Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

The Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ

The DMZ feature allows one network user to be exposed to the Internet for use of a special-purpose service such as Internet gaming or videoconferencing. DMZ hosting forwards all the ports at the same time to one PC. The Port Range Forward feature is more secure because it only opens the ports you want to have opened, while DMZ hosting opens all the ports of one computer, exposing the computer to the Internet.

Any PC whose port is being forwarded must have its DHCP client function disabled and should have a new static

IP address assigned to it because its IP address may change when using the DHCP function.

To expose one PC, select Enable. Then, enter the computer's IP address in the DMZ Host IP Address field.

Figure 6-32: Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ

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

Changes to cancel your changes.

QoS

Quality of Service (QoS) ensures better service to high-priority types of network traffic, which may involve demanding, real-time applications, such as videoconferencing.

There are three types of QoS available, Device Priority, Application Priority, and Ethernet Port Priority.

Enabled/Disabled. To limit outgoing bandwidth for the QoS policies in use, select Enable. Otherwise, select Disable.

Upstream Bandwidth. Select the bandwidth to be used from the drop-down menu.This setting allows you to limit the outgoing bandwidth for the QoS policies in use, so you can control how much bandwidth a particular application is allowed to use.

Device Priority

Enter the name of your network device in the Device name field, enter its MAC Address, then select its priority from the drop-down menu.

Ethernet Port Priority

Ethernet Port Priority QoS allows you to prioritize performance for four of the Router’s ports, LAN Ports 1-4. For

Figure 6-33: Applications and Gaming Tab - QOS

each of these ports, select High or Low for Priority. For Flow Control, if you want the Router to control the

 

transmission of data between network devices, select Enable. To disable this feature, select Disable. The

 

Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router

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The Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ

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Linksys WRT54GS manual Applications and Gaming Tab DMZ, QoS, Device Priority, Ethernet Port Priority

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.