Forwarding

Instant Broadband™ Series

•Filtered Private Port Range To filter users by network port number, enter a network port number or a range of network ports. Select the protocol for each port number you want to filter, TCP or UDP. Enter the port numbers you want to filter in the port numbers fields. Users connected to the Gateway will no longer be able to access any port number listed there.

Private MAC Filter

•Click the Edit MAC Filter Setting button to filter users by entering their physical addresses.

In the MAC Filter Setting screen, enter the MAC addresses that you want to filter in the MAC address fields. The users with the filtered MAC addresses will not be able to access the Internet. Click the Apply button and the Continue button, before closing the window.

Block WAN Requests

•This feature is designed to protect users from Internet hackers and other attacks. When enabled, the Gateway will ignore both unknown TCP and ICMP packets from the WAN side. By enabling the Block WAN Request fea- ture, you can prevent your network from being “pinged,” or detected, by other Internet users. The Block WAN Request feature also reinforces your network security by hiding your network ports. Both functions of the Block WAN Request feature make it more difficult for outside users to work their way into your network.

Remote Management

•This feature allows you to manage or configure the Gateway from a remote location, via the Internet. To enable management through the WAN connec- tion, click Enable, and use port 8080 on the remote PC you are using for remote management.

Remote Upgrade

•This feature allows you to upgrade the Gateway’s firmware from a remote location. To enable Remote Upgrade, click Enable.

Telnet Configuration

•This feature enables or disables telnet access to the Gateway.

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.

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

Important: This is an Advanced Function. No changes should be made to this tab without a thorough understanding of network concepts.

Port Range Forwarding sets up public services on your network, such as web servers, ftp servers, e-mail servers, or other specialized Internet applications. (Specialized Internet applications are any applications that use Internet access to perform functions such as videoconferencing or online gaming. Some Internet applications may not require any forwarding.) When users send this type of request to your network via the Internet, the Gateway will forward those requests to the appropriate PC.

You may use this feature to establish a web server or FTP server for Internet users to access. Be sure that you enter a valid IP address; you may need to establish a static IP address with your ISP in order to properly run an Internet server. For added security, Internet users will be able to communicate with the server, but they will not actually be connected. The packets will be forwarded through the Gateway instead. If you need to forward all ports to one PC, see the “DMZ” section.

Figure 6-20

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.