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Chapter 2: Networking Basics

What is a VPN?

10/100 4-Port VPN Router

•VPN Router to VPN Router

•Computer (using VPN client software that supports IPSec) to VPN Router

The VPN Router creates a “tunnel” or channel between two endpoints, so that data transmissions between them

are secure. A computer with VPN client software that supports IPSec can be one of the two endpoints. Any

computer with the built-in IPSec Security Manager (Microsoft 2000 and XP) allows the VPN Router to create a VPN

tunnel using IPSec). Other versions of Microsoft operating systems require additional, third-party VPN client

software applications that support IPSec to be installed.

VPN Router to VPN Router

An example of a VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN would be as follows. (See Figure 2-1.) At home, a telecommuter

uses his VPN Router for his always-on Internet connection. His router is configured with his office's VPN settings.

When he connects to his office's router, the two routers create a VPN tunnel, encrypting and decrypting data. As

VPNs utilize the Internet, distance is not a factor. Using the VPN, the telecommuter now has a secure connection

to the central office's network, as if he were physically connected.

Computer (using VPN client software that supports IPSec) to VPN Router

The following is an example of a computer-to-VPN Router VPN. (See Figure 2-2.) In her hotel room, a traveling

businesswoman dials up her ISP. Her notebook computer has VPN client software that is configured with her

office's VPN settings. She accesses the VPN client software that supports IPSec and connects to the VPN Router

at the central office. As VPNs utilize the Internet, distance is not a factor. Using the VPN, the businesswoman now

has a secure connection to the central office's network, as if she were physically connected.

For additional information and instructions about creating your own VPN, please visit Linksys’s website at

www.linksys.com.

Figure 2-2: Computer-to-VPN Router VPN

Figure 2-1: VPN Router-to-VPN Router VPN

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Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Router

The Front Panel

10/100 4-Port VPN Router

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Router

The Front Panel

The Router’s LEDs are located on the front panel of the Router.

LEDs

System

Green. The

System

LED lights up when the Router is powered on. If the LED is flashing,

the Router is running a diagnostic test.

Diag

Orange. The

Diag

LED lights up when the system is not ready. The LED goes off when

the system is ready.

Internet

Green. The

Internet

LED lights up when the Router is connected to your cable or DSL

modem.

DMZ/Internet

Green. The

DMZ/Internet

LED lights up when the Router is connected to your cable or

DSL modem when used as an Internet port, and it lights up when the Router is

connected to the hub, switch, or public server when used as a DMZ port.

DMZ Mode

Green. The

DMZ Mode

LED lights up when the Router is using DMZ mode.

1-4 (LAN)

Green. The

LAN

LED serves two purposes. If the LED is continuously lit, the Router is

connected to a device through the corresponding port (1, 2, 3, or 4). If the LED is

flashing, the Router is actively sending or receiving data over that port.

Figure 3-1: Front Panel

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Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Router

The Back and Side Panels

10/100 4-Port VPN Router

The Back and Side Panels

The Router’s ports and Reset button are located on the back panel of the Router.

Reset Button

Reset Button

The Reset button can be used in one of two ways:

If the Router is having problems connecting to the Internet, press the Reset button for

just a second with a paper clip or a pencil tip. This is similar to pressing the Reset

button on your PC to reboot it.

If you are experiencing extreme problems with the Router and have tried all other

troubleshooting measures, press and hold in the Reset button for 30 seconds. This will

restore the factory defaults and clear all of the Router’s settings, such as port

forwarding or a new password.

Ports

1-4 (LAN)

These four

LAN

(

Ethernet)

ports connect to network devices, such as PCs, print

servers, or additional switches.

Internet (WAN1)

The

Internet

port connects to a cable or DSL modem.

DMZ/Internet (WAN2)

The

DMZ/Internet

port can be used in two different ways: a second Internet port, or

DMZ port. When used as an additional Internet port, it connects to a cable or DSL

modem. When used as a DMZ port, it connects to a hub, switch, or public server.

Figure 3-2: Back Panel

WAN1

LAN

WAN2

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Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Router

The Back and Side Panels

10/100 4-Port VPN Router

The power port is located on the right side panel of the Router.

Power

The

Power

port is where you will connect the included AC power cable.

‘

The security slot is located on the left side panel.

Security Slot

The security slot is where you can attach a lock so the Router will be protected from

theft.

Proceed to “Chapter 4: Connecting the Router.”

Figure 3-3: Right Side Panel

Figure 3-4: Left Side Panel

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Chapter 4: Connecting the Router

Overview

10/100 4-Port VPN Router

Chapter 4: Connecting the Router

Overview

To set up your network, you will do the following:

•

Connect the Router to one of your PCs according to the instructions in this chapter.

•

If necessary, configure your PCs to obtain an IP address automatically from the Router, according to “Chapter

5: Configuring the PCs.” (By default, Windows 98, 2000, Millennium, and XP computers are set to obtain an IP

address automatically, so unless you have changed the default setting, then you will not need to configure

your PCs.)

•

Set up and configure the Router with the setting(s) provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) according

to “Chapter 6: Set up and Configure the Router.”

The installation technician from your ISP should have left the setup information with you after installing your

broadband connection. If not, you can call your ISP to request the information. Once you have the setup

information for your specific type of Internet connection, then you can begin installation and setup of the Router.

Notebook with

Ethernet Adapter

PC with Ethernet

Adapter

Figure 4-1: Example of a Typical Network

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