5

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Layout

Wireless-N Home Router

desktop computers, and USB adapters for your USB connectivity needs. The Router can also communicate with

other devices, such as wireless print servers and bridges.

When you wish to connect your wireless network to your wired network, you can use the Router’s four local

Ethernet ports. To add more ports, connect one of the Router's local ports to any Linksys switch.

With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at

www.linksys.com for more information about products that work with the Wireless-N Home Router.

6

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Home Router

The Back Panel

Wireless-N Home Router

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Home Router

The Back Panel

The Router's ports, where the cables are connected, and Reset button are located on the back panel.

INTERNET

The Internet port is where you will connect your broadband modem.

ETHERNET 1, 2, 3, 4

These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the Router to your wired PCs and other Ethernet network

devices.

Reset Button

There are two ways to reset the Router's factory defaults. Either press the

Reset

button,

for approximately five seconds, or restore the defaults from the Administration - Factory

Defaults tab of the Router's Web-based Utility.

Power

The

Power

port is where you will connect the power adapter.

IMPORTANT:

Resetting the Router will erase all of

your settings (Internet connection, wireless

security, and other settings) and replace them

with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Router

if you want to retain these settings.

Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel

7

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N Home Router

The Front Panel

Wireless-N Home Router

The Front Panel

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

POWER

Green. The

POWER

LED lights up and will stay on while the Router is powered on.

ETHERNET 1, 2, 3, 4

Green. These numbered LEDs, corresponding with the numbered ports on the Router’s

back panel, serve two purposes. The LED lights up when the Router is connected to a

device through the corresponding port. If the LED is flashing, the Router is sending or

receiving data over that port.

INTERNET

Green. The

INTERNET

LED lights up when there is a connection through the Internet port.

WIRELESS

Green. The

WIRELESS

LED lights up when there is a wireless connection. If the LED is

flashing, the Router is sending or receiving data over the wireless network.

SECURITY

Green. The

SECURITY

LED indicates when wireless security is enabled.

The Top Panel

The Router has a button reserved for a future function.

Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel

Figure 3-3: The Router’s Top Panel

Button

8

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N Home Router

Hardware Installation

Wireless-N Home Router

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N

Home Router

Hardware Installation

1.

Make sure that all of your hardware is powered off, including the broadband modem and PCs.

2.

Connect your broadband modem’s Ethernet cable to the Router’s Internet port.

3.

Connect one end of an Ethernet network cable to one of the numbered ports on the back of the Router.

Connect the other end to an Ethernet port on a network device, e.g., a PC, print server, or switch.

Repeat this step to connect more PCs or other network devices to the Router.

4.

Power on the broadband modem.

5.

Connect the included power adapter to the Router’s Power port, and then plug the power adapter into an

electrical outlet. The Power LED on the front panel will light up when the adapter is connected properly.

6.

Power on your PC(s).

7.

Locate an optimum location for the Router. The best place for the Router is usually at the center of your

wireless network, with line of sight to all of your wireless devices.

Proceed to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Home Router”.

Figure 4-1: Connect the Modem

Figure 4-2: Connect a PC

Figure 4-3: Connect the Power

IMPORTANT:

Make sure you use the power

adapter that is supplied with the Router. Use of a

different power adapter could damage the Router.

9

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Home Router

Overview

Wireless-N Home Router

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N Home Router

Overview

Linksys recommends using the Setup CD-ROM for first-time installation of the Router. If you do not wish to run

the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM, then you can use the Web-based Utility to configure the Router. For

advanced users, you may configure the Router’s advanced settings through the Web-based Utility.

This chapter will describe each web page on the Utility and each page’s key functions. The Utility can be

accessed via your web browser through use of a computer connected to the Router. For a basic network setup,

most users only have to use the following screens of the Utility:

•

Basic Setup. On the

Basic Setup

screen, enter the Internet connection settings provided by your Internet

Service Provider (ISP). If you do not have this information, you can call your ISP to request the settings. When

you have the setup information, then you can configure the Router.

•

Management. Click the

Administration

tab and then the

Management

tab. The Router’s default password is

admin

. To secure the Router, change the Password from its default.

•

Wireless. On the Basic Wireless Settings screen, set the basic configuration for your wireless network.

There are seven main tabs: Setup, Wireless, Security, Access Restrictions, Applications & Gaming, Administration,

and Status. Additional tabs will be available after you click one of the main tabs.

Setup

•

Basic Setup. Enter the Internet connection and network settings on this screen.

•

DDNS. Enable the Router’s Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) feature on this screen.

•

MAC Address Clone. If you need to clone a MAC address onto the Router, use this screen.

•

Advanced Routing. Use this screen to alter dynamic and static routing configurations.

Wireless

•

Basic Wireless Settings. Enter the basic settings for your wireless network on this screen.

•

Wireless Security. Enable and configure the security settings for your wireless network.