Linksys WRT54GC What is ISM band?, What is Spread Spectrum?, What is WEP?, What is a MAC Address?

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Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

selects the right access point and registers its address. Communications between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone.

As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the system to determine whether it is in touch with the original access point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowledgment from its original access point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new access point, it then re-registers, and the communication process continues.

What is ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence Spread- Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

What is a MAC Address?

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Contents 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 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 Broadband an always-on, fast Internet connection Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G Broadband RouterBack Panel 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 Internet Setup How to Access the Web-based UtilitySetup Tab Basic 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 UpgradeInternet Connection Status Tab RouterRouter Information Dhcp Server Status Tab Local NetworkLocal Network Status Tab Wireless 41 Status Tab WirelessNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions 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 Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Figure C-1 Administration Tab Firmware Upgrade Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpShared Resources 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.