Page 1: Broadband Router
Broadband Router Model #: RI408 Firmware Version: 4.0.16.1.44.11 User Manual Ver 1.0 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 Screen 3 Configuring My Network Settings Accessing My Network Using My Network 4 Using Network Connections Network (Home/Office) Ethernet Connection...
Page 3 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 7 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 Users ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Table Routing...
Page 4: Introduction
Ethernet ports, making it one of the most versatile routers available. If you want to take your home or office networking to the next level, the Actiontec Broadband Router is sure to be one of the keys to your success.
Page 5: Minimum System Requirements
Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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 or higher network protocol installed on each computer...
Page 6: Getting To Know The Router
Chapter 1 Introduction Port forwarding support QoS support (end to end layer 2/3) featuring Diffserv, 802.1p/q prioriti- zation, configurable upstream/downstream traffic shaping, random early detection and pass-through of -side s, and queuing to DSCP -side devices Remote management and secured remote management using HTTPS Reverse Static...
Page 7 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Power Light The Power light displays the Router’s current status. If the Power light glows steadily green, the Router is receiving power and fully operational. When the Power light flashes rapidly, the Router is initializing. If the Power light is not illu-...
Page 8 Chapter 1 Introduction Rear Panel The rear panel of the Router features ten ports (Ethernet [8], Broadband, and Power), as well as a Reset button and Power switch. O F F R e s e t Ethernet Ports (8) The Ethernet ports connect devices to the Router via Ethernet cables to create a local area network ( ).
Page 9 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Power Switch The Power switch powers the Router on and off. Power Port The Power port connects the Router to an electrical wall outlet via the Power cord. Caution: Do not unplug the Power cord from the Router dur- ing the reset process.
Page 10: 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.
Page 11: Configuring The Router
Actiontec 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 12 Chapter 2 Connecting the Router 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). Write the new user name and password down on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe place, since they will be needed to access the Router’s MegaControl Panel™...
Page 13 Actiontec 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 14: Computer Network Configuration
Network server. The Router is set up, by default, with an DHCP 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 15 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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 16: Home Screen
Chapter 2 Connecting the Router Home Screen 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 17: Network Status
Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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.
Page 18: Configuring My Network Settings
Configuring My Network Settings Once the 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 19: Using My Network
Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Using My Network Various settings can be accessed for a particular device from the My Network col- umn, as explained below. 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 20 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 21 Actiontec 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 22 Chapter 3 Configuring My Network Settings 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 23 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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” and click Add. Then, add a schedule rule (for more details about schedule rules, see the “Advanced Settings”...
Page 24 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 25 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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” screen. To display the screen, click Timeout for Inactive Device.
Page 26: Using Network Connections
Using Network Connections The Broadband Router supports various local area network ( ) and wide area net- work ( , on Internet) connections via Ethernet. The Network Connection screens of the Router’s MegaControl Panel are used to configure the various parameters of the Router’s network and Internet connections, and create new connections.
Page 27: Network (Home/Office)
Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Network (Home/Office) Select Network (Home/Office) in the Network Connections screen to generate the “Network (Home/Office) Properties” screen. This screen displays a list of the local network’s properties. The only modifications that can be made from this screen are disabling the connection (by clicking Disable) or renaming the connec- tion (by entering a new name in the “Rule Name”...
Page 28 “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 29 Actiontec 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 30 Chapter 4 Using Network Connections Action The “Action” column contains an icon that, when clicked, generates the configuration screen of the particular device. DNS Server Domain Name System ( ) is the method by which website or domain names are translated into addresses.
Page 31 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 5. If Windows Internet Naming Service ( ) is being used, enter the WINS WINS server address in the “ Server” text boxes. 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 32 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 33: Ethernet Connection
Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Ethernet Connection An Ethernet connection connects computers to the Router using Ethernet cables, either directly or via network hubs and switches. Click Ethernet in the Network Connections screen (if needed, click Advanced at the bottom of the screen to reveal the “Ethernet”...
Page 34 “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 35 DHCP 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” screen,...
Page 36: Broadband Ethernet Connection
Chapter 4 Using Network Connections 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 37 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 38 Chapter 4 Using Network Connections Internet Protocol This section includes 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 has no address. This is useful if the connection is operating under a bridge.
Page 39 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 40 Chapter 4 Using Network Connections 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 41 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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 42: Wan Pppoe
Chapter 4 Using Network Connections WAN PPPoE Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet ( ) relies on two widely accepted PPPoE standards: Point-to-Point Protocol and Ethernet. enables Ethernet net- PPPoE worked computers to exchange information with computers on the Internet. PPPoE supports the protocol layers and authentication widely used in and enables a point-to-point connection to be established in the normally multipoint archi- tecture of Ethernet.
Page 43 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 “Disabled,”...
Page 44 Chapter 4 Using Network Connections 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. Since this is connection, “ ” is displayed. Maximum Transmission Unit) specifies the largest packet size MTU ( permitted for Internet transmission.
Page 45 Actiontec 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 46 Chapter 4 Using Network Connections 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. Require Selecting this option insures a connection with a peer using the com- pression algorithm.
Page 47 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual • NAT - Select this option to activate Network Address Translation ( which translates addresses to a valid, public address on the Internet. adds security, since the addresses of the devices on the network are not transmitted over the Internet.
Page 48: Configuring The Router's Security
Configuring the Router’s Security The Broadband Router’s security suite includes comprehensive and robust security services: Stateful Packet Inspection, a firewall, user authentication protocols, and password protection mechanisms. These features allow users to connect their com- puters to the Internet and be protected from the security threats. The Router’s firewall is the cornerstone of the Router’s security suite.
Page 49 Actiontec 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 50: General
Chapter 5 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 51 Actiontec 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 52: Access Control
Chapter 5 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 53 Actiontec 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 54 Chapter 5 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 55: Port Forwarding
Actiontec 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 56 “ 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 57: Dmz (Demilitarized Zone) Host
Actiontec 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 58: Port Triggering
Chapter 5 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 59: Remote Administration
Actiontec 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 60 Chapter 5 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 61: Website Blocking
Actiontec 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 62 Chapter 5 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 63: Static Nat
Actiontec 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 64: Advanced Filtering
Chapter 5 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 65 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Inbound Packets - Input Rule Sets • Initial rules • All rules defined for the network device on which the packet is • Local servers rules from the local server tab in the security screen •...
Page 66 Chapter 5 Configuring the Router’s Security There are numerous rules automatically inserted by the firewall in order to provide improved security and block harmful attacks. 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...
Page 67 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Operation This is where the action the rule will take is defined. Select one of the following radio buttons: • Drop - Deny access to packets that match the source and destination addresses and protocol ports defined in “Matching.”...
Page 68: Security Log
Chapter 5 Configuring the Router’s Security Security Log The security log displays a list of firewall-related events, including attempts to establish inbound and outbound connections, attempts to authenticate at an administrative interface (MegaControl Panel or Telnet terminal), firewall configura- tion, and system start-up. To access the security log, select Security Log from any Security screen.
Page 69 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Event-Type Displays a textual description of the event. Details The “Details” column displays more information about the packet or the event, such as protocol, addresses, ports, etc. The following are the available event types that can be recorded in the security log: •...
Page 70 Chapter 5 Configuring the Router’s Security • Trusted device - a packet from a trusted device has been accepted. • Default policy - a packet has been accepted/blocked according to the default policy. • Remote administration - a packet designated for the Router management has been accepted/blocked.
Page 71 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual • Router initiated traffic - all traffic the Router initiates is recorded. • Maximum security enabled service - a packet has been accepted because it belongs to a permitted service in the maximum security level.
Page 72 Chapter 5 Configuring the Router’s Security • Wildcard connection hooked - debug message regarding connection. • Connection closed - debug message regarding connection. • Echo/Chargen/Quote/Snork protection - a packet has been blocked due to Echo/Chargen/Quote/Snork protection. • First packet in connection is not a SYN packet - a packet has been blocked due to a connection that started without a packet.
Page 73 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Security Log Settings To view or change the security log settings: 1. Click Settings in the Security Log screen. The “Security Log Settings” screen appears. 2. Select the type of activities that will generate a log message: •...
Page 74 Chapter 5 Configuring the Router’s Security 4. Click in the “Remote Administration Attempts” check box to write a log mes- sage for each remote-administration connection attempt, whether successful or not. 5. Click in the “Connection States” check box to track connection handling by the firewall and Application Level Gateways ( 6.
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Page 76: 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 Broadband Router’s Parental Controls allows users to regulate, control, and monitor Internet access. By classifying and categorizing online content, it is possible to create numerous Internet access policies and easily apply them to networked computers.
Page 77: Creating A Filtering Policy
Actiontec 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 78 Chapter 6 Using 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 79 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 4. Enter a name for the new policy in the “Rule 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 80 Chapter 6 Using 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 81: Advanced Options
Actiontec 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 82: Statistics
Chapter 6 Using 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 84: Using Advanced Settings
Using Advanced Settings The “Advanced” section of the 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 85 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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 Users - create and manage remote users ARP Table - display active devices and their addresses, etc.
Page 86: About
Chapter 7 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 87: Restart
Actiontec 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 88: Diagnostics
Chapter 7 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 89: Mac Cloning
Actiontec 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 90: System Settings
Chapter 7 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 Broadband Router’s Hostname Specify the Router’s host name by entering it into the this text box.
Page 91 Actiontec 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 92 Chapter 7 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 93 Actiontec 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 94 Chapter 7 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 95: Universal Plug And Play (Upnp)
Actiontec 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 Broadband Router’s Network Features”...
Page 96: Firmware Upgrade
Chapter 7 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 97 Actiontec 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 98 Chapter 7 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 99: Scheduler Rules
Actiontec 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 100 Chapter 7 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 101: Date And Time
Actiontec 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 102: Users
Chapter 7 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 103 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 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. This entry is case-sensitive.
Page 104: Arp (Address Resolution Protocol) Table
Chapter 7 Using Advanced Settings ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Table Clicking ARP Table in the Advanced screen generates the “ Table” screen. This screen displays the addresses of each connection. DHCP Routing Access the routing table rules by clicking Routing in the Advanced screen. The “Routing”...
Page 105 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual When adding a routing rule, the following parameters must be specified: • Rule Name- Select the type of network from the drop-down list. • Destination - The destination is the destination host, subnet address, net- work address, or default route.
Page 106: Network Objects
Chapter 7 Using Advanced Settings Domain Routing Domain routing is used in multi-router local network configurations. Normally, to accesss a device connected to one router from another router on the network, its address must be used. Activating domain routing (by clicking in the appropriate check box) allows the user to access to the computer by name (as well as address).
Page 107 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 2. Click Add. The “Edit Network Object” screen appears. 3. Specify a name for the network object in the “Description” text box. 4. Click Add. The “Edit Item” screen appears. 5. Select the type of network object type from the “Network Object Type” list box.
Page 108: Firmware Restore
Chapter 7 Using Advanced Settings Firmware Restore Firmware restore resets the Router’s firmware to an earlier version, if the current 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 109 Actiontec 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 110: Ip Address Distribution
Chapter 7 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 111 Actiontec 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 112 Chapter 7 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 113: Dhcp Connections
Actiontec 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 114: Dns Server
Chapter 7 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 115 Actiontec 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 116: Remote Administration
Chapter 7 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 117: Protocols
Actiontec 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 118 Chapter 7 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 120: Monitoring The Router
Monitoring the Router The 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 121: Traffic Monitoring
Actiontec 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 122: System Log
Chapter 8 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 124: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting This chapter contains a list of problems that may be encountered while using the 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 125 Actiontec 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 126 Chapter 9 Troubleshooting How do I find out what IP address my computer is using? Windows 95, 98, 98SE, and Me - Select Start, Run, and type “winipcfg.” Press Enter. When the “Winipcfg” window appears, ensure your network device is selected. Windows NT, 2000, and XP - Select Start, Run and type “cmd.”...
Page 127 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual What is the default user name for the Router? The default user name for the router is “admin” and the default password is “password” (all lower case, no quotation marks). When logging into the Router the first time (or after restoring the Router’s default settings), the user is asked to...
Page 128: 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 129 Actiontec 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 130 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 131 Actiontec 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 132: 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 133 Actiontec 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 134 Appendix A Quality of Service TCP Serialization - Enable Serialization from its drop-down list, either for active voice calls only or for all traffic. The screen will refresh, adding a “Maximum Delay” text box. This function allows the maximum allowed trans- mission time frame (in milliseconds) of a single packet to be defined.
Page 135 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual 3. Click the class name to edit the shaping class. The “Edit Class” screen appears. 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).
Page 136 Appendix A Quality of Service • RED - The (Random Early Detection) algorithm utilizes statistical methods to drop packets in a “probabilistic” way before queues overflow. Dropping packets in this way slows a source down enough to keep the queue steady and reduces the number of packets lost when a queue overflows and a host is transmitting at a high rate Schedule By default, the class will always be active.
Page 137 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Destination Address - The destination address of the packets sent to or received from the network object. This address can be configured in the same manner as the source address. Protocol - Select a specific traffic protocol from the drop-down list, or add a new one.
Page 138 Appendix A Quality of Service Ingress Data The Router can control outgoing data fairly easily. It can queue packets, delay them, give precedence to other packets, or drop them. This helps in resolving upload (Tx) traffic bottlenecks, and in most cases is sufficient. However, in the case of download (Rx) traffic bottlenecks, the ability to control the flow is much more limited.
Page 139 Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual The Router provides a table of predefined values, which are mapped to DSCP 802.1p priority marking method. Any of the existing setting can be edited or DSCP deleted, and new entries can be added. 1. Click Quality of Service at the top of the Home screen, then click DSCP Settings.
Page 140 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 141 Actiontec 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 142: B Specifications
Specifications General Model Number 408 (8-Port Broadband Router) Standards IEEE 802.3x IEEE 802.3u IP version 4 Firewall certified ICSA Speed LAN Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing Cabling Type Ethernet 10BaseT: Category 3 or 5 UTP/STP Ethernet100BaseTX: Category 5 UTP/STP LED Indicators Power, (8), , Internet...
Page 143: Environmental
Actiontec Broadband Router User Manual Environmental Power External, 5 , 3A V DC Certifications Part 15, -60959-1 Operating Temperature 0 º C to 40 º C (32 º F to 104 º F) Storage Temperature -20 º C to 70 º C (-4 º F to 158 º F)
Page 144: 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 145 Actiontec 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 RI408 User Manual

1 Introduction

2 Connecting the Router

3 Configuring My Network Settings

4 Using Network Connections

5 Configuring the Router's Security

6 Using Parental Controls

7 Using Advanced Settings

8 Monitoring the Router

9 Troubleshooting

A Quality of Service

B Specifications

Quick Links

User Manual

Related Manuals for ActionTec RI408

Summary of Contents for ActionTec RI408

Table of Contents