Linksys WRTSL54GS manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Network Layout

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Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster

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.

ssid (service set identifier): 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 Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster, 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.

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster has been specifically designed for use with both your 802.11b and 802.11g products. The Router is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such as the

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly to each other (peer-to- peer) without the use of an access point.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

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Network Topology

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Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Word definition How to Use This User GuideCopyright and Trademarks 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 Back Panel List of Figures25 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius 58 The Traceroute Test Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this User Guide? Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Network Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Ssid service set identifier your wireless network’s namePlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Back Panel Getting to Know the Wireless-G Media Storage Link RouterDMZ Front PanelInstructions for Connecting the Router Connecting the Wireless-G Media Storage Link RouterConnect Your Network Devices Wall-Mount Option Placement OptionsStand Option Wall-Mount Slots Overview Configuring the Wireless-G Media Storage Link RouterInternet Connection Type Setup Tab Basic SetupInternet Setup PPPoE Connection Type L2TP Connection Type Router IP Network SetupOptional Settings Network Address Server Settings Dhcp12 Time Setting Time SettingTZO.com Setup Tab DdnsDynDNS.org MAC Clone Setup Tab MAC Address CloneDynamic Routing Setup Tab Advanced RoutingOperating Mode Advanced Routing18 Routing Table Entry List Wireless Network Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings20 SecureEasySetup Ready Screen Encryption encoding data transmitted in a network Wireless Tab Wireless SecurityWireless Security 24 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA2 Enterprise 25 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius Wireless MAC Filter Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterAdvanced Wireless Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless SettingsWireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Block WAN Requests Security Tab FirewallFirewall VPN Passthrough Security Tab VPN PassthroughErase Disk Storage Tab DiskDisk Management Disk DetailCreate Share Storage Tab ShareShare Management SharesGroup Management Storage Tab AdministrationBasic User Management40 Modify Group Properties Database SetupStorage Tab Media Server UPnP Media ServerTo create a policy Access Restrictions Tab Internet AccessInternet Access 46 List of PCs Port Range Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardPort Range Forward Forwarded Range Applications & Gaming Tab Port TriggeringPort Triggering Triggered RangeDMZ Applications and Gaming Tab DMZEthernet Port Priority Wired QoSApplications and Gaming Tab QoS Device PriorityWireless QoS UPnP Administration Tab ManagementRouter Password Log Administration Tab LogPing Parameters Administration Tab DiagnosticsPing Test Traceroute TestAdministration Tab Config Management Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Internet Configuration TypeStatus Tab Router Router InformationLocal Network Status Tab Local NetworkWireless Status Tab WirelessNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Open a command prompt. For Windows 98SE and Me TCP Application Start and End Protocol IP Address EnabledCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster 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 Do not see the Router in my Network Neighborhood Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I set up additional devices using SecureEasySetup? Cannot write to the USB disk attached to the RouterDoes the Router support IPX or AppleTalk? Where is my SecureEasySetup button?Where is the Router installed on the network? Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? Does the Router support ICQ send file?Router allows Pptp packets to pass through What is DMZ Hosting?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What are the advanced features of the Router?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What is the Ieee 802.11b standard?What is roaming? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is ad-hoc mode? What is infrastructure mode?What is WEP? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network How do I resolve issues with signal loss?Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Network Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpShared Resources Windows 2000 or XP Instructions Windows 98SE or Me InstructionsFigure E-4 MAC Address Filter List For the Router’s Web-based UtilityAppendix F Glossary Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Appendix G Specifications Storage Humidity Limited Warranty Appendix H Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix I Regulatory InformationWireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Information section in this Guide Appendix J Contact InformationNeed to contact Linksys?

WRTSL54GS specifications

The Linksys WRTSL54GS is a versatile wireless router that has earned a reputation for its robust performance and user-friendly features. A member of the renowned WRT family, it combines a powerful 802.11g wireless capability with a wired Ethernet connection, making it ideal for home and small office environments.

One of the primary features of the WRTSL54GS is its ability to serve as a wireless access point and a router simultaneously. It supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 54 Mbps, allowing users to enjoy fast internet connectivity. The router operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band, which is suited for routine web browsing, streaming, and online gaming.

The WRTSL54GS supports advanced security features that help protect users' data and privacy. With WPA2 encryption, users can ensure that their wireless networks are secure from unauthorized access. The inclusion of a built-in firewall further enhances network security, making it harder for potential threats to infiltrate the system.

Another standout feature of the WRTSL54GS is its USB port, which allows for the connection of external storage devices. This capability enables file sharing among networked computers, making it convenient to access documents, photos, and multimedia content from multiple devices. Additionally, the USB support can facilitate print sharing, allowing users to connect a printer directly to the router.

Employing Quality of Service (QoS) technology, the WRTSL54GS can prioritize bandwidth for specific applications or devices. This ensures that high-demand activities, such as video streaming or online gaming, receive adequate bandwidth to function smoothly, enhancing the overall user experience.

Installation and configuration are straightforward thanks to the user-friendly web-based interface. Users can easily set up wireless security protocols, manage connected devices, and adjust settings to suit their preferences.

In summary, the Linksys WRTSL54GS combines reliable wireless capabilities, robust security features, and practical functionalities like USB support, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking to enhance their home or small office network. Its ease of use and scalability ensure that it remains a relevant solution even as network demands evolve. Overall, it provides a solid balance of performance and versatility.
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