up MAC filtering to allow one wireless device access to your network:

Wireless > Wireless MAC Filter

1.Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to open the browser-based utility” on page 21).

2.Click the Wireless tab, then click the Wireless MAC Filter page.

3.Click Enabled.

Improving Security

4.Select Permit.

TIP

You can also use MAC filtering to prevent specific PCs from accessing your network by selecting Prevent. However, it’s easier to permit only known devices than to exclude unknown devices.

5.Click Wireless Client List. A separate window opens and displays the currently connected devices. In the example below, the only device permitted onto the network is the MacBook. However, two other devices are also connected to the network.

6.Next to the device entry, select Save to MAC Address Filter List, then click Add. The Mac Address Filter List is updated with the MAC address of the device you added.

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Contents User Guide Linksys E-Series E1200/E1500 Contents Browser-based Utility Menu Structure E2500 Contents E250062 E3200 Contents Browser-based Utility Menu Structure E4200 Contents Viii Features Package contentsProduct overview E1200/E1500Bottom view Back viewE2500 Power of dual bandEthernet ports Wi-Fi Protected Setup button Benefits of gigabit E3200Port activity indicators Built-in USB port and UPnP media server E4200Top view Product overview How to create a home network Setting Up BasicsWhere to find more help How to set up your routerClick Set up your Linksys Router. If you do not see this How to start Cisco ConnectTo start Cisco Connect for the first time To start Cisco Connect on a Windows computerHow to test your Internet connection speed How to improve your wireless connection speedHow to install Cisco Connect on another computer To install Cisco Connect onto another computerHow to connect a computer to your network How to connect devices to your networkTo create an Easy Setup Key To manually connect a computer to your network How to connect a computer manuallyHow to connect other devices How to connect a printerTo connect a wireless printer to your network To manually connect a device to your networkHow to access parental controls How to set up parental controlsTo access parental controls for the first time To change the parental controls password To access parental controls after the first timeHow to set parental controls How to select the computers to have parental controlsTo select computers that will have parental controls To set up guest access to your network How to set up guest access to your networkTo change your router’s name and password How to change your router’s name and passwordHow to open the browser-based utility Setting Up AdvancedHow to manually set up your router To manually set up your routerHow to manually set up your Internet connection How to get the most out of your dual- band routerTo manually configure your router’s Internet connection Setup Basic SetupWireless Basic Wireless Settings To reconfigure your wireless networkWireless-A Only 802.11a only Wireless-N Only 802.11n only To configure your router’s Dhcp server settings How to set up the Dhcp server on your routerSetup Basic Setup Dhcp Server Settings Auto 20 MHz or 40 Mhz MHz OnlyHow to set up Dhcp reservation How to find your network on the InternetTo configure Dhcp reservation Click Save SettingsSetup MAC Address Clone How to clone a MAC addressBronzeEagle953.linksysnet.com1024 To clone a MAC address from your computerHow to optimize your router for gaming and voice How to connect to your corporate office using a VPNTo change your VPN passthrough settings Security VPN PassthroughApplications & Gaming QoS To configure QOSConfigure Upstream Bandwidth How to remotely change your router settingsAdministration Management To access your router remotelyHow to configure UPnP How to enable Voice over IP on your networkHow to use a router as an access point To configure the router for VoIPTo use your old router as an access point To view your new router’s settingsTo add a router to your existing wireless network How to put your new router behind an existing routerTo add your router to an existing router or gateway To share an Internet connectionTo use their DNS To extend your network or add wireless capabilities How to expose a device to the InternetTo set up a device in the DMZ To extend your networkClick Save Settings to apply your changes Improving Security Network security following a manual setupHow do I know if my network is secure? Wi-Fi Protected Setup activity light How to set up wireless security using Wi‑Fi Protected SetupConnecting a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button How to connect a device manually How to connect a device using its Wi-Fi Protected Setup PINWireless Wireless MAC Filter How to control access to your wireless networkTo change your firewall settings How to improve security using the built-in firewallSecurity-Firewall How to configure storage Using an External DriveHow to create shared folders To create a shared folderHow to manage group and user access to shared folders To disable anonymous disk access How to create a groupStorage Administration To create a groupHow to grant group access to a share How to create a new userTo grant group access to a share To create a new userHow to configure the FTP server How to configure your router’s storage for remote accessTo set up your router for remote file access, you need to To configure the FTP serverTo configure FTP and control folder access How to share folders and set access rightsTo access files remotely How to access files remotelyTo configure your router as a media server How to set up your router as a media serverStorage Media Server To connect an UPnP device to your router’s media server How to connect your UPnP device to the media serverHow to set up port forwarding for a single port How to set up port forwardingPort Forwarding and Port Triggering Applications & Gaming Single Port ForwardingHow to set up port forwarding for a range of ports How to set up port forwarding for multiple portsTo set up single port forwarding for multiple ports To set up port range forwarding How to set up port range triggering for online gamingApplications & Gaming Port Range Forwarding Applications & Gaming Port Range TriggeringHow to configure your Xbox for online gaming How to restore factory defaults How to back up and restore your router configurationTo back up your router configuration To restore your router configurationAdministration Factory Defaults How to upgrade the router’s firmwareClick Restore Factory Defaults To upgrade the router’s firmware How to check the status of your routerAdministration Firmware Upgrade To check your router status using the browser-based utility How to disable the Ethernet port status lightsTo disable the lights using the browser-based utility How to test your Internet connectionAdministration Diagnostics To diagnose your Internet connectionAdministration Log How to configure and use logsMaintaining and Monitoring Browser-based Utility Menu Structure SetupBrowser-based Utility Menu Structure Storage Access Restrictions Linksys E1200 SpecificationsLinksys E1500 SpecificationsLinksys E2500 Linksys E3200 Linksys E4200 3425-01486

E-4200, E4200V2, E4200 specifications

The Linksys E4200 series, including the E4200, E4200V2, and E-4200 models, is a renowned line of dual-band wireless routers designed to deliver high-performance connectivity for both home and small office environments. These routers are well-regarded for their distinct features, advanced technologies, and user-friendly characteristics that cater to various networking needs.

One of the main features of the Linksys E4200 series is its dual-band capability, operating on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. This dual-band functionality allows users to optimize their wireless connections, enabling devices that require higher bandwidth, such as gaming consoles and streaming devices, to connect via the 5GHz band for reduced interference and improved speeds. Conversely, standard devices can conveniently operate on the 2.4GHz band.

The E4200 series also boasts Linksys' advanced N600 technology, which delivers combined wireless speeds of up to 600 Mbps. This high-speed performance is crucial for households with multiple devices streaming content, participating in video calls, or engaging in online gaming simultaneously. With four Gigabit Ethernet ports, users can connect wired devices with blazing fast speeds, enhancing the overall network performance.

In terms of range, the E4200 series incorporates multiple external antennas and the MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which enhances signal strength and coverage throughout larger spaces. This ensures that users can enjoy strong connections even in remote areas of their homes or offices.

Another significant characteristic of the Linksys E4200 series is its ease of setup and management. The installation process is streamlined with a user-friendly web-based interface and Linksys Smart Setup, allowing users to get their network up and running in minutes. Furthermore, users can easily manage their network through the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi app, which provides control over connected devices, parental controls, and guest access settings.

Security features also play a crucial role in Linksys E4200 routers, offering WPA2 encryption, a built-in firewall, and the ability to manage guest networks, thus ensuring that users maintain secure connections while sharing their internet with visitors.

In summary, the Linksys E4200 series routers stand out for their dual-band performance, high-speed capabilities, extended range, and robust security features. Whether for streaming, gaming, or everyday browsing, these routers provide a reliable solution for modern networking demands.
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