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

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®
Model No.
Broadband Router
Wireless-G
WRT54G
User Guide
GHz
2.4
54Mbps
WIRELESS

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 © 2003 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 Gudie 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

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
Roaming 4
Network Layout 5
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
Hardware Installation 8
Chapter 5: Configuring the PCs 10
Overview 0
Configuring Windows 98 and Millennium PCs 10
Configuring Windows 2000 PCs 11
Configuring Windows XP PCs 12
Chapter 6: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router 14
Overview 14
The Setup Tab - Basic Setup 15
The Setup Tab - DDNS 19
The Setup Tab - MAC Address Clone 20
The Setup Tab - Advanced Routing 21
The Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 22
The Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 23
The Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 24
The Security Tab - Firewall 26
The Security Tab - VPN Passthrough 26
The Security Tab - Wireless Security 27
The Access Restrictions Tab 29
The Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forward 30
The Applications and Gaming Tab - DMZ 31

Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Administration Tab - Management 32
The Administration Tab - Log 2
The Administration Tab - Diagnostics 33
The Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 34
The Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 34
The Status Tab - Router 35
The Status Tab - Local Network 36
The Status Tab - Wireless 37
Appendix A:Troubleshooting 38
Common Problems and Solutions 38
Frequently Asked Questions 45
Appendix B: Wireless Security 52
A Brief Overview 52
What Are The Risks? 52
Maximizing Wireless Security 54
Appendix C: Upgrading Firmware 60
Appendix D: Windows Help 61
Appendix E: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address
for Your Ethernet Adapter 62
Windows 98 or Me Instructions 62
Windows 2000 or XP Instructions 62
For the Router’s Web-based Utility 63
Appendix F: Glossary 64
Appendix G: Specifications 70
Appendix H: Warranty Information 72
Appendix I: Regulatory Information 73
Appendix J: Contact Information 76

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: Connecting Your Internet Connection 8
Figure 4-2: Connecting Your Network Devices 9
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Power 9
Figure 5-1: Configuration Tab 10
Figure 5-2: IP Address Tab 10
Figure 5-3: Properties 11
Figure 5-4: TCP/IP 11
Figure 5-5: IP Address 11
Figure 5-6: Properties 12
Figure 5-7: TCP/IP 12
Figure 5-8: IP Address 13
Figure 6-1: Password Screen 14
Figure 6-2: Setup Tab - Basic Setup 15
Figure 6-3: DHCP Connection Type 15
Figure 6-4: Static IP Connection Type 15
Figure 6-5: PPPoE Connection Type 16
Figure 6-6: PPTP Connection Type 16
Figure 6-7: Optional Settings 17
Figure 6-8: Router IP 17
Figure 6-9: Network Address Server Settings 17
Figure 6-10: Time Setting 18
Figure 6-11: Setup Tab - DDNS 19
Figure 6-12: Setup Tab - MAC Address Clone 20
Figure 6-13: Setup Tab - Advanced Routing (Gateway) 21
Figure 6-14: Setup Tab - Advanced Routing (Router) 21
Figure 6-15: Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 22
Figure 6-16: Wireless Tab - Wireless MAC Filter 23
Figure 6-17: MAC Address Filter List 23

Wireless-G Broadband Router
Figure 6-18: Wireless Tab - Advanced Wireless Settings 24
Figure 6-19: Security Tab - Firewall 26
Figure 6-20: Wireless Tab - Basic Wireless Settings 26
Figure 6-21: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WPA Pre-Shared Key) 27
Figure 6-22: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WPA Radius) 27
Figure 6-23: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (Radius) 28
Figure 6-24: Wireless Tab - Wireless Security (WEP) 28
Figure 6-25: Access Restrictions Tab 29
Figure 6-26: Internet Policy Summary 29
Figure 6-27: List of PCs 29
Figure 6-28: Applications and Gaming Tab - Port Range Forward 30
Figure 6-29: Applications and Gaming - DMZ 31
Figure 6-30: Administration Tab - Management 32
Figure 6-31: Administration Tab - Log 32
Figure 6-32: Administration Tab - Diagnostics 33
Figure 6-33: The Ping Test 33
Figure 6-34: The Traceroute Test 33
Figure 6-35: Administration Tab - Factory Defaults 34
Figure 6-36: Administration Tab - Firmware Upgrade 34
Figure 6-37: Status Tab - Router 35
Figure 6-38: Status Tab - Local Network 36
Figure 6-39: Status Tab - Wireless 37
Figure B-1: Warchalking 52
Figure B-2: WEP 58
Figure B-3: Pre-Shared Key 58
Figure B-4: WPA Radius 59
Figure B-5: Radius 59
Figure B-6: 802.11b WEP Key Setting 59
Figure B-7: WEP 59
Figure B-8: 802.11b WEP Key Setting 59
Figure B-9: WEP 59
Figure B-10: 802.11b WEP Key Setting 59
Figure B-11: 802.11b WEP Key Setting 9

Wireless-G Broadband Router
Figure B-12: WEP 59
Figure B-13: 802.11b WEP Key Setting 59
Figure C-1: Upgrade Firmware 60
Figure E-1: IP Configuration Screen 62
Figure E-2: MAC Address/Adapter Address 62
Figure E-3: MAC Address/Physical Address 63
Figure E-4: MAC Address Filter 63
Figure E-5: MAC Address Clone 63

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 over via the wireless broadcast at either 11Mbps Wireless-B or 54Mbps Wireless-G. In addition,
the Wireless-G standard provides greater security opportunities while the router’s switched ports are protected
through Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and a NAT firewall. All of these security features, as well as full
configurability is 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 and 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, Internet access,
even play games. All the while, the Wireless-G Broadband Router protects your networks from unauthorized and
unwelcome users.
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-B Media Adapter.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Adapter’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 Wireless-G Broadband Router
This chapter explains how to use the Web-Based Utility to configure the settings on theWireless-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 your Router if you should 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 Ethenet 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.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-G 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.

4
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
Dual-Band Wireless Access Point
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology
A wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one Linksys wireless adapter. Computers in a
wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio channel.
The Linksys wireless adapters provide access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless
and wired LAN is called an infrastructure configuration. A group of Linksys wireless adapter users and a
Wireless-G Broadband Router compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each Linksys wireless adapter PC in a BSS can
talk to any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Wireless-G Broadband Router.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a Linksys wireless adapter PC to a wired LAN, and
doubles the effective wireless transmission range for two Linksys wireless adapter PCs. Since the Wireless-G
Broadband Router is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN
is doubled.
Roaming
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be configured
as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This continuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs
equipped with a Linksys wireless adapter within one ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and use the
same radio channel.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio channel and optimum Wireless-G
Broadband Router position is recommended. Proper router positioning combined with a clear radio signal will
greatly enhance performance.
Infrastructure: a wireless network
that is bridged to a wired network via
an access point.
LAN: the computers and networking
products that make up your local
network

5
Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Layout
Dual-Band Wireless Access Point
Network Layout
The Wireless-G Broadband Router 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.
The Wireless-G Broadband Router is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such at the PC Cards
(WPC54G, WPC11) for your laptop computers, PCI Card (WMP54G) for your desktop PC, and USB Adapter
(WUSB11) for when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. The Access Point will also communicate with the
wireless PrintServer (WPS11) and bridges (WET11, WET54G).
When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, the Wireless-G Broadband Router's
LAN port can be connected to any of Linksys's switches (such as the EZXS55W or EZXS88W) or routers (such as
the BEFSR41 or BEFVP41).
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.

6
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Back Panel
Wireless-G Broadband Router
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Back Panel
The Broadband Router's ports, where the cables are connected, are located on the back panel.
Reset Button There are two ways to reset the Broadband Router's factory defaults. Either press the Reset
Button, for approximately ten seconds, or restore the defaults from the Password tab in the
Broadband Router's Web-Based Utility.
Internet The Internet port is where you will connect your broadband Internet connection.
1, 2, 3, 4 These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the Broadband Router to your networked PCs and other
Ethernet network devices.
Power The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.
Important: Resetting the Broadband Router
will erase all of your settings (WEP Encryption,
Wireless and LAN settings, etc.) and replace
them with the factory defaults. Do not reset
the Broadband Router if you want to retain
these settings.
Figure 3-1: The Broadband Router’s Back Panel

7
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Front Panel
Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Front Panel
TheRouter's LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front panel.
Power Green. The Power LED lights up and will stay on while the Router is powered on. When the
Router goes through its self-diagnosis mode during every boot-up, this LED will flicker,
stopping upon successful completion of the diagnosis.
DMZ Green. The DMZ LED indicates when the DMZ function is being utilized. This LED will remain
on as long as DMZ is enabled.
WLAN Green. The WLAN LED lights whenever there is a successful wireless connection. If the LED is
flickering, the Broadband Router is actively sending or receiving data over the network.
1, 2, 3, 4 Green. These numbered LEDs, corresponding with the numbered ports on the Broadband
Router’s back panel, serve two purposes. If the LED is continuously lit, the Broadband Router
is successfully connected to a device through that port. A flickering LED indicates network
activity over that port.
Internet Green. The Internet LED indicates when a successful connection is made through the Internet
port.
Figure 3-2: The Broadband Router’s Front Panel

8
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Hardware Installation
Wireless-G Broadband Router
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Hardware Installation
1. Locate an optimum location for the Broadband Router. The best place for the Broadband Router is usually at
the center of your wireless network, with line of sight to all of your mobile stations.
2. Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position that will best cover your wireless network.
Normally, the higher you place the antenna, the better the performance will be. The antenna's position
enhances the receiving sensitivity.
3. Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to the Broadband Router’s Internet port. Then, connect the other
end of the Ethernet cable to your Cable or DSL Broadband modem.
Figure 4-1: Connecting Your Internet Connection

9
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Hardware Installation
Wireless-G Broadband Router
4. Connect your network PCs or Ethernet devices to one of the Broadband Router’s numbered ports with a
standard Ethernet network cable.
5. Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Broadband Router's Power Socket and the other end into an electrical
outlet. Only use the power adapter supplied with the Broadband Router. Use of a different adapter may result
in product damage.
Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Chapter 5: Configuring the PCs, for directions on how
to configure your PC.
Figure 4-2: Connecting Your Network Devices
Figure 4-3: Connecting the Power
IMPORTANT: Make sure to use the power adapter
that is supplied with the Router. Use of a different
power adapter could damage the Router.

10
Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router
Hardware Installation
Wireless-G Broadband Router

10
Chapter 5: Configuring the PCs
Overview
Wireless-G Broadband Router
Chapter 5: Configuring the PCs
Overview
The instructions in this chapter will help you configure each of your computers to be able to communicate with
the Router.
To do this, you need to configure your PC’s network settings to obtain an IP (or TCP/IP) address automatically, so
your PC can function as a DHCP client. Computers use IP addresses to communicate with the Router and each
other across a network, such as the Internet.
First, find out which Windows operating system your computer is running. You can find out by clicking the Start
button. Read the side panel of the Start menu to find out which operating system your PC is running.
You may 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 network settings based on the type of Windows
operating system you are using. Make sure that an Ethernet or wireless adapter (also known as a network
adapter) has been successfully installed in each PC you will configure. Once you’ve configured your computers,
continue to “Chapter 6: Using the Router’s Web-Based Utility.”
Configuring Windows 98 and Millennium PCs
1. Click the Start button. Select Settings and click the Control Panel icon. Double-click the Network icon.
2. On the Configuration tab, select the TCP/IP line for the applicable Ethernet adapter, as shown in Figure 5-1.
Do not choose a TCP/IP entry whose name mentions DUN, PPPoE, VPN, or AOL. If the word TCP/IP appears by
itself, select that line. Click the Properties button.
3. Click the IP Address tab. Select Obtain an IP address automatically. (See Figure 5-2.)
IMPORTANT: Important: By default Windows 98,
2000, Me, and XP has TCP/IP installed and set to
obtain an IP address automatically. If your PC does
not have TCP/IP installed, click Start and then
Help. Search for the keyword TCP/IP. Then follow
the instructions to install TCP/IP.
Figure 5-1: Configuration Tab
Figure 5-2: IP Address Tab

11
Chapter 5: Configuring the PCs
Configuring Windows 2000 PCs
Wireless-G Broadband Router
4. Now click the Gateway tab, and verify that the Installed Gateway field is blank. Click the OK button.
5. Click the OK button again. Windows may ask you for the original Windows installation disk or additional files.
Check for the files at c:\windows\options\cabs, or insert your Windows CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive and
check the correct file location, e.g., D:\win98, D:\win9x, etc. (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).
6. Windows may ask you to restart your PC. Click the Yes button. If Windows does not ask you to restart, restart
your computer anyway.
Go to “Chapter 6: Using the Router’s Web-Based Utility.”
Configuring Windows 2000 PCs
1. Click the Start button. Select Settings and click the Control Panel icon. Double-click the Network and Dial-
up Connections icon.
2. Select the Local Area Connection icon for the applicable Ethernet adapter (usually it is the first Local Area
Connection listed). Double-click the Local Area Connection. Click the Properties button. (See Figure 5-3.)
3. Make sure the box next to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and click
the Properties button. (See Figure 5-4.)
4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically. Once the new window appears, click the OK button. Click the
OK button again to complete the PC configuration. (See Figure 5-53.)
5. Restart your computer.
Go to “Chapter 6: Using the Router’s Web-Based Utility.”
Figure 5-3: Properties
Figure 5-4: TCP/IP
Figure 5-5: IP Address