Chapter 1: Introduction; Welcome - Linksys WRK54G (EU/LA) User Manual

Wireless-G Broadband Router

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router. The Wireless-G Broadband Router will allow
you to network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet access, files and fun, easily and securely.
How does the Wireless-G Broadband Router do all of this? A router is a device that allows access to an Internet
connection over a network. With the Wireless-G Broadband Router, this access can be shared over the four
switched ports or via the wireless broadcast at either 11Mbps for Wireless-B or 54Mbps for Wireless-G. In
addition, the WPA standard provides greater security opportunities while the whole network is protected through
a NAT technology. All of these security features, as well as full configurability, are accessed through the easy-to-
use browser-based utility.
But what does all of this mean?
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. 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 are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also 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".
PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the
same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called
a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Wireless-G Broadband Router bridges wireless networks of both
802.11b and 802.11g standards and wired networks, allowing them to communicate with each other.
With your networks all connected, wired, wireless, and the Internet, you can now share files and Internet
access—and even play games. All the while, the Wireless-G Broadband Router protects your networks from
unauthorized and unwelcome users.
You can use the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router, but only if you use a cable modem, or use
a DSL modem with a PPPoE, Static IP, or DHCP account from your service provider or pay a flat monthly fee.
(Please contact your service provider about your type of connection and account if you don't know what you
have.) Users who are charged by the time connected to the Internet, or who use PPTP, RAS, or HBS, must use the
instructions in this guide to help you connect the Wireless-G Broadband Router.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
LAN (Local Area Network): The
computers and networking products
that make up the network in your home
or office
1