Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings

This tab is used to set up the Router’s advanced wireless functions. These settings should only be adjusted by an expert administrator as incorrect settings can reduce wireless performance.

Advanced Wireless

Wireless-G Settings

Authentication Type. The default is set to Auto (Default), allows either Open System or Shared Key authentication to be used. With Open System authentication, the sender and the recipient do NOT use a WEP key for authentication. With Shared Key authentication, the sender and recipient use a WEP key for authentication.

Transmission Rate. The rate of data transmission should be set depending on the speed of your wireless network. You can select from a range of transmission speeds, or you can select Auto (Default) to have the Router automatically use the fastest possible data rate and enable the Auto-Fallback feature. Auto-Fallback will negotiate the best possible connection speed between the Router and a wireless client. The default value is Auto (Default).

Basic Rate. The Basic Rate setting is not actually one rate of transmission but a series of rates at which the Router can transmit. The Router will advertise its Basic Rate to the other wireless devices in your network, so they know which rates will be used. The Router will also advertise that it will automatically select the best rate for transmission. The default setting is Default, when the Router can transmit at all standard wireless rates (1-2Mbps, 5.5Mbps, 11Mbps, 18Mbps, and 24Mbps). Other options are 1-2Mbps, for use with older wireless technology, and All, when the Router can transmit at all wireless rates. The Basic Rate is not the actual rate of data transmission. If you want to specify the Router’s rate of data transmission, configure the Transmission Rate setting.

CTS Protection Mode. CTS (Clear-To-Send) Protection Mode should be set to Auto (Default). The Router will automatically use CTS Protection Mode when your Wireless-G products are experiencing severe problems and are not able to transmit to the Router in an environment with heavy 802.11b traffic. This function boosts the Router’s ability to catch all Wireless-G transmissions but will severely decrease performance.

DTIM Interval. This value indicates the interval of the Delivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM). A DTIM field is a countdown field informing clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages. When the Router has buffered broadcast or multicast messages for associated clients, it sends the next DTIM with a DTIM Interval value. Its clients hear the beacons and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast messages. The default value is 1.

Chapter 5: Configuring the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

Figure 5-21: Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless

Settings

cts (clear to send): a signal sent by a wireless device, signifying that it is ready to receive data.

dtim: a message included in data packets that can increase wireless efficiency.

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The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings

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Linksys WRT54GC manual Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings
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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.
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