Multi-Tech Systems manual Introduction, The RouteFinder RF802EW

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of the Multi-Tech System’s RouteFinder model RF802EW, one of the finest broadband routers available today.

The RouteFinder RF802EW provides wireless users with seamless access to their existing wired LAN, enabling them to share broadband access to the Internet as well as other resources. Using the IEEE 802.11b wireless standard, the RouteFinder provides increased speed--up to 11 Mbps-- and mobility between the desktop,conference room, or campus. It supports a DSL or cable modem connection to the Internet to provide shared Internet access for up to 253 users. The RF 802EW includes one asychronous port for backup Internet access or dial-in remote access.

Wireless Networking. The RouteFinder’s integrated IEEE 802.11b-compliant access point provides mobility, enabling access to shared resources without requiring a physical connection. The RouteFinder also communicates with other access points on the network to provide roaming from one cell to another.

Connects up to 253 internal IP addresses to the Internet with broadband speed. The RouteFinder can be configured as a DHCP server to handle requests for Internet services and route to and from the ISP. Up to 253 internal IP addresses are connected to the Internet with only one IP account. The WAN Ethernet port has a bandwidth of 10 Mbps which is 179 times faster than a 56k modem and can support DSL or cable speeds of up to 5 Mbps.

Network Security. The RouteFinder uses 64-bit WEP encryption for wireless LAN security. WEP prevents intruder access to the network and prevents the capture of wireless LAN traffic by eavesdropping. The RouteFinder uses the NAT protocol to provide security from hackers attempting to access the office LAN without the extra cost of a firewall. It implements firewall and gateway security for LAN-based resources. Additionally, the RouteFinder supports Internet access restriction by IP address, client protocols or a list of forbidden sites.

Dial Backup or Dial-in RAS Port. The RouteFinder also provides an additional asynchronous port that, when connected to a dial-up modem or ISDN terminal adapter, serves as a backup resource for Internet access if your cable or DSL service goes down. It can also serve as dial-in remote access for your telecommuters or mobile users.

Virtual Server Support. In addition to providing shared Internet access, the RouteFinder can support Web, FTP or other Internet servers. Once configured, the RouteFinder accepts only unsolicited IP packets addressed to the Web or FTP server.

LAN Segmentation. For added LAN security, the RouteFinder can be used to segment the LAN by connecting the corporate servers to one RouteFinder Ethernet port and the Internet Servers to the other Ethernet port. This configuration puts the corporate servers behind a firewall and the Internet servers outside the firewall. To continue to provide Internet access, connect a modem, or ISDN terminal adapter to the RouteFinder’s asynchronous port.

The RouteFinder RF802EW

7