Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Copyright and Trademarks Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Welcome What’s in this Guide? 1 2 Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Network Layout Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Back Panel The Front Panel The Bottom Panel 4 4 4 4 6 6 7 8 Chapter 4: Connecting the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router 9 Overview Hardware Installation for Connection to your Broadband Modem Hardware Insta
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Administration Tab - Management The Administration Tab - Log The Administration Tab - Diagnostics The Administration Tab - Factory Defaults The Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade The Status Tab - Router The Status Tab - Local Network The Status Tab - Wireless Appendix A: Troubleshooting Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix B: Wireless Security Security Precautions Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C: Upgrading Firmw
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router List of Figures Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel Figure 3-3: The Router’s Bottom Panel Figure 4-1: Connecting your Broadband Modem Figure 4-2: Connecting Your Network Devices Figure 4-3: Connecting the Power Figure 4-4: Diagram for Connection to Another Router Figure 4-5: Connecting Another Router Figure 4-6: Connecting Your Network Devices Figure 4-7: Connecting the Power Figure 5-1: Router’s IP Address Figure 5-2: Router Login Sc
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Figure 5-21: Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings Figure 5-22: Security Tab - Firewall Figure 5-23: Security Tab - VPN Passthrough Figure 5-24: Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access Policy Figure 5-25: Access Restrictions Tab - Summary Figure 5-26: Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access PCs List Figure 5-27: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forwarding Figure 5-28: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Triggering Figure 5-29: Applications and Gaming Tab -
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome Thank you for choosing the Linksys Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router. The Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely. How does the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router do all of this? A router is a device that allows access to an Internet connection over a network.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router What’s in this Guide? This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router. • 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 Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router This chapter describes the physical features of the Router.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router • Appendix G: Specifications This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Router. • Appendix H: Warranty Information This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Router. • Appendix I: Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Router. • Appendix J: Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network Network Topology A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the same wireless network.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. The Router will also communicate with the Wireless PrintServer and Wireless Ethernet Bridges.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Back Panel The Router’s ports are located on the back panel of the Router. port: the connection point on a computer or networking device used for plugging in cables or adapters. Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel ETHERNET 1, 2, 3, 4 These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the Router to your networked PCs and other Ethernet network devices.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Front Panel The Router’s LEDs, which indicate the status of the Router and network activities, are located on the front panel. Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel ETHERNET 1-4 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 connected to a device through that port. A flashing LED indicates network activity over that port. WIRELESS Green.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Bottom Panel The Router’s Reset button is located on the bottom panel. To access the button, turn the stand perpendicular to the Router. Use a sharp object like a pencil to push in the button. STAND RESET BUTTON Figure 3-3: The Router’s Bottom Panel RESET Button There are two ways to reset the Router's factory defaults.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Chapter 4: Connecting the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Overview Linksys recommends using the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. For advanced users, you may follow the instructions in this chapter, and then configure the Router through its Webbased Utility (refer to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router”).
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router 4. Connect a standard Ethernet network cable from one of the Router’s numbered ports to your network PC or Ethernet device. Figure 4-2: Connecting Your Network Devices 5. Connect the AC power adapter to the Router's Power port. Then connect the other end to an electrical outlet. Only use the power adapter supplied with the Router. Use of a different adapter can cause product damage. IMPORTANT: Make sure you use the power adapter that is supplied with the Router.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Hardware Installation for Connection to Another Router Before you install the Router, you must change the default IP address of the other router. This is mandatory because both routers may be set to the same IP address by default. If you do not change the other router’s default IP address, then you may not be able to set up the Router. First, make sure the Router is NOT connected to your network. Then follow these instructions: 1.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router 8. Decide which network computers or Ethernet devices you want to connect to the Router. Disconnect the selected computers or devices from the other router, and then connect them to the Router’s numbered ports using standard Ethernet network cabling. Figure 4-6: Connecting Your Network Devices 9. 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.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Chapter 5: Configuring the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Overview Linksys recommends using the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. For advanced users, you may follow the instructions in the previous chapter, “Chapter 4: Connecting the Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router”, and then configure the Router through its Web-based Utility. This chapter will describe each web page in the Utility and each page’s key functions.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router How to Access the Web-based Utility To access the Web-based Utility, launch Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, and enter the Router’s default IP address, 192.168.1.1, in the Address field. Then press Enter. Figure 5-1: Router’s IP Address A password request page will appear. Leave the User Name field blank. The first time you open the Web-based Utility, use the default password admin. (You can set a new password from the Administration tab’s Management screen.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router • Static IP. If you are required to use a permanent IP address to connect to the Internet, select Static IP. Internet IP Address. This is the Router’s IP address, when seen from the Internet. Your ISP will provide you with the IP Address you need to specify here. Subnet Mask. This is the Router’s Subnet Mask, as seen by users on the Internet (including your ISP). Your ISP will provide you with the Subnet Mask. Default Gateway.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Connect on Demand: Max Idle Time. You can configure the Router to cut the Internet connection after it has been inactive for a specified period of time (Max Idle Time). If your Internet connection has been terminated due to inactivity, Connect on Demand enables the Router to automatically re-establish your connection as soon as you attempt to access the Internet again. If you wish to activate Connect on Demand, click the radio button.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router DHCP Server Settings The settings allow you to configure the Router’s Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server function. The Router can be used as a DHCP server for your network. A DHCP server automatically assigns an IP address to each computer on your network. If you choose to enable the Router’s DHCP server option, you must make sure there is no other DHCP server on your network. dynamic ip address: a temporary IP address assigned by a DHCP server.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Time Settings Change the time zone in which your network functions from this pull-down menu. Click the checkbox if you want the Router to automatically adjust for daylight savings time. Change these settings as described here and click the Save Settings button to apply your changes or Cancel Changes to cancel your changes. Help information is shown on the right-hand side of the screen. The Setup Tab - DDNS The Router offers a Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) feature.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router TZO.com E-mail Address, Password, and Domain Name. Enter the Email Address, Password, and Domain Name of the service you set up with TZO. Internet IP Address. The Router’s current Internet IP Address is displayed here. Because it is dynamic, this will change. Status. The status of the DDNS service connection is displayed here.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Setup Tab - Advanced Routing This tab is used to set up the Router’s advanced functions. Operating Mode allows you to select the type(s) of advanced functions you use. Dynamic Routing will automatically adjust how packets travel on your network. Static Routing sets up a fixed route to another network destination. Operating Mode. Select the mode in which this Router will function. If this Router is hosting your network’s connection to the Internet, select Gateway.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings The basic settings for wireless networking are set on this screen. Wireless Network Wireless-G Settings Mode. From this drop-down menu, you can select the wireless standards running on your network. If you have both 802.11g and 802.11b devices in your network, keep the default setting, Mixed. If you have only 802.11g devices, select G Only. If you have only 802.11b devices, select B Only.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Wireless Tab - Wireless Security The Wireless Security settings configure the security of your wireless network. There are three wireless security mode options supported by the Router: WPA Personal, WPA2 Personal, WPA2 Mixed Mode and WEP. (WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy). These four are briefly discussed here. For detailed instructions on configuring wireless security for the Router, turn to “Appendix B: Wireless Security.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router WPA2 Personal. WPA2 gives you one encryption method, AES, with dynamic encryption keys. Enter a Passphrase of 8-63 characters. Then enter a Group Key Renewal period, which instructs the Router how often it should change the encryption keys. Figure 5-17: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WPA2 Personal) WPA2 Mixed Mode. WPA2 gives you TKIP+AES encryption. Enter a Passphrase of 8-63 characters.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter Wireless access can be filtered by using the MAC addresses of the wireless devices transmitting within your network’s radius. Wireless MAC Filter Access Restrictions To filter wireless users by MAC Address, either permitting or blocking access, click Enabled. If you do not wish to filter users by MAC Address, select Disabled. Prevent PCs listed below from accessing the wireless network.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings This tab is used to set up the Router’s advanced wireless functions. These settings should only be adjusted by an expert administrator as incorrect settings can reduce wireless performance. Advanced Wireless Wireless-G Settings Authentication Type. The default is set to Auto (Default), allows either Open System or Shared Key authentication to be used.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router Fragmentation Threshold. This value specifies the maximum size for a packet before data is fragmented into multiple packets. If you experience a high packet error rate, you may slightly increase the Fragmentation Threshold. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor network performance. Only minor reduction of the default value is recommended. In most cases, it should remain at its default value of 2346. RTS Threshold.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Security Tab - Firewall The Firewall screen offers Filters and the option to Block WAN Requests. Filters block specific Internet data types and block anonymous Internet requests. To enable a feature, select Enabled from the drop-down menu. To disable a feature, select Disabled from the drop-down menu. Firewall • SPI Firewall Protection.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Security Tab - VPN Passthrough Use the settings on this tab to allow VPN tunnels using IPSec, L2TP, or PPTP protocols to pass through the Router’s firewall. VPN Passthrough IPSec Passthrough. Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) is a suite of protocols used to implement secure exchange of packets at the IP layer. IPSec Pass-Through is enabled by default. To disable IPSec Passthrough, select Disabled. L2TP Passthrough.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router On the Internet Access PCs List screen, you can select a PC by MAC Address or IP Address. You can also enter a range of IP Addresses if you want this policy to affect a group of PCs. After making your changes, click the Save Settings button to apply your changes or Cancel Changes to cancel your changes. Click the Close button to exit this screen. To create an Internet Access policy: 1. Select a number from the Access Policy drop-down menu. 2.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forwarding The Port Range Forwarding screen allows you to set up public services on your network, such as web servers, ftp servers, e-mail servers, or other specialized Internet applications. (Specialized Internet applications are any applications that use Internet access to perform functions such as videoconferencing or online gaming. Some Internet applications may not require any forwarding.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). A widely used network monitoring and control protocol. Data is passed from SNMP agents, which are hardware and/or software processes reporting activity in each network device (hub, router, bridge, etc.) to the workstation console used to oversee the network.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Applications & Gaming Tab - Port Range Triggering The Port Range Triggering screen allows the Router to watch outgoing data for specific port numbers. The IP address of the computer that sends the matching data is remembered by the Router, so that when the requested data returns through the Router, the data is pulled back to the proper computer by way of IP address and port mapping rules. Port Range Triggering Application Name.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router 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 Forwarding 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.
Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router The Administration Tab - Management This section of the Administration tab allows the network’s administrator to manage specific Router functions for access and security. Management Router Password Router Password and Re-enter to Confirm. You can change the Router’s password from here. Enter a new Router password and then type it again in the Re-enter to Confirm field to confirm. Remote Router Access Remote Management.
