Linksys WRT54GC manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Network Layout

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Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the same wireless network.

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 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 WLAN and wired LAN 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, such as the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router, 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.

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.

adapter: 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 Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router has been specifically designed for use with 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 Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use This User GuideWord definition Table of Contents Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix B Wireless Security Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows HelpRouter’s Back Panel Router’s Front Panel20 Wireless Tab Wireless Client List Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this Guide? Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Ssid your wireless network’s name Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Network TopologyPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Back Panel Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G Broadband RouterBroadband an always-on, fast Internet connection Power Front PanelStand Reset Button Bottom PanelTop Panel Optional Linksys Longer Range Antenna HGA7S TABConnecting the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router OverviewConnecting Your Network Devices Hardware Installation for Connection to Another Router Connecting Another RouterConnecting Your Network Devices Configuring the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Setup Tab Basic Setup How to Access the Web-based UtilityInternet Setup Static IP Connection Type Packet a unit of data sent over a networkNetwork Setup Optional SettingsDhcp Server Settings Setup Tab Ddns Time SettingsSetup Tab MAC Address Clone MAC Address CloneSetup Tab Advanced Routing 12 Setup Tab Advanced Routing GatewayWireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings Wireless NetworkWireless Tab Wireless Security Wireless Security17 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2 Personal Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter Wireless MAC FilterWireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Advanced WirelessCompact Wireless-G Broadband Router Security Tab Firewall FirewallSecurity Tab VPN Passthrough Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access PolicyInternet Access Policy VPN PassthroughTo create an Internet Access policy 25 Access Restrictions Tab SummaryApplications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forwarding Port Range ForwardingCompact Wireless-G Broadband Router Applications & Gaming Tab Port Range Triggering Port Range TriggeringApplications and Gaming Tab DMZ DMZAdministration Tab Management ManagementBackup and Restore Administration Tab Log LogAdministration Tab Diagnostics DiagnosticsFactory Defaults Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Firmware UpgradeRouter Information Status Tab RouterInternet Connection Local Network Status Tab Local NetworkDhcp Server Status Tab Wireless 41 Status Tab WirelessCommon Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Open a command prompt. For Windows 98SE and Me Protocol IP Address Enabled ApplicationApplication Start ~ End Port Protocol IP Address Enabled Can’t get the Internet game, server, or application to workCompact Wireless-G Broadband Router Firmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashing To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultNeed to upgrade the firmware My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnectingPower LED keeps flashing Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is the Router installed on the network? Does the Router support IPX or AppleTalk?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? Will the Router function in a Macintosh environment? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? Is the Router cross-platform compatible?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What is the Ieee 802.11a standard?What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? What Ieee 802.11a features are supported?What is ad-hoc mode? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is infrastructure mode?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is WEP?How do I reset the Router? How do I resolve issues with signal loss?Security Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Figure C-1 Administration Tab Firmware Upgrade Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareShared Resources Appendix D Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Windows 98SE or Me Instructions Windows 2000 or XP InstructionsFigure E-4 Wireless MAC Filter List For the Router’s Web-based UtilityAppendix F Glossary Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix G Specifications ModelCertifications Appendix H Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix I Regulatory Information FCC StatementSafety Notices Appendix J Contact Information
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WRT54GC specifications

The Linksys WRT54GC is a compact and versatile wireless router that has garnered attention for its impressive performance and functionality. It's part of Linksys' renowned WRT series, known for its reliability and user-friendly features, making it a popular choice for home and small office networking.

One of the main features of the WRT54GC is its support for the 802.11g wireless standard, allowing for wireless speeds of up to 54 Mbps. This makes it suitable for tasks such as web browsing, email, and streaming media, offering users a reliable connection without significant lag. Additionally, the router is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, ensuring that older equipment can still connect seamlessly.

The WRT54GC sports a compact design, making it ideal for users with limited space. Its small footprint does not compromise its performance, as it delivers strong coverage thanks to its two external antennas. This design enables users to extend their wireless signal throughout their homes or offices, reducing dead zones and enhancing connectivity.

Security is a key aspect of the WRT54GC, as it offers WPA2 encryption, providing a robust defense against unauthorized access. The router also supports MAC address filtering, which adds an extra layer of security by allowing only recognized devices to connect to the network. These features ensure that users can enjoy their wireless experience with peace of mind.

Another notable characteristic of the WRT54GC is its ease of setup and management. The device comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that simplifies the configuration process, allowing users to establish their network quickly. With features like DHCP, users can also assign IP addresses automatically, streamlining network management for both novices and advanced users alike.

The integrated four-port Ethernet switch adds to the router's versatility, allowing users to connect wired devices directly. This is particularly beneficial for devices that require a stable connection, such as gaming consoles or desktop computers.

In summary, the Linksys WRT54GC router stands out for its compact design, reliable wireless performance, strong security features, and user-friendly management options. It caters to the needs of both casual internet users and small businesses, making it a timeless choice in the landscape of consumer networking devices.
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