Linksys WRT54GC manual Introduction, Welcome

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Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router. The Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely.

How does the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router do all of this? A router is a device that allows access to an Internet connection over a network. With the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router, this access can be shared over the four switched ports or via the wireless broadcast at either up to 11Mbps for Wireless-B or up to 54Mbps for Wireless-G. In addition, the whole network is protected by NAT technology. For wireless networking, you also have a choice of wireless security methods. Additional security features, as well as configuration options, are accessible through the easy-to-use, browser-based utility.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the network is called “wired”.

PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router bridges wireless networks of 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other.

With your wired and wireless networks connected to each other and the Internet, you can now share files and Internet access—and even play games. All the while, the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router protects your networks from unauthorized and unwelcome users.

Linksys recommends using the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. If you do not wish to run the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM, then use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router.

nat (network address translation): NAT technology translated IP addresses of a local area network to a different IP address for the Internet.

mbps: one million bits per second; a unit of measurement for data transmission.

browser: an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.

lan (local area network): the computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.

ethernet: an IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.

802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

Chapter 1: Introduction

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Welcome

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Contents Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use This User GuideWord definition Table of Contents Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help Appendix a TroubleshootingAppendix B Wireless Security Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked QuestionsRouter’s Front Panel Router’s Back Panel20 Wireless Tab Wireless Client List Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Network Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Ssid your wireless network’s namePlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Back Panel Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G Broadband RouterBroadband an always-on, fast Internet connection 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 Setup Tab Basic Setup How to Access the Web-based UtilityInternet 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 FirewallVPN Passthrough Access Restrictions Tab Internet Access PolicyInternet Access Policy Security Tab 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 DiagnosticsFirmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Factory DefaultsRouter Information Status Tab RouterInternet Connection Local Network Status Tab Local NetworkDhcp Server 41 Status Tab Wireless 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 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 My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnecting To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultNeed to upgrade the firmware Firmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashingPower LED keeps flashing Does the Router support IPX or AppleTalk? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is the Router installed on the network? Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? Is the Router cross-platform compatible? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? Will the Router function in a Macintosh environment?What Ieee 802.11a features are supported? What is the Ieee 802.11a standard?What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What is infrastructure mode? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is ad-hoc mode?What is WEP? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? How do I reset the Router?Security Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Figure C-1 Administration Tab Firmware UpgradeShared Resources Appendix D Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places 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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