Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Chapter 2: Planning Your Network

The Gateway’s Functions

A Gateway is a network device that connects two networks together.

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

The Gateway’s NAT feature protects your network of computers so users on the public, Internet side cannot “see” your computers. This is how your network remains private. The Gateway protects your network by inspecting every packet coming in through the Internet port before delivery to the appropriate computer on your network. The Gateway 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 computer on the LAN side.

Remember that the Gateway’s ports connect to two sides. The LAN ports connect to the LAN, and the ADSL port connects to the Internet. The LAN ports transmit data at 10/100Mbps.

IP Addresses

What’s an IP Address?

IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every device on an IP-based network, including computers, print servers, and Gateways, requires an IP address to identify its “location,” or address, on the network. This applies to both the Internet and LAN connections. There are two ways of assigning an IP address to your network devices. You can assign static IP addresses or use the Gateway to assign IP addresses dynamically.

Static IP Addresses

A static IP address is a fixed IP address that you assign manually to a computer or other device on the network. Since a static IP address remains valid until you disable it, static IP addressing ensures that the device assigned it will always have that same IP address until you change it. Static IP addresses must be unique and are commonly used with network devices such as server computers or print servers.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Network

Figure 2-1: Network

ip (internet protocol): a protocol used to send data over a network

NOTE: Since the Gateway is a device that connects two networks, it needs two IP addresses—one for the LAN, and one for the Internet. In this User Guide, you’ll see references to the “Internet IP address” and the “LAN IP address.”

Since the Gateway uses NAT technology, the only IP address that can be seen from the Internet for your network is the Gateway’s Internet IP address.

However, even this Internet IP address can be blocked, so that the Gateway and network seem invisible to the Internet—see the Security - Firewall tab in “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway.”

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The Gateway’s Functions

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Linksys WAG300N manual Planning Your Network, Gateway’s Functions, What’s an IP Address?, Static IP Addresses
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WAG300N specifications

The Linksys WAG300N is a highly versatile wireless modem router, designed to meet the needs of both home and small office environments. This device combines multiple functionalities, featuring a Wireless-N access point, a 4-port Ethernet switch, and an integrated DSL modem. Its compatibility with ADSL2+ standards allows for seamless internet connectivity, ensuring that users can experience high-speed internet up to 24 Mbps, depending on their DSL connection.

One of the defining characteristics of the WAG300N is its support for the IEEE 802.11n wireless standard, which provides significantly improved data transfer rates over its predecessors. This technology allows for speeds of up to 300 Mbps, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming high-definition videos, online gaming, and large file downloads. The router's MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology enhances wireless coverage, enabling connections at greater distances and through obstacles like walls.

Security is a key concern for Linksys, and the WAG300N addresses this with a variety of robust features. It supports WPA, WPA2, and WEP encryption for secure wireless connection and includes a built-in firewall to protect the network from unwanted intrusions. Parental controls are also available, allowing users to manage internet access, ensuring a safer online environment for children.

The Linksys WAG300N is easy to set up and manage thanks to its web-based interface. Users can quickly configure the device using the installation CD or through a straightforward online setup wizard. Furthermore, firmware updates can be performed easily, allowing users to keep their devices secure and up to date with the latest features.

In terms of design, the WAG300N boasts a sleek black casing with LED indicators for power, internet connectivity, and wireless activity, enabling users to monitor device status at a glance. Its compact size ensures it does not occupy excessive space, making it an attractive addition to any office or home environment.

Overall, the Linksys WAG300N is a powerful networking device that offers great performance, advanced security features, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their internet connectivity experience. Whether for casual browsing or resource-intensive tasks, the WAG300N stands out with its blend of speed, reliability, and versatility.
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