Instant Broadband Series

The Reset Button

Briefly pressing the Reset Button will refresh the Router’s con- nections, potentially clearing any jammed links.

Pressing the Reset Button and holding it in for a few seconds will clear all of the Router’s data. This should be done only if you are experienc- ing heavy routing problems, and only after you have exhausted all of the other troubleshooting options. By resetting the Router, you run the risk of creating conflicts between your PCs’ actual IP Addresses and what the Router thinks their IP Addresses should be. You may be forced to reboot the entire system(s).

If the Router locks up, simply power it down for 3 to 5 seconds by removing the power cable from the Router’s Power Port. Leaving the power off for too long could result in the loss of network connections.

The 8-Port Router’s Front Panel LEDs

The LAN Indicators

Power

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

 

ered on.

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 (1-8). If

 

the LED is flickering, the Router is actively sending or

 

receiving data over that port.

EtherFast Cable/DSL Router

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 on

 

page 30 if you think there is a problem.

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

The WAN Indicators

Link

Green. The Link LED illuminates when a successful con-

 

nection is made between the Router and your Broadband

 

device or network.

Act

Green. The Act LED flickers when the Router is sending or

 

receiving data over the broadband port.

Diag

Red. The Diag LED illuminates when the Router goes

 

through its self-diagnosis mode during boot-up. It will turn

 

off upon successful completion of the diagnosis. If this

 

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

 

to Troubleshooting on page 30.

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Linksys BEFSR81 manual Reset Button, Port Router’s Front Panel LEDs

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.