LINKSYS WT54GV40 802.11G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster/Switch User Manual Book

LINKSYS LLC 802.11G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster/Switch Book

Users Manual 11

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster. The Wireless-G Broadband
Router with SpeedBooster will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and
fun, easily and securely.
How does the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster do all of this? A router is a device that allows
access to an Internet connection over a network. With the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster, this
access can be shared over the four switched ports or via the wireless network, broadcast at either 11Mbps for
Wireless-B or 54Mbps for Wireless-G. In addition, WEP encryption provides greater security opportunities while
the whole network is protected through a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and NAT technology. All of
these security features, as well as full configurability, are accessed through the easy-to-use browser-based
utility.
But what does all of this mean?
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers
and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video
games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.
PCs on a wired network create a Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the
network is called “wired”.
PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the
same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. The Wireless-G
Broadband Router with SpeedBooster bridges wireless networks of both 802.11b and 802.11g standards and
wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other. And since this Router has SpeedBooster
technology, your wireless network performance increases by up to 30% from old 802.11g standards. In fact, even
non-SpeedBooster-equipped devices on your network will see a speed improvement when communicating with
SpeedBooster-enhanced equipment!
With your networks all connected, wired, wireless, and the Internet, you can now share files and Internet
access—and even play games. All the while, the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster protects your
networks from unauthorized and unwelcome users.
You should always use the Setup CD-ROM when you first install the Router. If you do not wish to run the Setup
Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM, then use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Wireless-G
Broadband Router with SpeedBooster, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These
instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster.
lan (Local Area Network): The
computers and networking products
that make up the network in your home
or office
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.
802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard
that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of
54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and
backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.
browser: an application program that
provides a way to look at and interact with all
the information on the World Wide Web.
mbps: one million bits per second; a unit of
measurement for data transmission
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Router’s applications and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
This chapter describes the basics of wireless networking.
• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router
This chapter describes the Router’s physical features.
• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Router to your network.
• Chapter 5: Setting up the Wireless-G Broadband Router
This chapter explains how to set up your Router.
• Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router
This chapter explains how to use the Router’s Web-Based Utility.
• Chapter 7: Using the Linksys Parental Control Service
This chapter explains how to sign up for the Service, manage your account, and use the Internet when the
Service is actively controlling Internet traffic and messages.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding
installation and use of the Wireless-G Broadband Router.
• Appendix B: Wireless Security
This appendix explains the risks of wireless networking and some solutions to reduce the risks.
• Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware
This appendix instructs you on how to upgrade the Router’s firmware should you need to do so.
• Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.
3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
• Appendix E: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address for your Ethernet Adapter.
This appendix describes how to find the MAC address for your computer’s Ethernet adapter so you can use
the Router’s MAC filtering and/or MAC address cloning feature.
• Appendix F: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• Appendix G: Specifications
This appendix provides the Router’s technical specifications.
• Appendix H: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the Router’s warranty information.
• Appendix I: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the Router’s regulatory information.
• Appendix J: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
4
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
A wireless local area network is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the
wireless network uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a wireless network share the
same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to
the same wireless network.
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure
and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration is a wireless and wired network communicating to each other
through an access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating directly with
each other. Choosing between these two modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share
data or peripherals with a wired network or not.
If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired network or need to share a peripheral,
such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in Infrastructure
mode. The basis of Infrastructure mode centers around a wireless router or an access point, which serves as the
main point of communications in a wireless network. The Router transmits data to PCs equipped with wireless
network adapters, which can roam within a certain radial range of the Router. You can arrange the Router and
multiple access points to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and you can set up your wireless
network to communicate with your Ethernet hardware as well.
If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only with the other computers on the
wireless network, then the Ad-Hoc mode can be used. Ad-Hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless
transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for a wireless router or
access point. The drawback of this mode is that in Ad-Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to
communicate with computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the wireless-
equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference directly between them.
Network Layout
The Wireless-G Broadband Router has been specifically designed for use with both your 802.11b and 802.11g
products. Now, products using these standards can communicate with each other.
Infrastructure: a wireless network
that is bridged to a wired network via
an access point.
ssid: your wireless network’s name.
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly to each other
(peer-to-peer) without the use of an
access point.
access point: a device that allows wireless-
equipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network. Also used
to expand the range of a wireless network.
adpater: a device that adds
network functionality to your PC
ethernet: IEEE standard network protocol that
specifies how data is placed on and retrieved
from a common transmission medium
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing,
storage, and/or transmission between users.
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Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Layout
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
The Wireless-G Broadband Router is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such as the Notebook
Adapters (WPC54G, WPC11) for your laptop computers, PCI Adapter (WMP54G, WMP11) for your desktop PC, and
USB Adapter (WUSB54G, WUSB11) when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. The Router will also communicate
with the Wireless PrintServer (WPS54GU2, WPS11) and Wireless Ethernet Bridges (WET54G, WET11).
When you wish to connect your wireless network with your wired network, you can use the Wireless-G
Broadband Router’s four LAN ports. To add more ports, any of the Wireless-G Broadband Router's LAN ports can
be connected to any of Linksys's switches (such as the EZXS55W or EZXS88W).
With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com for more information about products that work with the Wireless-G Broadband Router.
6
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Back Panel
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband
Router
The Back Panel
The Router's ports, where the cables are connected, are located on the back panel.
Reset Button There are two ways to reset the Router's factory defaults. Either press the Reset Button, for
approximately five seconds, or restore the defaults from the Administration tab - Factory
Defaults in the Router's Web-based Utility.
Internet The Internet port is where you will connect your broadband Internet connection.
1, 2, 3, 4 These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the Router to PCs on your wired network and other Ethernet
network devices.
Power The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.
Important: Resetting the Router will erase all
of your settings (WEP Encryption, network
settings, etc.) and replace them with the
factory defaults. Do not reset the Router if you
want to retain these settings.
Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel
broadband: an always-on, fast Internet connection
port: the connection point on a computer or networking
device used for plugging in cables or adapters
7
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Front Panel
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
The Front Panel
The Router’s LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front panel.
(Cisco logo) Orange/White. The Cisco logo is the Router’s SecureEasySetup button. It lights up and will stay
orange when the Router is powered on. The color orange indicates that the Router is not using
the SecureEasySetup feature, while the color white indicates that the Router is using the
SecureEasySetup feature. When the Router enters SecureEasySetup mode, the Cisco logo will
turn white and start flashing. After the Router has generated the SSID and WPA-PSK (also
called WPA-Personal) key, the Cisco logo will stop flashing and stay white.
To clear the SSID and WPA-PSK key, press and hold down the Cisco logo for five seconds. The
Cisco logo will flash slowly as the Router resets itself. The Cisco logo will turn orange to
indicate a successful reset.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up and will stay on while the Router is powered on. When the
Router goes through its self-diagnostic mode during every boot-up, this LED will flash. When
the diagnostic is complete, the LED will be solidly lit.
DMZ Green. The DMZ LED indicates when the DMZ function is being used. This LED will remain lit
as long as DMZ is enabled.
WLAN Green. The WLAN LED lights up whenever there is a successful wireless connection. If the LED
is flashing, the Router is actively sending or receiving data over the network.
1, 2, 3, 4 Green. These numbered LEDs, corresponding with the numbered ports on the Router’s back
panel, serve two purposes. If the LED is continuously lit, the Router is successfully connected
to a device through that port. A flashing LED indicates network activity over that port.
Internet Green. The Internet LED lights up when there is a connection made through the Internet port.
Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel
dmz: removes the Router's firewall protection from
one PC, allowing it to be "seen" from the Internet
NOTE: SecureEasySetup is a feature that makes it
easy to set up your wireless network. If you have
SecureEasySetup devices, run the Router’s Setup
Wizard CD-ROM and follow the on-screen
instructions to use SecureEasySetup.
8
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Overview
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Overview
This chapter includes two sets of instructions. If the Wireless-G Broadband Router will be the only router in your
network, follow the instructions in “Hardware Installation for Connection to Your Broadband Modem.” You may
wish to run some applications, such as Parental Control, for only certain PCs on your network and will need to run
the Wireless-G Broadband Router behind another router to do this. If you want to install the Wireless-G
Broadband Router behind another router in your network, follow the instructions in “Connecting One Router to
Another.”
Hardware Installation for Connection to Your Broadband Modem
1. Power down your network devices.
2. Locate an optimum location for the Router. The best place for the Router is usually at the center of your
wireless network, with line of sight to all of your mobile stations.
3. Fix the direction of the antennas. Try to place the Router in a position that will best cover your wireless
network. Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the better the performance will be.
4. Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to the Router’s Internet port. Then, connect the other end of the
Ethernet cable to your cable or DSL broadband modem.
Figure 4-1: Connecting Your Modem
dsl: an always-on broadband
connection over traditional phone lines
hardware: the physical aspect of
computers, telecommunications, and
other information technology devices
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Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Hardware Installation for Connection to Your Broadband Modem
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
5. Connect your network PCs or Ethernet devices to the Router’s numbered ports using standard Ethernet
network cabling.
6. Connect the AC power adapter to the Router's Power port and the other end into an electrical outlet. Only use
the power adapter supplied with the Router. Use of a different adapter may result in product damage.
Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G
Broadband Router,” for directions on using the Router’s Web-Based Utility to configure the Router’s
settings for your network.
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Power
IMPORTANT: Make sure you use the power
adapter that is supplied with the Router. Use of a
different power adapter could damage the Router.
Figure 4-2: Connecting Your Network Devices
10
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Connecting One Router to Another
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
Connecting One Router to Another
Some applications, such as Parental Control, apply setting to all PCs connected to the Router. Sometimes, you
may not want those settings to apply to all settings in your network. When this is the case, you may want to
connect the Router behind another, so you can have some PCs connected to the Router with Parental Control
and some connected to a Router without.
Before you connect one Router to another, you must make sure that both have different IP Addresses. This is
mandatory because both routers may be set to the same IP address by default, right out of the box. If both
routers have the same IP address, then you may not be able to set up the Router with Parental Control.
First, make sure the Router is NOT connected to your network. Then follow these instructions:
1. To access the other router’s Web-based Utility, launch Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, and enter the
other router’s default IP address, 192.168.1.1, or whatever IP Address you have set it to, in the Address field.
Then, press Enter.
2. A password request page will appear. Leave the User Name field blank. In the Password field, enter the
password you have set (the default password is admin). Then click the OK button.
3. The first screen that appears will display the Setup tab. In the Network Setup section, there is a setting called
Local IP Address, which is set to 192.168.1.1. Change this to 192.168.2.1.
4. Click the Save Settings button to save your change, and then exit the Web-based Utility.
5. Power down your network devices. Now you will begin the hardware installation of Broadband Router.
6. Locate an optimum location for the Broadband Router. The best place for the Broadband Router is usually at
the center of your wireless network, with line of sight to all of your mobile stations.
7. Fix the direction of the antennas. Try to place the Router in a position that will best cover your wireless
network. Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the better the performance will be.
Figure 4-5: Diagram for Connection to Another Router
NOTE: Steps 1-4 are instructions for a typical
Linksys router; however, if you are using a non-
Linksys router, refer to the other router’s
documentation for instructions on how to change its
local IP address to 192.168.2.1.
Internet
Broadband
Modem
Router
Wireless-G
Broadband
Router
Multiple PCs
Internet Broadband
Modem
Router Wireless-G
Broadband
Router
Figure 4-4: Connecting the Router Behind Another

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