Instant BroadbandTM Series

The Wireless-PC Card

The Wireless PC Card (not included)

To add wireless capabilities, a WPC11 (sold separately) is required. Power off the Router. Insert the WPC11 in the manner shown above in the warning label. Push the WPC11 into the BEFSR41W until it is securely held in place by the PCMCIA Slot.

Figure 2-2

The Reset Button

The Reset Button

To use the Reset button:

Unplug the power adapter from the Router. Then, plug the power adapter back into the Router. Press the Reset button. The Diag LED will flash after three seconds.

To restore the factory default settings, Unplug the power adapter from the Router. Press the Reset button and hold for three seconds while plugging the power adapter back into the Router.

EtherFast® Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router with 4-Port Switch

The Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router’s Front Panel LEDs

 

Figure 2-3

Diag

Red. The Diag LED illuminates when the Router goes

 

through its self-diagnosis mode during boot-up and restart. It

 

will turn off upon successful completion of the diagnosis. If

 

this LED stays on for an abnormally long period of time,

 

refer to the Troubleshooting section. During firmware

 

upgrades, this will also flash.

Power

Green. The Power LED illuminates when the Router is pow-

 

ered on.

Full/Col

Green. The Full/Col LED also serves two purposes. If this

 

LED is continuously illuminated, the connection made

 

through the corresponding port is successfully running in

 

Full Duplex mode. If the LED is flickering, the connection is

 

experiencing collisions. Infrequent collisions are normal. If

 

this LED is flickering too often, there may be a problem with

 

your connection. Check the Troubleshooting section if you

 

think there is a problem.

Link/Act

Green. The Link/Act LED serves two purposes. If the LED

 

is continuously illuminated, the Router is successfully con-

 

nected to a device through the corresponding port (1, 2, 3 or

 

4). If the LED is flickering, the Router is actively sending or

 

receiving data over that port.

100Orange. The 100 LED illuminates when a successful 100Mbps connection is made through the corresponding port.

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Linksys BEFSR41W manual Wireless-PC Card, Reset Button, Cable/DSL Wireless-Ready Router’s Front Panel LEDs

BEFSR41W specifications

The Linksys BEFSR41W is a versatile wireless broadband router that has been a popular choice for both home and small office environments since its introduction. Designed to offer reliable internet connectivity, the BEFSR41W combines wired and wireless capabilities, ensuring that users can connect multiple devices efficiently.

One of the standout features of the Linksys BEFSR41W is its integrated 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch, which allows users to connect their wired devices directly. This is particularly useful for users who require stable connections for activities such as gaming or streaming high-definition content. The router supports the IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

In terms of wireless capabilities, the BEFSR41W operates on the 802.11b and 802.11g standards, providing maximum wireless data rates of up to 54 Mbps. This enables users to experience reasonably fast wireless internet speeds for everyday online activities such as browsing and emailing. The router's built-in antenna offers decent coverage, making it suitable for smaller homes and office spaces.

Security is a key consideration for any network device, and the Linksys BEFSR41W incorporates several features to help safeguard users' data. It supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption methods, allowing users to set up secure connections and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Additionally, the router includes a built-in firewall to help prevent external attacks and threats.

Another significant characteristic of the BEFSR41W is its easy setup process. The router comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that simplifies the configuration process. Users can easily set up their network, configure security settings, and manage connected devices without needing specialized technical skills.

Additionally, the router is designed for longevity, with robust build quality ensuring reliability over time. It is also backward compatible with older wireless standards, which provides flexibility for users who have legacy devices in their network.

In conclusion, the Linksys BEFSR41W is a solid option for anyone seeking a dependable routing solution that balances both wired and wireless connectivity. With its blend of features, ease of use, and security options, it remains a relevant choice for users looking to establish a basic home or small office network.