Cisco Systems EA3500, EA2700, EA4500 User Manual

Linksys EA-Series

User Guide

Linksys EA-Series

Contents

Product overview

EA2700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

EA3500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

EA4500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Setting Up: Basics

How to create a home network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

What is a network? 9 How to set up a home network 9

Where to nd more help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

How to set up your router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

How to start Cisco Connect 10

How to improve your wireless connection speed . . . . . . . . . 11

How to test your Internet connection speed . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

How to connect devices to your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

How to connect a computer to your network 12 How to connect a printer 14 How to connect other devices 14

How to set up parental controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

How to access parental controls 16 How to select the computers to have parental controls 17 How to set parental controls 17

Setting Up: Advanced

How to open the browser-based utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

How to manually set up your router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

How to manually set up your Internet connection 21

How to get the most out of your dual-band router . . . . . . . . 22

How to set up the DHCP server on your router . . . . . . . . . . . 24

How to set up DHCP reservation 25

How to nd your network on the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

How to clone a MAC address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

How to connect to your corporate oce using a VPN . . . . . . 27

How to optimize your router for gaming and voice . . . . . . . . 27

How to remotely change your router settings . . . . . . . . . . . 29

How to enable Voice over IP on your network . . . . . . . . . . . 30

How to congure UPnP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

How to use a router as an access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

How to put your new router behind an existing router. . . . . . 32

To add your router to an existing router or gateway 32 To share an Internet connection 33 To extend your network 34

How to expose a device to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

How to set up guest access to your network . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

How to change your router’s name and password. . . . . . . . . 19

Linksys EA-Series

Contents

Improving Security

How do I know if my network is secure? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Network security following a manual setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

How to set up wireless security using Wi-Fi Protected Setup . . 38

Wi-Fi Protected Setup activity light 38 Connecting a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button 38 How to connect a device using its Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN 39 How to connect a device using the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN 39 How to connect a device manually 39

How to control access to your wireless network . . . . . . . . . . 40

How to improve security using the built-in rewall 41

Using an External Drive

How to congure storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

How to create shared folders 43 How to manage group and user access to shared folders 44 How to create a group 44 How to create a new user 45 How to grant group access to a share 46

How to congure your router’s storage for remote access. . . . 47

How to congure the FTP server 47 How to share folders and set access rights 48

How to access les remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

How to set up your router as a media server . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

How to connect your UPnP device to the media server 51

Port Forwarding and Port Triggering

How to set up port forwarding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

How to set up port forwarding for a single port 52 How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports 53 How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports 53

How to set up port range triggering for online gaming . . . . . 54

How to congure your Xbox for online gaming . . . . . . . . . . 55

Maintaining and Monitoring

How to back up and restore your router conguration. . . . . . 56

How to restore factory defaults 56

How to upgrade the router’s rmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

How to check the status of your router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

How to disable the Ethernet port status lights 59 How to test your Internet connection 60 How to congure and use logs 61

Browser-based Utility Menu Structure

EA2700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

EA3500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

EA4500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Specications

Linksys EA2700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Linksys EA3500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Linksys EA4500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Linksys EA-Series

Product overview

EA2700

Package contents

The power of dual band

Double your network bandwidth with simultaneous dual-band N (2.4 and 5 GHz). The dual-band feature is designed to avoid interference and optimize throughput for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and wireless gaming.

Advanced security

Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall to help keep your network protected.

Benefits of gigabit

Use the four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports for quick file sharing (up to 10× faster than standard Ethernet) between other Gigabit-enabled devices like computers and servers.

Network ready

Connect computers, printers, scanners, and more to your wireless network and the Internet. QoS traffic prioritization technology delivers maximum speed and performance so you can enjoy fast downloads and reliable VoIP.

Easy to manage

Cisco Connect software helps you customize your settings and quickly add multiple devices to your network:

In addition to your router, your router package includes:

• Network (Ethernet) cable

• AC power adapter

• Setup CD containing router setup software and documentation

Features

Wireless-N technology

Built with leading 802.11n technology, create a powerful home wireless network with double the capacity for surfing the Internet, streaming multimedia, and running applications simultaneously. Connect your computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi devices at fast transfer rates for an unrivaled experience.

Separate guest network

Create a separate, password-protected network for guests.

Parental controls

Limit access time and websites with parental controls.

IPv6 enabled

Supports the latest Internet protocol technology to future-proof your network.

Linksys EA-Series

Product overview

Back view

Power port

Internet port

Ethernet ports Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

• Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables)

to these Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports, color coded blue, and to wired Ethernet network devices on your network.

NOTE

For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the Ethernet ports.

• Internet port—Connect an Ethernet cable (also called a network or

Internet cable) to this port, color coded yellow, and to your modem.

Power indicator

Port activity indicator

Yellow network

activity indicator

Network or Internet port

• Green network activity indicator—On Ethernet ports, turns on when a

cable connects the port to another Gigabit Ethernet port. On the Internet port, turns on while connected to a modem.

• Yellow activity indicator—Flashes to indicate network activity over

that port.

Green network activity indicator

Bottom view

• Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button—Press this button to easily configure

wireless security on Wi-Fi Protected Setup-enabled network devices. For more information, see “How to set up wireless security using Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page 38.

• Power indicator—Stays on steadily while power is connected and

following a successful Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection. Flashes slowly during bootup, during firmware upgrades, and during a Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection. Flashes quickly when there is a Wi-Fi Protected Setup error.

• Power—Connect the included AC power adapter to this port.

CAUTION

Use only the adapter that came with your router.

• Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5-15 seconds (until the

port lights flash at the same time) to reset the router to its factory defaults. You can also restore the defaults using the browser-based utility. For more information, see “How to restore factory defaults” on page 56.

Linksys EA-Series

Product overview

EA3500

Package contents

In addition to your router, your router package includes:

• Network (Ethernet) cable

• AC power adapter

• Setup CD containing router setup software and documentation

The power of dual band

SpeedBoost

Higher quality antenna technology helps maintain high speeds across greater distances throughout your home.

Advanced security

Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall to help keep your network protected.

Benefits of gigabit

Use the four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports for quick file sharing (up to 10× faster than standard Ethernet) between other Gigabit-enabled devices like computers and servers.

Built-in USB port

The USB port lets you add an external USB drive to your network and share files at home or over the Internet. You can also connect a USB printer and share it across your network.

Home theater ready

Features

Wireless-N technology

Built with leading 802.11n technology, create a powerful home wireless network optimized for video, music, and multi-player gaming. Connect your computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi devices at blazingly fast transfer rates for an unrivaled experience.

Bring the ultimate entertainment experience to your home by connecting computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, media players, and more to your wireless network and the Internet. Simultaneous dual-band N and QoS traffic prioritization technology delivers maximum speed and performance so you can enjoy fast downloads, smooth video and music streaming, and reliable gaming and VoIP.

Easy to manage

Cisco Connect software helps you customize your settings and quickly add multiple devices to your network:

Separate guest network

Create a separate, password-protected network for guests.

Linksys EA-Series

Product overview

Parental controls

Limit access time and websites with parental controls.

IPv6 enabled

Supports the latest Internet protocol technology to future-proof your network.

Back view

Power port

Internet port

Ethernet ports Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

• USB port—To easily share disk storage with other users on your network

or on the Internet, connect a USB drive to this port. For more information, see “Using an External Drive” on page 43. You can also connect a USB printer and share it across your network. For more information, see “How to connect a printer” on page 14.

• Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables)

to these Gigabit (10/100/1000) ports, color coded blue, and to wired Ethernet network devices on your network.

NOTE

For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the Ethernet ports.

Power indicatorUSB port

• Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button—Press this button to easily configure

wireless security on Wi-Fi Protected Setup-enabled network devices. For more information, see “How to set up wireless security using Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page 38.

• Power indicator—Stays on steadily while power is connected and

following a Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection. Flashes slowly during bootup, during firmware upgrades, and during a Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection. Flashes quickly when there is a Wi-Fi Protected Setup error.

• Power—Connect the included AC power adapter to this port.

CAUTION

Use only the adapter that came with your router.

Port activity indicators

Yellow network

activity indicator

Network or Internet port

• Green network activity indicator—On Ethernet ports, turns on when a

cable connects the port to another Gigabit Ethernet port. On the Internet port, turns on while connected to a modem.

• Yellow activity indicator—Flashes to indicate network activity over

that port.

Green network activity indicator

• Internet port—Connect an Ethernet cable (also called a network or

Internet cable) to this port, color coded yellow, and to your modem.

Linksys EA-Series

Bottom view

• Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5-15 seconds (until the

Product overview

Linksys EA-Series

Product overview

EA4500

Package contents

In addition to your router, your router package includes:

• Network (Ethernet) cable

• AC power adapter

• Setup CD containing router setup software and documentation

The power of dual band

Double your network bandwidth with simultaneous dual-band N (2.4 and 5GHz). The dual-band feature is designed to avoid interference and optimize throughput for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and wireless gaming.

SpeedBoost

Higher quality antenna technology helps maintain high speeds across greater distances throughout your home.

Advanced security

Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall to help keep your network protected.

Benefits of gigabit

Use the four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports for quick file sharing (up to 10× faster than standard Ethernet) between other Gigabit-enabled devices like computers and servers.

Built-in USB port and DLNA media server

The USB storage port lets you add an external USB drive to your network and share files at home or over the Internet. It also features a built-in DLNA media server for seamless streaming of your video and media files to an Xbox 360, PS3, or other DLNA-compatible device. You can also connect a USB printer and share it across your network.

Home theater ready

Features

Wireless-N technology

Built with leading 802.11n wireless technology, your router offers maximum speed and range to create an ultra-powerful network designed for home theater performance. Connect your computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, smartphones and other Wi-Fi devices at blazingly fast transfer rates for an unrivaled experience.

Quick to install

Cisco Connect software helps you easily set up your router.

Linksys EA-Series

Product overview

IPv6 enabled

Supports the latest Internet protocol technology to future-proof your network.

Easy to manage

Cisco Connect software helps you customize your settings and quickly add multiple devices to your network:

Separate guest network

Create a separate, password-protected network for guests.

Parental controls

Limit access time and websites with parental controls.

Top view

Indicator light

• Indicator light—Stays on steadily while power is connected and

following a successful Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection. Pulses slowly during bootup, during firmware upgrades, and during a Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection. Flashes quickly when there is a Wi-Fi Protected Setup error.

Back view

Ethernet ports

• Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables)

to these Gigabit (10/100/1000) ports, color coded blue, and to wired Ethernet network devices on your network.

NOTE

For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the Ethernet ports.

• Internet port—Connect an Ethernet cable (also called a network or

Internet cable) to this port, color coded yellow, and to your modem.

• Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button—Press this button to easily configure

wireless security on Wi-Fi Protected Setup-enabled network devices. For more information, see “How to set up wireless security using Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page 38.

• USB port—To easily share disk storage with other users on your network

Internet port Power port

Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

Reset button

USB port

Linksys EA-Series

• Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5-15 seconds (until the

• Power—Connect the included AC power adapter to this port.

CAUTION

Use only the adapter that came with your router.

Port activity indicators

Product overview

Yellow network

activity indicator

Network or Internet port

• Green network activity indicator—On Ethernet ports, turns on when a

cable connects the port to another Gigabit Ethernet port. On the Internet port, turns on while connected to a modem.

• Yellow network activity indicator—Flashes to indicate network activity

over that port.

Green network activity indicator

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

How to create a home network

ALL

For

What is a network?

A network is any group of devices that can communicate with each other. A home network can also include Internet access, which requires a router like this one.

A typical home network may include multiple computers, a printer, a modem, and a router. A large home network may also have a switch, additional routers, access points, and many Internet-capable media devices such as TVs, game consoles, and web cameras.

• Modem—Connects a computer or a router to your ISP (Internet Service

Provider).

• Router—Connects your wireless and wired network devices to each

other and to the modem (and to your ISP).

• Switch—Allows you to connect several wired network devices to your

home network. Your router has a built-in network switch (the Ethernet ports). If you have more wired network devices than available Ethernet ports on your router, you will need an additional switch to consolidate the wired connections.

How to set up a home network

Purchase the proper equipment. For a network that includes Internet access, you’ll need:

• Computers with an Ethernet port or wireless networking capabilities

• A modem for connecting to your ISP (typically supplied by your ISP)

• A router to connect your computers with each other and to the modem

• Internet service to your home, provided by an ISP (Internet Service

Provider)

Setting Up: Basics

Make sure that your modem is working. Your ISP can help you set up your modem and verify that it’s working correctly.

Set up your router. See “How to set up your router” on page 9.

To connect a computer or other network device to the network, see “How to connect a computer to your network” on page 12 and “How to connect other devices” on page 14.

Where to find more help

ALL

For

In addition to this User Guide, you can find help at these locations:

• Linksys.com/support (documentation, downloads, FAQs, technical

support, live chat, forums)

• Setup CD (Troubleshooting Guide, legal and regulatory notices)

• Cisco Connect help (run Cisco Connect, then click Learn More where

available)

• Browser-based utility context-sensitive help (open the utility, then click

Help in the right-side column.)

How to set up your router

ALL

For

The easiest and fastest way to set up your router is to run the Cisco Connect setup software. You can find Cisco Connect on the CD that came with your router or download it from the router’s support site at Linksys.com/support. Cisco Connect shows you how to connect your router to your home network, step by step. To get started, see “How to start Cisco Connect” below.

If you are an advanced user, you can set up your router manually using the browser-based utility. To get started, see “How to open the browser-based utility” on page 20.

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

How to start Cisco Connect

When you run the setup CD, Cisco Connect (your router’s setup software) is automatically installed onto your computer. You can then use Cisco Connect to easily manage your router. To install Cisco Connect on another computer after your router has been set up, see “How to install Cisco Connect on another computer” on page 12.

NOTES:

Your Cisco Connect CD works with only this router model.

If you lose your setup CD, you can download the software from

Linksys.com/support.

To start Cisco Connect for the first time:

Insert the CD into your CD or DVD drive.

Click Set up your Linksys Router.

If you do not see this:

• For Windows, click Start, Computer, then double-click the CD drive

and the Setup icon.

• For Mac, double-click the CD icon on your desktop, then double-click

the Setup icon.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your router setup. When setup has finished, Cisco Connect has also been installed onto your hard drive.

After your router has been set up and Cisco Connect has been installed, you can use Cisco Connect to easily manage many of your router’s settings.

To start Cisco Connect on a Windows computer:

Click Start, All Programs, then click Cisco Connect. The Cisco Connect main menu opens.

To start Cisco Connect on a Mac OS X computer:

Open the Applications folder, then double-click the Cisco Connect icon. The Cisco Connect main menu opens.

To install Cisco Connect on another computer:

See “How to connect a computer using an Easy Setup Key” on page 12. When finished, Cisco Connect has also been installed onto the computer’s hard drive.

CAUTION

After your router has been set up, do not run the setup CD to install Cisco Connect to another computer. If you run the setup CD again, you will be prompted to enter the router’s network name (SSID) and password.

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

How to improve your wireless connection speed

ALL

For

Follow these tips to improve your network’s wireless connection speed:

• Make sure that your router is in a good location:

• For the widest coverage area, install your router near the center of

your home, and near the ceiling, if possible.

• Avoid placing the router on or near metal objects (such as file cabinets

and metal furniture), reflective surfaces (such as glass or mirrors), or masonry walls.

• Any obstruction can weaken the wireless signal (even non-metallic

objects), so the fewer obstructions between the router and the wireless device, the better.

• Place the router in a location away from other electronics, motors, and

fluorescent lighting.

• Many environmental variables can affect the router’s performance, so

if your wireless signal is weak, place the router in several locations and test the signal strength to determine the ideal position.

• If possible, upgrade wireless network interfaces (such as wireless

network cards in computers) from older wireless standards to 802.11n. If a wirelessly networked device uses an older standard, the performance of the entire wireless network may be slower.

How to test your Internet connection speed

ALL

For

To test your Internet connection speed:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Change under Router settings. The Router settings screen opens.

Click Launch Test under Internet Speed. The Internet speed test screen opens.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the test.

Linksys EA-Series

How to connect devices to your network

ALL

For

How to connect a computer to your network

You can connect a computer to your network using an Easy Setup Key (the easiest way) or manually.

How to connect a computer using an Easy Setup Key

To use an Easy Setup Key, you first need to create one using any available USB drive. After it has been created, you can use the same key to connect several computers to your network.

Click Computer.

Setting Up: Basics

TIP

The Easy Setup Key stores network information (name, password, security type, and security key) so you don’t have to remember them.

To create an Easy Setup Key:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices. The Computers and other devices screen opens.

Select No, I don’t have an Easy Setup Key, then click Next.

Insert a USB drive into an available USB port on your computer. This USB drive will be your new Easy Setup Key.

Cisco Connect detects the newly attached USB drive and copies the router’s settings and a copy of Cisco Connect to it.

When the files have finished copying, remove the Easy Setup Key from your computer. You can now use it to install Cisco Connect onto other computers and to connect them to the network.

Click Close.

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

To use your Easy Setup Key to connect a computer to your network:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices. The Computers and other devices screen opens.

Click Computer.

Select Yes, I have an Easy Setup Key, then click Next. The Connecting another computer screen opens.

Insert the Easy Setup Key into an available USB port on the computer that you want to connect to the network. The Connecting another computer screen opens.

If you do not see this, use Windows Explorer or Finder to view the Easy Setup Key files, then double-click Connect.

Click Connect to your router, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Return to the computer running Cisco Connect, then click Next.

Enter a name for the newly connected computer, then click Finish.

How to connect a computer manually

To connect a computer without using an Easy Setup Key, you will need to print or take note of some information.

To manually connect a computer to your network:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices. The Computers and other devices screen opens.

Click Computer.

Select I want to connect manually using my wireless settings, then click Next. A screen opens that displays network information.

Write down the Network name (SSID), Security Key, and Security Type information, or click Print these settings if you have a printer attached.

At the computer you want to connect, enter the network information into your wireless manager.

After that computer connects to your network, return to the computer running Cisco Connect, then click Next.

Click Connect to your Linksys router, then follow the on-screen instructions.

When you are prompted to enter a name for the newly connected computer, enter the name, then click Finish.

IMPORTANT

When you manually connect a computer to the network, the computer will not have Cisco Connect installed on it.

Linksys EA-Series

How to connect a printer

When you install a printer that requires a cable, you can:

• Follow the printer’s instructions for setting it up, then follow your

computer’s operating system instructions to share the printer with your network.

TIP

Setting up your printer this way does not require Cisco Connect.

- OR -

• If your router is a Linksys EA3500 or EA4500, you can connect a USB

printer to the router’s USB port to make the printer available to any networked computer.

When you set up a wireless printer, you need to make sure that:

• Your printer has been completely set up except for being connected to

the network.

• Your printer supports the WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption standard.

• If your wireless printer supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you should

use WPS to connect it to your network. See “How to set up wireless security using Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page 38.

To connect a wireless printer to your network:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices. The Computers and other devices screen opens.

Setting Up: Basics

Click Printer, then click Wireless printer. A screen opens that displays network information.

Write down the Network name (SSID), Security Key, and Security Type information, or click Print these settings if you have a different printer already connected.

Follow your printer’s instructions for entering the wireless network information into your printer.

After the printer connects to your network, click Next in Cisco Connect.

Return to the computer running Cisco Connect, then click Next. The

Name your printer screen opens.

Enter a name for the printer, then click Finish.

Follow your computer operating system’s instructions for adding the new printer to your list of available printers.

To connect a USB printer to your network through the router’s USB port:

EA3500 EA4500

For

Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices. The Computers and other devices screen opens.

Click Printer, then click USB Printer.

Follow the on-screen instructions for connecting the printer. This process may take several minutes.

Repeat Steps 1-3 on each computer you want to print from. For information on installing Cisco Connect onto other computers, see “To install Cisco Connect on another computer:” on page 10.

How to connect other devices

Many other types of wireless network devices can connect to your home network, including:

• Game consoles

• Internet-capable TVs and media players

• Digital music players

• Smart phones

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

Because of the wide variety of devices and methods of connecting, you must manually enter network information into the devices for a successful network connection.

To manually connect a device to your network:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices. The Computers and other devices screen opens.

Click Other wireless devices. A screen opens that displays network information.

Write down the Network name (SSID), Security Key, and Security Type information, or click Print these settings if you have a printer attached.

Follow your device’s instructions for entering the wireless network information into the device.

After the device connects to your network, return to the computer running Cisco Connect, then click Next.

Enter a name for device, then click Finish.

For more instructions on connecting a game console to your network, see also:

• “How to optimize your router for gaming and voice” on page 27

• “How to set up port forwarding” on page 52

• “How to set up port range triggering for online gaming” on page 54

How to set up parental controls

ALL

For

With your router, you can use parental controls to:

• Set the times that Internet access is allowed.

• Block websites that you specify or based on their content.

• Set the above restrictions for specific computers.

TIPS

• You can also set parental controls in the browser-based utility by opening the Access Restrictions tab.

• When someone tries to open a blocked website, a window opens asking for the parental controls password. Enter the password to view the blocked content.

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

How to access parental controls

The first time you try to access parental controls, you are asked to set a password.

To access parental controls for the first time:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Change under Parental controls. The

Parental controls password screen opens.

Enter a password (from 4 to 32 characters), then enter a secret question and answer.

• The password must contain from 4 to 32 valid characters, which are

A-Z, a-z, and 0-9.

The Parental controls main screen appears.

To change the parental controls password:

In the Parental controls main screen, click Change parental controls password, then follow the on-screen instructions.

• The answer to the secret question should be something not easily

guessed by others. If you forget your password, you can reset it by correctly answering your secret question.

To save your settings, click OK. The Parental controls main screen appears.

To access parental controls after the first time:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Change under Parental controls. The

Enter the parental controls password screen opens.

Enter the parental control password, then click OK.

NOTE

If you forgot the password, click I forgot my password and enter the answer to your secret question.

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

How to select the computers to have parental controls

It’s not necessary to set parental controls over each computer on your home network. You can set the controls on only those computers that children can access.

To select computers that will have parental controls:

In the Parental controls main screen, click + (add) under the Restrict Internet access on box.

Click the computer name, then click OK. The computer is added to the list of computers with parental controls.

To remove parental controls from a computer, click the computer name in the Restrict Internet access on box, then click – (remove).

• Specific times blocks Internet access only during specific times. If you

select this option, set the schedule for School nights (Monday through Friday) and Weekends (Saturday and Sunday).

To create or change a list of specific websites to block, click Edit next to

Block specific sites. The Block these sites screen opens.

On a blank line, enter a website address that you want to block.

Click Save to save the list and return to the Parental controls main screen.

To save your changes, click Finish.

Repeat the above steps for each computer that you want to set parental controls for.

How to set parental controls

In the Parental controls main screen, click the computer name to set parental controls for.

Under Block Internet access, specify when the computer’s Internet access will be blocked:

• Never does not block Internet access.

• Always blocks Internet access at all times.

Linksys EA-Series

Setting Up: Basics

How to set up guest access to your network

ALL

For

You can use your router’s guest access feature to provide your guests with access to the Internet, while restricting their access to other resources on your local network. The guest network is shown as an open, unsecure wireless network that your guests can easily connect to. To prevent unauthorized users from using your Internet access, your guest network requires that a password be entered for Internet access. The guest network is enabled by default.

Done

Local Network

Guest Network

Local Access and Guest Access Diagram

File Edit View Go Shortcuts Options Help

Enter the Guest Password for Internet Access:

web browser - guest access login - Linksys E4200

http://mynetwork/guest/login

Enter the Guest Password for Internet Access:

http://mynetwork/guest/login

To set up guest access to your network:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Change under Guest Access. The Guest Access screen opens.

Under Allow guest access, click yes (default) to allow guest Internet access. Otherwise, click no to disable guest access.

Take note of the Guest account’s network name and password. You will need to provide this information to your guests.

TIPS

To keep your guest network secure, click Change to change the guest password when the guest no longer needs access to the account.

You can view the Guest account’s name and password in Cisco Connect’s main screen.

Linksys EA-Series

In the Total guests allowed drop-down box, select the number of simultaneous guest network users you want to allow.

Click Finish to apply your changes.

TIP

The first time your guest tries to access the Internet through a web browser, they will see the Guest access screen. To continue, they must enter the password you provided in the Password field, then click LOGIN.

Setting Up: Basics

How to change your router’s name and password

ALL

For

You can change the name and password of your router, but if you do so, all wireless devices connected to your router will lose their Internet connection until you reconnect them using the new router name and password.

CAUTION

If you change your router’s name and password using the browserbased utility, you may not be able to manage your router using Cisco Connect. We recommend using the procedure below to change your router’s login information.

To change your router’s name and password:

Run Cisco Connect, then click Change under Router settings.

Under Personalize, click Change. A Changing router name and password warning appears

Click Yes if you want to continue.

Enter the new router name and password, then click Change.

TIP

After you make changes, update your Easy Setup Key to make it easier to reconnect all of the other computers on the network.

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