Frequently Asked Questions

Instant Broadband Series

What is MIB? MIB (Management Information Base) is a data file that works in tangent with third-party SNMP software in managing your Router. To use MIB files in tangent with third-party SNMP software, follow the instruc- tions that come with the thirty-party SNMP software. MIB data files will be available on the Linksys web site: www.linksys.com.

Can I use firmware for other routers with my BEFSR81? No. If you attempt to use other router's firmware, you could damage your router. Only use firmware specifically written for the BEFSR81 as posted on the Linksys web site: www.linksys.com.

What is Qos? “Qos” is Quality of Service, based on the idea that transmission rates, error rates, and other characteristics can be measured and improved in advance. For more infomation on Qos, see the QoS section on page 28.

What is SNMP? SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a widely- used network monitoring and control protocol. For more information on SNMP, see the SNMP section in the Appendix.

What is the maximum number of IP addresses and users supported by the Cable/DSL Router? The Router supports up to 253 IP addresses and users.

Where is the Cable/DSL Router installed on the network? In a typical environ- ment, the Router is installed between the Cable/DSL Modem and the LAN. Plug the Cable/DSL Router into the Cable/DSL Modem's Ethernet port.

Does the Cable/DSL Router support IPX or AppleTalk? No. TCP/IP is the only protocol standard for the Internet and has become the global standard for communications. IPX, a NetWare communications protocol used only to route messages from one node to another, and AppleTalk, a communications protocol used on Apple and Macintosh networks, can be used from LAN to LAN connections, but those protocols cannot connect from WAN to LAN.

Does the WAN connection of the Cable/DSL Router support 100Mb Ethernet? Because of the speed limitations of broadband Internet connections, the Cable/DSL Router’s current hardware design supports 10Mb Ethernet on its WAN port. It does, of course, support 100Mbps over in the auto-sensing Fast Ethernet 10/100 switch on the LAN side of the Router.

EtherFast Cable/DSL Routers

What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for? Network Address Translation (NAT) translates multiple IP addresses on the private LAN to one public address that is sent out to the Internet. This adds a level of security since the address of a PC connected to the private LAN is never transmitted on the Internet. Furthermore, NAT allows the Cable/DSL Router to be used with low cost Internet accounts, such as cable or DSL modems, where only one TCP/IP address is provided by the ISP. The user may have many private addresses behind this single address provided by the ISP.

Does the Cable/DSL Router support any operating system other than Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT? Yes, but Linksys does not, at this time, provide technical support for setup, configuration or troubleshoot- ing of any non-Windows operating systems.

Does the Cable/DSL Router support ICQ send file? Yes, with the following fix: ICQ menu-> preference -> connections tab-> check "I am behind a firewall or proxy", and set the firewall time-out to 80 seconds in firewall setting.

The Internet user can then send a file to a user behind the Router.

I setup an Unreal Tournament Server, but others on the LAN cannot join. What do I need to do? If you have a dedicated Unreal Tournament server running, you need to create a static IP for each of the LAN computers and forward ports 7777, 7778, 7779, 7780, 7781, and 27900 to the IP address of the server. If you want to use the UT Server Admin, forward another port (8080 usually works well), then in the [UWeb.WebServer] section of the server.ini file, set the ListenPort to 8080 (to match the mapped port above) and ServerName to the IP assigned to the Router from your ISP.

How do I get Half-Life: Team Fortress to Work with the Router? The default client port for Half-Life is 27005. The computers on your LAN need to have "+clientport 2700x" to the HL shortcut command line; the x would be 6, 7, 8, and on up. This lets multiple computers connect to the same server. One problem: version 1.0.1.6 won't let multiple computers with the same CD key connect at the same time, even if on the same LAN (not a problem with 1.0.1.3). As far as hosting games, the HL server does not need to be in the DMZ. Just forward port 27015 or 27016 to the local IP of the server computer. There remains, however, a problem with people being booted after a few minutes with an "illegible server message."

BEFSR81 specifications

The Linksys BEFSR81 is a highly regarded router that stands as a staple in home networking solutions. With its robust set of features, it has catered to both casual users and technology enthusiasts alike. The BEFSR81 is primarily known for its versatile connectivity options, making it a popular choice for users looking to connect multiple devices without compromising speed or reliability.

One of the standout features of the Linksys BEFSR81 is its ability to support up to eight Ethernet ports, allowing for extensive wired connections. This is particularly beneficial for users with multiple devices that require stable internet access, such as gaming consoles, desktop computers, and smart home devices. Additionally, the router supports advanced networking features, including DHCP server capabilities and network address translation (NAT), further optimizing performance and security.

In terms of security, the BEFSR81 offers stateful packet inspection firewalls and support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption, ensuring that users' data and privacy are well-protected. It also includes features like MAC address filtering, which allows users to create a whitelist of devices permitted to access the network, bolstering security even further.

The Linksys BEFSR81 adopts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the setup process, making it accessible for individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. Users can manage their network settings effortlessly via the web-based management interface, enabling them to configure passwords, adjust settings, and monitor network activity.

Moreover, the BEFSR81 supports Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize bandwidth for certain applications, ensuring that streaming services, online gaming, and video conferencing perform optimally without lag. This is particularly advantageous in households with numerous users engaging in data-intensive activities simultaneously.

Overall, the Linksys BEFSR81 remains a reliable choice for those seeking a well-rounded router that combines a feature-rich design with robust performance. Whether for home office use, casual browsing, or intensive gaming, the BEFSR81 meets the demands of modern networking needs, ensuring a seamless and secure internet experience for its users.