Linksys BEFW11S4 manual Introduction, The Linksys Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch

Instant Wireless® Series

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Linksys Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch

Congratulations on your purchase of a Wireless Access Point Router with 4- Port Switch. The Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch provides the ideal solution for connecting your wireless network to a high-speed broadband Internet connection and a 10/100 Fast Ethernet backbone. Configurable as a DHCP server for your existing network, the Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your local area network (LAN) and serves as an Internet NAT firewall against unwanted outside intruders. The Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch can also be configured to filter internal users’ access to the Internet.

A typical router relies on a hub or a switch to share its Internet connection, but the Linksys Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch channels this connection through the blazing, full duplex speed of its built-in EtherFast® 10/100 4-Port Switch. This cutting-edge combination of wireless router and switch technology eliminates the need to buy an additional hub or switch and extends the range of your wireless network. Now your entire wireless network can enjoy blazing broadband Internet connections supported by its robust switched backbone. With the dual-function speed and power of the Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch, your network will take off at speeds faster than you ever imagined possible.

Features

•Supports Universal Plug-and-Play for easy configuration

•Capable of up to 128-bit WEP Encryption

•Supports enhanced security using NAT firewall

•Access your network remotely over the Internet through Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

•Supports IPSec and PPTP Pass-Through

•Administer and upgrade the Router remotely over the Internet

•Configurable as a DHCP Server on your network

•Advanced security management functions for Port Filtering, MAC Address Filtering, and DMZ Hosting

•Includes one Ethernet Cable to Connect to a Cable or DSL modem

Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch

Minimum Requirements

•One Windows 98 SE, Millennium, 2000, or XP PC equipped with:

•TCP/IP Protocol,

•Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.7 for web-based configuration,

•a CD-ROM Drive, and

•an Ethernet Adapter with a UTP CAT 5 Network Cable

•Cable or DSL Modem with Ethernet Connection and Internet Access

An Introduction to LANs and WANs

Simply put, a router is a network device that connects two networks together.

In this instance, the Router connects your Local Area Network (LAN), or the group of PCs in your home or office, to the Wide Area Network (WAN) that is the Internet. The Router processes and regulates the data that travels between these two networks.

Think of the Router as a network device with two sides. The first side is made up of your private Local Area Network (LAN) of PCs. The other, public side is the Internet, or the Wide Area Network (WAN), outside of your home or office.

The Router’s firewall (NAT) protects your network of PCs so users on the pub- lic, Internet side cannot “see” your PCs. This is how your LAN, or network, remains private. The Router protects your network by inspecting the first pack- et coming in from the WAN port before delivery to the final destination on the LAN port. The Router inspects Internet port services like the web server, ftp server, or other Internet applications, and, if allowed, it will forward the packet to the appropriate PC on the LAN side.

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