Setting up your wireless router

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Using the bandwidth switch

This switch let you set your router's wireless bandwidth modes. There are several modes available:

20MHz only

Setting your router to this mode allows only 20 MHz operation. This mode is compatible with N, draft 802.11n-, 802.11g-, and 802.11b-compliant devices, but will limit N, draft 802.11n-compliant devices' bandwidth by half. Reducing bandwidth to

20MHz-only operation might solve some wireless problems.20MHz/40MHz auto

Setting your router to this mode lets it switch automatically between 20 MHz and

40 MHz operation. This mode enables 40 MHz operation, to maximize speed for N, draft 802.11n-compliant devices when conditions permit. When a legacy 802.11g access point is presented and occupies an adjacent secondary channel, your router automatically reverts to 20 MHz operation to maximize compatibility. We recommend using this as the default mode.

Using the Broadcast SSID feature

Note: This advanced feature should be employed by advanced users only.

For security, you can choose not to broadcast your network's SSID. Doing so will keep your network name hidden from computers that are scanning for the presence of wireless networks. To turn off the broadcast of the SSID, remove the check mark from the box next to Broadcast SSID, then click Apply Changes. The change is immediate. Each computer now needs to be set to connect to your specific SSID. An SSID of ANY will no longer be accepted. Refer to the documentation of your wireless network adapter for information on making this change.

Protected mode switch–Protected mode ensures proper operation of N, draft

802.11n-compliant devices on your wireless network when 802.11g or 802.11b devices are present or when there is heavy 802.11g or 802.11b traffic in the operating environment. Use protected mode if your network consists of a mix of Dynex N Wireless Cards and 802.11g or 802.11b cards on your network. If you are in an environment that includes little to no 802.11g or 802.11b wireless network traffic, you will achieve the best N wireless performance with protected mode OFF. Conversely, in an environment with HEAVY 802.11g or 802.11b traffic or interference, you will achieve the best N wireless performance with protected mode ON. This will ensure N wireless performance is not affected.

Changing the Wireless Security Settings

Your router is equipped with the latest wireless security standard called Wi-Fi Protected Access™2 (WPA2™) and the legacy security standard called Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Your router also supports the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which simplifies the setup of a wireless newtork. WPS uses familiar methodologies, such as typing in a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or pushing a button, to let you automatically configure network names and strong WPA™/WPA2 data encryption and authentication. To enable security, you need to determine which standard you want to use. To access the security settings, click Security on the Wireless tab.