Linksys BEFW11S4-AT User Manual

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Instant Wireless™ Series

Wireless Access Point

Router with 4-Port Switch

Use this Guide to install: BEFW11S4-AT

User Guide

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COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS Copyright © 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Instant Wireless is a trademark of Linksys. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective proprietors.

LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys guarantees that every Instant Wireless™ Wi reless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch is free from physical defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, when used within the limits set forth in the Specifications section of this User Guide. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, call Linksys Technical Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE ON HAND WHEN CALLING. When returning a product, mark the Return Authorization number clearly on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof of purchase. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada shall be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.

IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’ LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS OFFERS NO REFUNDS FOR ITS PRODUCTS. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to:

Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623. FCC STATEMENT

The Instant Wireless™ Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch has been tested and complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, ther e is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices

• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s

• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance

UG-BEFW11S4-AT-062702NC BW

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Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch

Chapter 1: Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a Wireless Access Point Router with 4Port Switch. The W ireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch provides the ideal solution for connecting your wireless network to a high-speed broadband Internet connection and a 10/100 Fast Ethernet backbone.

A typical router relies on a hub or a switch to share its Internet connection, but the Linksys W ireless Access P oint Router with 4-P ort Switch channels this connection through the blazing, full duplex speed of its built-in EtherFast

10/100 4-Port Switch. This cutting-edge combination of wireless router and switch technology eliminates the need to buy an additional hub or switch, and extends the range of your wireless network. Now your entire wireless network can enjoy blazing broadband Internet connections supported by its robust switched backbone. With the dual-function speed and power of the Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch, your network will take off at speeds faster than you ever imagined possible.

The Router allows you set up a local network with your PCs and connect to the Internet using the global IP addresses from the AT&T Broadband network. You can also share files and printers securely on your local network. The Router also acts as an Access Point for a local wireless network, so when you add a Linksys Wireless PC Card to your PC, you can wirelessly connect to the Router.

• Capable of up to 128-bit WEP Encryption

• Includes one Ethernet Cable to Connect to a Cable Modem

Features

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

The Linksys Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch 1 Features 1 Package Contents 2 Minimum Requirements 2 An Introduction to LANs and WANs 2 IP Addresses 3 The Wireless Access Point Router’s Ports 5 The Wireless Access Point Router’s LEDs 6

Chapter 2: Connecting the Router 8

Before You Start 8 Connecting Your Hardware Together & Booting Up 8

Chapter 3: Configuring the PCs 11

Overview 11 Configuring Windows 98SE and Millennium PCs 11 Configuring Windows 2000 PCs 13 Configuring Windows XP PCs 15

Chapter 4: Configuring the Router for Wireless 17 Chapter 5: Using the Router’s Web-Based Utility 20

Setup 21 Password 23 Status 24

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 25

Common Problems and Solutions 25 Frequently Asked Questions 27

Appendix B: Configuring Wireless Security 30

Configuring Wireless Security in Windows XP 33

Appendix C: Glossary 38 Appendix D: Specifications 52

Environmental 53

Appendix E: Warranty Information 54 Appendix F: Contact Information 55

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Think of the Router as a network device with two sides. The f irst side is made up of your priv ate Local Area Network (LAN) of PCs. The other side, the public side, is the Internet, or the Wide Area Network (WAN), outside of your home or office.

What’s an IP Address?

IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every device on an IP-based network, including PCs, print servers, and routers, requires an IP address to identify its “location, ” or address, on the network. This applies to both the WAN and LAN connections.

IP Addresses

• One Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch

• One Setup Wizard CD-ROM with User Guide

• One Power Adapter

• One CAT 5 UTP Cable

• One Quick Installation and One Registration Card (not shown)

• Network Adapter with Ethernet (UTP CAT 5) Cabling and TCP/IP Protocol Installed per PC

• Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.7 or Higher for Web-based configuration

• Cable Modem with Ethernet Connection and Internet Access

• Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP for the Setup Wizard

• CD-ROM Drive

A router is a network device that connects two networks together. The Router connects your Local Area Network (LAN), or the group of PCs in your home or office, to the Wide Area Network (WAN), which is the Internet. The Router processes and regulates the data that travels between these two networks.

Package Contents

Minimum Requirements

Figure 1-1

An Introduction to LANs and WANs

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The Router’s back panel (as shown in Figure 1-2) is where all of its connections are made.

WAN The WAN (Wide Area Network) Port is where you will con-

nect your cable modem with an Ethernet cable. Your modem

connection will not work from any other port.

Ports 1-4 These four LAN (Local Area Network) ports are where you

will connect networked devices, such as PCs, print servers, and any other Ethernet devices you want to put on your network. If Port 4 is being used, the Uplink Port will not work.

Uplink The Uplink Port is where you can expand your network by

connecting to another switch or hub. Uplinking to another switch or a hub is done by simply running a cable from the Uplink Port to the other device. The Uplink Port is shared with Port 4. If the Uplink port is being used, Port 4 will not work.

Power The Power Port is where you will connect the included AC

Power adapter.

Antenna Jacks The Antenna Jacks are where the included antennas are con-

nected.

Figure 1-2

The Wireless Access Point Router’s Ports

Dynamic IP Addresses

A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to a device on the network, such as PCs and print servers. These IP addresses are called “dynamic” because they are only temporarily assigned to the PC or device. After a certain time period, they expire and may change. If a PC logs on to the network (or the Internet) and its dynamic IP address has expired, the DHCP server will assign it a new dynamic IP address.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Servers

DHCP frees you from having to assign IP addresses manuall y e v ery time a ne w user is added to your network. PCs and other network devices using dynamic IP addressing are assigned a new IP address by a DHCP server. The PC or network device obtaining an IP address is called the DHCP client. The Router’s WAN por t is, by default, set as a DHCP client.

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Full/Col Green. This LED also serves two purposes. When this LED

is lit continuously, the connection made through the cor responding port is running in Full Duplex mode. A blinking LED indicates that the connection is experiencing collisions. Infrequent collisions are normal. If this LED blinks too often, there may be a problem with y our connection. Refer to the Troubleshooting Appendix if you think there is a problem.

100 Orange. This LED indicates when a successful 100Mbps

connection is made through the corresponding port.

The WANIndicators

Link Green. This LED indicates a connection between the Router

and your broadband device or network.

Act Green. This LED blinks when the Router is sending or

receiving data over the broadband (WAN) por t.

Diag Red. This LED indicates the Router’s self-diagnosis mode

during boot-up and restart. It will turn off upon completing the diagnosis. If this LED stays on for an abnormally long period of time, refer to the Appendix A:Troubleshooting.

The LAN Indicators

WLAN Act Green. This LED indicates wireless activity.

WLAN Link Green. This LED indicates that the Router’s wireless func-

tions have been enabled through the Web-based utility.

Power Green. This LED indicates that the Router’s power is on.

Link/Act Green. This LED serves two purposes. When this LED is lit

continuously, this indicates that the Router is connected to a device through the corresponding port (1, 2, 3, or 4). A blinking LED indicates that the Router is actively sending or receiving data over that port. When the Uplink Port is in use, the LED for Port 4 will be lit continuously.

The Wireless Access Point Router’s LEDs

TThhee RReesseett BBuuttttoonn Pressing the Reset Button and holding it in for a few seconds will clear all

of the Router’s data and restore the factory defaults. This should be done only if you are experiencing heavy routing problems, and only after you have exhausted all of the other troubleshooting options. By resetting the Router, you run the risk of creating conflicts between your PCs’ actual IP Addresses and what the Router thinks their IP Addresses should be. You may be forced to reboot each network PC.

If the Router locks up, simply press the reset button or power it down for three to five seconds by removing the power cable from the Router’s Power Port. Leaving the power off for too long could result in the loss of network connections.

Figure 1-3

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3. Connect an Ethernet cable from one of your PC’s Ethernet ports to one of the Router’s LAN ports (as shown in Figure 2-2). Do the same with all the PCs you want to connect to the Router. (LAN Port 4 will become inactive if you use the Uplink port.)

In addition to accessing the Router through an Ethernet connection, a wireless connection can be used to access the Router. See the “For Wireless Connections” section that follows these connection instructions.

4. Connect the Power Adapter (included) to the Router’s Power port (as shown in Figure 2-3) and plug the other end into a power outlet.

• The Power LED will illuminate green as soon as the power adapter is connected.

• The Diag LED will illuminate red for a few seconds while the Router goes through its internal diagnostic test. The LED will tur n off when the self-test is complete.

5. Power on the cable modem. Verify that the

power is on by checking the Link LED in the WAN column on the front of the Router. The Link LED will be illuminated if the power is on and the modem is ready.

6. Press the Reset button on the back of the Router. Hold the button in for three seconds, or until the Diag LED illuminates red. This restores the Router’s default settings.

7. Power on your PC.

The Router is now connected. Continue to the next chapter to configure

your PCs.

Figure 2-2

Figure 2-3

Chapter 2: Connecting the Router

Before plugging everything together, it’s always a good idea to have everything you’ll need to get the Router up and running.

1. Power everything down, including your PCs, your cable modem and the Router.

2. Connect an Ethernet cable from your cable modem to the Router’s WAN port (as shown in Figure 2-1).

Before You Star t

Connecting Your Hardware Together and Booting Up

Figure 2-1

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Chapter 3: Configuring the PCs

You will need to know which operating system your computer is running, such as Windows 98SE, Millennium, 2000, or XP. You can find out by clicking the Start button and then selecting the Settings option. (If your Start menu doesn’t have a Settings option, you’re running Windows XP. You can select the Control Panel directly from the Start Menu.) Then, click Control Panel and double-click the System icon. Click the Cancel button when done.

Once you know which Windows operating system you are running, follow the directions in this step for your computer’s operating system. If your PC is not configured with the TCP/IP protocol, you will need to do this for each computer you are connecting to the Router.

The next few pages tell you, step by step, how to configure your TCP/IP settings based on the type of Windows operating system you are using. Once you've configured your computers, continue to Chapter 4: Configuring the Router for Wireless.

1. Click the Start button, click Settings and open the Control Panel. From there, double-click the Network icon to open the Network screen.

Overview

Configuring Windows 98SE and Millennium PCs

For Wireless Connections: In addition to accessing the Router through an Ethernet connection, a wireless connection can be used to access the Router. After powering on the Router and connecting it to your modem, enter the Router’s IP Address in the Address field of your wireless PC’s web-browser as follows: http://192.168.1.1 and press Enter.

IImmppoorrttaanntt::

The Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch is configured by default to work out of the box with all Linksys Wireless Adapters. If you have changed the defaults on your Linksys Wireless Adapters, or are using other wireless adapters, you must temporarily change your wireless adapter settings to: (SSID = linksys) in order to initially access the Router wirelessly. After you have accessed the Router with the default settings, you can change the router settings to coincide with your Network settings and reset your adapters.

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This section is only necessary if your ISP has not already set up your TCP/IP protocol or if your PC has not been previously connected to the Cable Modem service.

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5. Click the DNS Configuration tab,

then select Disable DNS (See Figure 3-3.) Click on OK.

6. Click the OK button again.

Windows may ask you for the original Windows installation disk or additional files. Supply them by pointing to the correct f ile location, e.g., D:\win98, D:\win9x, c:\windows\options\cabs, etc. (This assumes that “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).

7. If W indows asks you to restart your PC,

click the Yes button. If Windows does not ask you to restart, restart your computer anyway.

Repeat steps 1-6 for each PC on your network. When all of your PCs are

configured, proceed to Chapter 4: Configuring the Router.

1. Click the Start button, click Settings and open the Control Panel. From there, double-click the Network and Dial-up Connections icon. This will display the Network screen.

2. Select the Local Area Connection icon for the applicable Ethernet adapter (usually it is the first Local Area Connection listed). Double-click

Local Area Connection and click the Properties button. (See Figure 3-4.)

3. When the Local Area Connection Status screen appears, click the Properties button.

Configuring Windows 2000 PCs

Figure 3-4

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2. Select the Configuration tab

and highlight the TCP/IP line for the applicable Ethernet adapter (as shown in Figure 3-1). If the word TCP/IP appears by itself, select that line. (Note: If there is no TCP/IP line listed, refer to your Ethernet adapter’s documentation to install TCP/IP now.) Then, click the Properties button.

3. Click the IP Address tab and select Obtain an IP address automatically (as shown in figure 3-2).

4. Click the Gateway tab and verify that the Installed Gateway field is blank. Click the OK button.

Figure 3-1

Figure 3-2

Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch

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Figure 3-3

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The following instructions assume you are running Windows XP’s default interface. If you are using the Classic interface (where the icons and menus look like previous Windows versions), please follow the instructions for Windows 2000.

1. Click the Start button, open the Control Panel. and click the Network and Internet Connections icon. Then, click the Network Connections icon to display the Network screen.

2. Select the Local Area Connection icon for the applicable Ethernet adapter (usually it is the first Local Area Connection listed). Double-click Local Area Connection and click the Properties button. (See Figure 3-

7.)

3. When the Local Area Connection Status screen appears, click the Properties button.

Configuring Windows XP PCs

Figure 3-7

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4. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (as shown in

Figure 3-5) and click the Properties button.

5. Select Obtain an IP

address automatically and verify that Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected

(as shown in Figure 3-6). Then, click the OK but- ton and click the OK but- ton on the subsequent screens to complete the PC’s conf iguration.

Repeat steps 1-5 for each PC on your network. When all of your PCs are

configured, proceed to Chapter 4: Configuring the Router.

Figure 3-5

Figure 3-6

Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch

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Chapter 4: Configuring the Router for Wireless

The Router is pre-configured to work with your AT&T Broadband connection. This section will provide information to configure the wireless function of the Router. Detailed description of the Router’s Web-based Utility can be found in the Chapter 5: Using the Router’s Web-Based Utility.

1. Open your web browser, and enter 192.168.1.1 into the web browser’s Address field, as shown in Figure 4-1. Then, press the Enter key.

2. An Enter Network Password window, shown in Figure 4-2a, will appear. (Windows XP users will see a Connect to 192.168.1.1 window, shown in Figure 4-2b.) Leave the User Name field empty, and enter admin (the default password) in lowercase letters in the Pass word field. Then, click the OK button.

Figure 4-1

Figure 4-2a

Figure 4-2b

4. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (as shown in

Figure 3-8) and click the Properties button.

5. Select Obtain an IP

address automatically and verify that Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected (as

shown in Figure 3-9). Then, click the OK button and click the OK button on the subsequent screens to complete the PC’s configuration.

Repeat steps 1-5 for each PC on your network. When all of your PCs are

configured, proceed to Chapter 4: Configuring the Router.

Figure 3-8

Figure 3-9

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WEP (Mandatory/Disable): In order to utilize WEP encrytion, select Mandatory. If you do not want to utilize WEP encrytion, make sure that Disable is selected.

WEP Key Setting: When WEP encryption is enabled and Mandatory is

selected, select WEP Key Setting to modify the settings. Refer to Section B: Configuring Wireless Security.

4. If you haven’t already done so, click the Apply button followed by the Continue button to save the settings.

5. Reset the power on your cable modem and restart your computers.

Note: You only need to configure the Router from one computer. If you need advanced setting information, please refer to the Linksys support website at linksys.com/support or call 1-800-542-0028.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully configured the Router. You can test the setup by opening your web browser from any computer and entering www.linksys.com/registration (as shown in Figure 4-4).

If you are unable to reach our website, you may want to review what you did in this section or refer to Appendix A: Troubleshooting.

Figure 4-4

3. To conf igure the Router for your wireless network, verify that the Setup tab’s Wireless fields (shown in Figure 4-3) are completed as follows:

Enable/Disable: Selecting the Enable radio button will enable the Router’s wireless feature. Wireless functions will not be available unless enabled.

SSID: The SSID is a unique name for y our wireless network. It is case sensitive and must not exceed 32 characters. The default SSID is "linksys " but you should change this to a personal wireless network name. All wireless points in your network must use the same SSID.

SSID Broadcast: To increase network security, this feature can prevent the SSID from being seen on wireless networks. With this enabled, someone could obtain the SSID information with a site survey tool and possibly gain access to your network. SSID Broadcast is enabled by default. To disable this function, click the Disable radio button.

Channel: Select the appropriate channel for your network from the list provided. All wireless points in your network must use the same channel in order to function properly.

Figure 4-3

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For more information on WEP encryption, go to Appendix B:

Configuring Wireless Security.

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The Setup tab is the first tab you will see when you access the Utility. If you have already installed and set up the Router, you hav e already seen this tab and have already properly conf igured all of the values.

• Firmware Version This displays the f irmware version the Router is cur-

rently using.

• LAN IP Address and Subnet Mask This is the Router’s IP Address and

Subnet Mask as seen on the internal LAN. The default value is 192.168.1.1 for IP Address and 0.0.0.0 for Subnet Mask.

• Wireless (Enable/Disable). In order to utilize the Router’s wireless func- tions, select Enable. If you do not wish to utilize any wireless functions, make sure Disable is selected. (Note: No other wireless functions will be

available unless you enable this setting.)

• SSID: The SSID is a unique name for your wireless network. It is case sen-

sitive and must not exceed 32 characters. The default SSID is "linksys " but you should change this to a personal wireless network name. All wireless points in your network must use the same SSID. Verify that you are using the correct SSID and click the Apply button to set it.

Setup

Figure 5-3

NNoottee::

Due to differences in web browsers, some screen shots may differ.

Chapter 5: Using the Router’s Web-Based Utility

For your convenience, an administrative utility has been programmed into the Router. This chapter will explain all of the functions in this utility. All routerbased administrative tasks are performed through this web utility. The web utility can be accessed by any PC on the network by typing “http://192.168.1.1” in the PC’s web browser address window, as shown in Figure 5-1.

Upon entering the address into the web browser, a password request page will pop up, as shown in Figure 5-2a. (Windows XP users will see a “Connect to

192.168.1.1” window, shown in Figure 5-2b.)

Leave the User Name field empty, and enter admin (the default password) in lowercase letters in the Password field (field is case sensitive.) Then, click the OK button.

In this chapter, you will find brief descriptions of each of the utility’s tabs and its more important functions. To clear any values you’ve entered on any page, click the Cancel button. To apply any settings you’ ve altered on an y page, click the Apply button. Once all settings are correct, click Continue.

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-2a

Figure 5-2b

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From the Password tab, shown in Figure 5-5, you can change the Router’s Password and restore the factory default settings.

• Router Password For greater security, you should set a password for the

Router. If you don’t set the password, all users on your network will be able to access the Router using the default password admin. We recommend that you change your password often.

• Restore Factory Defaults If you select the Restore Factory Default option and click the Apply button, you will clear all of the Router’s settings and restore the default settings.

Do not restore the factory defaults unless you are having difficulties with the Router and have exhausted all other troubleshooting measures. Once the Router is reset, you will have to re-enter all of your configuration data.

To clear any values you’ve entered on any page, click the Cancel button. To apply any settings you’ve altered on any page, click the Apply button. Once all settings are correct, click Continue.

Password

Figure 5-5

• SSID Broadcast: To increase network security , this feature can prevent the SSID

from being seen on wireless networks. W ith this enab led, someone could obtain the SSID information with a site survey tool and possibly gain access to your network. SSID Broadcast is enabled b y default. T o disable this function, click the Disable radio button.

• Channel Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to correspond

with your network settings, betw een 1 and 11. (Higher channels can only be used outside of the United States and Canada.) All points in your wireless network must use the same channel in order to function correctly. Verify that the correct channel is selected and click the Apply button to set it.

• WEP (Mandatory/Disable).In order to utilize WEP encryption, select Enable. If you do not wish to utilize WEP encryption, make sure Disab le is selected.

• WEP Key Setting When WEP Encryption is Enabled , press this button to mod- ify the WEP Key Settings. See Figure 5-4. For more details on configuring Wireless Security using WEP, refer to Appendix B: Configuring Wireless Security .

WEP (64Bit or 128B) Select the level of encryption from the drop-down box. 128-bit WEP encryption is unique to Linksys and may conflict with other vendors’WEP encryption.

Passphrase Enter a userdefined password into the field.Use a maximum of 31 letters, symbols, and numbers, but no spaces. Generate Click on this button to create a key. It will be 10 digits if you choose 64-bit encryption or 26 digits if you choose 128bit encryption. Keys will be created in each of the four fields. You may also manually enter a key into a field for encryption. Click on

Clear to clear the field. Default TX Key Select a

number in the drop-down box The number you select will specify which key number will be used. Linksys recommends that you keep the default Key 1.

Once you have chosen your key encryption method and entered either the Passphrase or manual key, click the Apply button, and the encryption portion of the setup is complete.

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Figure 5-4

Note: Make a note of the Passphrase or Manual Key, because the same WEP encryption key must be used in all wireless devices on the network.

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Appendix A:Troubleshooting

This appendix consists of two parts: “Common Problems and Solutions” and “Frequently Asked Questions.” Provided are possible solutions to problems regarding the installation and operation of the Router . If your situation is described here, the problem should be solved by appl ying the corresponding solution. If you can’t find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.

1. I am not getting an IP address on my PC and I can’t access the Internet.

A. Verify that y ou ha v e connectivity b y checking that the WAN link LED is on. B. Make sure you have the right cable. It should be an RJ-45 Ethernet cable

(See Figures 2-1 and 2-2 in Chapter 2: Connecting the Router.) Check to see if the WAN column has a solidly lit Link LED.

C. Make sure the cable connecting from your cable modem is connected to the

Router’s WAN port.

D. Turn off the computer , Router , and cab le modem. Wait 30 seconds, and then

turn on the Router, cable modem, and computer.

2. To start over,I need to set the Router to factory default.

Hold the Reset button for up to 30 seconds and then release it. This will return the password, forwarding, and other settings on the Router to the factory default settings. In other words, the Router will revert to its original factor y configuration.

3. The Diag LED stays lit continuously.

The Diag LED lights up when the device is first powered up. Meantime, the system will boot up itself and check for proper operation. After finishing the checking procedure, the LED turns off to show that the system is working fine. If the LED remains lit after this time, the device is not working properly. Try to flash the fir mware by assigning a static IP address to the computer, and then upgrade the f irmware. Firmware updates can be found at linksys.com/down- loads.Try using the following settings, IP Address: 192.168.1.50 and Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0.

Common Problems and Solutions

The Status tab, shown in Figure 5-6, displays the Router’s current status and reflects the data and selections that you have entered using the Setup tab.

Some of the information provided on the Status tab is read-only and can be changed using the Setup tab.

• Firmware Version This field shows the installed version and date of the firmware. Version dates are slightly more accurate than version numbers.

• Login This feature does not apply to AT&T Broadband cable customers.

• LAN This shows the MAC Address.

• IP Address This field displays the current IP Address of the Router, as seen by

users on your local area network. .

• Subnet Mask This field displays the current Subnet Mask of the Router, as seen by users on your local area network.

• Show LAN IP MAC Table Click on this button to view the Host IP address, MAC address, and the Interface (See Figure 5-7.) Click on Refresh to refresh the screen.

Status

Figure 5-6

Note: The information provided on the Status tab may vary depending on the Router’s settings.

Figure 5-7

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Does the WANconnection of the Router support 100 Mbps Ethernet? Because of

the speed limitations of broadband Internet connections, the Router’s cur rent hardware design supports 10 Mbps Ethernet on its WAN port. It does, of course, support 100 Mbps over the auto-sensing Fast Ethernet 10/100 switch on the LAN side of the Router.

Does the Router support any operating system other than Windows 95,Windows

98,Windows 2000,Windows NT, or Windows XP? Yes, but Linksys does not, at

this time, provide technical support for setup, configuration or troubleshooting of any non-Windows operating systems.

Will the Router function in a Macintosh environment? Yes, but the Router’s setup

pages are accessible only through Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher for Macintosh.

I am not able to get the web configuration screen for the Router. What can I do?

You may have to remove the proxy settings on your Internet browser, e.g., Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. Or remove the dial-up settings on your browser. Check with your browser documentation, and make sure that your browser is set to connect directly and that any dial-up is disabled. Make sure that your browser is set to connect directly and that any dial-up is disabled. For Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options, and then the

Connection tab. Make sure that Internet Explorer is set to Never dial a connection. For Netscape Navigator, click Edit, Preferences, Advanced, and Proxy. Make sure that Netscape Navigator is set to Direct connection to the Internet.

Is the Router cross-platform compatible? Any platform that supports Ethernet

and TCP/IP is compatible with the Router.

Does the Router replace a modem? Is there a cable modem in the Router? No,

this version of the Router must work in conjunction with a cable modem.

Which modems are compatible with the Router? The Router is compatible with

virtually any cable modem that supports Ethernet.

Frequently Asked Questions

4. When I enter a URL or IP address,I get a time-out error or am prompted to retry.

• Check if other PCs work. If they do, ensure that your PC’s IP settings are correct (IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS). Restart the computer that is having a problem.

• If the PCs are configured correctly, but still not working, check the Router. Ensure that it is connected and ON. Connect to it and check its settings. (If you cannot connect to it, check the LAN and power connections.)

• If the Router is configured correctly, check your Internet connection (cable modem, etc.) to see if it is working correctly. You can remove the Router to verify a direct connection.

• Manually configure the TCP/IP with a DNS address provided by your ISP.

• Make sure that your browser is set to connect directly and that any dialup is disabled. For Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options, and then the Connection tab . Make sure that Internet Explorer is set to Never

dial a connection. For Netscape Navigator, click Edit, Preferences, Advanced, and Proxy. Make sure that Netscape Navigator is set to Direct connection to the Internet.

5. The Full/Col LED keeps flickering continuously.

• Check the Category 5 Ethernet cable and its RJ-45 connectors.

• There may be interference with other network devices. Try removing other PCs or network devices to see if the problem persists. Eliminate each network device one at a time to determine the cause.

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without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air? WLAN features

two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryption function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up depending upon their needs.

What is WEP? WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism

based on a 40/64 bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

What is a MAC Address? The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique

number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all practical purposes, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a computer logs on to the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for the network.

If your questions are not addressed here, refer to the Linksys website,

www.linksys.com.

What is the IEEE 802.11b standard? The IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN standards

subcommittee formulates the standard for the industry. The objective is to enable wireless LAN hardware from dif ferent manufacturers to communicate.

What is BSS ID? A specif ic Ad-hoc LAN is called a Basic Service Set (BSS).

Computers in a BSS must be configured with the same BSS ID.

What is SSID? An Infrastructure configuration could also support roaming

capability for mobile workers. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Users within an ESS could roam freely between BSSs while maintaining a continuous connection to the wireless network stations and Access Points.

What is ISM band? The FCC and their counter parts outside of the U.S. have set

aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum? Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio

frequency technique developed b y the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the tradeoff produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spreadspectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternativ es, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? Frequency

Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiv er. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver , FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data

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The following steps will show you how to utilize WEP encr yption

1. From the Web-based Utility’s Setup tab, select Mandatory under the WEP

section.

2. Press the WEP Key Setting button to set the WEP Encryption type and

level.

3. The screen displayed in Figure B-1 may appear, verifying that you are enabling WEP Encryption. Press the OK button to continue.

4. This will display the screen sho wn in F igure B-2. F rom this screen, you will choose your WEP Encryption settings.

Figure B-2

Figure B-1

Appendix B:Configuring Wireless Security

An acronym for Wired Equivalent Privacy, WEP is an encryption method used to protect your wireless data communications. WEP uses a combination of 64bit or 128-bit keys to provide access control to your network and encryption security for every data transmission. To decode a data transmission, each point in a network must use an identical 64-bit or 128-bit key. Higher encryption levels mean higher levels of security, but due to the complexity of the encryption, they may mean decreased network performance.

You may also have heard the term “40-bit” used in conjunction with WEP encryption. This is simply another term for 64-bit WEP encryption. This level of WEP encryption has been called 40-bit because it uses a 40-bit secret key along with a 24-bit Initialization Vector (40 + 24 = 64). Wireless vendors may use either name. Linksys uses the term “64-bit” when referring to this level of encryption.

Make sure your wireless netw ork is functioning before attempting to configure WEP encryption.

A 128-bit WEP encrypted wireless network will NOT communicate with a 64bit WEP encrypted wireless network. Therefore, make sure that all of your wireless devices are using the same encryption level. All wireless de vices complying with the 802.11b standard will support 64-bit WEP.

In addition to enabling WEP, Linksys also recommends the following security implementations:

• Changing the SSID from the default “linksys”

• Changing the WEP key regularly

Note: WEP encryption is an additional data securi-

ty measure and not essential for router operation.

Note: In order for WEP Encryption to be enabled, wireless functions must first be enabled. Select Enable under the Wireless section before proceeding.

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Because W indo ws XP does not allow for the use of the Linksys Passphrase feature with the wireless PC adapters, you will need to manually enter the key generated in the previous section.

The following steps will help you enable WEP and enter the encryption key manually for your wireless PC cards, in order to enable your Windows XP system to communicate with the Router wirelessly.

These steps assume that your CD-ROM drive is letter D and that you are running Windows XP in the default mode.

Be sure you have the WEP Key generated by the Router.

1. As shown in Figure B-3, click the Start button and go to the Control Panel.

Figure B-3

Configuring Wireless Security in Windows XP

• WEP (64Bit or 128B) Select the level of encryption from the drop-down

box. 128-bit WEP encryption is unique to Linksys and may conflict with other vendors’WEP encryption.

The WEP Encryption key is generated in one of two ways.

1. You may create an encryption key by using a Passphrase.

a. Enter a Passphrase, a user-def ined password, into the Passphrase field.

The Passphrase can be a maximum of 31 letters, symbols, and numbers. No spaces can be used.

b. Click the Generate button to create a key. The key will be 10 digits if

you chose 64-bit encryption, or 26 digits if you chose 128-bit encryption. This key will be used to encrypt and decrypt the data being sent between the Router and your network’s wireless PCs.

The Key field may not display all digits. Using the mouse, click anywhere within the Key field. Move the cursor to the right to view the rest of the Key. Make sure your write down the entire Key EXACTLY the way it is displayed.

2. You may enter the encryption key manually.

Select a number in the drop-down box for the Default TX Key. The number you select will specify which key number will be used.

Make a note of the Passphrase or Manual Key. You will need it for the other wireless devices on the network, because the same WEP encr yption key must be entered in all wireless devices on the network.

Once you have chosen your key encryption method and entered either the Passphrase or manual key, click the Apply button, and the encryption portion of the setup is complete.

Note: In order to utilize WEP encryption, all points in your wireless network must have WEP enabled and have the same WEP Key.

Note: In Windows XP, a 128-bit Key generated by the Router will be called a "104 bits (26 digits)" key, and a 64-bit Key generated by the Router will be called a “40 bits (10 digits)” key.

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Note: For Windows 95, 98, 98SE, NT, 2000, please reference the security sections for the wireless adapters installed in those computers to set up the security.

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If a “Connect to Wireless Network” window appears, in the Available Networks section, click the desired wireless network, specified by the Router’s SSID. Then, doub le-click the Wir eless Netw or k Connectionicon.

5. When the “Wireless Network Connection Status” window appears, as in Figure B-7, click the Properties button.

Figure B-6

Figure B-7

2. In the “Control Panel” window, click the Network and Internet Connections icon, shown in Figure B-4.

3. Click the Network Connections icon, shown in Figure B-5.

4. The “Network Connections” window will appear, as shown in Figure B-6. Under LAN or High-Speed Internet you will see all Network cards that are installed and operating in your computer. Double-click the Wireless Network Connection icon associated with your wireless adapter.

If the “Wireless Network Connection Status” window appears, continue to the next step

Figure B-4

Figure B-5

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8. The “Wireless Network Properties” window (shown in Figure B-10) will appear.

Click the check box for the Data encryption (WEP enabled) option.

Remove the check from the Network Authentication (Shared mode) and The key is provided for me automatically fields.

In the "Network key" field, enter the exact key (all 10 or 26 digits, depending on the level of encryption) generated by the Router in Figure B-2.

Verify that the “Key format” f ield displays “Hexadecimal digits” and that the “Key length” field displays either “40 bits (10 digits)” or “104 bits (26 digits)”. If this is not displayed, you have entered the key incorrectly.

Click the OK button to save the settings. Click on OK buttons until you get back to the “Wireless Network Connection Status” window. Close any open windows to get back to the Windows XP desktop.

Close any applications and restart your PC. After restarting, the WEP configuration will be complete and you should be able to connect wirelessly to the Router.

Figure B-10

6. When the “Wireless Network Connection Properties” window appears, as in Figure B8, click the Wireless NetworksTab.

7. If the appropriate wireless network, specified by the Router’s SSID, is displayed in the “Preferred networks” section, as shown in Figure B-9, doubleclick it and continue to the next step.

Otherwise, click on the appropriate wireless network, specified by the Router’s SSID, in the “Available networks” section. Then, click the Configure button

Figure B-8

Figure B-9

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Bit - A binary digit. The value - 0 or 1-used in the binary numbering system. Also, the smallest form of data.

Boot - To cause the computer to start executing instructions. Personal computers contain built-in instructions in a ROM chip that are automatically executed on startup. These instructions search for the operating system, load it and pass control to it.

Broadband - A data-transmission scheme in which multiple signals share the bandwidth of a medium. This allows the transmission of voice, data and video signals over a single medium. Cable television uses broadband techniques to deliver dozens of channels over one cable.

Browser - A browser is an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web or PC. The word "browser" seems to have originated prior to the Web as a generic term for user interfaces that let you browse text files online.

BSS (Basic Service Set) - An infrastructure network connecting wireless devices to a wired network using a single access point.

Buffer - A buffer is a shared or assigned memory area used by hardware devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or with different sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without being held up by the other. In order for a buffer to be effective, the size of the buffer and the algorithms for moving data into and out of the buffer need to be considered by the buffer designer. Like a cache, a buffer is a "midpoint holding place" but exists not so much to accelerate the speed of an activity as to support the coordination of separate activities.

Cable Modem - A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the Internet. Once connected, cable modem users have a continuous connection to the Internet. Cable modems feature asymmetric transfer rates: around 36 Mbps downstream (from the Internet to the computer), and from 200 Kbps to 2 Mbps upstream (from the computer to the Internet).

CAT 5 - ANSI/EIA (American National Standards Institute/Electronic Industries Association) Standard 568 is one of several standards that specify "categories" (the singular is commonly referred to as "CAT") of twisted pair

Appendix C: Glossary

10BaseT - An Ethernet standard that uses twisted wire pairs.

100BaseTX - IEEE physical layer specification for 100 Mbps over two pairs of

Category 5 wire.

Adapter - Printed circuit board that plugs into a PC to add to capabilities or connectivity to a PC. In a networked environment, a network interface card is the typical adapter that allows the PC or server to connect to the intranet and/or Internet.

Ad-hoc Network - An ad-hoc network is a group of computers, each with a wireless adapter, connected as an independent 802.11 wireless LAN. Ad-hoc wireless computers operate on a peer-to-peer basis, communicating directly with each other without the use of an access point. Ad-hoc mode is also referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) or as peer-to-peer mode.

AppleTalk - An Apple Computer networking system that support Apple's proprietary local talk.

Auto-negotiate - To automatically determine the cor rect settings. The term is often used with communications and networking. For example, Ethernet 10/100 cards, hubs and switches can determine the highest speed of the node they are connected to and adjust their transmission rate accordingly.

Backbone - The part of a network that connects most of the systems and networks together and handles the most data.

Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of a given facility, in terms of how much data the facility can transmit in a fixed amount of time; expressed in bits per second (bps).

Beacon Interval - A beacon is a packet broadcast by the Access Point to keep the network synchronized. A beacon includes the wireless LAN service area, the AP address, the Broadcast destination addresses, a time stamp, Delivery Traffic Indicator Maps, and the Traffic Indicator Message (TIM).

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cially useful in education and other environments where users change frequently. Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks in which there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.

DHCP supports static addresses for computers containing Web servers that need a permanent IP address.

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - Allows one IP address (or computer) to be exposed to the Internet. Some applications require multiple TCP/IP ports to be open. It is recommended that you set your computer with a static IP address if you want to use DMZ Hosting.

DNS - The domain name system (DNS) is the way that Internet domain name are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A domain name is a meaningful and easy-to-remember "handle" for an Internet address.

Domain - A subnetwork comprised of a group of clients and servers under the control of one security database. Dividing LANs into domains improves performance and security.

Download - To receive a f ile transmitted over a network. In a communications session, download means receive, upload means transmit.

DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS generates a redundant bit pattern for all data transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the receiver can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers. However, to an intended receiver (i.e. another wireless LAN endpoint), the DSSS signal is recognized as the only valid signal, and interference is inherently rejected (ignored).

DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) - A DTIM field is a countdown field infor ming clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages. When the AP has buffered broadcast or multicast messages for associated clients, it sends the next DTIM with a DTIM Interval value. AP Clients hear the beacons and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast messages.

cabling systems (wires, junctions, and connectors) in terms of the data rates that they can sustain. CAT 5 cable has a maximum throughput of 100 Mbps and is usually utilized for 100BaseTX networks.

CA T 5e- The additional cab ling performance parameters of return loss and farend crosstalk (FEXT) specified for 1000BASE-T and not specified for 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX are related to differences in the signaling implementation. 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX signaling is unidirectional-signals are transmitted in one direction on a single wire pair. In contrast, Gigabit Ethernet is bi-directional-signals are transmitted simultaneously in both directions on the same wire pair; that is, both the transmit and receive pair occupy the same wire pair.

CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) - In local area networking, this is the CSMA technique that combines slotted time-division multiplexing with carrier sense multiple access/collision detection (CSMA/CD) to avoid having collisions occur a second time. This works best if the time allocated is short compared to packet length and if the number of situations is small.

Data Packet - One frame in a packet-switched message. Most data communications is based on dividing the transmitted message into packets. F or e xample, an Ethernet packet can be from 64 to 1518 bytes in length.

Default Gateway - The routing device used to forward all traffic that is not addressed to a station within the local subnet.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network. Using the Internet's set of protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet needs a unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a connection to the Internet, an IP address must be assigned to each machine. Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and, if computers move to another location in another part of the network, a new IP address must be entered. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and distribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP address when a computer is plugged into a different place in the network.

DHCP uses the concept of a "lease" or amount of time that a given IP address will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a user is likely to require the Internet connection at a particular location. It's espe-

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installs a firewall to prevent outsiders from accessing its own private data resources and for controlling what outside resources to which its own users have access.

Basically, a f irewall, working closely with a router, examines each network packet to determine whether to forward it toward its destination.

Firmware - Code that is written onto read-only memory (ROM) or programmable read-only memory (PROM). Once firmware has been written onto the ROM or PROM, it is retained even when the device is turned off.

Fragmentation - Breaking a packet into smaller units when transmitting over a network medium that cannot support the original size of the packet.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - A protocol used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network (Internet, UNIX, etc.). F or example, after de v eloping the HTML pages for a Web site on a local machine, they are typically uploaded to the Web server using FTP.

FTP includes functions to log onto the network, list directories and copy files. It can also convert betw een the ASCII and EBCDIC character codes. FTP operations can be performed by typing commands at a command prompt or via an FTP utility running under a graphical interface such as Windows. FTP transfers can also be initiated from within a Web browser by entering the URL preceded with ftp://.

Unlike e-mail programs in which graphics and program files have to be "attached," FTP is designed to handle binary files directly and does not add the overhead of encoding and decoding the data.

Full Duplex - The ability of a device or line to transmit data simultaneously in both directions.

Gateway - A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible communications protocols.

Half Duplex - Data transmission that can occur in two directions over a single line, but only one direction at a time. Hardware - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other information technology devices. The term arose as a wa y to distinguish the "box" and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be

Dynamic IP Address - An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client station in a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server. Network devices that serve multiple users, such as servers and printers, are usually assigned static IP addresses.

Dynamic Routing - The ability for a router to forward data via a dif ferent route based on the current conditions of the communications circuits. For example, it can adjust for overloaded traffic or f ailing lines and is much more flexible than static routing, which uses a fixed forwarding path.

Encryption - A security method that applies a specific algorithm to data in order to alter the data's appearance and prevent other devices from reading the information.

ESS (Extended Service Set) - A set of more than two or more BSSs (multiple access points) forming a single network.

Ethernet - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has a transfer rate of 10 Mbps. Forms the underlying transport vehicle used by several upper-level protocols, including TCP/IP and XNS.

Fast Ethernet - A 100 Mbps technology based on the 10Base-T Ethernet CSMA/CD network access method.

FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectr um) - FHSS continuously changes (hops) the carrier frequency of a conventional carrier several times per second according to a pseudo-random set of channels. Because a fixed frequency is not used, and only the transmitter and receiver know the hop patterns, interception of FHSS is extremely difficult.

Finger - A UNIX command widely used on the Internet to f ind out information about a particular user, such as telephone number, whether currently logged on or the last time logged on. The person being "fingered" must have placed his or her profile on the system. Fingering requires entering the full user@domain address.

Firewall - A firewall is a set of related programs, located at a network gateway server, that protects the resources of a netw ork from users from other networks. (The term also implies the security policy that is used with the programs.) An enterprise with an intranet that allows its workers access to the wider Internet

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Protocol part of TCP/IP includes your IP address in the message (actually, in each of the packets if more than one is required) and sends it to the IP address that is obtained by looking up the domain name in the Uniform Resource Locator you requested or in the e-mail address you're sending a note to. At the other end, the recipient can see the IP address of the Web page requestor or the e-mail sender and can respond by sending another message using the IP address it received.

IPCONFIG - A Windows NT or 2000 utility that pro vides for querying, defining and managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used utility for configuring networks with static IP addresses.

IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) - A suite of protocols used to implement secure exchange of packets at the IP layer. IPSec supports two basic modes: Transport and Tunnel. Transport encrypts the payload of each packet, leaving the header untouched, w hile T unnel mode encrypts both the header and the pa yload and is therefore more secure. IPSec must be supported on both transmitter and receiver and must share a public key. Tunnel mode is widely deployed in VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).

IPX (Internetwork Packet EXchange) - A NetWare communications protocol used to route messages from one node to another. IPX packets include network addresses and can be routed from one network to another.

ISM band - The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a tr uly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

ISP - An ISP (Internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals and companies access to the Internet and other related services such as W eb site building and virtual hosting.

LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building). MAC (Media Access Control) Address - A unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level.

known as the software.

Hop - The link between two network nodes.

HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) - The communications protocol used

to connect to servers on the World Wide Web. Its primary function is to establish a connection with a Web server and transmit HTML pages to the client browser.

Hub - The device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from workstations. Can be passive, where there is no amplification of the signals; or active, where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an extension of the cable that connects to a workstation.

ICQ - A conferencing program for the Internet that provides interactive chat, e-mail and file transfer and can alert you when someone on your predefined list has also come online.

IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - The IEEE describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society, promoting the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-being of our members."

The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the IEEE Computer Society.

Infrastructure Network - An infrastructure network is a group of computers or other devices, each with a wireless adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless LAN. In infrastructure mode, the wireless devices communicate with each other and to a wired network by first going through an access point. An infrastructure wireless network connected to a wired network is referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single network is referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastr ucture mode is useful at a corporation scale, or when it is necessary to connect the wired and wireless networks. IP Address - In the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol (Internet Protocol) today, an IP address is a 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information that is sent in packet across the Internet. When you request an HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet

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Port - A pathway into and out of the computer or a network device such as a switch or router. For example, the serial and parallel ports on a personal computer are external sockets for plugging in communications lines, modems and printers.

PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ether net) - PPPoE is a method for the encapsulation of PPP packets over Ethernet frames from the user to the ISP over the Internet. One reason PPP oE is preferred by ISPs is because it provides authentication (username and password) in addition to data transport. A PPP oE session can be initiated by either a client application residing on a PC, or by client fir mware residing on a modem or router.

PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) - A protocol (set of communication rules) that allows corporations to extend their own corporate network through private "tunnels" over the public Internet. Effectively, a corporation uses a wide-area network as a single large local area network. A company no longer needs to lease its own lines for wide-area communication but can securely use the public networks. This kind of interconnection is known as a virtual private network.

RIP (Routing Information Protocol) - A simple routing protocol that is part of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It determines a route based on the smallest hop count between source and destination. RIP is a distance vector protocol that routinely broadcasts routing information to its neighboring routers.

RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) - A connector similar to a telephone connector that holds up to eight wires, used for connecting Ethernet devices.

Roaming - In an infrastructure mode wireless network, this refers to the ability to move out of one access point's range and into another and transparently reassociate and reauthenticate to the new access point. This reassociation and reauthentication should occur without user intervention and ideally without interruption to network connectivity. A typical scenario would be a location with multiple access points, where users can physically relocate from one area to another and easily maintain connectivity.

Router - Protocol-dependent device that connects subnetworks together. Routers are useful in breaking down a very large network into smaller subnetworks; they introduce longer delays and typically have much lower throughput rates than bridges.

Mbps (MegaBits Per Second) - One million bits per second; unit of measure- ment for data transmission.

MIB (Management Information Base) - A set of database objects. This set con- tains information about a specif ic device for utilizing SNMP.

mIRC - mIRC runs under Windows and provides a graphical interface for logging onto IRC servers and listing, joining and leaving channels.

Multicasting - Sending data to a group of nodes instead of a single destination.

NAT (Network Address Translation) - The translation of an Internet Protocol

address (IP address) used within one network to a different IP address known within another network. One network is designated the inside network and the other is the outside.

Network- A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between users.

NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol) - The protocol used to connect to Usenet groups on the Internet. Usenet newsreaders support the NNTP protocol.

Node - A network junction or connection point, typically a computer or work station.

Packet- A unit of data routed between an origin and a destination in a network.

Passphrase - Used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP

encryption process by automatically generating the WEP encryption keys for Linksys products.

PC Card - A credit-card sized removable module that contains memory, I/O, or a hard disk.

Ping (Packet INternet Groper) - An Internet utility used to determine whether a particular IP address is online. It is used to test and debug a network by sending out a packet and waiting for a response.

Plug-and-Play - The ability of a computer system to configure expansion boards and other devices automatically without requiring the user to turn off the system during installation.

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SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) - A firewall technolo gy that monitors the state of the transaction so that it can verify that the destination of an inbound packet matches the source of a previous outbound request. It examines not just the headers of the packet, but also the contents, to determine more about the packet than just its source and destination information. It is called "stateful" because verifies that the stated destination computer has previously requested the current communication. In this way, it verif ies that all communications are initiated by the recipient computer and are taking place only with sources that are known and trusted from previous interactions. In addition to being a more rigorous inspection, stateful packet inspection closes off ports until connection to the specific port is requested. This allo ws an added layer of protection from the threat of port scanning.

SSID (Service Set IDentifier) - A unique name shared among all points in a wireless network. The SSID must be identical for each point in the wireless network and is case-sensitive.

Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in an IP or a TCP/IP network.

Static Routing - Forwarding data in a network via a fixed path. Static routing cannot adjust to changing line conditions as can dynamic routing.

Subnet Mask - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of subgroups, or subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP address to turn part of the host ID address field into a f ield for subnets.

Switch - 1. A data switch connects computing devices to host computers, allowing a large number of devices to share a limited number of ports. 2. A device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between netw ork devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for efficient delivery over the network. TCP is known as a "connection oriented" protocol due to requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet resulting in transmission control.

RTS (Request To Send) - An RS-232 signal sent from the transmitting station to the receiving station requesting permission to transmit.

Server - Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to files, printing, communications, and other ser vices.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - The standard e-mail protocol on the Internet. It is a TCP/IP protocol that defines the message format and the message transfer agent (MTA), which stores and forwards the mail.

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. The agents return information contained in a MIB (Management Information Base), which is a data structure that def ines what is obtainable from the device and what can be controlled (turned off, on, etc.).

Software- Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a "program." The tw o major categories of softw are are "system software" and "application software." System software is made up of control programs such as the operating system and database management system (DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the user.

A common misconception is that software is data. It is not. Software tells the hardware how to process the data.

Spread Spectrum - Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

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twisted around each other. Each signal on twisted pair requires both wires. Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) - A technique that allows two or more LANs to be extended over public communication channels by creating private communication subchannels (tunnels). Effectively, these LANs can use a WAN as a single large "virtually private" LAN. This removes the need to use leased lines for WAN communications through secure use of a publicly available WAN (such as the Internet). Examples of VPN technology are: PPTP (Point to Point Tunneling Protocol), L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol), and IPSec (Internet Protocol Security).

WAN (Wide Area Network)- A communications network that covers a rela- tively large geographic area, consisting of two or more LANs. Broadband communication over the WAN is often through public networks such as the telephone (DSL) or cable systems, or through leased lines or satellites. In its most basic definition, the Inter net could be considered a WAN.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64- bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

WINIPCFG - Configuration utility based on the Win32 API for querying, defining and managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used utility for configuring networks with static IP addresses.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - The basic com- munication language or set of protocols for communications over a network (developed specifically for the Internet). TCP/IP defines a suite or group of protocols and not only TCP and IP.

Telnet - A terminal emulation protocol commonly used on the Internet and TCP/IP-based networks. It allows a user at a terminal or computer to log onto a remote device and run a program.

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) - A version of the TCP/IP FTP protocol that has no directory or password capability.

Throughput - The amount of data moved successfully from one place to another in a given time period.

TX Rate - T ransmission Rate.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP

(Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between netw ork devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), UDP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for efficient delivery over the network. UDP is known as a "connection-less" protocol due to NOT requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet (as opposed to TCP).

Upgrade - To replace existing software or firmware with a newer version.

Upload - To transmit a file over a network. In a communications session,

upload means transmit, download means receive.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - The address that defines the route to a file on the Web or any other Internet facility. URLs are typed into the browser to access Web pages, and URLs are embedded within the pages themselves to provide the hypertext links to other pages.

UTP - Unshielded twisted pair is the most common kind of copper telephone wiring. Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are

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Dimensions 7.31" x 6.16" x 2.44" (186 mm x 157 mm x 62 mm)

Unit Weight 19.2 oz. (0.56 kg.)

Power Input External, 5V DC, 2.5A

Certif ications FCC Class B, CE Mark

Operating Temperature 0ºC to 40ºC (32ºF to 104ºF)

Storage Temperature -20ºC to 70ºC (-4ºF to 158ºF)

Operating Humidity 10% to 85%, Non-Condensing

Storage Humidity 5% to 90%, Non-Condensing

Environmental

Appendix D: Specifications

Standards IEEE 802.3 (10BaseT), IEEE 802.3u

(100BaseTX), IEEE 802.11b (Wireless)

Protocol CSMA/CD

Ports WAN: One 10Base-T RJ-45 Port for cable Modem

LAN: Four 10/100 RJ-45 Switched Ports,

One Shared Uplink Port

Speed WAN - 10Mbps, Switch - 10/100Mbps (Half

Duplex) 20/200 (Full Duplex), Wireless (See Below)

Cabling Type UTP Category 5 or better

Button Reset

Operating Range: (Wireless)

Indoors: Up to 30m (100 ft.) @ 11 Mbps

Up to 50m (165 ft.) @ 5.5 Mbps Up to 70m (230 ft.) @ 2 Mbps Up to 91m (300 ft.) @ 1 Mbps

Outdoors: Up to 152m (500 ft.) @ 11 Mbps

Up to 270m (885 ft.) @ 5.5 Mbps Up to 396m (1300 ft.) @ 2 Mbps Up to 457m (1500 ft.) @ 1 Mbps

Topology Star (Ethernet)

LED Indicators Power, WLAN Activity, WLAN Link

WAN Link/Activity, Diag for WAN LAN Full Duplex/Collision, Link/Activity 100

Connectors 2 Antenna Connectors

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Appendix F: Contact Information

For help with the installation or operation of this product, contact Linksys Technical Support at one of the phone numbers or Internet addresses below.

Sales Information 800-546-5797 (LINKSYS) Technical Support 800-542-0028 RMA Issues 949-261-1288 Fax 949-261-8868 E-mail support@linksys.com Web http://www.linksys.com FTP Site ftp.linksys.com

Appendix E: Warranty Information

BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF PURCHASE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY PRODUCT.

LINKSYS OFFERS CROSS SHIPMENTS, A FASTER PROCESS FOR PROCESSING AND RECEIVING YOUR REPLACEMENT. LINKSYS PAYS FOR UPS GROUND ONLY. ALL CUSTOMERS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA SHALL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. PLEASE CALL LINKSYS FOR MORE DETAILS.

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Printed in the USA.

http://www.linksys.com