Cisco Linksys-E2500, Linksys-E4200 Manual

Linksys E-Series Routers

User Guide

Linksys E-Series

E1200

E1500

E2500

E3200

E4200

Linksys E-Series

E1200/E1500 Contents

E1200/E1500 Contents

Product overview

E1200/E1500	1
Package contents	1
Features	1
Back view	2
Bottom view	2

Setting Up: Basics

How to create a home network	10
What is a network?	10
How to set up a home network	10
Where to find more help	10
How to set up your router	10
How to start Cisco Connect	11
How to install Cisco Connect on another computer	12
How to improve your wireless connection speed	12
How to test your Internet connection speed	12
How to connect devices to your network	13
How to connect a computer to your network	13
How to connect a printer	15
How to connect other devices	15
How to set up parental controls	16
How to access parental controls	16
How to select the computers to have parental controls	18
How to set parental controls	18
How to set up guest access to your network	19
How to change your router’s name and password	20

Setting Up: Advanced

How to open the browser-based utility	21
How to manually set up your router	21
How to manually set up your Internet connection	22
How to set up the DHCP server on your router	24
How to set up DHCP reservation	25
How to find your network on the Internet	25
How to clone a MAC address	26
How to connect to your corporate office 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 configure UPnP	30
How to use a router as an access point	30
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	32
To extend your network	34
How to expose a device to the Internet	34

Improving Security

How do I know if my network is secure?	36
Network security following a manual setup	36
How to set up wireless security using Wi Fi Protected Setup	37
Wi-Fi Protected Setup activity light	37
Connecting a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button	37
How to connect a device using its Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38
How to connect a device using the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38

i

Linksys E-Series

E1200/E1500 Contents

How to connect a device manually

38

How to control access to your wireless network	39
How to improve security using the built-in firewall	40

Port Forwarding and Port Triggering

How to set up port forwarding	50
How to set up port forwarding for a single port	50
How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports	51
How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports	51
How to set up port range triggering for online gaming	52
How to configure your Xbox for online gaming	53

Maintaining and Monitoring

How to back up and restore your router configuration	54
How to restore factory defaults	54
How to upgrade the router’s firmware	55
How to check the status of your router	56
How to disable the Ethernet port status lights	57
How to test your Internet connection	58
How to configure and use logs	59

Browser-based Utility Menu Structure

E1200/E1500 61

Specifications

Linksys E1200	65
Linksys E1500	66

ii

Linksys E-Series

E2500 Contents

E2500 Contents

Product overview

E2500	3
Package contents	3
Features	3
Back view	4
Bottom view	4

Setting Up: Basics

How to create a home network	10
What is a network?	10
How to set up a home network	10
Where to find more help	10
How to set up your router	10
How to start Cisco Connect	11
How to install Cisco Connect on another computer	12
How to improve your wireless connection speed	12
How to test your Internet connection speed	12
How to connect devices to your network	13
How to connect a computer to your network	13
How to connect a printer	15
How to connect other devices	15
How to set up parental controls	16
How to access parental controls	16
How to select the computers to have parental controls	18
How to set parental controls	18
How to set up guest access to your network	19
How to change your router’s name and password	20

Setting Up: Advanced

How to open the browser-based utility	21
How to manually set up your router	21
How to manually set up your Internet connection	22
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 find your network on the Internet	25
How to clone a MAC address	26
How to connect to your corporate office 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 configure UPnP	30
How to use a router as an access point	30
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	32
To extend your network	34
How to expose a device to the Internet	34

Improving Security

How do I know if my network is secure?	36
Network security following a manual setup	36
How to set up wireless security using Wi Fi Protected Setup	37
Wi-Fi Protected Setup activity light	37

iii

Linksys E-Series

E2500 Contents

Connecting a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button	37
How to connect a device using its Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38
How to connect a device using the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38
How to connect a device manually	38

How to control access to your wireless network	39
How to improve security using the built-in firewall	40

Port Forwarding and Port Triggering

How to set up port forwarding	50
How to set up port forwarding for a single port	50
How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports	51
How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports	51
How to set up port range triggering for online gaming	52
How to configure your Xbox for online gaming	53

Maintaining and Monitoring

How to back up and restore your router configuration	54
How to restore factory defaults	54
How to upgrade the router’s firmware	55
How to check the status of your router	56
How to disable the Ethernet port status lights	57
How to test your Internet connection	58
How to configure and use logs	59

Browser-based Utility Menu Structure

E2500 62

Specifications

Linksys E2500

67

iv

Linksys E-Series

E3200 Contents

E3200 Contents

Product overview

E3200	5
Package contents	5
Features	5
Back view	6
Bottom view	6

Setting Up: Basics

How to create a home network	10
What is a network?	10
How to set up a home network	10
Where to find more help	10
How to set up your router	10
How to start Cisco Connect	11
How to install Cisco Connect on another computer	12
How to improve your wireless connection speed	12
How to test your Internet connection speed	12
How to connect devices to your network	13
How to connect a computer to your network	13
How to connect a printer	15
How to connect other devices	15
How to set up parental controls	16
How to access parental controls	16
How to select the computers to have parental controls	18
How to set parental controls	18
How to set up guest access to your network	19
How to change your router’s name and password	20

Setting Up: Advanced

How to open the browser-based utility	21
How to manually set up your router	21
How to manually set up your Internet connection	22
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 find your network on the Internet	25
How to clone a MAC address	26
How to connect to your corporate office 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 configure UPnP	30
How to use a router as an access point	30
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	32
To extend your network	34
How to expose a device to the Internet	34

Improving Security

How do I know if my network is secure?	36
Network security following a manual setup	36
How to set up wireless security using Wi Fi Protected Setup	37
Wi-Fi Protected Setup activity light	37

v

Linksys E-Series

Connecting a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button	37
How to connect a device using its Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38
How to connect a device using the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38
How to connect a device manually	38

How to control access to your wireless network	39
How to improve security using the built-in firewall	40

Using an External Drive

How to configure storage	41
How to create shared folders	41
How to manage group and user access to shared folders	42
How to create a group	43
How to create a new user	44
How to grant group access to a share	44

How to configure your router’s storage for remote access	45
How to configure the FTP server	45
How to share folders and set access rights	46
How to access files remotely	47

Port Forwarding and Port Triggering

How to set up port forwarding	50
How to set up port forwarding for a single port	50
How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports	51
How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports	51
How to set up port range triggering for online gaming	52
How to configure your Xbox for online gaming	53

Maintaining and Monitoring

How to back up and restore your router configuration	54
How to restore factory defaults	54
How to upgrade the router’s firmware	55
How to check the status of your router	56

	E3200 Contents
How to disable the Ethernet port status lights	57
How to test your Internet connection	58
How to configure and use logs	59
Browser-based Utility Menu Structure
E3200	63
Specifications
Linksys E3200	68

vi

Linksys E-Series

E4200 Contents

E4200 Contents

Product overview

E4200	7
Package contents	7
Features	7
Top view	8
Back view	8

Setting Up: Basics

How to create a home network	10
What is a network?	10
How to set up a home network	10
Where to find more help	10
How to set up your router	10
How to start Cisco Connect	11
How to install Cisco Connect on another computer	12
How to improve your wireless connection speed	12
How to test your Internet connection speed	12
How to connect devices to your network	13
How to connect a computer to your network	13
How to connect a printer	15
How to connect other devices	15
How to set up parental controls	16
How to access parental controls	16
How to select the computers to have parental controls	18
How to set parental controls	18
How to set up guest access to your network	19
How to change your router’s name and password	20

Setting Up: Advanced

How to open the browser-based utility	21
How to manually set up your router	21
How to manually set up your Internet connection	22
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 find your network on the Internet	25
How to clone a MAC address	26
How to connect to your corporate office 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 configure UPnP	30
How to use a router as an access point	30
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	32
To extend your network	34
How to expose a device to the Internet	34

Improving Security

How do I know if my network is secure?	36
Network security following a manual setup	36
How to set up wireless security using Wi Fi Protected Setup	37
Wi-Fi Protected Setup activity light	37

vii

Linksys E-Series

Connecting a device using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button	37
How to connect a device using its Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38
How to connect a device using the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN	38
How to connect a device manually	38

How to control access to your wireless network	39
How to improve security using the built-in firewall	40

Using an External Drive

How to configure storage	41
How to create shared folders	41
How to manage group and user access to shared folders	42
How to create a group	43
How to create a new user	44
How to grant group access to a share	44

How to configure your router’s storage for remote access	45
How to configure the FTP server	45
How to share folders and set access rights	46
How to access files remotely	47
How to set up your router as a media server	48
How to connect your UPnP device to the media server	49

Port Forwarding and Port Triggering

How to set up port forwarding	50
How to set up port forwarding for a single port	50
How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports	51
How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports	51
How to set up port range triggering for online gaming	52
How to configure your Xbox for online gaming	53

Maintaining and Monitoring

How to back up and restore your router configuration	54
How to restore factory defaults	54

	E4200 Contents
How to upgrade the router’s firmware	55
How to check the status of your router	56
How to disable the Ethernet port status lights	57
How to test your Internet connection	58
How to configure and use logs	59
Browser-based Utility Menu Structure
E4200	64
Specifications
Linksys E4200	69

viii

Linksys E-Series

Product overview

E1200/E1500

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

Product overview

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.

SpeedBoost

Higher quality antenna technology helps maintain high speeds across greater distances throughout your home. (E1500 only; not on E1200)

State-of-the-art security

Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA/WPA2 encryption. An SPI firewall helps keep your network protected.

Benefits of Fast Ethernet

Use the four Fast Ethernet (10/100) ports for quick file sharing between computers and servers.

Home network ready

Connect computers, printers, 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 gaming.

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, secure, password-protected network for guests.

Parental controls

Limit access time and websites with parental controls.

1

Linksys E-Series

Back view

Product overview

Port activity indicator

		Power port
Ethernet ports	Internet port	Power indicator
	Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

••Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables) to these Fast Ethernet (10/100) ports, color coded blue, and to other wired Ethernet network devices on your network.

••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 37.

••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.

Green network activity indicator

Network and Internet port

••Green activity indicator—On Ethernet ports, stays on when a cable connects the port to another Ethernet port. On the Internet port, stays on while connected to a modem. On both port types, it flashes while transferring data.

Bottom view

••Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5-10 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 54.

2

Linksys E-Series

E2500

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

Product overview

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.

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.

State-of-the-art security

Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA/WPA2 encryption. An SPI firewall helps keep your network protected.

Benefits of Fast Ethernet

Use the four Fast Ethernet (10/100) ports for quick file sharing between 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:

Separate guest network

Create a separate, secure, password-protected network for guests.

Parental controls

Limit access time and websites with parental controls.

3

Linksys E-Series

Back view

Product overview

Port activity indicator

		Power port
	Internet port	Power indicator
Ethernet ports	Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

••Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables) to these Fast Ethernet (10/100) ports, color coded blue, and to other wired Ethernet network devices on your network.

••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 37.

••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.

Green network activity indicator

Network and Internet port

••Green activity indicator—On Ethernet ports, stays on when a cable connects the port to another Ethernet port. On the Internet port, stays on while connected to a modem. On both port types, it flashes while transferring data.

Bottom view

••Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5-10 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 54.

4

Linksys E-Series

E3200

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

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.

Parental controls

Limit access time and websites with parental controls.

Product overview

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.

State-of-the-art security

Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA/WPA2 encryption. An SPI firewall helps 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 storage port lets you add an external USB drive to your network and share files at home or over the Internet.

Home theater ready

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, secure, password-protected network for guests.

5

Linksys E-Series

Back view

Product overview

Port activity indicators

		Power port
USB port	Internet port	Power indicator
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 41.

••Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables) to these Gigabit (10/100/1000) ports, color coded blue, and to other wired Ethernet network devices on your network.

••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 37.

••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.

Yellow network	Green network
activity indicator	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.

Bottom view

••Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5-10 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 54.

6

Linksys E-Series

E4200

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

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.

Product overview

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.

State-of-the-art security

Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA/WPA2 encryption. An SPI firewall helps 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 UPnP 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 UPnP AV media server for seamless streaming of your video and media files to an Xbox 360, PS3, or other UPnP-compatible device.

Home theater ready

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.

Quick to install

Cisco Connect software helps you easily set up your router.

7

Linksys E-Series

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, secure, 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.

Product overview

Back view

Ethernet ports	Internet port	Power port
	Wi-Fi Protected Setup button	Reset button
	USB port

••Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables) to these Gigabit (10/100/1000) ports, color coded blue, and to other wired Ethernet network devices on your network.

••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 37.

••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 41.

••Reset button—Press and hold this button for 5-10 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 54.

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

Caution

Use only the adapter that came with your router.

8

Linksys E-Series

Product overview

Port activity indicators

Yellow network	Green network
activity indicator	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.

9

Linksys E-Series

Setting Up: Basics

Setting Up: Basics

How to create a home network

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

1.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)

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

3.Set up your router. See “How to set up your router” on page 10.

4.To connect a computer or other network device to the network, see “How to connect a computer to your network” on page 13 and “How to connect other devices” on page 15.

Where to find more help

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

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 21.

10

Linksys E-Series

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:

1.Insert the CD into your CD or DVD drive.

2.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.

3.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.

Setting Up: Basics

To start Cisco Connect on a Windows computer:

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

To start Cisco Connect on a Mac OS X computer:

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

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Linksys E-Series

How to install Cisco Connect on another computer

Although Cisco Connect is installed onto your computer when you run the setup CD, you may want to manage your router from a different computer on your network.

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.

To install Cisco Connect onto another computer:

1.See “How to connect a computer using an Easy Setup Key” on page 13. When finished, Cisco Connect has also been installed onto the computer’s hard drive.

How to improve your wireless connection speed

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.

Setting Up: Basics

••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

To test your Internet connection speed:

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

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

3.Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the test.

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Linksys E-Series

How to connect devices to your network

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.

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:

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

Setting Up: Basics

2. Click Computer.

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

4.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.

5.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.

6.Click Close.

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Linksys E-Series

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

1.Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices.

The Computers and other devices screen opens.

2.Click Computer.

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

4.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.

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

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

7.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.

IMPORTANT

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

Setting Up: Basics

To manually connect a computer to your network:

1.Run Cisco Connect, then click Add device under Computers and devices.

The Computers and other devices screen opens.

2.Click Computer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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