Linksys WRVS4400N - Small Business Wireless-N Gigabit Security... User manual

Model No.
Model No.
USER GUIDE
BUSINESS SERIES
Model No.
Model No.
Wireless-N Gigabit Security
with Ports
Model No. WRVS4400N
4-portuter
Router with VPN
Wireless

Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
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.
How to Use this Guide
This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Router easier than ever. Look for
the following items when reading this 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”.
WRVS4400N-UG-50426NC RR
This exclamation point means there is a caution or
warning and is something that could damage your
property or the Router.
word: definition.
This checkmark means there is a note of interest and
is something you should pay special attention to while
using the Router.
This question mark provides you with a reminder about
something you might need to do while using the Router.
Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description
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-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
TableofContents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Welcome 1
What’s in this Guide? 2
Chapter 2: Networking and Security Basics 4
An Introduction to LANs 4
The Use of IP Addresses 5
The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 7
Chapter 3: Planning Your Virtual Private Network (VPN) 9
Why do I need a VPN? 9
What is a VPN? 10
Chapter 4: Getting to Know the Router 12
The Front Panel 12
The Back Panels 14
Antennas and Positions 15
Chapter 5: Connecting the Router 16
Overview 16
Connection Instructions 17
Placement Options 18
Chapter 6: Setting Up and Configuring the Router 20
Overview 20
Basic Setup 20
How to Access the Web-based Utility 21
How to Navigate the Utility 21
Setup Tab 25
Wireless Tab 38
Firewall Tab 47
VPN Tab 58
QoS Tab 65
Administration Tab 67
IPS Tab 72
L2 Switch Tab 76
Status Tab 80
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 85

Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Common Problems and Solutions 85
Frequently Asked Questions 95
Appendix B: Using the Linksys QuickVPN Software for Windows 2000 or XP 99
Overview 99
Before You Begin 99
Installing the Linksys QuickVPN Software 100
Using the Linksys QuickVPN Software 101
Appendix C: Configuring a Gateway-to-Gateway IPSec Tunnel 103
Overview 103
Before You Begin 103
Configuring the VPN Settings for the VPN Routers 104
Configuring the Key Management Settings 106
Configuring PC 1 and PC 2 107
Appendix D: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address for
Your Ethernet Adapter 108
Windows 98 or Me Instructions 108
Windows 2000 or XP Instructions 108
For the Router’s Web-based Utility 109
Appendix E: Glossary 110
Appendix F: Specifications 116
Appendix G: Warranty Information 119
Appendix H: Regulatory Information 120
Appendix I: Contact Information 126

Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
ListofFigures
Figure 2-1: Example network 5
Figure 2-2: IPS Scenarios 7
Figure 3-1: VPN Router to VPN Router 11
Figure 3-2: Computer to VPN Router 11
Figure 4-1: Front Panel 12
Figure 4-2: Back Panel 14
Figure 4-3: Stackable Position and its Antenna Setup 15
Figure 4-4: Standalone Position and its Antenna Setup 15
Figure 5-1: Example of a Typical Network 16
Figure 5-2: Connect a PC 17
Figure 5-3: Connect the Internet 17
Figure 5-4: Connect the Power 17
Figure 5-5: The Stand Option 18
Figure 5-6: Stand 18
Figure 5-7: Mounting Dimensions 19
Figure 5-8: Wall Mounting Hardware 19
Figure 6-1: Router’s IP Address 21
Figure 6-2: Login Screen for Web-based Utility 21
Figure 6-1: Setup - IP Versions 25
Figure 6-2: Setup - WAN (DHCP) 26
Figure 6-3: Setup - WAN (Static IP) 26
Figure 6-4: Setup - WAN (PPPoE) 27
Figure 6-5: Setup - WAN (PPTP) 27
Figure 6-6: Setup - WAN (Heart Beat Signal) 28
Figure 6-7: Setup - WAN (L2TP) 29
Figure 6-8: Setup - WAN (Optional Settings) 30
Figure 6-9: Setup - WAN (DynDNS.org) 31
Figure 6-10: Setup - WAN (TZO.com) 31

Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Figure 6-11: Setup - LAN 32
Figure 6-12: Setup - DMZ 34
Figure 6-13: Setup - MAC Address Clone 34
Figure 6-14: Setup - Advanced Routing 35
Figure 6-15: Setup - Advanced Routing (Routing Table) 36
Figure 6-16: Setup - Time 37
Figure 6-17: Wireless - Basic Wireless Settings 38
Figure 6-18: Wireless - Wireless Security (Disabled) 40
Figure 6-19: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Personal) 40
Figure 6-20: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2-Personal) 41
Figure 6-21: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2-Personal Mixed) 41
Figure 6-22: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA-Enterprise) 42
Figure 6-23: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2-Enterprise) 42
Figure 6-24: Wireless - Wireless Security (WPA2-Enterprise Mixed) 43
Figure 6-25: Wireless - Wireless Security (WEP) 43
Figure 6-26: Wireless - Wireless Connection Control 44
Figure 6-27: Select MAC Address from Wireless Client List 44
Figure 6-28: Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings 45
Figure 6-29: Firewall - Basic Settings 47
Figure 6-30: Firewall - IP Based ACL 49
Figure 6-31: Firewall - IP Based ACL (pre-defined services) 49
Figure 6-32: Firewall - IP Based ACL (Service definition) 50
Figure 6-33: Firewall - Edit IP ACL Rule 50
Figure 6-34: Firewall - Internet Access Policy 52
Figure 6-35: Firewall - Internet Access Policy Summary 53
Figure 6-36: Firewall - Internet Access Policy (List of PCs to apply policy) 53
Figure 6-37: Firewall - Single Port Forwarding 54
Figure 6-38: Port Range Forwarding 55
Figure 6-39: Port Range Triggering 56
Figure 6-40: Firewall - Services 57

Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Figure 6-41: VPN - IPsec VPN 58
Figure 6-42: VPN Tunnel Summary 58
Figure 6-43: View VPN Tunnel Log 60
Figure 6-44: IPsec VPN Advanced Settings 61
Figure 6-45: VPN - VPN Client Accounts 63
Figure 6-46: VPN - VPN Passthrough 64
Figure 6-47: QoS - Application Based 65
Figure 6-48: Port-based 66
Figure 6-49: Administration - Management 67
Figure 6-50: Administration - Log 68
Figure 6-51: View Log pop-up window 68
Figure 6-52: Administration - Diagnostics 69
Figure 6-53: Ping Test Screen 69
Figure 6-54: Trace Route Test Screen 70
Figure 6-55: Administration - Config Management 70
Figure 6-56: Administration - Factory Default 71
Figure 6-57: Administration - Firmware Upgrade 71
Figure 6-58: IPS - Configuration 72
Figure 6-59: IPS - P2P / IM 73
Figure 6-60: IPS - Report 74
Figure 6-61: IPS Log Raw Data 74
Figure 6-62: IPS - Information 75
Figure 6-63: L2 Switch - VLAN 76
Figure 6-64: L2 Switch - RADIUS 77
Figure 6-65: L2 Switch - RADIUS 77
Figure 6-66: L2 Switch - Port Settings 78
Figure 6-67: L2 Switch - Cable Diagnostics 79
Figure 6-68: Status - WAN / Gateway 80
Figure 6-69: Status - LAN 81
Figure 6-70: LAN DHCP Client Table 81

Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Figure 6-71: LAN ARP Table 81
Figure 6-72: Status - Wireless LAN 82
Figure 6-73: Status - System Performance 83
Figure 6-74: Status - VPN Clients 84
Figure 6-75: Status - IPsec VPN 84
Figure B-1: VPN Client Accounts Screen 99
Figure B-2: QuickVPN Desktop Icon 101
Figure B-3: QuickVPN Tray Icon - No Connection 101
Figure B-4: QuickVPN Software - Profile 101
Figure B-5: Connecting 101
Figure B-6: Activating Policy 101
Figure B-7: Verifying Network 101
Figure B-8: QuickVPN Software - Status 102
Figure B-9: QuickVPN Tray Icon - Connection 102
Figure B-10: QuickVPN Tray Icon - No Connection 102
Figure B-11: QuickVPN Software - Change Password 102
Figure C-1: Diagram of Gateway-to-Gateway VPN Tunnel 103
Figure C-2: Login Screen 104
Figure C-3: VPN - IPsec VPN Configuration 104
Figure C-4: Advanced IPsec VPN Tunnel Settings 106
Figure C-5: Auto (IKE) Advanced Settings Screen 106
Figure D-1: IP Configuration Screen 108
Figure D-2: MAC Address/Adapter Address 108
Figure D-3: MAC Address/Physical Address 109
Figure D-4: MAC Address Clone 109

1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Chapter1:Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN. The Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router
with VPN is an advanced Internet-sharing network solution for your small business needs. The Router features a
built-in 4-Port full-duplex 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch to connect four PCs directly, or you can connect more
hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Like any wireless router, it lets multiple computers in
your office share an Internet connection through both wired and wireless connections. It can also be used as an
intranet router to aggregate traffic to a company backbone network.
The Router has a built-in access point that supports the latest 802.11n draft specification by IEEE. It also supports
802.11g and 802.11b clients in a mixed environment. The access point can support an 11n data rate of up to 300
Mbps. Besides having a higher data rate, 802.11n technology also promises longer coverage by using multiple
antennas to transmit and receive data streams in different directions. Users are encouraged to upgrade their
firmware through www.linksys.com when 802.11n specification is finalized by IEEE to ensure compatibility with
all the wireless-N devices.
The Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN is equipped with advanced security technologies like Intrusion
Prevention System (IPS), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) Firewall, IP based Access List (IP ACL), and Network
Address Port Translation (NAPT, also called NAT as a more generic term). These technologies work together by
providing self-defensive strategy. Malicious attack traffic is identified, classified, and stopped in real time while
passing through the Router. Users are encouraged to update their IPS signature file to stay current on stopping
malicious worms. The SPI Firewall provides deep packet inspection to analyze packets in network layer (IP) and
transport layer (TCP, UDP) to block illegal packet transactions. Users can also use IP based ACL to limit traffic to a
specific source, destination and protocol. NAPT allows users to open specific TCP/UDP port numbers to the
Internet to provide limited service while minimizing harmful traffic at the same time.
The Virtual Private Network (VPN) capability is another security feature that creates encrypted “tunnels” through
the Internet, allowing up to five remote offices and five traveling users to securely connect into your office
network from off-site. Users connecting through a VPN tunnel are attached to your company's network with
secure access to files, e-mail, and your intranet as if they were in the building. You can also use the VPN
capability to allow users on your small office network to securely connect out to a corporate network. The QoS
features provide consistent voice and video quality throughout your business.
This user guide will give you all the information you need to connect, set up, and configure your Router.
Ethernet: a network protocol that specifies
how data is placed on and retrieved from a
common transmission medium.

2
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
What’s in this Guide?
This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN.
• Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter describes the Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN applications and this User Guide.
• Chapter 2: Networking and Security Basics
This chapter describes the basics of networking and network security.
• Chapter 3: Planning Your Virtual Private Network (VPN)
This chapter describes a VPN and its various applications.
• Chapter 4: Getting to Know the Router
This chapter describes the physical features of the Router.
• Chapter 5: Connecting the Router
This chapter instructs you on how to connect the Router to your network.
• Chapter 6: Setting Up and Configuring the Router
This chapter explains how to use the Web-Based Utility to perform basic setup and configure its advanced
settings.
• Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding
installation and use of the Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN.
• Appendix B: Using the Linksys QuickVPN Software for Windows 2000 or XP
This appendix instructs you on how to use the Linksys QuickVPN software if you are using a Windows 2000 or
XP PC.
• Appendix C: Configuring a Gateway-to-Gateway IPSec Tunnel
This appendix describes how to configure an IPSec VPN Tunnel between two VPN Routers.
• Appendix D: 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. It also explains how to find the IP address
for your computer.
• Appendix E: Glossary
This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in this Guide?
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
• Appendix F: Specifications
This appendix provides the technical specifications for the Router.
• Appendix G: Warranty Information
This appendix supplies the warranty information for the Router.
• Appendix H: Regulatory Information
This appendix supplies the regulatory information regarding the Router.
• Appendix I: Contact Information
This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

4
Chapter 2: Networking and Security Basics
An Introduction to LANs
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Chapter2:NetworkingandSecurityBasics
An Introduction to LANs
A Router is a network device that connects multiple networks together and forward traffic based on IP destination
of each packet.
The Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router can connect your local area network (LAN) or a group of PCs
interconnected in your home or office to the Internet. You can use one public IP address from the ISP through
WAN port and use the router’s Network Address Translation (NAT) technology to share this single IP address
among all the users.
The Router’s Network Address Port Translation (NAPT or NAT) technology protects your network of PCs so users
on the Internet cannot “see” your PCs. This is how your LAN remains private. The Router protects your network by
inspecting the first packet coming in through the Internet port before delivery to the final destination on one of
the Ethernet ports. The Router inspects Internet port services like the web server, ftp server, or other Internet
applications, and, if allowed, it will forward the packet to the appropriate PC on the LAN side.
Multiple Wireless-N Gigabit Security Routers can also be used to connect multiple LANs together. This usually
applies to a medium-sized or larger company where you want to divide your network into multiple IP subnets to
increase the intranet throughput and reduce the size of the IP broadcast domain and its interference. In this case,
you need one WRVS4400N for each subnetwork and you can connect all the WAN ports to a second level Router
or switch to the Internet. Note that the second level Router only forwards data packets through a wired network
so you don’t have to use the Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router. You can use any wired router in the Linksys
family, e.g. RVS4000, which has 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port.
The following diagram shows an example that consists of two levels of routers and multiple LANs inter-connected
together. The wireless network is only available at the first level of router to provide end user connections. The
second level router can connect to dedicated Server PCs or routers that aggregates traffic from different LANs.
NAT (Network Address Translation):
NAT technology translates IP
addresses of a local area network to a
different IP address for the Internet.
LAN: the computers and networking products that
make up your local network

5
Chapter 2: Networking and Security Basics
The Use of IP Addresses
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Figure 2-1: Example network
The Use of IP Addresses
IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every device in an IP-based network, including PCs, print servers, and routers,
requires an IP address to identify its location, or address, on the network. This applies to both the Internet and
LAN connections.
There are two ways of assigning IP addresses to your network devices.
NOTE: Since the Router is a device that connects two
networks, it needs two IP addresses—one for the LAN,
and one for the Internet. In this User Guide, you’ll see
references to the “Internet IP address” and the “LAN
IP address.”
Since the Router uses NAT technology, the only IP
address that can be seen from the Internet for your
network is the Router’s Internet IP address. However,
even this Internet IP address can be hidden on the
Internet by suppressing PING response.

6
Chapter 2: Networking and Security Basics
The Use of IP Addresses
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
A static IP address is a fixed IP address that you assign manually to a PC or other device on the network. Since a
static IP address remains valid until you disable it, static IP addressing ensures that the device assigned it will
always have that same IP address until you change it. Static IP addresses are commonly used with dedicated
network devices such as server PCs or print servers. Since a user’s PC is moving around in a network and is
being powered on or off, it does not require a dedicated IP address that could be a precious resource in your
network.
If you use the Router to share your cable or DSL Internet connection, contact your ISP to find out if they have
assigned a static IP address to your account. If so, you will need that static IP address when configuring the
Router. You can get the information from your ISP.
A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to a device on the network. This IP address is called dynamic
because it is only temporarily assigned to the PC or other device. After a certain time period, it expires and may
change. If a PC logs onto the network (or the Internet) and its dynamic IP address has expired, the DHCP server
will assign it a new dynamic IP address. Most ISPs use dynamic IP addresses for their customers. By default, the
Router’s Internet Connection Type is Obtain an IP automatically (DHCP).
For DSL users, many ISPs may require you to log on with a user name and password to gain access to the
Internet. This is a dedicated, high-speed connection type called Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE).
PPPoE is similar to a dial-up connection, which establishes a PPP session with an ISP server through the DSL
connection. The server will also provide the Router with a dynamic IP address to establish a connection to the
Internet.
A DHCP server can either be located on a designated PC on the network or another network device, such as the
Router. The PC or network device obtaining an IP address is called the DHCP client. DHCP frees you from having to
assign IP addresses manually every time a new user is added to your network. For this Wireless-N Router, a DHCP
client is running on a WAN port for most configurations. A DHCP server is running on the LAN side to provide
services.
By default, a DHCP server is enabled on the Router. If you already have a DHCP server running on your network,
you MUST disable one of the two DHCP servers. If you run more than one DHCP server on your network, you will
experience network errors, such as conflicting IP addresses. To disable DHCP on the Router, refer to the Basic
Setup section in “Chapter 6: Setting Up and Configuring the Router.”
Dynamic IP address: a temporary IP
address assigned by a DHCP server.
Static IP address: a fixed address
assigned to a computer or device that
is connected to a network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol): a protocol that lets one
device on a local network, known as a
DHCP server, assign temporary IP
addresses to the other network
devices, typically computers.

7
Chapter 2: Networking and Security Basics
The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Figure 2-2: IPS Scenarios
IPS is an advanced technology to protect your network from malicious attacks. IPS works together with your SPI
Firewall, IP Based Access List (IP ACL), Network Address Port Translation (NAPT), and Virtual Private Network
(VPN) to achieve the highest amount of securities.
IPS works by providing real-time detection and prevention as an in-line module in a router. The Wireless-N
Security Router has hardware-based acceleration for real-time pattern matching for malicious attacks. It actively
filters and drops malicious TCP/UDP/ICMP/IGMP packets and can reset TCP connections. This protects your client
PCs and servers running various operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Solaris from network worm
attacks. However, this system does not prevent viruses attached emails.
1000+

8
Chapter 2: Networking and Security Basics
The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
The P2P (peer to peer) and IM (instant messaging) control allows the system administrator to prevent network
users from using those protocols to communicate with people over the Internet. This helps the administrators to
set up company policies on how to use their Internet bandwidth wisely.
The signature file is the heart of the IPS system. It is similar to the Virus definition files on your PC’s Anti-Virus
programs. IPS uses this file to match against packets coming in to the Router and performs actions accordingly.
As of today, the Wireless-N Router is shipped with signature file version 1.1.4 and with a total of 1048 rules. The
rules cover the following categories: DDoS, Buffer Overflow, Access Control, Scan, Trojan Horse, Misc., P2P, IM,
Virus, Worm, and Web Attacks.
Customers are encouraged to update their IPS signature file regularly to prevent any new type of attacks on the
Internet.

9
Chapter 3: Planning Your Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Why do I need a VPN?
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Chapter3:PlanningYourVirtualPrivateNetwork(VPN)
Why do I need a VPN?
Computer networking provides a flexibility not available when using an archaic, paper-based system. With this
flexibility, however, comes an increased risk in security. This is why firewalls were first introduced. Firewalls help
to protect data inside of a local network. But what do you do once information is sent outside of your local
network, when e-mails are sent to their destination, or when you have to connect to your company's network
when you are out on the road? How is your data protected?
That is when a VPN can help. VPNs are called Virtual Private Networks because they secure data moving outside
of your network as if it were still within that network.
When data is sent out across the Internet from your computer, it is always open to attacks. You may already have
a firewall, which will help protect data moving around or held within your network from being corrupted or
intercepted by entities outside of your network, but once data moves outside of your network—when you send
data to someone via e-mail or communicate with an individual over the Internet—the firewall will no longer
protect that data.
At this point, your data becomes open to hackers using a variety of methods to steal not only the data you are
transmitting but also your network login and security data. Some of the most common methods are as follows:
1) MAC Address Spoofing
Packets transmitted over a network, either your local network or the Internet, are preceded by a packet header.
These packet headers contain both the source and destination information for that packet to transmit efficiently.
A hacker can use this information to spoof (or fake) a MAC address allowed on the network. With this spoofed
MAC address, the hacker can also intercept information meant for another user.
2) Data Sniffing
Data “sniffing” is a method used by hackers to obtain network data as it travels through unsecured networks,
such as the Internet. Tools for just this kind of activity, such as protocol analyzers and network diagnostic tools,
are often built into operating systems and allow the data to be viewed in clear text.
3) Man in the middle attacks
Once the hacker has either sniffed or spoofed enough information, he can now perform a “man in the middle”
attack. This attack is performed, when data is being transmitted from one network to another, by rerouting the
packet: a unit of data sent over a network
vpn (virtual private network): a security
measure to protect data as it leaves one
network and goes to another over the Internet

10
Chapter 3: Planning Your Virtual Private Network (VPN)
What is a VPN?
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
data to a new destination. Even though the data is not received by its intended recipient, it appears that way to
the person sending the data.
These are only a few of the methods hackers use and they are always developing more. Without the security of
your VPN, your data is constantly open to such attacks as it travels over the Internet. Data travelling over the
Internet will often pass through many different servers around the world before reaching its final destination.
That's a long way to go for unsecured data and this is when a VPN serves its purpose.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a connection between two endpoints—a VPN Router, for instance—in
different networks that allows private data to be sent securely over a shared or public network, such as the
Internet. This establishes a private network that can send data securely between these two locations or
networks.
This is done by creating a “tunnel”. A VPN tunnel connects the two PCs or networks and allows data to be
transmitted over the Internet as if it were still within those networks. Not a literal tunnel, it is a connection
secured by encrypting the data sent between the two networks.
There are two popular ways to establish a secured tunnel over the Internet — IPsec (IP Security) and SSL (Secure
Sockets Layer). IPsec runs on top of the IP layer and SSL runs over HTTP sessions. IPsec provides better data
throughput and SSL offers ease of use without the need of VPN client applications. The Wireless-N Gigabit
Security Router supports IPsec VPN for maximum throughput on data security.
VPN was created as a cost-effective alternative to using a private, dedicated, leased line for a private network.
Using industry standard encryption and authentication techniques—IPsec, short for IP Security—the VPN creates
a secure connection that, in effect, operates as if you were directly connected to your local network. Virtual
Private Networking can be used to create secure networks linking a central office with branch offices,
telecommuters, and/or professionals on the road (travelers can connect to a VPN Router using any computer
with the Linksys VPN client software.)
There are two basic ways to create a VPN connection:
• VPN Router to VPN Router
• Computer (using the Linksys VPN client software) to VPN Router
The VPN Router creates a “tunnel” or channel between two endpoints, so that data transmissions between them
are secure. A computer with the Linksys VPN client software can be one of the two endpoints (refer to “Appendix
C: Using the Linksys QuickVPN Software for Windows 2000 or XP”). If you choose not to run the VPN client
software, any computer with the built-in IPsec Security Manager (Microsoft 2000 and XP) allows the VPN Router
encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network
ip (internet protocol): a protocol used to send data
over a network
software: instructions for the computer
IMPORTANT: You must have at least one VPN
Router on one end of the VPN tunnel. At the other
end of the VPN tunnel, you must have a second VPN
Router or a computer with the Linksys VPN client

11
Chapter 3: Planning Your Virtual Private Network (VPN)
What is a VPN?
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
to create a VPN tunnel using IPsec (refer to “Appendix C: Configuring IPsec between a Windows 2000 or XP PC
and the Router”). Other versions of Microsoft operating systems require additional, third-party VPN client
software applications that support IPsec to be installed.
VPN Router to VPN Router
An example of a VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN would be as follows. At home, a telecommuter uses his VPN
Router for his always-on Internet connection. His router is configured with his office's VPN settings. When he
connects to his office's router, the two routers create a VPN tunnel, encrypting and decrypting data. As VPNs
utilize the Internet, distance is not a factor. Using the VPN, the telecommuter now has a secure connection to the
central office's network, as if he were physically connected. For more information, refer to “Appendix C:
Configuring a Gateway-to-Gateway IPsec Tunnel.”
Computer (using the Linksys VPN client software) to VPN Router
The following is an example of a computer-to-VPN Router VPN. In her hotel room, a traveling businesswoman
dials up her ISP. Her notebook computer has the Linksys VPN client software, which is configured with her office's
IP address. She accesses the Linksys VPN client software and connects to the VPN Router at the central office. As
VPNs utilize the Internet, distance is not a factor. Using the VPN, the businesswoman now has a secure
connection to the central office's network, as if she were physically connected.
For additional information and instructions about creating your own VPN, please visit Linksys’s website at
www.linksys.com. You can also refer to “Appendix B: Using the Linksys QuickVPN Software for Windows 2000 or
XP” and “Appendix C: Configuring a Gateway-to-Gateway IPsec Tunnel.”
Figure 3-1: VPN Router to VPN Router
Home Office
PC2VPNRouterPC1
Figure 3-2: Computer to VPN Router
Office
WRVS4400N PC2
Laptoprunning LinksysVPNClientSoftware
Off-site
WRVS4400N

12
Chapter 4: Getting to Know the Router
The Front Panel
Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN
Chapter4:GettingtoKnowtheRouter
The Front Panel
The Router’s LEDs are located on the front panel of the Router.
LEDs
POWER Green. The POWER LED lights up when the Router is powered on. The LED flashes
when the Router runs a diagnostic test.
Figure 4-1: Front Panel