Cisco Linksys WRT55AG Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router User Manual WRT55AG ug Rev NC
Cisco-Linksys, LLC Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router WRT55AG ug Rev NC
Contents
User manual part 1
Instant Wireless
®
Series
Dual-Band Wireless
A+G Broadband Router
Use this guide to install:
WRT55AG
User Guide
FCC Caution: Any change or modification to the product not expressly approved by
Linksys could void the user's authority to operate the device.
FCC Caution: Operation within the 5150 to 5250GHz band is restricted to indoor use only.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
To comply with the FCC and ANSI C95.1 RF exposure limits, the antenna(s) for this
device must comply with the following:
• Access points with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz integrated antenna must operate with a sepa-
ration distance of at least 20 cm from all persons using the cable provided and must
not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
End-users must be provided with specific operations for satisfying RF exposure compli-
ance.
Note: Dual antennas used for diversity operation are not considered co-located.
Canadian Department of Communications Industry Canada (IC) Notice
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210
du Canada.
"To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be oper-
ated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its
transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing."
" Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'une
licence, il doit être utilisé à l'intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir
un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son antenne d'émission) est installé à
l'extérieur, il doit faire l'objet d'une licence. "
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)
Linksys Group declares that the Instant Wireless®Series products included in the Instant
Wireless®Series conform to the specifications listed below, following the provisions of the
European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC, EMC directive 89/336/EEC, and Low Voltage
directive 73/23/EEC:
For 11Mpbs, 2.4 GHz access points with 100 mW radios, the following standards were
applied:
• ETS 300-826, 301 489-1 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• ETS 300-328-2 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
For 54 Mpbs, 5 GHz access points with 40 mW radios, the following standards were
applied:
• ETS 301 489-1, 301 489-17 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• ETS 301-893 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
Caution: The frequencies used by 802.11a wireless LAN devices are not yet harmonized
within the European community, 802.11a products are designed for use only in specific
countries, and are not allowed to be operated in countries other than those of designat-
ed use. Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.
Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA countries. Outdoor
use may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may require a license for operation.
Contact local Authority for procedure to follow.
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2003 Linksys, All Rights
Reserved. Instant Wireless, Linksys, and the Linksys logo are registered trademarks of
Linksys Group, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trade-
marks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the proper-
ty of their respective proprietors.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Instant Wireless Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband
Router will be free from physical defects in material and workmanship for one year from
the date of purchase, when used within the limits set forth in the Specifications section
of this User Guide. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, call
Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization number. BE SURE TO
HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE ON HAND WHEN CALLING. When returning a
product, mark the Return Authorization number clearly on the outside of the package and
include a copy of your original proof of purchase. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE
PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. All customers located outside of the
United States of America and Canada shall be held responsible for shipping and han-
dling charges.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PROD-
UCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFT-
WARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS OFFERS NO REFUNDS FOR ITS PROD-
UCTS. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory,
with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all accom-
panying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or update its prod-
ucts, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity.
Please direct all inquiries to:
Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES
FCC STATEMENT
The Instant Wireless Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router has been tested and
found to comply with the specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio fre-
quency energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that inter-
ference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which is found by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver's
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
UG-WRT55AG-30304NC KL
Instant Wireless®Series Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
The Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router 1
Features 2
The Router’s Functions 2
IP Addresses 3
Router Setup Overview 4
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Dual-Band
Wireless A+G Broadband Router 6
The Router’s Back Panel 6
The Router’s Front Panel 7
Chapter 3: Connect the Router 10
Overview 10
Wired Connection to a PC 10
Wireless Connection to a PC 12
Chapter 4: Configure the PCs 13
Overview 13
Configuring Windows 98 and Millennium PCs 14
Configuring Windows 2000 PCs 16
Configuring Windows XP PCs 18
Chapter 5: Setting Up the Dual-Band
Wireless A+G Broadband Router 20
Chapter 6: Configure the Router’s Basic
Settings with the Web-based Utility 28
Chapter 7: The Router’s Web-based Utility 33
Overview 33
How to Access the Web-based Utility 33
Setup 34
Security 44
System 46
DHCP 50
SNMP 52
Status 53
Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated power level of
above 100 mW equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) are considered as not com-
pliant with the above mentioned directive and are not allowed for use within the European
community and countries that have adopted the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC
and/or the CEPT recommendation Rec 70.03.
For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact Linksys
Corporate Compliance.
• Linksys Group vakuuttaa täten että Instant Wireless Dual-Band A+G Broadband
Router tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY, direktiivin 89/336/EEC ja direktiivin
73/23/EEC oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden ehto-
jen mukainen.
• Linksys Group déclare que la Instant Wireless Dual-Band A+G Broadband Router
est conforme aux conditions essentielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive
1999/5/EC, la directive 89/336/EEC, et à la directive 73/23/EEC.
• Belgique B L'utilisation en extérieur est autorisé sur le canal 11 (2462 MHz), 12 (2467
MHz), et 13 (2472 MHz). Dans le cas d'une utilisation privée, à l'extérieur d'un bâti-
ment, au-dessus d'un espace public, aucun enregistrement n'est nécessaire pour
une distance de moins de 300m. Pour une distance supérieure à 300m un enreg-
istrement auprès de l'IBPT est requise. Pour une utilisation publique à l'extérieur de
bâtiments, une licence de l'IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et licences,
veuillez contacter l'IBPT.
• France F:
2.4 GHz Bande : les canaux 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, et 2472 MHz respec-
tivement) sont complétement libres d'utilisation en France (en utilisation intérieur).
Pour ce qui est des autres canaux, ils peuvent être soumis à autorisation selon le
départment. L'utilisation en extérieur est soumis à autorisation préalable et très
restreint.
5 GHz Bande: Conformément aux décisions de la CEPT, l'utilisation des fréquences
de la bande 5150 MHz - 5350 MHz est autorisée à l'intérieur des bâtiments avec une
puissance maximale de 200 mW, et interdite en extérieur. La bande 5470 MHz - 5725
MHz n'est pas ouverte aujourd'hui.
Vous pouvez contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications
(http://www.art-telecom.fr) pour de plus amples renseignements.
2.4 GHz Band: only channels 10, 11, 12, 13 (2457, 2462, 2467, and 2472 MHz
respectively) may be used freely in France for indoor use. License required for out-
door installations.
5 GHz Band: frequencies in the 5150 MHz - 5350 MHz band may be used indoor
with maximum power of 200 mW. Their use is forbidden outdoors. The 5470 MHz -
5725 MHz band is not currently open.
Please contact ART (http://www.art-telecom.fr) for procedure to follow.
• Deutschland D: Anmeldung im Outdoor-Bereich notwending, aber nicht genehmi-
gungspflichtig. Bitte mit Händler die Vorgehensweise abstimmen.
• Germany D: License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for proce-
dure to follow.
• Italia I: E' necessaria la concessione ministeriale anche per l'uso interno. Verificare
con i rivenditori la procedura da seguire. L'uso per installazione in esterni non e' per-
messa.
• Italy I: License required for indoor use. Use with outdoor installations not allowed.
• The Netherlands NL License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for
procedure to follow.
• Nederlands NL Licentie verplicht voor gebruik met buitenantennes. Neem contact op
met verkoper voor juiste procedure.
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router is like four devices in one
box! The Router function lets you securely share one high-speed Internet con-
nection among your entire network, while the 4-port full duplex 10/100 Switch
jump-starts your wired-Ethernet network. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-
chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need.
The Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router also contains two Wireless
Access Points, supporting all three wireless networking specifications. The
first Access Point uses the 2.4GHz radio band, supporting both the popular and
inexpensive Wireless-B (802.11b) standard at 11Mbps, and the new, almost
five times faster, Wireless-G (draft 802.11g) at 54Mbps. The second Access
Point radio operates in the 5GHz band, and supports Wireless-A (802.11a) net-
working, also at 54Mbps. Since the two radios operate in different bands, they
can work simultaneously, blanketing your wireless zone with bandwidth.
To protect your data and privacy, the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband
Router can encrypt all wireless transmissions. The MAC Address filter lets
you decide exactly who has access to your wireless network. The Router also
serves as a DHCP Server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet
intruders, DMZ capability, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured
to filter internal users' access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the
web browser-based configuration utility.
With the Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router at the center of
your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection,
files, printers, and multi-player games with the flexibility, speed, and security
you need!
1
The Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
Instant Wireless®Series
Help 55
Advanced Tabs 56
Advanced Wireless 56
Internet Filter 60
Port Forwarding 63
Routing 66
DDNS 68
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 70
Common Problems and Solutions 70
Frequently Asked Questions 81
Appendix B: How to Ping Your ISP’s E-mail &
Web Addresses 89
Appendix C: Configuring Wireless Security 92
Background 92
WEP Encryption 93
Appendix D: Finding the MAC Address and IP
Address for Your Ethernet Adapter 94
Appendix E: Glossary 97
Appendix F: Specifications 113
Environmental 114
Appendix G: Warranty Information 115
Appendix H: Contact Information 116
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
3
Remember that the Router’s ports connect to two sides. The 10/100 LAN ports
connect to the LAN, and the Internet port connects to the Internet. The LAN
ports transmit data at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, and the broadband port, or
Internet port, transmits data at 10/100 Mbps. Your wireless devices connect to
the Router through either 802.11a, 802.11b, or draft-802.11g wireless technol-
ogy.
What’s an IP Address?
IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every device on an IP-based network, including
PCs, print servers, and routers, requires an IP address to identify its “location,” or
address, on the network. This applies to both the Internet and LAN connections.
There are two ways of assigning an IP address to your network devices. You can
assign static IP addresses or use the Router to assign IP addresses dynamically.
Static IP Addresses
A static IP address is a fixed IP address that you assign manually to a PC or
other device on the network. Since a static IP address remains valid until you
disable it, static IP addressing ensures that the device assigned it will always
have that same IP address until you change it. Static IP addresses must be
unique and are commonly used with network devices such as server PCs or
print servers.
If you use the Router to share your cable or DSL Internet connection, contact
your ISP to find out if they have assigned a static IP address to your account.
If so, you will need that static IP address when configuring the Router. You can
get that information from your ISP.
Dynamic IP Addresses
A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to a device on the network,
such as PCs and print servers. These IP addresses are called “dynamic”
because they are only temporarily assigned to the PC or device. After a certain
time period, they expire and may change. If a PC logs onto the network (or the
Internet) and its dynamic IP address has expired, the DHCP server will auto-
matically assign it a new dynamic IP address.
IP Addresses
Note: Since the Router uses NAT technology, the only IP address that
can be seen from the Internet for your network is the Router’s Internet
IP address.
However, even this Internet IP address can be blocked, so that the
Router and network seem invisible to the Internet—see the Block
WAN Requests description under Filters in “Chapter 7: The Router’s
Web-based Utility.”
Instant Wireless®Series
2
• Dual-band, tri-standard Access Point communicates with Wireless-A
(802.11a), Wireless-B (802.11b), and Wireless-G (draft 802.11g) wireless
networks
• Protect your wireless investment while preparing your infrastructure for the
future
• Built-in 4-port Switch jump-starts your wired network, while the Router
functionality securely shares your high-speed Internet connection with
wired and wireless computers
• Advanced Security: Wireless data encryption (WEP), VPN pass-through,
Internet access control and Wireless filters
• Performance Investment Protection: Compatibility with Wireless-A
(802.11a), Wireless-B (802.11b) and Wireless-G Standards
• Built-in 4-Port 10/100 Switch Supports Wired Ethernet Clients
• All Ethernet Ports Support Auto-MDI/MDI-X -- No Need for Crossover
Cables or Uplink Port
• Wireless Security with up to 152-bit WEP Encryption
• Enhanced Security Management Functions: Port Filtering, MAC and IP
Address Filtering, DMZ Hosting, and NAT Technology
• Access Your Corporate Network Remotely through Virtual Private
Networking (VPN) -- Supports IPSec and PPTP Pass-Through
• Easily Configurable through a Web Browser -- Locally and over the Internet
• DDNS and DHCP Server Capability to Assign IP Addresses Automatically
• Supports Static and Dynamic Routing (RIP1 and 2)
Simply put, a router is a network device that connects two networks together. A
wireless router connects three networks.
In this instance, the Router connects your wired network and wireless network,
or the group of PCs in your home or office, to the Internet. The Router process-
es and regulates the data that travels between these networks.
The Router’s NAT feature protects your network of PCs so users on the public,
Internet side cannot “see” your PCs. This is how your network remains private.
The Router protects your network by inspecting every packet coming in
through the Internet port before delivery to the appropriate PC on your net-
work. The Router inspects Internet port services like the web server, ftp server,
or other Internet applications, and, if allowed, it will forward the packet to the
appropriate PC on the LAN side.
The Router’s Functions
Features
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
•Chapter 5: Setting up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
This chapter will walk you through the Setup Wizard included on the Setup
CD-ROM.
•Chapter 6: Configuring the Router’s Basic Settings with the Web-based
Utility
While you should always use the Setup Wizard when setting up the Router,
more advanced users may wish to do this through the Web-based Utility. This
chapter shows you how to configure the Router’s basic settings this way.
•Chapter 7: The Router’s Web-based Utility
The Web-based Utility controls all of the Router’s functions and settings. This
chapter shows you how to use this Utility.
When you’re finished with these basic steps, you will be ready to connect to the
Internet. You can also modify the Router’s settings further; for example, you
can adjust security features and other settings to enable online gaming (see
“Chapter 7: The Router’s Web-based Utility”).
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Instant Wireless®Series
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Figure 1-1
Cable or DSL Modem
Router
PC with
Ethernet
Adapter
Notebook with
Wireless Adapter
Notebook with
Wireless Adapter
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Servers
PCs and other network devices using dynamic IP addressing are assigned a new
IP address by a DHCP server. The PC or network device obtaining an IP
address is called the DHCP client. DHCP frees you from having to assign IP
addresses manually every time a new user is added to your network.
A DHCP server can either be a designated PC on the network or another net-
work device, such as the Router. By default, the Router’s DHCP Server func-
tion is enabled.
If you already have a DHCP server running on your network, you must disable
one of the two DHCP servers. If you run more than one DHCP server on your
network, you will experience network errors, such as conflicting IP addresses.
To disable DHCP on the Router, see the DHCP section in “Chapter 7: The
Router’s Web-based Utility.”
This User Guide covers the steps for setting up a network with the Router. After
going through “Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G
Broadband Router,” most users will only need to use the following chapters:
•Chapter 3: Connect the Router
This chapter instructs you on how to connect a cable or DSL modem to the
Router and connect your PC(s) to the Router.
•Chapter 4: Configure the PCs
This chapter instructs you on how to configure your PCs to be DHCP clients,
if you have previously set static IP addresses on your PCs.
Router Setup Overview
Note: Even if you assign a static IP address to a PC, other PCs can
still use DHCP’s dynamic IP addressing, as long as the static IP
address is not within the DHCP range of the LAN IP Addresses.
If the dynamic IP addressing fails to provide a dynamic IP address,
refer to “Appendix A: Troubleshooting.”
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
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Instant Wireless®Series
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The Router’s LEDs, shown in Figure 2-2, display information about the
Router’s status.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up when the Router is powered
on.
Diag Red. The Diag LED lights up when the Router goes through
its self-diagnosis mode during every boot-up. It will turn off
upon successful completion of the diagnosis.
If this LED stays on for one minute or longer, see “Appendix
A: Troubleshooting.”
The Router’s Front Panel
Figure 2-2
The Reset Button
The Reset button can be used in one of two ways:
1. If the Router is having problems connecting to the Internet, press the Reset
button for just a moment with a paper clip or a pencil tip. This clears up any
jammed connections, and is similar to pressing the Reset button on your PC
to reboot it.
This will reboot the Router while keeping all of the Router’s settings.
2. If you are experiencing extreme problems with the Router and have tried all
other troubleshooting measures, press the Reset Button and hold it down for
10 seconds.
This will restore factory defaults and clear all of the Router’s settings,
including settings such as a new password or wireless settings.
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the
Dual-Band Wireless A+G
Broadband Router
The Router’s ports, shown in Figure 2-1, are located on the Router’s back panel.
Internet The Internet port is where you connect your cable or DSL
modem through an Ethernet network cable. Your modem
connection will not work from any other port.
Ports 1-4 These four LAN (Local Area Network) ports connect to net-
work devices, such as PCs, print servers, and network
attached storage (NAS). Each of the ports will auto-detect
whether a straight-through or crossover cable is plugged into
it, so there is no need for an uplink port. Any one of the four
ports can serve as an uplink port to other network devices.
Power The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.
The Router’s Back Panel
Figure 2-1
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
The Internet Indicators
Link/Act Green. The Link/Act LED lights up when a successful con-
nection is made between the Router and your cable or DSL
modem (the Internet). The Link/Act LED flickers when the
Router is sending or receiving data over the Internet port.
100 Orange. The 100 LED lights up when a successful 100Mbps
connection is made through the corresponding port.
If this LED does not light up, then your connection speed is
10Mbps.
Proceed to “Chapter 3: Connect the Router.”
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Instant Wireless®Series
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The 802.11a WLAN Indicators
Act Green. When the Act LED flickers, the 802.11a wireless net-
work is active.
Link Green. When the Link LED is continuously lit, the 802.11a
wireless network is available.
The 802.11b WLAN Indicators
Act Green. When the Act LED flickers, the 802.11b wireless net-
work is active.
Link Green. When the Link LED is continuously lit, the 802.11b
wireless network is available.
The LAN Indicators
Link/Act Green. The Link/Act LED serves two purposes. If the LED
is continuously lit, the Router is successfully connected to a
device through the corresponding port. If the LED is flicker-
ing, the Router is actively sending or receiving data over that
port.
Full/Col Green. The Full/Col LED also serves two purposes. If this
LED is lit up solidly, the connection made through the corre-
sponding port is running in Full Duplex mode. If the LED
flickers, the connection is experiencing collisions (when two
PCs send data at the same time). Infrequent collisions are
normal.
100 Orange. The 100 LED lights up when a successful 100Mbps
connection is made through the corresponding port.
If this LED does not light up, then your connection speed is
10Mbps.
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
11
Instant Wireless®Series
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3. Connect a different Ethernet network
cable from your cable or DSL modem
to the Internet port on the Router’s rear
panel. This is the only port that will
work for your modem connection.
4. Power on the cable or DSL modem.
5. Connect the power adapter to the
Router’s Power port, and then plug the
power adapter into a power outlet.
The Power LED on the front panel will light up green as soon as the power
adapter is connected properly.
The Diag LED will light up red for a few seconds. It will turn off when the self-
test is complete. If this LED stays on for one minute or longer, see “Appendix
A: Troubleshooting.”
6. Power on one of your PCs.
Note: You should always plug
the Router’s power adapter into
a power strip with surge pro-
tection.
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-3
Have you checked that the Link/Act LEDs for all your LAN con-
nections and the Link LED for your Internet connection light up?
If all of your Link LEDs are not lighting up, make sure that all your
cables are securely plugged in, and that all of your hardware is pow-
ered on properly. Verify that the modem is plugged into the Internet
port on the Router.
Chapter 3: Connect the Router
The Router’s setup consists of more than simply plugging hardware together.
You will have to configure your networked PCs to accept the IP addresses that
the Router assigns them (if applicable), and you will also have to configure the
Router with setting(s) provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The installation technician from your ISP should have left the setup informa-
tion for your modem with you after installing your broadband connection. If
not, you can call your ISP to request that data.
Once you have the setup information you need for your specific type of Internet
connection, you can begin installation and setup of the Router.
If you want to use a PC with an Ethernet adapter to configure the Router, go to
“Wired Connection to a PC and Boot-Up.” If you want to use a PC with a wire-
less adapter to configure the Router, go to “Wireless Connection to a PC and
Boot-Up.”
1. Before you begin, make sure that all of
your network’s hardware is powered
off, including the Router, PCs, and
cable or DSL modem.
2. Connect one end of an Ethernet net-
work cable to one of the LAN ports
(labeled 1-4) on the back of the
Router, and the other end to an
Ethernet port on a PC.
Repeat this step to connect more PCs, a switch, or other network devices to
the Router.
Overview
Wired Connection to a PC
Figure 3-1
Note: These directions on connecting the Router are provided only
to help when you are making the connections. If you are using the
Setup Wizard, make your connections only when the Wizard asks.
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
Chapter 4: Configure the PCs
The instructions in this chapter will help you configure each of your comput-
ers to be able to communicate with the Router.
To do this, you need to configure your PC’s network settings to obtain an IP (or
TCP/IP) address automatically, so your PC can function as a DHCP client.
Computers use IP addresses to communicate with the Router and each other
across a network, such as the Internet.
First, find out which Windows operating system your computer is running. You
can find out by clicking the Start button. Read the side panel of the Start menu
to find out which operating system your PC is running.
You may need to do this for each computer you are connecting to the Router.
The next few pages tell you, step by step, how to configure your network set-
tings based on the type of Windows operating system you are using. Make sure
that an Ethernet or wireless adapter (also known as a network adapter) has been
successfully installed in each PC you will configure. Once you’ve configured
your computers, setup the Router, either by using the Setup Wizard as shown
in “Chapter 5: Setting Up the Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router” or
by using the Web-based Utility as shown in “Chapter 6: Configuring the
Router’s Basic Settings with the Web-based Utility”.
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Important: By default Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP has
TCP/IP installed and set to obtain an IP address automatically.
If your PC does not have TCP/IP installed, click Start and then
Help. Search for the keyword TCP/IP. Then follow the instruc-
tions to install TCP/IP.
Overview
If you want to use a wireless connection to access the Router, follow these
instructions:
1. Before you begin, make sure that all of your network’s hardware is powered
off, including the Router, PCs, and cable or DSL modem.
2. Connect an Ethernet network cable
from your cable or DSL modem to the
Internet port on the Router’s rear
panel, as shown in Figure 3-4. This is
the only port that will work for your
modem connection.
3. Power on the cable or DSL modem.
4. Connect the power adapter to the Power port, and then plug the power
adapter into a power outlet.
•The Power LED on the front panel will light up green as soon as the power
adapter is connected properly.
•The Diag LED will light up red for a few seconds and turn off when the self-
test is complete. If this LED stays on for one minute or longer, see “Appendix
A: Troubleshooting.”
4. Power on one of the PCs on your wireless network(s).
5. For initial access to the Router through a wireless connection, make sure the
PC’s wireless adapter has its SSID set to linksys-a or linksys-g (which are
the Router’s default SSID settings, depending upon the wireless devices you
are using), and its WEP encryption is disabled. After you have accessed the
Router, you can change the Router and this PC’s adapter settings to match
the your usual network settings.
The Router’s hardware installation is now complete.
Go to “Chapter 4: Configure the PCs.”
Wireless Connection to a PC
Note: You should always plug the Router’s power adapter into a power
strip with surge protection.
Figure 3-4
Note: You should always change the SSID from its default, linksys,
and enable WEP encryption.