Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings

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

Wireless Network 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. If you do not have any 802.11g and 802.11b devices in your network, select Disable. SpeedBooster works automatically with all settings, providing the added bonus of increased speed across your entire network and even greater speed when using SpeedBooster products only.

Wireless Network Name (SSID). The SSID is the network name shared among all points 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 characters (use any of the characters on the keyboard). Make sure this setting is the same for all points in your wireless network. For added security, you should change the default SSID (linksys) to a unique name.

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

Wireless 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, Enable. If you do not want to broadcast the Router's SSID, then select Disable.

SecureEasySetup. If you did not utilize this network connection feature during the Setup Wizard, you may use it here by clicking the green logo. When you are prompted to start the push button setup, click Okay.

Reset Security. Use this button to reset the security settings on your network. You will need to run SecureEasySetup again on each device on your network to re-associate it to your network.

When you have finished configuring the devices in your wireless network, click the Next button to continue.

Change these settings as described here and click the Save Settings button to apply your changes or Cancel Changes to cancel your changes.

Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router

Figure 6-16: Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings

NOTE: SpeedBooster ONLY works in Infrastructure Mode.

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The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings

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Linksys WRT54GS manual Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings

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.