Page 1: Broadband Router
Wireless Broadband Router Model #: MI424WR Firmware Version: 4.0.16.1.44.28 User Manual Ver 2.0 Solutions for the Digital Life ™...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents 1 Introduction Package Contents Minimum System Requirements Features Getting to Know the Router 2 Connecting the Router Setting Up the Router Computer Network Configuration Home Page 3 Configuring My Network Settings Accessing My Network Using My Network 4 Creating a Wireless Network Overview Wireless Network Connection...
Page 3 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 8 Using Advanced Settings About Configuration File Restart Restoring Default Settings Diagnostics MAC Cloning System Settings Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Firmware Upgrade Scheduler Rules Date and Time RADIUS (Client) Users ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Table...
Page 4: Introduction
Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking, making it the most versatile router available. If you want to take your home or office networking to the next level, the Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router is sure to be one of the keys to your success.
Page 5: Minimum System Requirements
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Wall-mount template Vertical stand Warranty Minimum System Requirements Computer with Ethernet capability Microsoft Windows 98 , Me, 2000, or ; Mac OS 9 or greater; Linux/ BSD, Unix Internet Explorer or higher; Netscape Navigator...
Page 6 Chapter 1 Introduction Intrusion detection address filtering hosting Access control Advanced wireless protection featuring 64/128 bit encryp- tion, 802.1x authentication, and address filtering certified ICSA Other Features server option DHCP server/ server auto-detection DHCP server address selection LAN IP WAN IP address cloning Port forwarding support...
Page 7: Getting To Know The Router
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Getting to Know the Router This section contains a quick description of the Router’s lights ( s), ports, etc. The Router features several indicator lights on its front panel, and a series of ports and switches on its rear panel.
Page 8 Chapter 1 Introduction Ethernet WAN Light The Ethernet light illuminates when the Router is connected to the Internet via Ethernet. If flashing, data traffic is passing across the port. Coax WAN Light The Coax light glows steadily or flashes when the Router is connected to the Internet via coaxial cable.
Page 9 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Rear Panel The rear panel of the Router features seven ports (Coax, Ethernet , Ethernet [4], and Power), as well as a Reset button and Power switch. 5 V D C R e s e t...
Page 10 Chapter 1 Introduction Ethernet WAN Port The Ethernet port connects the Router to the using an Ethernet cable. Ethernet LAN Ports (4) The Ethernet ports connect devices to the Router via Ethernet cables to cre- ate a local area network ( ).
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Page 12: Connecting The Router
Windows 2000 is “client,” requiring no DHCP further modification. However, Actiontec advises following the setup procedure described below to verify all communication parameters are valid and the physical cable connections are correct. Setting Up the Router There are three parts to setting up the Router: Connecting the Cables, Configuring the Router, and Connecting Other Computers/Set Top Boxes.
Page 13: Configuring The Router
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 6. Make sure the computer is powered on, then plug the other end of the yellow Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on the computer. 7. Make sure at least one of the Ethernet lights on the front of the Router glows steadily green.
Page 14 Chapter 2 Connecting the Router 2. The “Login” screen appears. Enter the default user name (admin) and pass- word (password) in the appropriate text boxes, then click OK. 3. The “Login Setup” screen appears. Select a new user name and password and enter them in the appropriate text boxes (the password must be entered twice, for validation purposes).
Page 15 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 6. Click Advanced at the top of the Home screen. The “Advanced” screen appears. 7. Click Date and Time. The “Date and Time” screen appears. 8. In the “Localization” section of the screen, select the correct time zone from the “Time Zone”...
Page 16 Chapter 2 Connecting the Router Connecting Other Computers/Set Top Boxes The Router can connect to other computers or set top boxes in three ways: via Ethernet, via wireless connection, or via coaxial cable. Ethernet 1. Get an Ethernet cable and plug one end into one of the open yellow Ethernet ports on the back of the Router.
Page 17: Computer Network Configuration
Network server. The Router is set up, by default, with DHCP an active server, and Actiontec recommends leaving this setting as is. DHCP Configuring a Computer to Use Dynamic IP Addressing To configure a computer to use dynamic...
Page 18 Chapter 2 Connecting the Router Windows 2000/98/Me 1. Select Network and Dialing Connections in the Control Panel. 2. Right-click on the Ethernet connection’s icon, then click Properties. 3. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) component, then click Properties. 4. The “Internet Protocol ( ) Properties”...
Page 19: Home Page
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Home Page After logging into the Router’s MegaControl Panel (see “Configuring the Router” at the beginning of this chapter), the “Home” screen appears. The Home screen has a “Main Menu” that occupies the top of the screen. Below that, the screen is divided into three columns: “Network Status,”...
Page 20: Network Status
Chapter 2 Connecting the Router Network Status This section displays the status of the Router’s network and Internet connection. A green light signifies the Router is connected; a yellow light means the Router is attempting to connect; and a red light signifies the Router’s connection is down. Broadband Connection The “Broadband Connection”...
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Page 22: Configuring My Network Settings
Configuring My Network Settings Once the Wireless Broadband Router is physically connected and the MegaControl Panel’s Home screen is displayed in a web browser, a list of the devices connected to the Router’s network appears in the “My Network” section of the screen. From here, some basic network settings can be configured.
Page 23: Using My Network
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Using My Network Various settings can be accessed for a particular device, as follows. Access Device For devices that can be accessed (such as Internet cameras and networked hard drives), locate it in the My Network column, then click Access Devices to use the device over the network.
Page 24 Chapter 3 Configuring My Network Settings 3. If website blocking needs to be active all the time, select “Always” from the “When should this rule occur?” drop-down list. If the rule will only be active at certain times select “Specify Schedule” and click Add. Then, add a schedule rule (for more details about schedule rules, see the “Advanced Settings”...
Page 25 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 2. Select the Internet protocol to be blocked from the “Protocol” drop-down list. 3. If this rule will be active all the time, select “Always” from the “When should this rule occur?” drop-down list. If the rule will only be active at certain times select “Specify Schedule”...
Page 26 Chapter 3 Configuring My Network Settings blocked by access control. Enable Application Activating “Enable Application” (also known as port forwarding) allows the net- work to be exposed to the Internet in certain limited and controlled ways, enabling some applications to work from the local network (game, voice, and chat applica- tions, for example), as well as allowing Internet access to servers in the network.
Page 27 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual that appears, enter the port number. If no port is identified, select “Same as Incoming Port.” 5. If this port will be active all the time, select “Always” from the “When should this rule occur?” drop-down list. If the rule will only be active at certain times select “Specify Schedule”...
Page 28 Chapter 3 Configuring My Network Settings 1. Click Test Connectivity. The “Diagnostics” screen appears. 2. Click Go. The Router runs a ping test, and the results are displayed in the Diagnostics screen. Rename This Device To rename a networked device, locate the device in the My Network column, then click Rename This Device.
Page 29 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Enter the new name of the device in the “New Name” text box and, if needed, select a new icon for the device from the “New Icon” drop-down list. Timeout for Inactive Device The amount of time a device continues to be displayed on the network after it has been disconnected is configured in the “Timeout for Inactive Device”...
Page 30: Creating A Wireless Network
Creating a Wireless Network This chapter explains how to create a wireless network using the Wireless Broadband Router, including accessing and configuring wireless security options. Overview The Wireless Broadband Router provides the user with wireless connectivity over the 802.11b and g standards (the most common wireless standards). 802.11b has a maximum data rate of 11 Mbps, while 802.11g has a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps.
Page 31: Wireless Network Connection
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Wireless Network Connection As soon as the Router is turned on, wireless networking is available. This section explains the wireless networking screens in the Router’s MegaControl Panel. Wireless Setup Clicking on the “Wireless Setup” icon at the top of the Home screen generates the “Wireless Setup”...
Page 32 Chapter 4 Creating a Wireless Network SSID Broadcast Select this check box to enable broadcast. If activated, the of the SSID SSID Router’s wireless network is broadcast wirelessly. To deactivate, click in the check box to make the check mark disappear. 802.11 Mode Select the wireless communication standard compatible with the devices to be connected on the wireless network from the drop-down list.
Page 33 General This section displays general communication parameters of the Router’s wireless connection. Actiontec recommends not changing the default values in this sec- tion unless the user is familiar with these networking concepts. Status Displays the status of the wireless connection.
Page 34 Chapter 4 Creating a Wireless Network Physical Address Displays the physical address of the network card used for the network. (Maximum Transmission Unit) specifies the largest packet size per- mitted for Internet transmission. “Automatic” sets the at 1500. Other choic- es include “Automatic by ,”...
Page 35 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Advanced Wireless Options The bottom of the Configure Wireless Access Point screen comprises “Advanced Wireless Options.” Only experienced network technicians should make any changes to these settings. Transmission Rate Select the wireless transmission rate from the drop-down list, or select “Auto”...
Page 36 Chapter 4 Creating a Wireless Network RTS Threshold Enter the (Request to Send) threshold in this text box. This setting controls what size data packet the low level protocol issues to an packet. Wireless Security Set the type of wireless security for the Router’s wireless network in this section of the screen.
Page 37 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 802.1X WEP If 802.1X (Wired Equivalent Privacy) was chosen, no other set- tings need to be changed. 802.1x is a robust security protocol that uses port control with dynamically changing encryption keys automatically updated over the network. 802.11x...
Page 38: Configuring A Wireless Windows Xp Client
5. Click OK to save changes. Internet Connection Firewall Click in the “Enabled” check box to activate the Router’s firewall on the wireless connection. Actiontec recommends leaving this option deactivated. Additional IP Addresses Clicking New IP Address generates the “Additional Address Settings”...
Page 39 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 2. Double-click the wireless connection icon. The “Wireless Network Connection” screen appears, displaying all available wireless networks in the vicinity. If the Router is connected and active, the Router’s wireless connection is displayed. Note that the connection’s status is “Not connected” and defined as “Unsecured wireless network”...
Page 40: Connecting A Wireless Windows Xp Client
Chapter 4 Creating a Wireless Network Connecting a Wireless Windows XP Client This section assumes the Router is set up with security. 1. Click Network Connections in the Control Panel. The “Network Connections” window appears. 2. Double-click the wireless connection icon. The “Wireless Network Connection”...
Page 41 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 3. Click the connection once to mark it, then click Connect at the bottom of the screen. The following login window appears, asking for a “Network Key,” which is the pre-shared key used when configuring the Router’s security (see the “...
Page 42 Chapter 4 Creating a Wireless Network 2. The “Wireless Network Connection Properties” window appears. Select Wireless Networks. 3. Click the connection to highlight it, then click Properties. The connection’s “Properties Window” appears. 4. From the “Network Authentication” drop-down list, select WPA-PSK. 5.
Page 43 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 6. Enter the pre-shared key in both the “Network key” and the “Confirm net- work key” text boxes. 7. Click OK, then OK again. 8. When attempting to connect to the wireless network, the login window appears, pre-populated with the pre-shared key.
Page 44: Using Network Connections
Using Network Connections The Wireless Broadband Router supports various local area network ( ) and wide area network ( , on Internet) connections via Ethernet or coaxial cables. Network connections is used to configure the various parameters of the Router’s network and Internet connections, and create new connections.
Page 45: Network (Home/Office)
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual To select a connection, click on its name. The rest of this chapter describes the dif- ferent network connections available on the Router, as well as the connection types that can be created. Network (Home/Office) Select Network (Home/Office) in the Network Connections screen to generate the “Network (Home/Office) Properties”...
Page 46 “Configure Network (Home/Office)” screen. General The top part of the Configure Network (Home/Office) screen displays general communication parameters. Actiontec recommends not changing the default values in this section unless familiar with networking concepts. Status Displays the connection status of the network.
Page 47 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Internet Protocol This section has three options: No IP Address, Obtain an IP Address Automatically, and Use the Following IP Address. No IP Address Select this option if the connection will have no address. This is useful if the connection operates under a bridge.
Page 48 Chapter 5 Using Network Connections STP Click in the device’s “ ” check box to enable Spanning Tree Protocol on the device. This protocol provides path redundancy while preventing undesir- able loops in the network. Action The “Action” column contains an icon that, when clicked, generates the configuration screen of the particular device.
Page 49 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 4. Enter the subnet mask address in the “Subnet Mask” text boxes. The subnet mask determines which portion of a destination address is the net- LAN IP work portion, and which portion is the host portion.
Page 50 Chapter 5 Using Network Connections To add a new product or product family, click New IP Range. This generates the “ Server Pool Settings” screen. Enter the vendor class identifier (provided by DHCP the manufacturer of the product), range, and priority level in the appropriate text boxes.
Page 51: Ethernet Connection
Internet Connection Firewall Click in the “Enabled” check box to activate the Router’s firewall on the Bridge connection. Actiontec does NOT recommend activating this feature. Additional IP Addresses Clicking New IP Address generates the “Additional Address Settings” screen, where additional IP addresses can be created to access the Router via the Network (Home/Office) connection.
Page 52 “Configure Ethernet” screen. General The top part of the Configure Ethernet screen displays general communication parameters. Actiontec recommends not changing the default values in this section unless familiar with networking concepts. Status Displays the connection status of the Ethernet switch.
Page 53 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Internet Connection Firewall Click in the “Enabled” check box to activate the Router’s firewall on the Ethernet connection. Actiontec does NOT recommend activating this feature. Additional IP Addresses Clicking New IP Address generates the “Additional Address Settings”...
Page 54: Coax Connection
Chapter 5 Using Network Connections Coax Connection A Coax connection connects devices (such as set-top boxes) to the Router using a coaxial cable. Click Coax in the Network Connections screen (if needed, click Advanced at the bottom of the screen to reveal the “Coax” link below “Network [Home/Office]”) to generate the “Coax Properties”...
Page 55 “Configure Coax” screen. General The top part of the Configure Coax screen displays general communication parameters. Actiontec recommends not changing the default values in this sec- tion unless familiar with networking concepts. Status Displays the status of the coax connection.
Page 56 Password Enter the Coax Link password in this text box. Internet Connection Firewall Click in the “Enabled” check box to activate the Router’s firewall on the Coax Link Ethernet connection. Actiontec does NOT recommend activating this feature. Additional IP Addresses Clicking New IP Address generates the “Additional Address Settings”...
Page 57: Broadband Ethernet Connection
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Broadband Ethernet Connection A Broadband Ethernet connection connects the Router to the Internet using an Ethernet cable. Click Broadband Connection (Ethernet) from the Network Connections screen to generate the “Broadband Connection (Ethernet) Properties” screen. This screen displays a list of the connection’s properties. The only modifica- tions that can be made from this screen are disabling the connection (by clicking Disable) or renaming the connection (by entering a new name in the “Rule Name”...
Page 58 Click Settings at the bottom-right of the Broadband Connection (Ethernet) Properties window to generate the “Configure Broadband Connection (Ethernet)” screen. General The top part of the screen displays general communication parameters. Actiontec recommends not changing the default values in this section unless familiar with networking concepts.
Page 59 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual (Maximum Transmission Unit) specifies the largest packet size per- mitted for Internet transmission. “Automatic, sets the at 1500. Other choic- es include “Automatic by ,” which sets the according to the DHCP DHCP connection, and “Manual,” which allows the to be set manually.
Page 60 If enabled, make sure to configure the network devices as “ Clients.” There are three options in this section: Disabled, DHCP DHCP Server, and DHCP Relay. Caution: Actiontec strongly recommends leaving this setting at “Disabled.” Disabled Select this option if statically assigning addresses to the network devices.
Page 61 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual IP Address Distribution According to DHCP Option 60 Option 60 is used to preset a general name for a product or product fam- DHCP ily, as well as set a specific range and priority level. In this way, one device and its traffic can be given higher priority over another device.
Page 62 Chapter 5 Using Network Connections 3. Click in the “Default Route” check box to define this device as a the default route. 4. Click in the “Multicast - Proxy Internal” check box to activate multi- IGMP casting. Routing Table Clicking New Route generates the “New Route” window, where a new route can be configured.
Page 63: Coax Broadband Connection
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Coax Broadband Connection A Coax Broadband connection connects the Router to the Internet using a coaxial cable. Click Broadband Connection (Coax) in the Network Connections screen to generate the “Broadband Connection (Coax) Properties” screen. This screen dis- plays a list of the connection’s properties.
Page 64 “Configure Broadband Connection (Coax)” screen. General The top part of the screen displays general communication parameters. Actiontec recommends not changing the default values in this section unless familiar with networking concepts. Status Displays the status of the connection (“Down,” “Connected,” etc.).
Page 65 Privacy Toggle “Privacy” by clicking in the “Enabled” check box. If Privacy is activated, all devices connected via coaxial cable must use the same password. Actiontec recommends leaving the Privacy option deactivated. Password Enter the Coax Link password here. Internet Protocol This section includes three options: No IP Address, Obtain an IP Address Automatically, and Use the Following IP Address.
Page 66 “ Clients.” There are three options in this section: DHCP Disabled, DHCP Server, and DHCP Relay. Caution: Actiontec strongly recommends leaving this setting at “Disabled.” Disabled Select this option if statically assigning addresses to the network devices.
Page 67 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 5. If a Windows Internet Naming Service ( ) is being used, enter the WINS server address in the “ Server” text boxes. WINS WINS 6. Enter the amount of time a network device will be allowed to connect to the Router with its currently issued dynamic address in the “Lease Time...
Page 68: Wan Pppoe/Wan Pppoe 2
Internet Connection Firewall Click in the “Enabled” check box to activate the Router’s firewall on the connection. Actiontec does NOT recommend activating this feature. Additional IP Addresses Click New IP Address to generate the “Additional Address Settings” screen, where additional addresses can be created to access the Router via the connection.
Page 69 General The top part of the Configure screen displays general communica- WAN PPPoE tion parameters. Actiontec recommends not changing the default values in this section unless familiar with networking concepts. Status Displays the connection status of the connection. (“Down,” WAN PPPoE...
Page 70 Chapter 5 Using Network Connections When should this rule occur? Displays when the rule is active. To schedule rules, see “Advanced Settings” chapter. Network Select the type of connection being configured from the drop-down list (Broadband Connection, Network (Home/Office), or DMZ). Connection Type Displays the type of connection.
Page 71 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual PPP Authentication Point-to-Point Protocol ( ) currently supports four authentication pro- tocols: Password Authentication Protocol ( ), Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol ( ), and Microsoft CHAP versions 1 and 2. CHAP Select the authentication protocols the Router may use when negotiating with a server in this section.
Page 72 Chapter 5 Using Network Connections For each compression algorithm (BSD and Deflate), select one of the following from the drop-down list: Reject Selecting this option rejects connections with peers that use the com- pression algorithm. If Reject is activated, throughput may diminish. Allow Selecting this option allows connections with peers that use the com- pression algorithm.
Page 73 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Routing Select Advanced or Basic from the “Routing” drop-down list. If Advanced is selected, additional options appear, as listed below. Routing Mode Select one of the following Routing modes: • Route - Select this option to cause the Router to act as a router between two networks.
Page 74: Configuring The Router's Security
Configuring the Router’s Security The Wireless Broadband Router’s security suite includes comprehensive and robust security services: Stateful Packet Inspection, a firewall, user authentication proto- cols, and password protection mechanisms. These features allow users to connect their computers to the Internet and be protected from the security threats. The Router’s firewall is the cornerstone of the Router’s security suite.
Page 75 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual This chapter covers these Security features: • General - select the security level for the firewall. • Access Control - restrict access from the local network to the Internet. • Port Forwarding - enable access from the Internet to specified services provided by computers on the local network.
Page 76: General
Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security General The “General” screen is used to configure the Router’s basic security settings. The firewall regulates the flow of data between the local network and the Internet. Both incoming and outgoing data are inspected and then either accepted (allowed to pass through the Router) or rejected (barred from passing through the Router) according to a flexible and configurable set of rules.
Page 77 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Note that is it is the origin of the request, not subsequent responses to this request, which determines whether a session can be established or not. The Router features three pre-defined security levels: Minimum, Typical, and Maximum.
Page 78: Access Control
Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security 2. Check the “Block Fragments” box to protect the local network from a com- mon type of hacker attack that uses fragmented data packets to sabotage the network. Note that over ec and some -based services make legiti- mate use of fragments.
Page 79 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Allow or Restrict Services To view and allow/restrict these services: 1. Select Access Control from the left side of any Security screen. The “Access Control” screen appears. ☞ Note: The “Allowed” section is only visible when the firewall is set to “Maximum.”...
Page 80 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security 3. If this access control rule applies to all networked devices, select “Any” from the “Networked Computer/Device” list box. If this rule applies to certain devices only, select “Specify Address” and click Add. Then, add a network object (for more details about adding network objects, see the “Advanced Settings”...
Page 81: Port Forwarding
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Port Forwarding In its default state, the Router blocks all external users from connecting to or communicating with the network, making it safe from hackers who may try to intrude on the network and damage it. However, the network can be exposed to...
Page 82 “ Connection Type” drop-down list. Actiontec recommends selecting All Broadband Devices. 6. To select a port to forward communications to (this is optional), select Specify from the “Forward to Port” drop-down list, then, in the text box that appears, enter the port number.
Page 83: Dmz (Demilitarized Zone) Host
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Host host feature allows one device on the network to operate outside the firewall. Designate a host: • To use an Internet service, such as an online game or video-conferencing program, not present in the Port Forwarding list and for which no port range information is available.
Page 84: Port Triggering
Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security Port Triggering Port triggering can be used for dynamic port forwarding configuration. By setting port triggering rules, inbound traffic is allowed to arrive at a specific network host using ports different than those used for the outbound traffic. The outbound traffic triggers which ports inbound traffic is directed.
Page 85: Remote Administration
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 3. Click Add. An “Edit Service” screen appears. 3. Specify the port triggering entries by clicking New Trigger Ports and New Opened Ports and entering the protocol and protocol number in the suc- ceeding screens. For example, to set up port triggering for the scenario laid...
Page 86 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security Telnet Telnet is used to create a command-line session and gain access to all system set- tings and parameters using a text-based terminal. Select the Telnet port to be used by clicking in the appropriate check box, then click OK. MegaControl Panel MegaControl Panel is used to obtain access to the Router’s MegaControl Panel and gain access to all settings and parameters,using a web browser.
Page 87: Website Blocking
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Website Blocking The Router can be configured to block specific websites, preventing access to them from computers on the local network. Restrictions can also be applied to a com- prehensive, automatically updated table of sites to which access is not recommend- ed.
Page 88 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security 4. If website blocking needs to be active all the time, select Always from the “When should this rule occur?” drop-down list. If the rule will only be active at certain times, select Specify Schedule and click Add. Then, add a schedule rule (for more details about schedule rules, see the “Advanced Settings”...
Page 89: Static Nat
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Static NAT ☞ Note: A block of static addresses must be purchased from the to configure this feature. This option allows multiple static addresses to be designated to devices on NAT IP the network. Static...
Page 90: Advanced Filtering
Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security 6. Select the protocol that needs to be accessible from the public address by clicking in the check box next to “Enable Port Forwarding for Static ,” then selecting a protocol from the drop-down menu. Click OK, and OK again. Repeat these steps to add more static addresses from the network.
Page 91 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Two sets of rules can be configured: input rules and output rules. Each set of rules comprises three subsets: initial rules, network devices rules, and final rules. These subsets determine the sequence by which the rules will be applied. Following is a description of the set ordering for inbound and outbound packets.
Page 92 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security To configure advanced filtering rules, click Add next to the rule title. The “Add Advanced Filter” screen appears. To add an advanced filtering rule, define the following rule parameters: Matching To apply a firewall rule, a match must be made between addresses or ranges and ports.
Page 93: Security Log
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual • Accept - Allow access to packets that match the source and destination addresses and protocol ports defined in upper section of the screen. The data transfer session will be handled using Stateful Packet Inspection ( •...
Page 94 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security Time The time (based on the Router’s date and time settings) the event occurred. Event There are five kinds of events listed in the system log: • Inbound Traffic - a result of an incoming packet •...
Page 95 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual • ICMP replay - an (Internet Control Message Protocol) replay message ICMP has been blocked. • ICMP redirect protection - an redirected message has been blocked. ICMP • Packet invalid in connection - an invalid connection packet has been blocked.
Page 96 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security • PPTP connection - a packet inquiring whether the Router is ready to receive a connection has been accepted. PPTP • AUTH:113 request - an outbound packet for protocol has been AUTH accepted (for maximum security level). •...
Page 97 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual • Fragmented packet, packet too big - a packet has been blocked because, after defragmentation, the packet was too big. • Fragmented packet, packet exceeds - a packet has been blocked because, after defragmentation, the packet exceeded.
Page 98 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security • FTP port request to 3rd party is forbidden (Possible bounce attack) - a packet has been blocked. • Firewall Rules were changed - the firewall rule set has been modified. • User authentication - a message arrived during login time, including both successful and failed authentication.
Page 99 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 3. Select the type of blocked events to be listed in the log: • All Blocked Connection Attempts - activating this check box generates log messages for all blocked events. • Other Blocked Events - if “All Blocked Connection Attempts” is un- checked, select specific blocked events from this list to generate log messages.
Page 100 Chapter 6 Configuring the Router’s Security...
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Page 102: Using Parental Controls
Using Parental Controls The abundance of harmful information on the Internet poses a serious challenge for employers and parents alike - “How can I regulate what my employee/child does on the Internet?” The Wireless Broadband Router’s Parental Controls allows users to regulate, control, and monitor Internet access. By classifying and categoriz- ing online content, it is possible to create numerous Internet access policies and easily apply them to networked computers.
Page 103: Creating A Filtering Policy
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 5. The Surf Control subscription site will then be displayed in a new browser window. Follow the instructions on the website and subscribe or enroll for a free trial. A verification E-mail will be sent. Click on the link in the verification E-mail.
Page 104 Chapter 7 Parental Controls 2. Click Filtering Policy from the list on the left side of the screen. The “Filtering Policy” screen appears. 3. Click Add a Policy to generate another “Filtering Policy” screen.
Page 105 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 4. Enter a name for the new policy in the “Name” text box. 5. Enter a description of the new policy in the “Description” text box. 6. Select the content filtering check boxes that represent content to be blocked in the “Blocked Categories”...
Page 106 Chapter 7 Parental Controls LAN Filtering Policy To select a default filtering policy for the local network, select the policy name from the “Default Policy” drop-down list, located in the Filtering Policy screen, and click Apply. PC Filtering Policy To apply separate policies to individual home computers, do the following: In the Filtering Policy screen, click Add a LAN Computer.
Page 107: Advanced Options
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Advanced Options The “Advanced Options” screen contains features providing additional Web filter- ing security. Provider Consulting Failure To decide whether to allow or block a specific website, the filter service provider is consulted about the website’s category. If an error occurs consulting the provider, the user can decide whether to block or allow access to all sites.
Page 108: Statistics
Chapter 7 Parental Controls Statistics The Router’s MegaControl Panel monitors content filtering statistics. Statistics include a record of: • Access attempts • Accessed • Blocked • s that were accessed from cache To view content filtering statistics: 1. Click Parental Control in the Home screen. 2.
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Page 110: Using Advanced Settings
Using Advanced Settings The “Advanced” section of the Wireless Broadband Router’s MegaControl Panel is intended primarily for more advanced users. Some changes to settings within this section could adversely affect the operation of the Router and the local network, and should be made with caution. To access the Router’s Advanced Settings, click Advanced at the top of the Home screen, which generates the “Advanced”...
Page 111 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Universal Plug and Play - configure Universal Plug and Play settings Firmware Upgrade - download and install new versions of the Router’s firmware Scheduler Rules - schedule firewall activation Date and Time - set the local date and time...
Page 112: About
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings About To view technical information regarding the Router, click About in the Advanced screen. The “About” screen appears, displaying various technical aspects concerning the Router. Configuration File Use the Router’s Configuration File feature to view, save, and load configuration files, which are used to backup and restore the Router’s current configuration: To do this: 1.
Page 113: Restart
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Restart To restart the Router: 1. Click Restart in the Advanced screen. The “Restart” screen appears. 2. Click OK to restart the Router. This may take up to one minute. To reenter the MegaControl Panel after restarting the Router, click the web brows- er’s “Refresh”...
Page 114: Diagnostics
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings Diagnostics The Diagnostics screen can assist in testing network connectivity. This feature pings ( echo) an address and displays the results, such as the number of ICMP packets transmitted and received, round trip time, and success status. To diagnose network connectivity: 1.
Page 115: Mac Cloning
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual MAC Cloning (Media Access Control) address is a unique hexadecimal code that identi- fies a device on a network. All networkable devices have a address. When replacing another network device with the Router, the installation process can be simplified by copying the address of the existing computer to the Router.
Page 116: System Settings
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings System Settings Clicking System Settings in the Advanced screen generates the “System Settings” screen, where various system and management parameters can be configured. System Use the “System” section of this screen to configure the following two option Wireless Broadband Router’s Hostname Specify the Router’s host name by entering it into the this text box.
Page 117 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Local Domain Specify the network’s local domain by entering it into this text box. Actiontec MegaControl Panel Use this section to configure the following: Automatic Refresh of System Monitoring Web Pages Click in this check box to activate the automatic refresh of system monitoring web pages.
Page 118 Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings System Logging Use this section to configure the following system log options. Enable Logging Click in this check box to activate system logging. Low Capacity Notification Enabled Click in this check box to activate low capacity notification (works in tandem with “Allowed Capacity Before Email Notification”...
Page 119 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Allowed Capacity Before Email Notification Enter the percentage of security log buffer capacity reached to trigger an E-mail notification. Security Log Buffer Size Enter the size of the security log buffer in this text box.
Page 120 Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings Auto WAN Detection When activated, Auto Detection causes the Router to automatically search for connection. Enable Logging Clicking in this check box activates automatic detection. PPP Timeout Enter the amount of time (in seconds) before the Router stops attempting to establish a broadband connection.
Page 121: Universal Plug And Play (Upnp)
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) To access the settings perform the following: 1. Click Universal Plug and Play in the Advanced screen. The “Universal Plug and Play” settings screen appears. 2. Click in the “Allow Other Network Users to Control Wireless Broadband Router’s Network Features”...
Page 122: Firmware Upgrade
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings Firmware Upgrade The Router offers a built-in mechanism for upgrading its firmware without losing custom configurations and settings. There are two methods for upgrading the firm- ware: • Upgrading from a local computer - use a software image file pre-down- loaded to the computer’s disk drive or located on the accompanying evalua- tion •...
Page 123 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 2. In the “Upgrade From a Computer in the Network” section, click Upgrade Now. The “Upgrade From a Computer in the Network” screen appears. 3. Enter the path of the software image file, or press the “Browse” button to browse for the file, and click OK.
Page 124 Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings Automatically Check and Send E-mail If “Automatically Check for New Version and Notify via Email” is selected, enter the period of time the Router checks for a new upgrade, and the at which to get the upgrade, in the appropriate text boxes. The Router will then check at each time interval for firmware upgrades and, if one is available, send an E-mail to the E-mail address listed in the System Settings.
Page 125: Scheduler Rules
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Scheduler Rules Scheduler rules are used for limiting the activation of firewall rules to specific time periods, either for days of the week, or for hours of each day. To define a rule: 1. Make sure the Router’s date and time are set correctly. To do this, see the “Date and Time”...
Page 126 Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings 6. Click Add Rule Schedule. The “Edit Rule Schedule” screen appears. 7. Select or active or inactive days of the week by clicking in the appropriate text boxes. 8. If applicable, click New Hours Range Entry to define an active/inactive hourly range.
Page 127: Date And Time
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Date and Time To configure date, time, and daylight savings time settings perform the following: 1. Click Date and Time in the Advanced screen. The “Date and Time” screen appears. 2. Select the local time zone from the drop-down list. The Router can automati- cally detect daylight saving setting for selected time zones.
Page 128: Radius (Client)
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings To perform an automatic time update: 1. Click in the “Enabled” check box in the “Automatic Time Update” section. 2. Select the protocol to be used to perform the time update by selecting either the “Time of Day” or “Network Time Protocol” radio button. 3.
Page 129 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 2. Click New User, which generates the “User Settings” screen. When adding a user, specify the following parameters: • Full Name - The user’s full name. • User Name - The name a remote user will use to access the home or office network.
Page 130: Arp (Address Resolution Protocol) Table
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings 3. Select the “System” and “Security” notification levels in the “System Notify Level” and “Security Notify Level” drop-down lists. ☞ Note: Changing any of the user parameters will prompt the con- nection associated with the user to terminate. For changes to take effect, activate the connection manually after modifying user parameters.
Page 131 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Routing rules can be added, edited, or deleted from the Routing screen. To add a router, click New Route. The “Route Settings” screen appears. When adding a routing rule, the following parameters must be specified: •...
Page 132: Network Objects
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings multicasting enables capabilities over networks and may also be useful IGMP when connected to the Internet through the Router. When an application run- ning on a computer in the network sends out a request to join a multicast group, the Router intercepts and processes the request.
Page 133 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual To define a network object: 1. Click Network Objects in the Advanced screen. The “Network Objects” screen appears. 2. Click Add. The “Edit Network Object” screen appears. 3. Specify a name for the network object in the “Description” text box.
Page 134: Firmware Restore
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings Firmware Restore Firmware restore lets the Router’s firmware return to an earlier version, if the cur- rent version is unstable or does not meet specified needs. Click Firmware Restore from the Advanced screen to generate the “Firmware Restore” screen. The screen displays the “Active Firmware”...
Page 135 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Opening a Dynamic DNS Account To use Dynamic , a free Dynamic account must be opened at http:// www.dyndns.org/account/create.html. When applying for an account, a user name and password must be specified. Have them available when customizing the Router’s Dynamic feature.
Page 136: Ip Address Distribution
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings User Name Enter the Dynamic user name in this text box. Password Enter the Dynamic password in this text box. Host Name Enter the full Dynamic domain in this text box. Wildcard Select the “Wildcard” check box to have any that includes the domain name (here.yourhost.dyndns.org, for example) to connect.
Page 137 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual The host can choose to renew an expiring lease or let it expire. If it chooses to renew a lease, it will also receive current information about network services, as it did with the original lease, allowing it to update its network configurations to reflect any changes that occurred since it first connected to the network.
Page 138 Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings Editing DHCP Server Settings To edit the server settings for a device: DHCP 1. Click the appropriate icon in the “Action” column. The “ Settings” screen DHCP for the device appears. 2. Select the “IP Address Distribution” from the drop-down list. Options include DHCP Server, DHCP Relay, or Disable.
Page 139: Dhcp Connections
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual • Lease Time - each device will be assigned an address by the server DHCP for a limited time (“Lease Time”) when it connects to the network. When the lease expires, the server will determine if the computer has disconnected from the network.
Page 140: Dns Server
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings To define a new connection with a fixed address: 1. Click New Static Connection in the Connections screen. The “ DHCP DHCP Connection Settings” screen appears. 2. Enter a host name for this connection. 3. Enter the fixed address to assign to the computer.
Page 141 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual The Router’s also provides the following services: • Shares a common database of domain names and addresses with the server. DHCP • Supports multiple subnets within the local network simultaneously. • Automatically appends a domain name to unqualified names.
Page 142: Remote Administration
Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings 2. Enter the computer’s host name in the “Host Name” text box. 3. Enter the computer’s address in the “ Address” text boxes. 4. Click OK to save the changes. To edit the host name or address of an entry: 1.
Page 143: Protocols
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Protocols Protocols features a list of preset and user-defined applications and common port settings. Protocols can be used in various security features, such as Access Control and Port Forwarding. New protocols can be added to support new applications or existing ones can be edited when needed.
Page 144 Chapter 8 Using Advanced Settings 3. Name the service in the “Service Name” text box and, if needed, enter a description of the service in the “Service Description” text box, then click Add Service Ports. The ”Edit Service Server Ports” screen appears. 4.
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Page 146: Monitoring The Router
Monitoring the Router The Wireless Broadband Router’s System Monitoring screens display important system information, including: • Key network device parameters • Network traffic statistics • System log • Amount of time since the Router was last started Monitoring Connections 1. Click System Monitoring at the top of the Home screen to display the “Full System/System-wide Monitoring of Connections”...
Page 147: Traffic Monitoring
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Traffic Monitoring The Router constantly monitors traffic within the local network and between the local network and the Internet. You can view up-to-the-second statistical infor- mation about data received from and transmitted to the Internet, and about data received from and transmitted to computers in the local network, by clicking Traffic Monitoring.
Page 148: System Log
Chapter 9 Monitoring the Router System Log The System Log displays a list of the most recent activities of the Router. Click System Log to generate the “System Log” screen. Router Status To display the amount of time since the Router was last started, click Router Status.
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Page 150: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting This chapter contains a list of problems that may be encountered while using the Wireless Broadband Router, and techniques to try and overcome the problem. Note that these techniques may not solve the problem (or problems). Accessing the Router if Locked Out If the Router’s connection is lost while making configuration changes, a setting that locks access to the MegaControl Panel may have inadvertantly been acti- vated.
Page 151 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual LAN Connection Failure • Ensure the Router is properly installed, the connections are correct, and the power is on. • Confirm the computer and Router are on the same network segment. If unsure, let the computer get the IP address automatically by initiating the...
Page 152 Chapter 10 Troubleshooting Are the Router’s Ethernet ports auto-sensing? Yes. Either a straight-through or crossover Ethernet cable can be used. Can I use an 802.11b wireless card to connect to the Router? Yes, the Router can interface with b cards or g cards.
Page 153 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual I cannot access the Router’s Graphical User Interface? What should I do? If you cannot access the Router’s Graphical User Interface, make sure the com- puter connected to the Router is set up to dynamically receive an address.
Page 154: A Quality Of Service
Quality Of Service Network-based applications and traffic are growing at a high rate, producing an ever-increasing demand for bandwidth and network capacity. For obvious reasons, bandwidth and capacity cannot be expanded infinitely, requiring that bandwidth- demanding services be delivered over existing infrastructure, without incurring additional expensive investments.
Page 155 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual The matching of packets by rules is connection-based, known as Stateful Packet Inspection ( ), using the Router’s firewall mechanism. Once a packet matches a rule, all subsequent packets with the same attributes receive the same param- eters, both inbound and outbound.
Page 156 Appendix A Quality of Service Setting Priority Rules To set priority rules: 1. Click Quality of Service on the top of the Home screen. The “Traffic Priority” screen appears. This screen is divided into two identical sections, one for “ input rules”...
Page 157 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Set the following parameters: Source Address - The source address of the packets sent to or received from the network object. To add an address: 1. Select Specify Address from the drop-down list. The screen refreshes and an “Add”...
Page 158: Traffic Shaping
Appendix A Quality of Service Traffic Shaping Traffic Shaping is the solution for managing and avoiding congestion where the meets limited broadband bandwidth. Typical networks use a 100 Mbps network Ethernet with a 100 Mbps interface router. This is where most bottle- necks occur A traffic shaper is essentially a regulated queue that accepts uneven and/or bursty flows of packets and transmits them in a steady, predictable stream so that the net-...
Page 159 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 2. Click Add. The “Add Device Traffic Shaping” screen appears. 3. Select the device for which the traffic will be shaped. The drop-down list includes all the Router’s devices, as well as the option to select all devices in each category (e.g., “All...
Page 160 Appendix A Quality of Service Shaping Classes The bandwidth of a device can be divided to reserve constant portions of band- width to predefined traffic types. Such a portion is known as a shaping class. When not used by its predefined traffic type or owner (for example ), the class will VoIP be available to all other traffic.
Page 161 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Configure the following parameters: Name Enter the name of the class in this text box. Class Priority The class can be granted one of eight priority levels, zero being the highest and seven the lowest (opposite the rules priority levels). This level sets the priority of a class in comparison to other classes on the device.
Page 162 Appendix A Quality of Service Class Rules Class rules define which packets belong to the class. They must be defined in order to associate packets that meet them with the shaping class. Without class rules, the shaping class will have no effect. Each class can have out- bound and/or inbound rules for outgoing and incoming traffic, respectively.
Page 163 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Protocol - Select a specific traffic protocol from the drop-down list, or add a new one. To add a new traffic protocol: 1. Select Specify Protocol from the drop-down list. The screen will refresh and an “Add”...
Page 164 Appendix A Quality of Service for ingress data has the following limitations, which do not exist for outgoing data: • can only be applied to streams ( streams cannot be delayed) • No borrowing mechanism • When reserving Rx bandwidth, it is strictly taken from the bandwidth of all other classes Furthermore, the Router cannot control the behavior of the , which may not...
Page 165 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 1. Click Quality of Service at the top of the Home screen, then click DSCP Settings. The “ Settings” screen appears. DSCP 2. To edit an existing entry, click the appropriate icon in the “Action” column. To add a new entry, click Add.
Page 166 Appendix A Quality of Service 802.1p Settings 802.1p priority marking method is a standard for prioritizing network IEEE traffic at the data link/Mac sub-layer. 802.1p traffic is simply classified and sent to the destination, with no bandwidth reservations established. The 802.1p header includes a 3-bit prioritization field, which allows packets to be grouped into eight levels of priority.
Page 167 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Class Statistics The Router provides accurate, real-time information on the traffic moving through the defined device classes. For example, the amount of packets sent, dropped, or delayed are just a few of the parameters monitored per each shaping class.
Page 168: B Specifications
Specifications General Model Number MI424WR (4-Port Wireless Broadband Router) Standards IEEE 802.3x IEEE 802.3u IEEE 802.11b, g (Wireless) IP version 4 MoCA Two channels ( frequency: 975 z - 1025 z (single channel) WAN M frequency: 1125 z - 1425...
Page 169: Wireless Operating Range
Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual Wireless Operating Range Indoors Up to 91 (300 ft.) Outdoors Up to 533 (1750 ft.) Topology Star (Ethernet) LED Indicators Power, Ethernet , Ethernet (4), Coax , Coax , Internet, Wireless Environmental Power External, 5...
Page 170: Notices
Modifications The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Actiontec Electronics, Inc., may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Declaration of conformity for products marked with the FCC logo – United States only.
Page 171 Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router User Manual 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause unwanted operation. ☞ Note: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance require- ments, the antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to...

ActionTec MI424-WR User Manual

1 Introduction

2 Connecting the Router

3 Configuring My Network Settings

4 Creating a Wireless Network

5 Using Network Connections

6 Configuring the Router's Security

7 Using Parental Controls

8 Using Advanced Settings

9 Monitoring the Router

10 Troubleshooting

A Quality of Service

B Specifications

Quick Links

User Manual

Related Manuals for ActionTec MI424-WR

Summary of Contents for ActionTec MI424-WR

Table of Contents