MSI RG-54G2 User manual

MSI RG54G2 (MS-6848)
Wireless 11g Broadband Router
User’s Guide

FCC Caution
1. The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
2. FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: The equipment complies with FCC
RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum
distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator and your body.
3. This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
4. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user authority to operate
the equipment.
Copyright Notice
The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR INTERNA-
TIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no guarantee is
given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under continual improve-
ment and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.
Trademarks
Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
All brand names, icons, and trademarks used in this manual are the sole property of their
respective owners.
Revision History
Revision History Date
V 1.0 First Release May 2004

Important Safety Precautions
Always read and follow these basic safety precautions carefully when handling any
piece of electronic component.
1. Keep this User’s Guide for future reference.
2. Keep this equipment away from humidity.
3. Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.
4. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the
equipment from overheating.
5. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
6. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical
shock.
7. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a
service personnel:
Liquid has penetrated into the equipment
The equipment has been exposed to moisture
The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work
according to User’s Manual
The equipment has dropped and damaged
If the equipment has obvious sign of breakage
8. DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT
UNCONDITIONED, STORAGE TEMPERATURE ABOVE 60O C OR
BELOW -20OC, IT MAY DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT.

How to Use This Guide
This User’s Guide provides instructions and illustrations on how to install and use your
MSI RG54G2 - the Wireless 11g Broadband Router.
Chapter 1, Introduction, provides general information on the Router.
Chapter 2, Knowing Your Router, introducesphysical features of the
Router.
Chapter 3, Connecting Your Router, tells you how to install the Router
into your system.
Chapter 4, Configuring Your PC, instructs how to configure each of your
computers to communicate with this Router.
Chapter 5, Configuring Your Router - Basic, explains how to use the Web
Configuration Utility to manage basic settings of this Router.
Chapter 6, Configuring Your Router - Advanced, details how to intelli-
gently manage advanced features of this Router.
Please note that the setting diagrams or values in this guide are FOR YOUR REFER-
ENCE ONLY. The actual settings and values depend on your system and network. If
you are not sure about these information, please ask your network administrator or MIS
staff for help.
Technical Support
Visit the MSI website for FAQ, technical guide, driver and software updates,
and other information: http://www.msi.com.tw/.
Contact our technical staff at: [email protected].

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 MSI RG54G2 - Wireless 11g Broadband Router ........................................... 1
1.2 Networking Options ....................................................................................... 3
1.3 Features and Benefits ..................................................................................... 5
1.4 Package Contents ............................................................................................ 6
1.5 System Requirements ..................................................................................... 6
1.6 Specifications .................................................................................................. 7
2. Knowing Your Router ......................................................................................... 11
2.1 Product View .................................................................................................. 11
2.2 Connections Ports .......................................................................................... 12
2.3 LEDs ............................................................................................................... 13
3. Connecting Your Router .................................................................................... 14
4. Configuring Your PC .......................................................................................... 16
4.1 Configuring Windows 98SE/ME .................................................................... 16
4.2 Configuring Windows 2000/XP ...................................................................... 18
5. Configuring Your Router - Basic ...................................................................... 20
5.1 Web Configuration Utility .............................................................................. 20
5.2 Typical Configuration ..................................................................................... 22
6. Configuring Your Router - Advanced ............................................................... 28
6.1 System Settings .............................................................................................. 29
6.2 Internet Settings .............................................................................................. 37
6.3 LAN Settings .................................................................................................. 41
6.4 Wireless Settings ............................................................................................. 46
6.5 NAT Settings .................................................................................................. 59
6.6 Firewall Settings ............................................................................................. 63

1
Introduction
>>> 1.1 MSI RG54G2 - Wireless 11g
Broadband Router
Thank you for purchasing MSI Wireless 11g Broadband Router -
RG54G2. MSI Wireless 11g Broadband Router RG54G2, based
on the cutting-edge IEEE 802.11g wireless technology, is a high
quality and reliable Internet routing and security device, capable
of wirelessly transferring bandwidth-consuming applications with
enhanced security and privacy. With inherently NitroTM tech-
nology enhancement, MSI RG54G2 performance is significantly
increased in 802.11b and 802.11g mixed networks.
A multi-functional and versatile device, MSI RG54G2 provides
the most flexibility to your network set-up. Simply install the
RG54G2 Router, connect to Cable/DSL modem, and surf Internet
without extra efforts. Also, it supports WDS (Wireless Distri-
bution System) that could repeat wireless signal and easily ex-
tend your network coverage. Acting as a 10/100Mbps 4-port
Ethernet switch as well, MSI RG54G2, with all ports support-
ing MDI/MDI-X, allows you to use CAT5 cable to uplink to
other routers/switches.
The MSI RG54G2 is featured with most advanced security
technology, supporting WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), TKIP,
AES, and 802.1x. With MSI RG54G2, your network is armed
with the highest levels of protection.
1

2
Built with all-in-one functionality, MSI RG54G2 Broadband
Router combines a wireless access point, a wireless bridge, an
Internet-sharing router, and a 4-port wired switch into a single
device. It provides you the ultimate in networking flexibility.
Wireless Access Point
MSI RG54G2 acts as a communication hub for users of wireless
11b/g devices connected to a wired infrastructure, and relays
data between devices on each side. It also connects all wireless
devices together to create a wireless local area network, enabling
wireless data transmission with one another.
Wireless Bridge
Supporting WDS (Wireless Distribution System), MSI RG54G2
can talk directly to other access points or routers. Acting as a
WLAN-to-WLAN bridge, it efficiently extends wired infrastruc-
ture to locations where cabling is difficult or inefficient to
implement.
Internet-Sharing Router
MSI RG54G2 functions as a gateway to route inbound and out-
bound data between local area network and the Internet, and
enables all home network computers sharing the access. Incor-
porating firewall and NAT, MSI RG54G2 builds up an Internet
connection with network protection.
4-Port Ethernet Switch
Featured four LAN ports with MDI/MDI-X support, MSI
RG54G2 allows physical link of up to four Ethernet devices,
such as PCs or hubs.

3
>>> 1.2 Networking Options
MSI RG54G2 Broadband Router serves as a central station of
your network. It not only bridges communication between
computers, access points, and routers, but also connects them to
the Internet.
You can take most out of the RG54G2 router in the following
applications (see the figure in the following page):
Home device connectivity: ( )
MSI RG54G2 performs as a central point of your local area
network, connecting your wireless and wired devices together to
form a Basic Service Set (BSS). As shown in the middle part of
the below diagram, the out-of-the-box operation mode of the
RG54G2 allows your client stations to share files or printers as
well as to play multiplayer games. Adding a wireless computer is
as easy as inserting a wireless client adapter and configuring the
computer with the same Network Name and Key.
Broadband access sharing: ( )
As shown in the diagram, MSI RG54G2 acts as a gateway to
your network, controlling and routing information to its required
destination on the Internet while protecting your network from
the public access.
Network coverage extension: ( )
With WDS support, MSI RG54G2 router functions as a wire-
less bridge, directly connecting between multiple WLAN through
wireless communications instead of wired connectivity. It helps
extend network range to form a Extend Service Set (ESS) without
tangling wires and cables.

Application of RG54G2 in Your Wireless Network
INTERNET
BSS (Basic Service Set) ESS (Extend Service Set)
4

5
>>> 1.3 Features and Benefits
PRISM NitroTM support: enhance performance for 50% greater
throughput in 11g only network and 300% in mixed network co-
existing 11g and 11b devices
Enhanced security: authenticate and encrypt with advanced
WPA, 802.1x, AES, TKIP and 64/128-bit WEP
WDS support: extend wireless network coverage by function-
ing as a bridge
Auto MDI/MDI-X support: simplify wired network setup by
using either standard or crossover CAT-5 cables
Instant-off security button: easy to disable RF access by pushing
a button.
Antenna diversity support: automatically switch association
between two antennae as to receive the best signal quality
Firewall protection: NAT default and SPI option, Access Con-
trol List, IP and MAC address filtering
Built-in DHCP server: assign IP addresses to each computer
automatically so there is no need for a complicated networking
setup.
UPnP compatibility: offers seamless operation of voice
messaging, video messaging, games, and other applications that
are UPnP-compliant.

6
>>> 1.4 Package Contents
>>> 1.5 System Requirements
After installing the RG54G2, you need the followings to con-
figure respective network settings:
- Laptop or desktop PC with a wireless 11b or 11g client card
installed.
- Microsoft® Windows® 98SE/ME/2000/XP.
- 200MHz or faster processor recommended.
- Internet browser for web-based configuration.
Unpack the package and check all the items carefully. If any
item contained is damaged or missing, please contact your local
dealer immediately. Also, keep the box and packing materials in
case you need to ship the unit in the future. The package
should contain the following items:
- One Wireless 11g Broadband Router - RG54G2
- One AC Power Adapter, 12VDC/1A output
- One Ethernet cable (RJ-45)
- One Quick Start Guide
- One CD-ROM including manual files

7
>>> 1.6 Specifications
Wireless Data Rates - IEEE802.11b (auto-fallback)
CCK: 11, 5.5Mbps
DQPSK: 2Mbps
DBPSK: 1Mbps
- IEEE802.11g (auto-fallback)
OFDM: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, and
6Mbps
Standard Compliance - IEEE802.11g
- IEEE802.11b
- IEEE802.3/802.3u
- IEEE802.3x
Dimension 180 x 127.2 x 32 mm
Antenna Requirement - Peak Gain = 2dBi
- Average Gain = 1.08dBi
(@ 2.45GHz, H-Plan)
Antenna Specification Dual dipole external antennae
LEDs - Power LED x 1
- WAN LED x 1
- LAN LED x 4
- WLAN LED x 1
SDRAM Memory 8MB
Flash Memory 2MB
Power Consumption - Max loading 7W
- Standby Mode 650mA
- Transmit Mode 810mA (RF
Continuous Mode)
General
Hardware
<
_
<
_
<
_

8
AGC (Auto Gain Yes
Control)
Antenna Diversity Yes
Channel Frequency - 2.4 ~ 2.4835GHz
- 14 channels
Output Power - 11b Mode: 17 ± 1dBm (before antenna)
- 11g Mode: 13.5 ± 1dBm (before antenna)
Receive Minimum - 54Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -67dBm
Input Level Sensitivity - 48Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -70dBm
- 36Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -75dBm
- 24Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -79dBm
- 18Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -82dBm
- 12Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -84dBm
- 11Mbps CCK @ 8% PER = -82dBm
- 9Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -87dBm
- 6Mbps OFDM @ 10% PER = -85dBm
- 5.5Mbps CCK @ 8% PER = -85dBm
- 2Mbps QPSK @ 8% PER = -86dBm
- 1Mbps BPSK @ 8% PER = -89dBm
Throughput - 54Mbps OFDM Throughput > 21Mbps
- 48Mbps OFDM Throughput > 20Mbps
- 36Mbps OFDM Throughput > 17Mbps
- 24Mbps OFDM Throughput > 10Mbps
- 18Mbps OFDM Throughput > 9Mbps
- 12Mbps OFDM Throughput > 5.5Mbps
- 11Mbps CCK Throughput > 5Mbps
- 9Mbps OFDM Throughput > 3.5Mbps
- 6Mbps OFDM Throughput > 3Mbps
- 5.5Mbps CCK Throughput > 2Mbps
- 2Mbps QPSK Throughput > 0.8Mbps
- 1Mbps BPSK Throughput > 0.4Mbps

9
Numbers of PCs Up to 253
Supported
Numbers of Ports Four RJ-45 10/100 switched Ethernet ports
Auto Crossover Yes
Detection
Numbers of Ports One RJ-45 port for a Cable/xDSL modem
Management Tools Web-based browser; Event log; Login
password
Auto Crossover Yes
Detection
LAN
WAN
- DHCP Server
- Static IP
- MAC Filter
- uPnP
- Static IP
- DHCP Client
- PPPoE
- PPTP
- Clone MAC
- Radio & Channel setting
- Data Rate
- 64/128 bits WEP
- 802.1x
- WPA
- Wireless Bridge
- Association Control & List
LAN
Software
WAN
Wireless

10
Gateway
0 ~ 45OC @ 90% Humidity (non-condensing)
-40 ~ 75OC @ 95% Humidity (non-condensing)
Operational Temp.
Environment
Storage Temp.
- NAPT (one to many)
- NAT
- Firewall: Virtual DMZ, IP Filter, ICMP Blocking, DoS, SPI,
VPN pass-through
- DNS Relay
- DDNS
- Remote Management
- Password Management
- Time Zone Management & NTP Client
- Firmware upgradeable
- Status and Statistics
- Event Log
- Email Alarm
- Reset Factory Default

11
This chapter provides a quick introduction on the physical
features of your RG54G2.
Knowing Your Router
>>> 2.1 Product View
RG54G2
Connection Ports
LEDs
Antenna
Antenna
2

12
>>> 2.2 Connection Ports
LAN Ports 1~4
RF Off Button
Reset Button WAN Port Power Connector
Reset Button
1. Press and hold* this button longer than 1 second
to restart the router.
2. Press and hold* this button longer than 5 seconds
to reload factory default settings of the router.
RF Off Button
1. Push down this button to turn off RF functionality.
2. Push up this button to turn on RF functionality.
(Default)
LAN Ports 1~4
Those ports are used to connect your computers and other
network devices with auto-sensing.
WAN Port
This port is used to connect your xDSL/Cable Modem for
Internet connection.
Power Connector
This connector is used to connect the enclosed AC power
adapter.
* Use a pointed object
(e.g. a stretched clip)

13
>>> 2.3 LEDs
Power
1. Off - no power.
2. Steady Blue - the router is powered up.
LAN 1~4
1. Off - no LAN connection.
2. Steady Green - a computer/device is successfully
connected to the port.
3. Blinking Green - data is transmitted or received over
the port.
WAN
1. Off - no WAN connection.
2. Steady Green - a device is successfully connected to
the port.
3. Blinking Green - data is transmitted or received over
the port.
Wireless Status
1. Off - no wireless connection.
2. Steady Green - a wireless connection is ready.
3. Blinking Green - data is transmitted or received over
wireless network.

14
Connecting the Router
1. Ensure both of your RG54G2 and Cable/DSL modem are
powered off before connecting.
2. Connect one end of an
Ethernet cable to the WAN
port of RG54G2, and the
other end to your Cable/DSL
modem.
Selecting a Location
Before connecting the RG54G2 to your devices, please note the
RG54G2 should be placed in a location where is:
- A flat surface, and do not put any heavy object on it.
- Easy to access; therefore, you can easily connect Cable/
DSL modem to its WAN port and connect computers or
other devices to its LAN ports.
- Easily to read LEDs clearly, so that you may monitor
real-time networking status and take instant measures as
problems arise.
Connecting Your Router
3
Tip: The location of RG54G2 should be the optimum position to obtain
best signal quality; sometimes, you may adjust the direction of antennae.

15
3. To build up wired Internet
connection, plug one end of
another Ethernet cable to the
LAN port (1~4) of RG54G2,
and the other end to your
computers. It does not matter
which numbered LAN port is
chosen.
4. Power on your Cable/DSL modem by turning on power
switch or re-connecting its power adapter.
5. Power up the RG54G2 by plugging the DC end of
power adapter into the power receptor of RG54G2 and
the AC end to an electrical outlet.
6. Verify LEDs on the top panel light up to indicate
proper connection:
- Power LED should be ON to show power
connection
- WAN LED should be ON if your modem is
correctly connected to the router.
- LAN 1~4 LED should be ON correspondent to
the numbered ports your computers are
connecting to.