Linksys WRT51AB manual What is WEP?, What is a MAC Address?, How do I avoid interference?

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Instant Wireless® Series

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 practical pur- poses, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a computer logs onto the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for the network.

How do I avoid interference?

If you are using the Router and one or more Access Points in close proximity to one another, and they are set on the same channel, interference will be gen- erated. To avoid interference, be sure to set the Router and all Access Points to different channels (frequencies); in other words, assign a unique channel to the Router and each Access Point.

How do I reset the Router?

Press the Reset button on the back panel for about ten seconds. This will reset the Router to its default settings.

How do I resolve issues with signal loss?

There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without test- ing. Every obstacle placed between the Router and a wireless PC will create signal loss. Lead glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhibit the signal and reduce range. Start with the Router and your wireless PC in the same room and move it away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment.

You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel. Also, due to FCC regulations, more power may be transmitted, using 802.11a, on channels 52, 56, 60 and 64, than on the lower channels. Lastly, click the Advanced tab of the web-based utility and make sure that FULL is selected in the Transmission Power field.

Does the Turbo Mode work with Windows XP PCs?

No. The Turbo Mode does not work with Windows XP PCs.

Dual-Band Wireless A+B Broadband Router

I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.

WEP is probably enabled on the Router, but not on your wireless adapter (or vice versa). Verify that the same WEP keys and levels (64, 128, or 152) are being used on all nodes of your wireless network.

How many channels/frequencies are available with the Router?

Using 802.11a, there are eight available channels, ranging from 36 to 64. Using 802.11b, there are eleven available channels, ranging from 1 to 11.

What is Turbo Mode?

Turbo Mode allows high-speed connections, but severely limits range. To work, Turbo Mode must be enabled on both the Router and the wireless PCs. Turbo Mode is not compatible with Windows XP and may only function with Linksys 5GHz wireless adapters.

What is the difference in range between 802.11a and 802.11b products?

Overall, range will be a little less in a typical environment, and while higher speeds may be achieved with 802.11a, throughput degrades more quickly. (See Figure A-1.)

Figure A-1

If your questions are not addressed here, refer to the Linksys website,

www.linksys.com.

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Contents Dual-Band Wireless A+B Broadband Router Copyright & Trademarks Table of Contents Introduction Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked QuestionsEnvironmental 127 IP Addresses FeaturesRouter’s Functions What’s an IP Address?Router Setup Overview Dhcp Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ServersDynamic IP Addresses Router’s Back Panel Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+B Broadband RouterRouter’s Front Panel LEDs Internet Indicators LAN IndicatorsProceed to Connect the Router Connect the Router Wired Connection to a PCOverview Configure the PCs Wireless Connection to a PCConfiguring Windows 98 and Millennium PCs Go to Configure the Router’s Basic SettingsConfiguring Windows 2000 PCs Configuring Windows XP PCs Configure the Router’s Basic Settings Static or Fixed IP Address Automatic Configuration DhcpEnter the Default Gateway Enter the Internet IP AddressHow to Access the Web-based Utility Router’s Web-based UtilityAutomatic Configuration Dhcp SetupStatic IP Pptp 5GHz, 802.11a 5GHz, 802.11a WEP 4GHz, 802.11b WEP Password StatusLAN Dhcp Log HelpAdvanced Tabs Advanced Wireless 5GHz, 802.11a802.1x Configuration Radius Server Filters Private IP Filter Private MAC Filter To set up a filter11-20 , 21-30 , 31-40 , or 41-50 from Applications External Port TCP Protocol UDP Protocol Port ForwardingRouting Click the Delete This Entry buttonDMZ Host MAC Address Clone Need to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions For Windows NTWant to test my Internet connection For Windows XPFor Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP Need to set up a server behind my Router TCP UDPCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Firmware upgrade failed, and/or the Diag 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 disconnectingFrequently Asked Questions Click the Advanced = Filters tabDoes the Router support ICQ send file? How can I block corrupted FTP downloads?What is the Ieee 802.11a standard? What is DMZ Hosting?What are the advanced features of the Router? What is the Ieee 802.11b standard?What is infrastructure mode? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is ad-hoc mode? What is roaming?How do I reset the Router? What is WEP?What is a MAC Address? How do I resolve issues with signal loss?Appendix B How to Ping Your ISP’s E-mail & Web Addresses Step One Pinging an IP AddressStep Two Pinging for a Web Address Appendix C Configuring Wireless SecurityBackground 802.1x Authentication WEP EncryptionMD5 Authentication for Windows XP Figure C-2Figure C-5 Digital Certificate Installation Figure C-9Click Install this certificate Figure C-13TLS Authentication for Windows XP Figure C-18Figure C-21 Figure C-25 For Windows 95, 98, and MeFigure D-3 For Windows NT, 2000, and XPAppendix E Glossary 111 113 115 117 119 121 123 125 Category 5 Ethernet Network Cable or better Appendix F SpecificationsOne 10/100 RJ-45 Port for Cable/DSL Modem EnvironmentalAppendix H Contact Information Appendix G Warranty InformationSales Information Technical Support RMA Issues Fax Web site FTP siteCopyright 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved