LINKSYS WRT54GRV11 Users Manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.

®

2.4

Model No.

GHz

802.11g

Wireless-G

Broadband Router

WIRELESS

with RangeBooster

WRT54GR ver. 1.1

User Guide

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

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-G Broadband Router
with RangeBooster 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-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster.

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

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

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”.

WRT54GR-UG-50719NC BW

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

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-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster 6

The Back Panel 6
The Front Panel 7

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster 8

Hardware Installation for Connection to Your Broadband Modem 8

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster 10

Overview 10
The Setup Tab - Basic Setup 11
The Setup Tab - DDNS 15
The Setup Tab - MAC Address Clone 16
The Setup Tab - Advanced Routing 17
The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 18
The Wireless Tab - Wireless Security 19
The Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 22
The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 23
The Security Tab - Firewall 25
The Security Tab - VPN Passthrough 26
The Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access Policy 26
The Applications and Gaming Tab - Single Port Forwarding 28
The Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forwarding 29
The Applications & Gaming Tab - Port Range Triggering 30
The Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ 30
The Administration Tab - Management 31
The Administration Tab - Log 33
The Administration Tab - Diagnostics 34

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

The Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 35
The Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 35
The Status Tab - Router 36
The Status Tab - Local Network 37
The Status Tab - Wireless Network 37

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 38

Common Problems and Solutions 38
Frequently Asked Questions 46

Appendix B: Wireless Security 53

Security Precautions 53
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 53

Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 56
Appendix D: Windows Help 57
Appendix E: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address for Your Ethernet Adapter 58

Windows 98SE or Me Instructions 58
Windows 2000 or XP Instructions 58
For the Router’s Web-based Utility 59

Appendix F: Glossary 60
Appendix G: Specifications 67
Appendix H: Warranty Information 69
Appendix I: Regulatory Information 70
Appendix J: Contact Information 72

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel 6
Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel 7
Figure 4-1: Connecting Your Internet Connection 8
Figure 4-2: Connecting Your Network Devices 9
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Power 9
Figure 5-1: Password Screen 10
Figure 5-2: Setup Tab - Basic Setup 11
Figure 5-3: DHCP Connection Type 11
Figure 5-4: Static IP Connection Type 11
Figure 5-5: PPPoE Connection Type 12
Figure 5-6: PPTP Connection Type 12
Figure 5-7: HeartBeat Signal Connection Type 13
Figure 5-8: Optional Settings 13
Figure 5-9: Router IP 13
Figure 5-10: DHCP Server Settings 14
Figure 5-11: Static DHCP Client List 14
Figure 5-12: DHCP Client Table 14
Figure 5-13: Time Setting 14
Figure 5-14: Setup Tab - DDNS.com 15
Figure 5-15: Setup Tab - TZO.com 15
Figure 5-16: Setup Tab - MAC Address Clone 16
Figure 5-17: Setup Tab - Advanced Routing 17
Figure 5-18: Setup Tab - Routing Table 17
Figure 5-19: Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 18
Figure 5-20: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WEP) 19
Figure 5-21: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WPA-Personal) 19
Figure 5-22: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (PSK2) 20
Figure 5-23: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (RPSK2-Mixed) 20
Figure 5-24: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WPA Enterprise) 20
Figure 5-25: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (PSK2 + RADIUS) 21
Figure 5-26: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (RADIUS) 21

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

Figure 5-27: Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 22
Figure 5-28: Wireless Client List 22
Figure 5-29: Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 23
Figure 5-30: Security Tab - Firewall 25
Figure 5-31: Security Tab - VPN Passthrough 26
Figure 5-32: Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access Policy 26
Figure 5-33: Internet Policy Summary 27
Figure 5-34: List of PCs 27
Figure 5-35: Applications and Gaming Tab - Single Port Forwarding 28
Figure 5-36: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forward 29
Figure 5-37: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Triggering 30
Figure 5-38: Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ 30
Figure 5-39: Administration Tab - Management 31
Figure 5-40: Administration Tab - Log 33
Figure 5-41: Administration Tab - Incoming Log 33
Figure 5-42: Administration Tab - Diagnostics 34
Figure 5-43: The Ping Test 34
Figure 5-44: The Traceroute Test 34
Figure 5-45: Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 35
Figure 5-46: Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 35
Figure 5-47: Status Tab - Router 36
Figure 5-48: Status Tab - Router with PPPoE IP Connection 36
Figure 5-49: Status Tab - Local Network 37
Figure 5-50: DHCP Clients Table 37
Figure 5-51: Status Tab - Wireless Network 37
Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 56
Figure E-1: IP Configuration Screen 58
Figure E-2: MAC Address/Adapter Address 58
Figure E-3: MAC Address/Physical Address 58
Figure E-4: MAC Address Filter List 59
Figure E-5: Wireless Client List 59
Figure E-6: MAC Address Cloning 59

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster. The Wireless-G Broadband
Router with RangeBooster 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 twice as far as standard Wireless-G.

How does the Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster do all of this? A router is a device that allows
access to an Internet connection over a network. With the Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster, this
access can be shared over the four switched ports or via the wireless broadcast at up to 11Mbps for Wireless-B
or up to 54Mbps for Wireless-G.

Use the WPA standard to secure your wireless network while the whole network is protected through a Stateful
Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) technology. You can also access the
Router’s features through the easy-to-use, browser-based utility.

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-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster bridges wireless
networks of both 802.11b and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each
other.

wpa (wi-fi protected access): a wireless security
protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol)
encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a
RADIUS server.

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.

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 use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the
Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks.
These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-G Broadband Router with
RangeBooster.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome

1

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

What’s in this User Guide?

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

• 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-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster
This chapter describes the physical features of the Router.

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

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

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

• 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?

2

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

• 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?

3

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

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-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster, 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-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster has been specifically designed for use with both your

802.11b and 802.11g products. Now, products using these standards can communicate with each other.

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-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

The Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such
as the Notebook Adapters (WPC54G, WPC11) for your laptop computers, PCI Adapter (WMP54G, WMP11) for your
desktop PC, and USB Adapter (WUSB54G, WUSB11) when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. The Broadband
Router will also communicate with the Wireless PrintServer (WPS54G) and Wireless Ethernet Bridges (WET54G,
WET11).

When you wish to connect your wireless network with your wired network, you can use the Wireless-G
Broadband Router with RangeBooster’s four LAN ports. To add more ports, any of the Wireless-G Broadband
Router with RangeBooster's LAN ports can be connected to any of Linksys's switches (such as the SD205 or
SD208).

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-G Broadband Router with
RangeBooster.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Layout

5

Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband
Router with RangeBooster

The Back Panel

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

Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel

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 tab ­Factory Defaults in the Router's Web-based Utility.

Internet The Internet port is where you will connect your broadband Internet connection.

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

network devices.

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

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router with RangeBooster
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.

6