Linksys WRT54G - Wireless-G Broadband Router... User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.
®
Model No.
Broadband Router
Wireless-G
WRT54G
User Guide
WIRELESS
GHz
2.4
802.11g

Wireless-G 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 © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All
rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
How to Use This User Guide
This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Wireless-G Broadband Router
easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User Guide:
In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:
Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like
this:
Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the “List of Figures” section in the “Table of Contents”.
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Wireless-G Broadband Router.
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.
This question mark provides you with a reminder
about something you might need to do while using
the Wireless-G Broadband Router.
word: definition.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
WRT54G_V2-UG-40901NC BW
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.

Wireless-G Broadband Router
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this 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 6
The Back Panel 6
The Front Panel 7
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router 8
Overview 8
Hardware Installation for Connection to Your Broadband Modem 8
Hardware Installation for Connection to Another Router 10
Chapter 5: Configuring the PCs 12
Overview 12
Configuring Windows 98SE and Millennium PCs 12
Configuring Windows 2000 PCs 13
Configuring Windows XP PCs 14
Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router 15
Overview 15
The Setup Tab - Basic Setup 16
The Setup Tab - DDNS 20
The Setup Tab - MAC Address Clone 21
The Setup Tab - Advanced Routing 22
The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 23
The Wireless Tab - Wireless Security 24
The Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 26
The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 27
The Security Tab - Firewall 29
The Security Tab - VPN Passthrough 29
The Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access 30

Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forward 32
The Applications & Gaming Tab - Port Triggering 33
The Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ 34
QoS 34
The Administration Tab - Management 36
The Administration Tab - Log 36
The Administration Tab - Diagnostics 37
The Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 38
The Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 38
The Administration Tab - Config Management 38
The Status Tab - Router 39
The Status Tab - Local Network 40
The Status Tab - Wireless 41
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 42
Common Problems and Solutions 42
Frequently Asked Questions 50
Appendix B: Wireless Security 56
Security Precautions 56
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 56
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 59
Appendix D: Windows Help 60
Appendix E: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address for Your Ethernet Adapter 61
Windows 98SE or Me Instructions 61
Windows 2000 or XP Instructions 61
For the Router’s Web-based Utility 62
Appendix F: Glossary 63
Appendix G: Specifications 69
Appendix H: Warranty Information 71
Appendix I: Regulatory Information 72
Appendix J: Contact Information 74

Wireless-G Broadband Router
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: The Broadband Router’s Back Panel 6
Figure 3-2: The Broadband Router’s Front Panel 7
Figure 4-1: Installing the Broadband Router Behind Another Router 8
Figure 4-2: Connecting Your Internet Connection 8
Figure 4-3: Connecting Your Network Devices 9
Figure 4-4: Connecting the Power 9
Figure 4-5: Diagram for Connection to Another Router 10
Figure 4-6: Connecting Another Router 10
Figure 4-7: Connecting Your Network Devices 11
Figure 4-8: Connecting the Power 11
Figure 5-1: Configuration Tab 12
Figure 5-2: IP Address Tab 12
Figure 5-3: Properties 13
Figure 5-4: TCP/IP 13
Figure 5-5: IP Address 13
Figure 5-6: Properties 14
Figure 5-7: TCP/IP 14
Figure 5-8: IP Address 14
Figure 6-1: Password Screen 15
Figure 6-2: Setup Tab - Basic Setup 16
Figure 6-3: DHCP Connection Type 16
Figure 6-4: Static IP Connection Type 16
Figure 6-5: PPPoE Connection Type 17
Figure 6-6: PPTP Connection Type 17
Figure 6-7: HeartBeat Signal Connection Type 18
Figure 6-8: Optional Settings 18
Figure 6-9: Router IP 19
Figure 6-10: Network Address Server Settings 19
Figure 6-11: Time Setting 19
Figure 6-12: Setup Tab - DDNS 20

Wireless-G Broadband Router
Figure 6-13: Setup Tab - MAC Address Clone 21
Figure 6-14: Setup Tab - Advanced Routing (Gateway) 22
Figure 6-15: Setup Tab - Advanced Routing (Router) 22
Figure 6-16: Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 23
Figure 6-17: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WPA Pre-Shared Key) 24
Figure 6-18: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WPA RADIUS) 24
Figure 6-19: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (RADIUS) 25
Figure 6-20: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WEP) 25
Figure 6-21: Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 26
Figure 6-22: MAC Address Filter List 26
Figure 6-23: Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 27
Figure 6-24: Security Tab - Firewall 29
Figure 6-25: Security Tab - VPN Passthrough 29
Figure 6-26: Access Restrictions Tab - Internet Access 30
Figure 6-27: Internet Policy Summary 30
Figure 6-28: List of PCs 30
Figure 6-29: Port Services 31
Figure 6-30: Access Restrictions Tab - Inbound Traffic 31
Figure 6-31: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forward 32
Figure 6-32: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Triggering 33
Figure 6-33: Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ 34
Figure 6-34: Applications and Gaming Tab - QOS 34
Figure 6-35: Administration Tab - Management 36
Figure 6-36: Administration Tab - Log 36
Figure 6-37: Administration Tab - Diagnostics 37
Figure 6-38: The Ping Test 37
Figure 6-39: The Traceroute Test 37
Figure 6-40: Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 38
Figure 6-41: Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 38
Figure 6-42: Administration Tab - Config Management 38
Figure 6-43: Status Tab - Router 39
Figure 6-44: Status Tab - Local Network 40
Figure 6-45: DHCP Clients Table 40

Wireless-G Broadband Router
Figure 6-46: Status Tab - Wireless 41
Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 59
Figure E-1: IP Configuration Screen 61
Figure E-2: MAC Address/Adapter Address 61
Figure E-3: MAC Address/Physical Address 61
Figure E-4: MAC Address Filter List 62
Figure E-5: MAC Address Clone 62

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-G Broadband Router
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router. The Wireless-G Broadband Router will allow
you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely.
How does the Wireless-G Broadband Router 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, this access can be shared over the four
switched ports or via the wireless broadcast at either 11Mbps for Wireless-B or 54Mbps for Wireless-G. In
addition, the WPA standard provides greater security opportunities while the whole network is protected through
a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and NAT technology. All of these security features, as well as full
configurability, are accessed 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 bridges wireless networks of both
802.11b and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other.
With your networks all connected, wired, wireless, and the Internet, you can now share files and Internet
access—and even play games. All the while, the Wireless-G Broadband Router protects your networks from
unauthorized and unwelcome users.
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, 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.
LAN (Local Area Network): The
computers and networking products
that make up the network in your home
or office

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G Broadband Router
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-G 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-G Broadband Router
This chapter describes the physical features of the Router.
• Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Router to your network.
• Chapter 5: Configuring the PCs
This chapter instructs you on how to configure your PC(s) for a DHCP connection, if the network settings are
not already set to DHCP.
• Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router
This chapter explains how to use the Web-Based Utility to configure the settings on the Wireless-G 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-G 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.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G Broadband Router
• Appendix F: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.
• 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.