Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router. The Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely.

How does the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router do all of this? A router is a device that allows access to an Internet connection over a network. With the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router, this access can be shared over the four switched ports or via the wireless broadcast at either up to 11Mbps for Wireless-B or up to 54Mbps for Wireless-G. In addition, the whole network is protected by NAT technology. For wireless networking, you also have a choice of wireless security methods. Additional security features, as well as configuration options, are accessible through the easy-to-use, browser-based utility.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the network is called “wired”.

PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router bridges wireless networks of 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other.

With your wired and wireless networks connected to each other and the Internet, you can now share files and Internet access—and even play games. All the while, the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router protects your networks from unauthorized and unwelcome users.

Linksys recommends using the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. If you do not wish to run the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM, then use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router.

nat (network address translation): NAT technology translated IP addresses of a local area network to a different IP address for the Internet.

mbps: one million bits per second; a unit of measurement for data transmission.

browser: an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.

lan (local area network): the computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.

ethernet: an IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.

802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1

Welcome

Page 6 Page 8
Page 7
Image 7
Linksys WRT54GC manual Introduction, Welcome
Page 6 Page 8

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.
Top Page Image Contents