Linksys WRTSL54GS manual Appendix B Wireless Security

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Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster

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 incorporates Message Integrity Code (MIC) to provide protection against hackers, and AES (Advanced Encryption System), which utilizes a symmetric 128-Bit block data encryption. (AES is stronger than TKIP.) WPA2 uses TKIP + AES for 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 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G How to Use This User Guide Copyright and TrademarksWord 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 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 Placement Options Stand OptionWall-Mount Option Wall-Mount Slots Overview Configuring the Wireless-G Media Storage Link RouterSetup Tab Basic Setup Internet SetupInternet Connection Type PPPoE Connection Type L2TP Connection Type Router IP Network SetupOptional Settings Network Address Server Settings Dhcp12 Time Setting Time SettingSetup Tab Ddns DynDNS.orgTZO.com 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 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Wireless SecurityEncryption encoding data transmitted in a network 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 Security Tab Firewall FirewallBlock WAN Requests 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 ServerAccess Restrictions Tab Internet Access Internet AccessTo create a policy 46 List of PCs Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward Port Range ForwardPort Range 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 Administration Tab Management Router PasswordUPnP Log Administration Tab LogPing Parameters Administration Tab DiagnosticsPing Test Traceroute TestAdministration Tab Factory Defaults Administration Tab Firmware UpgradeAdministration Tab Config Management Internet Configuration TypeStatus Tab Router Router InformationLocal Network Status Tab Local NetworkWireless Status Tab WirelessAppendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsNeed to set a static IP address on a PC 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?Appendix B Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places 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 Appendix J Contact Information Need to contact Linksys?Information section in this Guide

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.