User's Manual

LinkTek WL11N Wireless Broadband Router User Guide
5
Connecting Devices to the Router
The Wireless Broadband Router connects three separate networks, a private Ethernet LAN,
Wireless LAN and the public Internet (WAN). Choose a location for the router where Ethernet
devices can be connected to the LAN ports and the WAN port can be easily connected to the
cable modem or DSL modem that provides the broadband Internet connection. Typically the
broadband device is configured as a bridge, however some devices allow for more complex
options. Consult the user manual of the broadband device for more information on how best to
configure the broadband Internet connection.
The router should be protected from dust, water, moisture and heat. Make sure network cables,
power adapters and power cords are placed safely out of the way so they do not create a
tripping hazard. As with any electrical appliance, observe common sense safety procedures.
Place the router on a shelf, desktop, or other secure stable platform. Ideally you should be able
to view the LED indicators on the front panel.
Connect Router to Ethernet
The router can be connected to computers or other Ethernet devices using the four Ethernet
LAN ports on the rear panel. Any connection to an Ethernet concentrating device such as a
switch or hub must operate at a speed of 10/100 Mbps only. When connecting the router to any
Ethernet device capable of operating at speeds between 10~100Mbps, be sure that the device
has auto-negotiation (NWay) enabled for the connecting port. Use standard CAT5 or better
Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors. The Ethernet LAN ports are auto MDI-II/MDI-X so you
can use straight-through or crossover Ethernet cabling.
The rules governing Ethernet cable lengths apply to the LAN to router connection. Be sure the
Ethernet cables connected to the LAN ports do not exceed 100 meters in length.
Connecting through 802.11 Wireless
The default wireless settings of the access point allow roaming 802.11g and 802.11b wireless
clients to associate with it. The first time you set up the router however, use the Ethernet
connection to configure the channel and SSID. For wireless client-to-Internet connection through
the router, first configure the Internet connection through the Ethernet. When the Internet
connection has been established, make sure the wireless clients are configured as DHCP clients
if you are using the router’s DHCP server. Otherwise, make certain the wireless clients have IP
settings that allow them to use the router as a gateway to the Internet.
General Guide to Setting Up a Wireless Network
In order to get the best performance from the wireless component of the router, you should have
some basic understanding of how wireless networks operate. Wireless networking is a relatively
new technology and there are more factors to consider when setting up or designing a wireless
network than designing a wired network. If you are setting up a wireless network, especially if
you are using multiple access points and/or covering a large area, good planning from the outset
can ensure the best possible reliability, performance, coverage and effective security.
Radio
Wireless local network (as called WI-FI) devices such as notebook computers and wireless
access points use electromagnetic waves within a broad, unlicensed range of the radio spectrum
(between 2.4GHz and 2.5GHz) to transmit and receive radio signals. A wireless access point
(AP) becomes a base station for the wireless nodes (notebook computer for example) in its