Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

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.

Authentication Type. The default is set to Auto, which 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.

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.

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 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.

Figure 6-23: Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings

wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security

CTS Protection Mode. CTS (Clear-To-Send) Protection Mode should remain disabled unless you are having severe problems with your Wireless-G products not being 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.

Frame Burst. Enabling this option should provide your network with greater performance, depending on the manufacturer of your wireless products. If you are not sure how to use this option, keep the default, Disable.

Beacon Interval. The default value is 100. Enter a value between 1 and 65,535 milliseconds. The Beacon Interval value indicates the frequency interval of the beacon. A beacon is a packet broadcast by the Router to synchronize the wireless network.

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

beacon interval: data transmitted on your wireless network that keeps the network synchronized

DTIM Interval. This value, between 1 and 255, 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.

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

Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router

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The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings

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Linksys WRT54GS manual Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings
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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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