Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

The Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forwarding

The Port Range Forwarding screen allows you to set up public services on your network, such as web servers, ftp servers, e-mail servers, or other specialized Internet applications. (Specialized Internet applications are any applications that use Internet access to perform functions such as videoconferencing or online gaming. Some Internet applications may not require any forwarding.)

Before using forwarding, you should assign static IP addresses to the designated PCs.

Port Range Forwarding

To forward a port, enter the information on each line for the criteria required. Descriptions of each criteria are described here.

Application Name. Each drop-down menu offers a choice of ten preset applications (select None if you do not want to use any of the preset applications). Select up to five preset applications. For custom applications, enter the name of your application in one of the available fields.

The preset applications are among the most widely used Internet applications. They include the following:

DNS (Domain Name System). The way that Internet domain names are located and translated into IP addresses. A domain name is a meaningful and easy-to-remember “handle” for an Internet address.

Finger. A UNIX command widely used on the Internet to find out information about a particular user, such as a telephone number, whether the user is currently logged on, and the last time the user was logged on. The person being “fingered” must have placed his or her profile on the system in order for the information to be available. Fingering requires entering the full user@domain address.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol). A protocol used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network (Internet, UNIX, etc.). For example, after developing the HTML pages for a website on a local machine, they are typically uploaded to the web server using FTP.

POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3). A standard mail server commonly used on the Internet. It provides a message store that holds incoming e-mail until users log on and download it. POP3 is a simple system with little selectivity. All pending messages and attachments are downloaded at the same time. POP3 uses the SMTP messaging protocol.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). The standard e-mail protocol on the Internet. It is a TCP/IP protocol that defines the message format and the message transfer agent (MTA), which stores and forwards the mail.

Figure 5-27: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port

Range Forwarding

tcp: a network protocol for transmitting data that requires acknowledgement from the recipient of data sent.

udp: a network protocol for transmitting data that does not require acknowledgement from the recipient of the data that is sent.

Chapter 5: Configuring the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

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The Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forwarding

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Linksys WRT54GC manual Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forwarding
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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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