Wireless-G ADSL Gateway with SpeedBooster

What is the ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence Spread- Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

Will the information be intercepted while it is being transmitted through the air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption function (WEP) to enhance security and access control.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

What is a MAC Address?

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all practical purposes, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a computer logs onto the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for the network.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cisco Systems WAG54GS (EU) manual What is the ISM band?, What is Spread Spectrum?, What is WEP?, What is a MAC Address?
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WAG54GS (EU) specifications

The Cisco Systems WAG54GS (EU) is a versatile and robust integrated broadband gateway designed to meet the growing demands of home and small office environments. This device combines both routing and DSL modem functionalities, allowing users to connect multiple devices to the internet seamlessly. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it an ideal solution for users seeking a reliable internet connection with minimal setup.

One of the standout features of the WAG54GS is its dual-band wireless capabilities, allowing it to operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This flexibility provides users with the option to connect a variety of wireless devices while minimizing interference from other electronic devices. The router complies with the 802.11g wireless standard, offering speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it suitable for tasks such as web browsing, file sharing, and streaming media.

The WAG54GS also features a built-in 4-port Ethernet switch, enabling users to connect wired devices directly for a more stable and consistent internet connection. This is particularly useful for bandwidth-intensive applications where a wired connection is preferred. In addition, the device supports Quality of Service (QoS) settings, allowing users to prioritize traffic for certain applications, ensuring smooth performance for voice and video calls.

Security is a significant consideration in the design of the WAG54GS, with several features to protect the network from unauthorized access. It incorporates WPA and WPA2 encryption protocols, ensuring data is transmitted securely over the wireless network. Additionally, the built-in firewall protects against external threats, while the ability to create a demilitarized zone (DMZ) allows users to isolate certain devices for additional security.

The setup process for the WAG54GS is straightforward, thanks to its web-based interface, enabling users to configure settings easily. The device also includes a wizard that guides users through the initial configuration process, making it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy.

In conclusion, the Cisco Systems WAG54GS (EU) is an ideal choice for users seeking a reliable and easy-to-use broadband gateway. Its combination of wireless and wired connectivity, robust security features, and user-friendly setup make it a solid investment for enhanced internet access in home and small office setups.
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