Linksys WRT54GC manual Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings, Wireless Network

Models: WRT54GC

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Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings

The basic settings for wireless networking are set on this screen.

Wireless Network

Wireless-G Settings

Mode. From this drop-down menu, you can select the wireless standards running on your network. If you have both 802.11g and 802.11b devices in your network, keep the default setting, Mixed. If you have only 802.11g devices, select G Only. If you have only 802.11b devices, select B Only.

Network Name (SSID). The SSID is the network name shared by all devices in a wireless network. The SSID must be identical for all devices in the wireless network. It is case-sensitive and must not exceed 32 keyboard characters in length. Make sure this setting is the same for all devices in your wireless network. For added security, you should change the default SSID (linksys) to a unique name.

Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to correspond with your network settings. All devices in your wireless network must broadcast on the same channel in order to communicate.

SSID Broadcast. When wireless clients survey the local area for wireless networks to associate with, they will detect the SSID broadcast by the Router. To broadcast the Router's SSID, keep the default setting, Enabled. If you do not want to broadcast the Router's SSID, then select Disabled.

Change these settings as described here and click the Save Settings button to apply your changes or Cancel Changes to cancel your changes. Help information is shown on the right-hand side of the screen.

Chapter 5: Configuring the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

Figure 5-14: Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings

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The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings

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Linksys WRT54GC manual Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings, Wireless Network

WRT54GC specifications

The Linksys WRT54GC is a compact and versatile wireless router that has garnered attention for its impressive performance and functionality. It's part of Linksys' renowned WRT series, known for its reliability and user-friendly features, making it a popular choice for home and small office networking.

One of the main features of the WRT54GC is its support for the 802.11g wireless standard, allowing for wireless speeds of up to 54 Mbps. This makes it suitable for tasks such as web browsing, email, and streaming media, offering users a reliable connection without significant lag. Additionally, the router is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, ensuring that older equipment can still connect seamlessly.

The WRT54GC sports a compact design, making it ideal for users with limited space. Its small footprint does not compromise its performance, as it delivers strong coverage thanks to its two external antennas. This design enables users to extend their wireless signal throughout their homes or offices, reducing dead zones and enhancing connectivity.

Security is a key aspect of the WRT54GC, as it offers WPA2 encryption, providing a robust defense against unauthorized access. The router also supports MAC address filtering, which adds an extra layer of security by allowing only recognized devices to connect to the network. These features ensure that users can enjoy their wireless experience with peace of mind.

Another notable characteristic of the WRT54GC is its ease of setup and management. The device comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that simplifies the configuration process, allowing users to establish their network quickly. With features like DHCP, users can also assign IP addresses automatically, streamlining network management for both novices and advanced users alike.

The integrated four-port Ethernet switch adds to the router's versatility, allowing users to connect wired devices directly. This is particularly beneficial for devices that require a stable connection, such as gaming consoles or desktop computers.

In summary, the Linksys WRT54GC router stands out for its compact design, reliable wireless performance, strong security features, and user-friendly management options. It caters to the needs of both casual internet users and small businesses, making it a timeless choice in the landscape of consumer networking devices.