EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 8-Port Switch

Select Entry. Select the number of the static route from the drop-down menu. The Router supports up to 20 static route entries.

Delete Entry. If you need to delete a route, select its number from the drop-down menu, and click the Delete Entry button.

Destination IP Address. The Destination IP Address is the address of the remote network or host to which you want to assign a static route. Enter the IP address of the host for which you wish to create a static route. If you are building a route to an entire network, be sure that the network portion of the IP address is set to 0. For example, the Router’s standard IP address is 192.168.1.1. Based on this address, the address of the routed network is 192.168.1, with the last digit determining the Router’s place on the network. Therefore you would enter the IP address 192.168.1.0 if you wanted to route to the Router’s entire network, rather than just to the Router.

Subnet Mask. The Subnet Mask (also known as the Network Mask) determines which portion of an IP address is the network portion, and which portion is the host portion. Take, for example, a network in which the Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0. This determines (by using the values 255) that the first three numbers of a network IP address identify this particular network, while the last digit (from 1 to 254) identifies the specific host.

Gateway. This IP address should be the IP address of the gateway device that allows for contact between the Router and the remote network or host.

Hop Count. This determines the maximum number of steps between network nodes that data packets will travel. A node is any device on the network, such as PCs, print servers, routers, etc.

Interface. Select LAN or Internet, depending on the location of the static route’s final destination.

Show Routing Table. Click the Show Routing Table button to open a screen displaying how data is routed through your LAN. For each route, the Destination LAN IP address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Hop Count, and Interface are displayed. Click the Refresh button to update the information. See Figure 7-14.

When finished making your changes on this tab, click the Save Settings button to save these changes, or click the Cancel Changes button to undo your changes. For further help on this tab, click the Help button.

Filter

When you click the Security tab, you will see the Filter screen (see Figure 7-15). Filters block specific internal users from accessing the Internet and block anonymous Internet requests and/or multicasting.

Chapter 7: Using The Router’s Web-based Utility

Figure 7-14: Routing Table

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Filter

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Linksys BEFSR81 manual Filter, Routing Table

BEFSR81 specifications

The Linksys BEFSR81 is a highly regarded router that stands as a staple in home networking solutions. With its robust set of features, it has catered to both casual users and technology enthusiasts alike. The BEFSR81 is primarily known for its versatile connectivity options, making it a popular choice for users looking to connect multiple devices without compromising speed or reliability.

One of the standout features of the Linksys BEFSR81 is its ability to support up to eight Ethernet ports, allowing for extensive wired connections. This is particularly beneficial for users with multiple devices that require stable internet access, such as gaming consoles, desktop computers, and smart home devices. Additionally, the router supports advanced networking features, including DHCP server capabilities and network address translation (NAT), further optimizing performance and security.

In terms of security, the BEFSR81 offers stateful packet inspection firewalls and support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption, ensuring that users' data and privacy are well-protected. It also includes features like MAC address filtering, which allows users to create a whitelist of devices permitted to access the network, bolstering security even further.

The Linksys BEFSR81 adopts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the setup process, making it accessible for individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. Users can manage their network settings effortlessly via the web-based management interface, enabling them to configure passwords, adjust settings, and monitor network activity.

Moreover, the BEFSR81 supports Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize bandwidth for certain applications, ensuring that streaming services, online gaming, and video conferencing perform optimally without lag. This is particularly advantageous in households with numerous users engaging in data-intensive activities simultaneously.

Overall, the Linksys BEFSR81 remains a reliable choice for those seeking a well-rounded router that combines a feature-rich design with robust performance. Whether for home office use, casual browsing, or intensive gaming, the BEFSR81 meets the demands of modern networking needs, ensuring a seamless and secure internet experience for its users.