Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

The Front Panel

The Router’s LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front panel.

 

Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel

(Cisco logo)

Orange/White. The Cisco logo is the Router’s SecureEasySetup button. It lights up and will stay

 

orange when the Router is powered on. The color orange indicates that the Router is not using

 

the SecureEasySetup feature, while the color white indicates that the Router is using the

 

SecureEasySetup feature. When the Router enters SecureEasySetup mode, the Cisco logo will

 

turn white and start flashing. After the Router has generated the SSID and WPA Shared Key,

 

the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay white.

 

To clear the SSID and WPA Shared Key, press and hold down the Cisco logo for five seconds.

 

The Cisco logo will flash slowly as the Router resets itself. The Cisco logo will turn orange to

 

indicate a successful reset.

Power

Green. The Power LED lights up and will stay on while the Router is powered on. When the

 

Router goes through its self-diagnostic mode during every boot-up, this LED will flash. When

 

the diagnostic is complete, the LED will be solidly lit.

DMZ

Green. The DMZ LED indicates when the DMZ function is being used. This LED will remain lit

 

as long as DMZ is enabled.

WLAN

Green. The WLAN LED lights up when the wireless feature is enabled. If the LED is flashing,

 

the Router is actively sending or receiving data over the network.

1, 2, 3, 4

Green. These numbered LEDs, corresponding with the numbered ports on the Router’s back

 

panel, serve two purposes. If the LED is continuously lit, the Router is successfully connected

 

to a device through that port. A flashing LED indicates network activity over that port.

Internet

Green. The Internet LED lights up when there is a connection made through the Internet port.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router

NOTE: SecureEasySetup is a feature that makes it easy to set up your wireless network. If you have SecureEasySetup devices, run the Router’s Setup Wizard CD-ROM and follow the on-screen instructions to use SecureEasySetup.

7

The Front Panel

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Linksys WRT54GS manual Front Panel, Cisco logo
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WRT54GS specifications

The Linksys WRT54GS is a well-regarded wireless router that has earned its place in the annals of networking history due to its robust features and stellar performance. Initially released in the early 2000s, this model has become a favorite among both home and small business users, thanks to its reliability and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the WRT54GS is its support for the 802.11g wireless standard, which allows for data transfer rates up to 54 Mbps. This speed is sufficient for most everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming music, and even watching videos, making it a versatile choice for households with multiple devices. The router also includes backward compatibility with the older 802.11b standard, ensuring that users with older devices can still connect without issue.

The WRT54GS is equipped with a 4-port Ethernet switch, allowing for wired connections to additional devices. This is particularly advantageous for users who require stable, high-speed connections for gaming consoles or desktop computers. The Ethernet ports operate at speeds of up to 100 Mbps, further enhancing the overall network performance.

Security is a critical aspect of any networking device, and the WRT54GS does not disappoint. It supports various encryption protocols, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2, offering multiple layers of security to protect user data. The router also features a built-in firewall, which adds an additional layer of defense against external threats.

Another key characteristic of the WRT54GS is its user-friendly web-based interface, which simplifies the process of setting up and managing the network. Users can easily configure settings, set up parental controls, and manage connected devices without requiring advanced technical skills.

Additionally, the WRT54GS is renowned for its open-source firmware compatibility, enabling tech-savvy users to enhance its functionality with custom firmware options like DD-WRT or Tomato. These alternatives can unlock additional features such as improved bandwidth management, advanced VPN support, and enhanced wireless performance.

In summary, the Linksys WRT54GS is a reliable and versatile router with features that cater to a wide range of users. Its combination of robust wireless performance, extensive security options, and user-friendly configuration makes it an ideal choice for many. While more advanced options are available today, the WRT54GS remains a classic model that paved the way for future networking devices.
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