Linksys WRT54GC manual Appendix B Wireless Security

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Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:

1.Disable Broadcast

2.Make it unique

3.Change it often

Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. While this option may be more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless network. This includes hackers. So, don’t broadcast the SSID.

Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is “linksys”.) Hackers know these defaults and can check these against your network. Change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use.

Change your SSID regularly so that any hackers who have gained access to your wireless network will have to start from the beginning in trying to break in.

MAC Addresses. Enable MAC Address filtering. MAC Address filtering will allow you to provide access to only those wireless nodes with certain MAC Addresses. This makes it harder for a hacker to access your network with a random MAC Address.

WEP Encryption. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is often looked upon as a cure-all for wireless security concerns. This is overstating WEP’s ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker’s job more difficult.

There are several ways that WEP can be maximized:

1.Use the highest level of encryption possible

2.Use “Shared Key” authentication

3.Change your WEP key regularly

WPA. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is the newest and best available standard in Wi-Fi security. WPA2 is the newer version of Wi-Fi Protected Access with stronger encryption than WPA. WPA gives you a choice of two encryption methods: TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), which utilizes a stronger encryption method and incorporates Message Integrity Code (MIC) to provide protection against hackers, and AES (Advanced Encryption System), which utilizes a symmetric 128-Bit block data encryption.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

Important: Always remember that each device in your wireless network MUST use the same encryption method and encryption key or your wireless network will not function properly.

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Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

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Contents Wireless- G Word definition How to Use This User GuideCopyright and Trademarks Table of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows HelpRouter’s Front Panel Router’s Back Panel20 Wireless Tab Wireless Client List Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Planning Your Wireless NetworkSsid your wireless network’s name Network TopologyPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Broadband an always-on, fast Internet connection Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G Broadband RouterBack Panel Front Panel PowerBottom Panel Stand Reset ButtonOptional Linksys Longer Range Antenna HGA7S TAB Top PanelOverview Connecting the Compact Wireless-G Broadband RouterConnecting Your Network Devices Connecting Another Router Hardware Installation for Connection to Another RouterConnecting Your Network Devices Configuring the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Internet Setup How to Access the Web-based UtilitySetup Tab Basic Setup Packet a unit of data sent over a network Static IP Connection TypeOptional Settings Network SetupDhcp Server Settings Time Settings Setup Tab DdnsMAC Address Clone Setup Tab MAC Address Clone12 Setup Tab Advanced Routing Gateway Setup Tab Advanced RoutingWireless Network Wireless Tab Basic Wireless SettingsWireless Security Wireless Tab Wireless Security17 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2 Personal Wireless MAC Filter Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterAdvanced Wireless Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless SettingsCompact Wireless-G Broadband Router Firewall Security Tab FirewallInternet Access Policy Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access PolicySecurity Tab VPN Passthrough VPN Passthrough25 Access Restrictions Tab Summary To create an Internet Access policyPort Range Forwarding Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardingCompact Wireless-G Broadband Router Port Range Triggering Applications & Gaming Tab Port Range TriggeringDMZ Applications and Gaming Tab DMZManagement Administration Tab ManagementBackup and Restore Log Administration Tab LogDiagnostics Administration Tab DiagnosticsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory DefaultsFactory Defaults Firmware UpgradeInternet Connection Status Tab RouterRouter Information Dhcp Server Status Tab Local NetworkLocal Network 41 Status Tab Wireless 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 Application Protocol IP Address EnabledCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Application Start ~ End Port Protocol IP Address EnabledCompact Wireless-G Broadband Router Need to upgrade the firmware To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultFirmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashing My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnectingPower LED keeps flashing Where is the Router installed on the network? Frequently Asked QuestionsIs IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router? Does the Router support IPX or AppleTalk?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? What are the advanced features of the Router? What is DMZ Hosting?Will the Router function in a Macintosh environment? Is the Router cross-platform compatible?What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? What is the Ieee 802.11a standard?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What Ieee 802.11a features are supported?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is ad-hoc mode? What is infrastructure mode?What is Spread Spectrum? What is ISM band?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WEP?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? How do I reset the Router?Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Figure C-1 Administration Tab Firmware UpgradeNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpShared Resources Windows 2000 or XP Instructions Windows 98SE or Me InstructionsFor the Router’s Web-based Utility Figure E-4 Wireless MAC Filter ListAppendix 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 Model Appendix G SpecificationsCertifications Limited Warranty Appendix H Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix I Regulatory InformationSafety 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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