Linksys WRTSL54GS manual Introduction, Welcome

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Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

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

How does the Router do all of this? A router is a device that allows access to an Internet connection over a network. With the Router, this access can be shared over the four switched ports or via the wireless broadcast at up to 11Mbps for Wireless-B or up to 54Mbps for Wireless-G.

The Router also has a built-in media server, so it can stream music, video, and pictures from a USB hard disk to a Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP)-compatible media adapter. You won’t need a computer to manage the content; instead, let the Router can do that for you.

Use the WPA standard to secure your wireless network while the whole network is protected through a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) technology. The Router’s SecureEasySetup™ feature makes it a snap to set up WPA when you have other SecureEasySetup devices— notebooks, printers, other peripherals—comprising your network. Run the Setup Wizard and it will guide you through the steps. You can also access the Router’s features 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 Router bridges wireless networks of both 802.11b and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other.

With your networks all connected, wired, wireless, and the Internet, you can now share files and Internet access—and even play games. All the while, the Router protects your networks from unauthorized and unwelcome users.

wpa (wi-fi protected access): a wireless security protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.

spi (stateful packet inspection) firewall: a technology that inspects incoming packets of information before allowing them to enter the network.

firewall: Security measures that protect the resources of a local network from intruders.

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

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

Chapter 1: Introduction

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Welcome

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Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Word definition How to Use This User GuideCopyright and Trademarks Table of Contents Appendix a Troubleshooting Appendix B Wireless SecurityCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows HelpList of Figures Router’s Back Panel25 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius 58 The Traceroute Test Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this User Guide? Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Planning Your Wireless Network Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure ModeSsid service set identifier your wireless network’s name Network TopologyPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Getting to Know the Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router Back PanelFront Panel DMZConnecting the Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router Instructions for Connecting the RouterConnect Your Network Devices Wall-Mount Option Placement OptionsStand Option Wall-Mount Slots Configuring the Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router OverviewInternet Connection Type Setup Tab Basic SetupInternet Setup PPPoE Connection Type L2TP Connection Type Network Setup Optional SettingsNetwork Address Server Settings Dhcp Router IPTime Setting 12 Time SettingTZO.com Setup Tab DdnsDynDNS.org Setup Tab MAC Address Clone MAC CloneSetup Tab Advanced Routing Operating ModeAdvanced Routing Dynamic Routing18 Routing Table Entry List Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings Wireless Network20 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 Tab Wireless MAC Filter Wireless MAC FilterWireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Advanced WirelessWireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster Block WAN Requests Security Tab FirewallFirewall Security Tab VPN Passthrough VPN PassthroughStorage Tab Disk Disk ManagementDisk Detail Erase DiskStorage Tab Share Share ManagementShares Create ShareStorage Tab Administration BasicUser Management Group Management40 Modify Group Properties Setup Storage Tab Media ServerUPnP Media Server DatabaseTo create a policy Access Restrictions Tab Internet AccessInternet Access 46 List of PCs Port Range Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardPort Range Forward Applications & Gaming Tab Port Triggering Port TriggeringTriggered Range Forwarded RangeApplications and Gaming Tab DMZ DMZWired QoS Applications and Gaming Tab QoSDevice Priority Ethernet Port PriorityWireless QoS UPnP Administration Tab ManagementRouter Password Administration Tab Log LogAdministration Tab Diagnostics Ping TestTraceroute Test Ping ParametersAdministration Tab Config Management Administration Tab Factory DefaultsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Configuration Type Status Tab RouterRouter Information InternetStatus Tab Local Network Local NetworkStatus Tab Wireless 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 Application Start and End Protocol IP Address Enabled TCPCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Wireless-G Media Storage Link Router with SpeedBooster To start over, I need to set the Router to factory default Need to upgrade the firmwareFirmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashing My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnectingPower LED keeps flashing Frequently Asked Questions How do I set up additional devices using SecureEasySetup?Cannot write to the USB disk attached to the Router Do not see the Router in my Network NeighborhoodWhere is my SecureEasySetup button? Where is the Router installed on the network?Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router? Does the Router support IPX or AppleTalk?Does the Router support ICQ send file? How can I block corrupted FTP downloads?What is DMZ Hosting? Router allows Pptp packets to pass throughWhat are the advanced features of the Router? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? 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 roaming?What is ISM band? What is Spread Spectrum?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WEP?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my networkSecurity 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 98SE or Me Instructions Windows 2000 or XP InstructionsFor the Router’s Web-based Utility Figure E-4 MAC Address Filter ListAppendix 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 Appendix H Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix I Regulatory Information FCC StatementWireless-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.