Broadband Router

Router Information

Clicking on the image of the Router will open up the Router Information screen.

The left side of this screen gives general statistics about the Router: Serial Number, Firmware Version, and Internet Connection types as well as bandwidth for each Internet port.

The right side of the screen provides user information for your network users, depending upon which Internet port they are accessing. You can also view which user is taking up the most bandwidth on your network from the usage percentage information.

From this screen, you can select PCs on your network whose usage you want to configure, either by restricting or optimizing their performance. By double-clicking the user listed, that user will appear as the PC icon on the Utility’s main screen.

Usage Configuration Screens

Connection Status

The icons in the upper left corner also provide the following information on your connection status.

Router Status (earth) Icon: The earth icon shows the network connection status. The earth will spin when the router is connectin to the Internet.

Internet 1/Internet 2 Icons: Click the Internet2 button to switch to the other Internet port. Click the Internet 1 button to view and edit the Internet configuration. As you change the Internet port, the screen will change acccordingly. If dual Internet is used , you can see who is going through Internet1 and Internet2. If only Internet 1 is used the status of Internet 2 will be shown as NOT AVAILABLE.

PC Status Icon: All PCs that are connected to the Router will be recorded and displayed. The off-line PCs will be shown as Intenet Disconnected, and on-line PCs will be shown as Internet Connected. PCs with a blue dot can be connected to the Internet, and the PCs with an orange dot can’t connect to the Internet. When PCs are connecting to the Internet, the dot will flicker. You can prevent the selected PC from connecting to the Internet by clicking the blue dot, which will turn it orange. You can then click the orange dot again to allow it to connect to the Internet. The Host Name and IP Address of all PCs will display, and you can click the right mouse button to rename the host name for the PC.

Appendix D: Using the RT042 Utility

Figure D-2: The Router Information Screen

47

Router Information

Page 53
Image 53
Linksys RT042 manual Router Information, Usage Configuration Screens

RT042 specifications

The Linksys RT042 is a dual-band wireless router designed to deliver robust performance and extensive coverage for home and small office networks. As a product from Linksys, a leader in networking solutions, the RT042 stands out with its advanced features and technologies that cater to users' varying connectivity needs.

One of the main highlights of the Linksys RT042 is its dual-band capability. Operating on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, this router provides flexibility and minimizes interference, allowing users to choose the most suitable band for their devices. The 5GHz band is particularly useful for bandwidth-intensive applications such as gaming and HD video streaming, while the 2.4GHz band offers greater range for everyday activities like browsing and email.

The RT042 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11ac, which enhances overall speed and efficiency. Users can experience lightning-fast wireless speeds, making it an ideal choice for households with multiple devices connected simultaneously. The router also employs Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which uses multiple antennas to improve signal quality and data throughput, ensuring a stable connection even in crowded environments.

Another notable feature is its four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to devices such as gaming consoles and desktop computers. These ports provide faster and more reliable connections compared to standard Ethernet. Additionally, the RT042 includes a USB port, enabling users to connect external storage devices or printers for easy sharing across the network.

Security is a top priority for the Linksys RT042, which comes equipped with advanced WPA2 encryption. This ensures that user data is protected from unauthorized access. Furthermore, the router includes features such as a firewall and VPN support, providing an added layer of security for sensitive information.

The RT042 is also designed with user-friendliness in mind. It features an intuitive web interface for easy setup and management, making it accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge. The router can be easily configured through a mobile app, allowing users to monitor their network from anywhere.

In summary, the Linksys RT042 is a versatile and powerful dual-band wireless router that combines advanced technology, robust security features, and user-friendly design. Whether for streaming, gaming, or everyday browsing, this router is an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their internet experience.