Wireless

Instant Broadband™ Series

Use the Wireless screen to configure the Gateway for your wireless network.

Note: You must insert the Linksys wireless PC card in the PC card slot on the back of the Gateway before you can use the wireless features.

Figure 6-18

•SSID The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the unique name shared among all clients and access points in a wireless network. The SSID must be iden- tical for all clients and access points participating in the same network. The SSID is case-sensitive and must not exceed 30 characters.

For security reasons, it is recommended that you change the SSID from the default “linksys”, and avoid common names (e.g. Company name).

•Channel This specifies the channel (frequency) used for the wireless net- work. Select the appropriate channel to correspond with your network set- tings, between 1 and 11 (in North America). All points in your wireless net- work must use the same channel in order to function correctly.

•WEP The WEP Encryption method is Disabled by default. To enable WEP, click the Mandatory radio button. Click the WEP Key Setting but- ton to configure the WEP key settings.

ADSL Gateway with Modem / Router / 4-Port Switch / Wireless-Ready

On the WEP Key Setting screen, you can make the following choices:

•Select 64- or 128-bit WEP encryption.

•Select Passphrase generation for easy setup of encryption fields.

•Configure the manual entry of WEP encryption keys.

•Configure the default transmit WEP key.

Note: For further details on configuring wireless security using WEP,

refer to “Appendix B: Configuring Wireless Security.”

•Firmware Version The wireless card’s firmware version is listed in this field.

•RTS Threshold. This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. Should you encounter inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications are recommended.

•Fragmentation Threshold. This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. It specifies the maximum size a data packet will be before split- ting and creating a new packet. A smaller setting means smaller packets, which will create more packets for each transmission. Only minor modifi- cations of this value are recommended.

To clear any values you’ve entered on any page, click Cancel and re-enter information. To apply any settings you’ve altered on any page, click the Apply button. Once all settings are correct, click Continue. For more information on this tab, you can click the Help button.

BEFDSR41W specifications

The Linksys BEFDSR41W is a versatile and reliable wireless router designed primarily for small to medium-sized networks, providing high-performance capabilities and an array of advanced features. With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, it is an ideal choice for home users and small businesses looking to establish a robust and secure wireless environment.

One of the standout features of the BEFDSR41W is its dual wireless capability. It supports both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards, allowing users to connect a wide range of devices, from older equipment to newer, high-speed devices. This flexibility ensures compatibility across various platforms while delivering decent wireless speeds, making it perfect for basic web browsing, streaming, and online gaming.

The BEFDSR41W is equipped with a built-in firewall that includes Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) to provide robust security against external threats. This ensures that the users' personal data and network resources are safeguarded from unauthorized access. Additionally, it supports WPA2 encryption, which enhances wireless security by protecting sensitive information during transmission.

Another notable feature is its four Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and gaming consoles. This is particularly beneficial for users who require stable connections for bandwidth-intensive applications. The router also supports DHCP, enabling automatic IP address assignment to connected devices, which simplifies network management.

The BEFDSR41W boasts an easy-to-navigate web interface for setup and management, facilitating quick configuration of wireless settings, security protocols, and other essential preferences. Furthermore, the router offers Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, allowing users to prioritize specific types of traffic to ensure uninterrupted streaming and gaming experiences.

In summary, the Linksys BEFDSR41W is a dependable wireless router that combines essential features with a user-friendly approach. Its dual wireless standard support, built-in security measures, multiple Ethernet ports, and QoS capabilities make it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain an efficient and secure network. Whether for home use or small businesses, the BEFDSR41W stands out as a reliable networking solution in today's digital landscape.