Chapter 1: Introduction; Welcome - Linksys RT31P2-NA User Manual

Broadband Router with 2 Phone Ports

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Broadband Router with 2 Phone Ports. This Router will allow your computers to share
a high-speed Internet connection as well as resources, including files and printers. And after you have set up
your Internet phone service, you will be able to make phone or fax calls using the Internet.
How does the Router do all of this? By connecting your computers and peripherals, including phones or fax
machines, to the Router and connecting the Router to your cable or DSL modem, then the Router can direct and
control communications for your network.
But what does all of this mean?
Networks are useful tools for sharing Internet access and computer resources. Multiple computers can share
Internet access, so you don't need more than one high-speed Internet connection. With Internet phone service,
your Internet access can now be shared by your phones or fax machines as well. You will be able to make phone
calls using the account you set up with your Internet phone service provider, even while you're surfing the
Internet. Plus, you can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another
computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks not only are
useful in homes and offices, but also can be fun.
PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is
why the network is called "wired".
To create your network, install and set up the Router. To guide you through the process, Linksys strongly
recommends that you run the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM. If you prefer to manually set up the Router, use
the instructions in the Quick Installation or this User Guide to help you. These instructions should be all you need
to get the most out of the Router.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
lan (local area network): the computers and
networking products that make up the network
in your home or office.
ethernet: an IEEE standard network protocol
that specifies how data is placed on and
retrieved from a common transmission
medium.
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