LINKSYS WRT300NV1 Users Manual

2.4

WIRELESS

GHz

Wireless-N

Broadband Router

User Guide

Model No.

WRT300N

Wireless-N Broadband Router

Copyright and Trademarks

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco
Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known
to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

How to Use This User Guide

This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Wireless-N Broadband Router
easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User Guide:

This checkmark means there is a note of interest and is
something you should pay special attention to while using
the Wireless-N Broadband Router.

This exclamation point means there is a caution or warning
and is something that could damage your property or the
Wireless-N Broadband Router.

This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Wireless-N
Broadband Router.

In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:

word: definition.

Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like
this:

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section in the “Table of Contents”.

WRT300N-UG-60324NC JL

Wireless-N Broadband Router

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Welcome 1
What’s in this User Guide? 2

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network 4

Network Topology 4
Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode 4
Network Layout 4

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Broadband Router 6

The Back Panel 6
The Front Panel 7
The Top Panel 7

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Broadband Router 8

Hardware Installation 8

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Broadband Router 9

Overview 9
How to Access the Web-based Utility 11
The Setup Tab - Basic Setup 11
The Setup Tab - DDNS 17
The Setup Tab - MAC Address Clone 19
The Setup Tab - Advanced Routing 20
The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 22
The Wireless Tab - Wireless Security 23
The Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 26
The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 27
The Security Tab - Firewall 29
The Security Tab - VPN Passthrough 30
The Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access Policy 31
The Applications & Gaming Tab - Single Port Forwarding 33
The Applications & Gaming Tab - Port Range Forwarding 34
The Applications & Gaming Tab - Port Range Triggering 35
The Applications & Gaming Tab - DMZ 36
The Applications and Gaming Tab - QoS 37

Wireless-N Broadband Router

The Administration Tab - Management 40
The Administration Tab - Log 42
The Administration Tab - Diagnostics 43
The Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 44
The Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 45
The Status Tab - Router 46
The Status Tab - Local Network 47
The Status Tab - Wireless 48

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 49

Common Problems and Solutions 49
Frequently Asked Questions 57

Appendix B: Wireless Security 63

Security Precautions 63
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 63

Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 66
Appendix D: Windows Help 67
Appendix E: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address for Your
Ethernet Adapter 68

Windows 98SE or Me Instructions 68
Windows 2000 or XP Instructions 69
For the Router’s Web-based Utility 69

Appendix F: Glossary 70
Appendix G: Specifications 75
Appendix H: Warranty Information 77
Appendix I: Regulatory Information 78
Appendix J: Contact Information 84

Wireless-N Broadband Router

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel 6
Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel 7
Figure 3-3: The Router’s Top Panel 7
Figure 4-1: Connect the Modem 8
Figure 4-2: Connect a PC 8
Figure 4-3: Connect the Power 8
Figure 5-1: Router Login 11
Figure 5-2: Setup Tab - Basic Setup (Automatic Configuration - DHCP) 11
Figure 5-3: Static IP 12
Figure 5-4: PPPoE 12
Figure 5-5: PPTP 13
Figure 5-6: Telstra Cable 13
Figure 5-7: L2TP 14
Figure 5-8: DHCP Reservation 16
Figure 5-9: Setup Tab - DDNS (DynDNS.org) 17
Figure 5-10: Setup Tab - DDNS (TZO.com) 18
Figure 5-11: Setup Tab - MAC Clone 19
Figure 5-12: Setup Tab - Advanced Routing 20
Figure 5-13: Routing Table 21
Figure 5-14: Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 22
Figure 5-15: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (PSK-Personal) 23
Figure 5-16: Wireless Security - PSK2-Personal 23
Figure 5-17: Wireless Security - PSK-Enterprise 24
Figure 5-18: Wireless Security - PSK2-Enterprise 24
Figure 5-19: Wireless Security - RADIUS 25
Figure 5-20: Wireless Security - WEP 25
Figure 5-21: Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 26
Figure 5-22: Wireless Client List 26
Figure 5-23: Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 27
Figure 5-24: Security Tab - Firewall 29
Figure 5-25: VPN Passthrough 30

Wireless-N Broadband Router

Figure 5-26: Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access Policy 31
Figure 5-27: Summary 31
Figure 5-28: List of PCs 32
Figure 5-29: Applications & Gaming Tab - Single Port Forwarding 33
Figure 5-30: Applications & Gaming Tab - Port Range Forwarding 34
Figure 5-31: Applications & Gaming Tab - Port Range Triggering 35
Figure 5-32: Applications & Gaming Tab - DMZ 36
Figure 5-33: DHCP Client Table 36
Figure 5-34: Applications & Gaming Tab - QoS (Applications) 37
Figure 5-35: QoS - Applications (Add a New Application) 38
Figure 5-36: QoS - Online Games 38
Figure 5-37: QoS - MAC Address 38
Figure 5-38: QoS - MAC Address 38
Figure 5-39: QoS - Voice Device 39
Figure 5-40: Administration Tab - Management 40
Figure 5-41: Administration Tab - Log 42
Figure 5-42: View Log 42
Figure 5-43: Administration Tab - Diagnostics 43
Figure 5-44: Ping Test 43
Figure 5-45: Traceroute Test 43
Figure 5-46: Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 44
Figure 5-47: Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 45
Figure 5-48: Status Tab - Router 46
Figure 5-49: Status Tab - Local Network 47
Figure 5-50: Status Tab - Local Network 47
Figure 5-51: Status Tab - Wireless 48
Figure C-1: Firmware Upgrade 66
Figure E-1: IP Configuration Screen 68
Figure E-2: MAC Address/Adapter Address 68
Figure E-3: MAC Address/Physical Address 68
Figure E-4: Wireless MAC Filter 69
Figure E-5: MAC Address Cloning 69

Wireless-N Broadband Router

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Wireless-N Broadband Router. The Wireless-N Broadband Router will allow
you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely and with a
greater range of up to three times farther than standard Wireless-G.

How does the Wireless-N Broadband Router do all of this? A router is a device that allows access to an Internet
connection over a network. With the Wireless-N Broadband Router, this access can be shared over the four
switched ports or via the wireless broadcast.

Use wireless security to secure your wireless network while the whole network is protected through a Stateful
Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) technology. The Router also offers VPN
passthrough and other features, which can be configured through the easy-to-use, browser-based utility.

The incredible speed of Wireless-N makes it ideal for media-centric applications like streaming video and Voice
over IP (VoIP) telephony, so your network can handle multiple data streams at the same time, with no degradation
in performance.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers
and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video
games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is
why the network is called “wired”.

PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the
same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called
a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Wireless-N Broadband Router bridges wireless and wired networks,
allowing them to communicate with each other.

Linksys recommends using the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. If you
do not wish to run the Setup Wizard, then use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Router and
configure it. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-N Broadband Router.

spi (stateful packet inspection) firewall: a technology
that inspects incoming packets of information before
allowing them to enter the network.

firewall: Security measures that protect the
resources of a local network from intruders.

nat (network address translation): NAT technology
translates IP addresses of a local area network to a
different IP address for the Internet.

lan (local area network): The computers and
networking products that make up the network in
your home or office.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

What’s in this User Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-N Broadband Router.

• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Router’s applications and this User Guide.

• Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
This chapter describes the basics of wireless networking.

• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Broadband Router
This chapter describes the physical features of the Router.

• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Broadband Router
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Router to your network.

• Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Broadband Router
This chapter explains how to use the Web-based Utility to configure the settings on the Wireless-N Broadband
Router.

• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding
installation and use of the Wireless-N Broadband Router.

• Appendix B: Wireless Security
This appendix explains the risks of wireless networking and some solutions to reduce the risks.

• Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware
This appendix instructs you on how to upgrade the firmware on the Router should you need to do so.

• Appendix D: Windows Help
This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing
the TCP/IP protocol.

• Appendix E: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address for your Ethernet Adapter
This appendix describes how to find the MAC address for your computer’s Ethernet adapter so you can use
the MAC filtering and/or MAC address cloning feature of the Router.

• Appendix F: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

• Appendix G: Specifications
This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Router.

• Appendix H: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Router.

• Appendix I: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Router.

• Appendix J: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this User Guide?

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each
computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same
frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the
same wireless network.

Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode

ssid (service set identifier): your wireless network’s name.

Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure
and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an
access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating directly with each other.
Choosing between these two modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or
peripherals with a wired network or not.

If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired network or need to share a peripheral,
such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in Infrastructure
mode. The basis of Infrastructure mode centers around a wireless router or an access point, such as the
Wireless-N Broadband Router, which serves as the main point of communications in a wireless network. The
Router transmits data to PCs equipped with wireless network adapters, which can roam within a certain radial
range of the Router. You can arrange the Router and multiple access points to work in succession to extend the
roaming range, and you can set up your wireless network to communicate with your Ethernet hardware as well.

If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only with the other computers on the
wireless network, then the Ad-Hoc mode can be used. Ad-Hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless
transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for a wireless router or
access point. The drawback of this mode is that in Ad-Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to
communicate with computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the wireless­equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference directly between them.

Network Layout

The Wireless-N Broadband Router has been specifically designed for use with your Wireless-N, Wireless-G, and
Wireless-B products. It will work with notebook adapters for your laptop computers, PCI adapters for your

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged
to a wired network via an access point.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices
communicating directly to each other (peer-to­peer) without the use of an access point.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

desktop computers, and USB adapters for your USB connectivity needs. The Router can also communicate with
other devices, such as wireless print servers and bridges.

When you wish to connect your wireless network to your wired network, you can use the Router’s four local
Ethernet ports. To add more ports, connect one of the Router's local ports to any Linksys switch.

With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com for more information about products that work with the Wireless-N Broadband Router.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Layout

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Broadband Router

The Back Panel

The Router's ports, where the cables are connected, and Reset button are located on the back panel.

Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel

INTERNET The Internet port is where you will connect your broadband modem.

ETHERNET 1, 2, 3, 4 These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the Router to your wired PCs and other Ethernet network

devices.

Reset Button There are two ways to reset the Router's factory defaults. Either press the Reset button,

for approximately five seconds, or restore the defaults from the Administration - Factory
Defaults tab of the Router's Web-based Utility.

Power The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Broadband Router
The Back Panel

IMPORTANT: Resetting the Router will erase all of
your settings (Internet connection, wireless
security, and other settings) and replace them
with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Router
if you want to retain these settings.

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

The Front Panel

The Router’s LEDs are located on the front panel.

Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel

POWER Green. The POWER LED lights up and will stay on while the Router is powered on.

ETHERNET 1, 2, 3, 4 Green. These numbered LEDs, corresponding with the numbered ports on the Router’s

back panel, serve two purposes. The LED lights up when the Router is connected to a
device through the corresponding port. If the LED is flashing, the Router is sending or
receiving data over that port.

INTERNET Green. The INTERNET LED lights up when there is a connection through the Internet port.

WIRELESS Green. The WIRELESS LED lights up when there is a wireless connection. If the LED is

flashing, the Router is sending or receiving data over the wireless network.

SECURITY Green. The SECURITY LED indicates when wireless security is enabled.

The Top Panel

The Router has a button reserved for a future function.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Broadband Router
The Front Panel

Button

Figure 3-3: The Router’s Top Panel

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Broadband Router

Hardware Installation

1. Make sure that all of your hardware is powered off, including the broadband modem and PCs.

2. Connect your broadband modem’s Ethernet cable to the Router’s Internet port.

3. Connect one end of an Ethernet network cable to one of the numbered ports on the back of the Router.
Connect the other end to an Ethernet port on a network device, e.g., a PC, print server, or switch.

Repeat this step to connect more PCs or other network devices to the Router.

4. Power on the broadband modem.

5. Connect the included power adapter to the Router’s Power port, and then plug the power adapter into an
electrical outlet. The Power LED on the front panel will light up when the adapter is connected properly.

6. Power on your PC(s).

7. Locate an optimum location for the Router. The best place for the Router is usually at the center of your
wireless network, with line of sight to all of your wireless devices.

Proceed to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Broadband Router”.

Figure 4-1: Connect the Modem

Figure 4-2: Connect a PC

Figure 4-3: Connect the Power

IMPORTANT: Make sure you use the power

adapter that is supplied with the Router. Use of a
different power adapter could damage the Router.

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Broadband Router
Hardware Installation

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Broadband Router

Overview

Linksys recommends using the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. If you do not wish to run
the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM, then you can use the Web-based Utility to configure the Router. For
advanced users, you may configure the Router’s advanced settings through the Web-based Utility.

This chapter will describe each web page on the Utility and each page’s key functions. The Utility can be
accessed via your web browser through use of a computer connected to the Router. For a basic network setup,
most users only have to use the following screens of the Utility:

• Basic Setup. On the Basic Setup screen, enter the Internet connection settings provided by your Internet
Service Provider (ISP). If you do not have this information, you can call your ISP to request the settings. When
you have the setup information, then you can configure the Router.

• Management. Click the Administration tab and then the Management tab. The Router’s default password is
admin. To secure the Router, change the Password from its default.

• Wireless. On the Basic Wireless Settings screen, set the basic configuration for your wireless network.

There are seven main tabs: Setup, Wireless, Security, Access Restrictions, Applications & Gaming, Administration,
and Status. Additional tabs will be available after you click one of the main tabs.

Setup

• Basic Setup. Enter the Internet connection and network settings on this screen.

• DDNS. Enable the Router’s Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) feature on this screen.

• MAC Address Clone. If you need to clone a MAC address onto the Router, use this screen.

• Advanced Routing. Use this screen to alter dynamic and static routing configurations.

Wireless

• Basic Wireless Settings. Enter the basic settings for your wireless network on this screen.

• Wireless Security. Enable and configure the security settings for your wireless network.

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Broadband Router
Overview

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

• Wireless MAC Filter. Wireless access can be filtered by using the MAC addresses of the wireless devices
transmitting within your network’s radius.

• Advanced Wireless Settings. For advanced users, you can alter data transmission settings on this screen.

Security

• Firewall. You can enable or disable the Router’s firewall, as well as various filters.

• VPN Passthrough. To enable or disable IPSec, L2TP, and/or PPTP Passthrough, use this screen.

Access Restrictions

Internet Access Policy. Create policies to control Internet access for your local network users.

Applications & Gaming

• Single Port Forwarding. This allows you to do port mapping and forwarding for a single service port.

• Port Range Forwarding. Set up public services or other specialized Internet applications on your network.

• Port Range Triggering. Configure the Router to watch outgoing data for specific port numbers.

• DMZ. Click this tab to allow one local user to be exposed to the Internet for use of special-purpose services.

• QoS. Quality of Service (QoS) ensures better service to high-priority types of network traffic.

Administration

• Management. On this screen, alter the Router’s password, access privileges, and UPnP settings. You can also
use this screen to back up and restore the Router’s configuration file.

• Log. If you want to view or save activity logs, click this tab.

• Diagnostics. If you want to run a ping or traceroute test, then use this screen.

• Factory Defaults. If you want to restore the Router’s factory defaults, then use this screen.

• Firmware Upgrade. Click this tab if you want to upgrade the Router’s firmware.

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Broadband Router
Overview

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Wireless-N Broadband Router

Status

• Router. This screen provides status information about the Router.

• Local Network. This provides status information about the local network.

• Wireless Network. This provides status information about the wireless network.

How to Access the Web-based Utility

To access the Web-based Utility of the Router, launch Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, and enter the
Router’s default IP address, 192.168.1.1, in the Address field. Press the Enter key.

A screen will appear asking you for your User name and Password. Leave the User Name field blank. Enter admin
in the Password field. Then click the OK button.

Make the necessary changes through the Utility. When you have finished making changes to a screen, click the
Save Settings button to save the changes, or click the Cancel Changes button to undo your changes. For
information on a tab, click Help.

The Setup Tab - Basic Setup

The Basic Setup screen is the first screen you see when you access the Web-based Utility.

Internet Setup

The Internet Setup section configures the Router for your Internet connection type. This information can be
obtained from your ISP.

Internet Connection Type

The Router supports six connection types: Automatic Configuration - DHCP, Static IP, PPPoE, PPTP, Telstra Cable,
and L2TP. Each Basic Setup screen and available features will differ depending on what kind of connection type
you select.

Automatic Configuration - DHCP

Figure 5-1: Router Login

Figure 5-2: Setup Tab - Basic Setup

(Automatic Configuration - DHCP)

By default, the Router’s Internet Connection Type is set to Automatic Configuration - DHCP, and it should be
used only if your ISP supports DHCP or you are connecting through a dynamic IP address.

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Broadband Router
How to Access the Web-based Utility

NOTE: Some of these connection types may not
be available in your area.

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