LINKSYS EA4500V3 User Manual
FRONT COVER
Product Overview
EA4500 V3 1
Setting Up: Basics
Where to find more help 3
How to install your router 3
How to configure your router 4
How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi 4
How to connect directly to your router 5
How to improve your wireless connection speed 5
How to change your network’s name and password 5
How to change your router’s local access password 6
How to change your router’s time zone 6
How to test your Internet connection speed 7
How to connect devices to your network 7
How to connect a computer to your network 7
How to connect a USB printer 7
How to connect other devices 8
How to view device details 9
How to set up parental controls 10
How to set parental controls 10
How to configure your guest network 11
How to back up your router configuration 12
How to customize Linksys Smart Wi-Fi 12
Using widgets 12
Customizing the Device List 12
Using an External Drive
Overview 13
How to attach a USB drive 13
How to use secured folder access 13
How to set up authorized users and shared folders 13
How to access shared folders 15
How to set up your router as a media server 15
How to connect your UPnP device to the media server 16
How to remotely access storage 16
Setting Up: Advanced
How to manually set up your router 18
How to manually set up your Internet connection 18
How to associate multiple routers with your
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account 19
How to get the most out of your dual-band router 20
How to control access to your network 20
How to improve security using the built-in firewall 20
How to set up the DHCP server on your router 22
How to set up DHCP reservation 22
How to access your network on the Internet 23
How to clone a MAC address 24
How to connect to your corporate office using a VPN 24
How to optimize your router for gaming and voice 25
How to enable Voice over IP on your network 26
How to configure UPnP 27
How to use a router as an access point 27
How to put your new router behind an existing router 29
How to add your router to an existing router or gateway 29
How to share an Internet connection 29
How to extend your network 30
How to expose a device to the Internet 31
Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
How to set up port forwarding 33
How to set up port forwarding for a single port 33
How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports 33
How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports 34
How to set up port range triggering for online gaming 35
Maintaining and Monitoring
How to back up and restore your router configuration 36
How to upgrade the router’s firmware 36
How to restore factory defaults 37
How to check the status of your router 37
How to disable the Ethernet port status lights 38
How to test your Internet connection 38
How to configure and use logs 39
Troubleshooting
Your router was not successfully set up 40
Your Internet cable is not plugged in
Cannot access your router
message 41
After setup 42
The Internet appears to be unavailable 42
message 40
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi does not open in your web browser 43
You cannot access Linksys Smart Wi-Fi 43
All other troubleshooting has been unsuccessful 43
Specifications
Linksys EA4500 V3 44
Product Overview
EA4500 V3
Front/top view
Main green LED
Back view
Ethernet ports
NOTE
—
Connect Ethernet cables to these blue gigabit (10/100/1000) ports, and to wired devices on your network.
For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the Ethernet ports.
INTERNET port
— Connect an Ethernet cable to this yellow gigabit (10/100/1000) port, and to a broadband Internet cable/DSL or fiber modem.
NOTE
Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button
USB 2.0 port
starts flashing) to reset the router to factory settings. You can also restore the factory settings using Linksys Smart Wi-Fi on the Internet or mobile app.
Power port
Power switch
Top view
For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the Ethernet ports.
— Press to configure wireless security on Wi-Fi Protected Setup-enabled network devices.
— Connect and share USB drives on your network or on the Internet.
— Connect the included AC power adapter.
— Press to turn on the router (European only).
Reset button
— Press and hold for 10 seconds (until the power LED
Setting Up: Basics
Where to find more help
In addition to this User Guide, you can find help at these locations:
Linksys.com/support/EA4500 V3
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi help (connect to
How to install your router
(documentation, downloads, FAQs, technical support, live chat, forums)
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
, then click
at the top of the screen)
Help
1. If replacing an existing router, disconnect that router first.
2. Unplug and plug in your modem before connecting your new router.
3. Plug in your router to a power source.
4. Connect the Internet cable from your modem to the yellow Internet port on your router. Wait until the power light on the front of the router is
solid.
5. Connect to the secure wireless name shown in the Quick Start Guide that came with your router. (You can change the network name and
password later.) If you need help connecting to the network refer to your device documentation on the provided CD. Note: You will not have
Internet access until router setup is complete.
6. Open a web browser to launch the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router setup instructions. If you don’t see the instructions, type linksyssmartwifi.com in
the address bar.
At the end of setup, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account. Use Linksys Smart Wi-Fi to configure your router from any computer with an
Internet connection. Manage your router’s settings:
Change your router’s name and password
Set up guest access
Configure parental controls
Connect devices to your network
NOTE:
As part of the router setup process, you will be sent a verification
e-mail. From your home network, click the link in the e-mail to
associate your router with the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account.
TIP:
Print this page, then record your router and account settings in the table
below as a reference. Store your notes in a safe place.
2.4 GHz Network
Name
Network Password
5 GHz Network Name
Network Password
Router Password
Test your Internet connection speed
Guest Network Name
Guest Network
Password
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
Username
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
Password
How to configure your router
You can change router settings to make your network more secure or to work better with a device or game. Being able to adjust the settings while you’re away from home can help
make router administration easier. You can configure your router from anywhere in the world by using Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, but you can also configure your router directly from
your home network.
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi may be available for your mobile device, as well. See your device’s app store for information.
How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
To connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi:
Open your computer’s web browser.
Go to
www.linksyssmartwifi.com
and log into your account.
If you can’t remember your password, click
Forgot your password?
and follow the on-screen instructions to recover it.
How to disable remote access
If you want to configure your router only while you are on your home network, you should disable remote access.
To disable remote access:
Log in to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.
Under
Router Settings
Click the
Click OK.
Administration
, click
Connectivity
tab, then deselect
.
Allow remote access to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
.
How to connect directly to your router
You can configure your router by directly accessing it on your home network instead of through the Internet-based Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.
To connect to your router while you are on your home network:
Open your computer’s web browser.
Go to
www.linksyssmartwifi.com
"click here" in the bottom-right corner to log in with your router admin password.)
and log into your router using the router password you created when you installed your router. (When there is no Internet connection, click
How to improve your 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 (file cabinets and metal furniture), reflective surfaces (glass or mirrors), or masonry walls.
Any obstruction can weaken the wireless signal (even non-metallic objects), so the fewer obstructions between the router and the wireless device, the better.
Place the router in a location away from other electronics, motors, and fluorescent lighting.
Many environmental variables can affect the router’s performance, so if your wireless signal is weak, place the router in several locations and test the signal strength to
determine the ideal position.
If possible, upgrade wireless network interfaces such as wireless network cards in computers from older wireless standards to 802.11n. If a wirelessly networked device uses an
older standard, the performance of the entire wireless network may be slower.
How to change your network’s name and password
You can change the name and password of your network, but if you do so, all wireless devices connected to your router will lose their Internet connection until you reconnect them
using the new network name and password.
To change your router’s name and password:
Log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See ““How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.)
Under
Router Settings
, click
Wireless
.
Click the
Click
Wireless
To change the network name, type a new name in the
To change the network password, type a new password in the
Apply
tab.
to apply your changes.
Network name
Password
box.
box.
How to change your router’s local access password
Your router’s local access password was set when you ran the router’s setup software, but you can change it at any time. You need the router password to change router settings when
you don’t have an Internet connection. When you do have an Internet connection, log into your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account by following the directions under “How to connect to
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.
To change your router’s local access password
Log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.)
Click
Connectivity
under Router Settings.
Click the
NOTE
To run the speed test, you must be accessing the Internet by using the
router you are testing. You cannot run the speed test remotely.
Click
Edit
Basic
next to
tab.
Router Password.
Type your current password, then the new password. Confirm the new password and click
How to change your router’s time zone
Your router’s time zone should be set to your local time zone.
To set your router’s time zone:
Log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.)
Click
Connectivity
Click the Basic tab, then select your time zone in the Time Zone drop-down list and click
under Router Settings.
Apply
.
.
Apply
How to test your Internet connection speed
NOTE
Internet connection speeds are determined by a variety of factors,
including ISP account type, local and worldwide Internet traffic, and
number of devices in your home that are sharing the Internet
connection.
To test your Internet connection speed
Log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.)
Click
Speed Test
under
Smart Wi-Fi Tools
. The Speed Test screen opens.
Click
Begin Test
. The test measures your download and upload speeds.
Click
Restart Test
to run it again, and click
Show History
to display the results of past tests.
How to connect devices to your network
Your Linksys router is the nerve center of your home network. Your router safely opens the Internet to your network, and all of your computers and network devices rely on your
router to pass files, media, and network commands in an organized, error-free way. Whether connected wirelessly or with cables, each part of your network needs the router in order
to work reliably with the other parts of your network.
How to connect a computer to your network
At the computer you want to connect, enter your network’s connection information into your wireless manager.
After that computer connects to your network, log in to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, then click Device Listto confirm that your router recognizes the new computer. You can use the
Network Map to monitor all network-attached devices.
How to connect a USB printer
To connect a USB printer to your network through the router’s USB port:
Log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.)
Click
Device List
, then click
Add a Device
.
Under Select the type of device to add to your network, click
TIP
For more instructions on connecting a game console to your network,
Follow the on-screen instructions for downloading and installing the VUSB (virtual USB) software for your computer.
To connect a wireless printer to your network:
Follow the printer’s instructions to connect it to your network. Use the connection information available in Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.
After that printer connects to your network, log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, then click
When you set up a wireless printer make sure that it supports the WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption standard.
If your wireless printer supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, you should use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to connect the printer to your network. See “How to connect a network device using
Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page 9.
USB Printer
. The Add a USB printer screen opens.
<AddUSBPrinter.png>
Device List
to confirm that your router recognizes the new printer.
How to connect other devices
Many other types of wireless network devices can connect to your home network, including
Game consoles
Internet-capable TVs and media players
Digital music players
Smartphones
Because of the wide variety of devices and methods of connecting, you must manually enter network information into the devices for a successful network connection.
see also:
“How to optimize your router for gaming and voice” on page 34
“How to set up port forwarding” on page 43
“How to set up port range triggering for online gaming” on page 41
How to manually connect a network device
To manually connect a device to your network:
Follow the device’s instructions to connect it to your network. Use the connection information available in Linksys Smart Wi -Fi.
After the device connects to your network, log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, then click
Network Map
to confirm that your router recognizes the new device.
How to connect a network device using Wi-Fi Protected Setup
To connect a device using Wi-Fi Protected Setup™:
Plug in and turn on the network device.
Under
Wireless
Use one of the following methods to complete the setup:
If the device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button, press that button, then click the
router.
, click the
Wi-Fi Protected Setup
tab.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup
button in Linksys Smart Wi-Fi or press the button on the side of your
If the device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN, type that number into the
If the device’s own setup asks for the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN, enter the number that appears under Router PIN in Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.
Device PIN
box in Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, then click
Register
.
How to view device details
You can use Linksys Smart Wi-Fi to view any network device’s network information. Use the Filter map drop-down menu to choose device type and connection type you would like
displayed in the Device List.
To view network device details:
Log in to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4
Under
Smart Wi-Fi Tools
, click
Device List
. The Device List screen opens.
Click a device.
Information about the device appears on the screen.
TIP
When someone tries to open a blocked website, a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
login page appears. To view the blocked content, you must log in to
your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account and change the parental control
restrictions.
Click OK.
How to set up parental controls
With your router, you can use parental controls to do the following:
Set the times that Internet access is allowed.
Block websites that you specify, or based on their content.
Set the above restrictions for specific computers.
How to set parental controls
TIP
It’s not necessary to set parental controls over each computer on your
home network. You can set the controls on only those computers that
children can access.
Log in to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.)
Under
Smart Wi-Fi Tools
To turn on parental controls, slide the Enable parental controls switch so that "ON" is displayed.
, click
Parental Controls
. The Parental Controls screen opens.
To select a computer to apply parental controls to, click the name of the computer in the Restrict Internet access on list.
To block Internet access on the selected computer(s), under Block Internet access:
Click Never to allow Internet access.
Click Always to always block Internet access.
Click Specific Times to set the times when Internet access is allowed.
Click
TIP
It’s easier to copy and paste a web address than it is to type it in. Copy
the address from your browser’s web address box, then paste it into an
available box in the Block Specific Sites screen of Linksys Smart
Wi-Fi.
To block specific websites:
Under Block specific sites, click
Type the web address (URL) of the website to block, then click OK. You can block up to 10 websites.
to change the Internet access schedule. You can click and drag to select or deselect a block of time.
Edit
.
Add
Click OK to apply any other changes to parental controls.
How to configure your guest networks
You can use your router’s guest networks to provide your guests with access to the Internet, while restricting their access to other resources on your local network. To prevent
unauthorized users from using your Internet access, your guest networks require a password be entered for Internet access. The guest networks are enabled by default.
Your wireless network’s guest networks and passwords were set when you ran the router’s setup software, but you can change them at any time.
To set up guest access to your networks:
TIP
To keep your guest networks secure, click change the guest password
when the guest no longer needs access to the account.
TIP
The first time your guest tries to access the Internet through a web
browser, they will see the Guest access screen. To continue, they must
enter the password you provided in the
Password
field, then click
Login
.
Log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See ““How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi” on page 4.)
Under
Smart Wi-Fi Tools
, click
Guest Access
. Your guest networks, which were set up during your router installation, are displayed.
To turn guest access on or off, toggle the Allow guest access switch.
The guest network names are based on your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names and are automatically generated.
To change the guest network names and passwords, click Edit next to Guest network names and password. Type the new names and passwords.
To change the number of simultaneous guest network users you want to allow, click the drop-down box under Total guests allowed, then click the number that you want.
Click OK to apply your changes.
How to back up your router configuration
When you are done setting up your router, you should back up its settings so that you can restore them later if necessary. For instructions, see “How to back up and restore your router
configuration” on page 36.
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