7

Chapter 2: Networking Basics

What is a VPN?

10/100 8-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

8

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Router

The Front Panel

10/100 8-Port VPN Router

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Router

The Front Panel

The Router’s LEDs, ports, and Reset button are located on the front panel of the Router.

Ports

1-8 (LAN)

These eight

LAN

(

Ethernet)

ports connect to network devices, such as PCs, print

servers, or additional switches.

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.

Internet (WAN1)

The

Internet

port connects to a cable or DSL modem.

LEDs

Diag

Red. The

Diag

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

system is ready.

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.

Figure 3-1: Front Panel

WAN1

LAN

WAN2

DMZ:

removes the Router's firewall protection from

one PC, allowing it to be “seen” from the Internet

9

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Router

The Back Panel

10/100 8-Port VPN Router

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.

Internet

Green. The

Internet

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

modem.

DMZ Mode

Green. The

DMZ Mode

LED lights up when the Router is using DMZ mode.

1-8 (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, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8). If the LED

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

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.

The Back Panel

The Router’s Power port is located on the back panel of the Router.

Power

The

Power

port is where you connect the AC power cord.

Proceed to “Chapter 4: Connecting the Router.”

Figure 3-2: Back Panel

Boot:

to start a device and cause it to

start executing instructions

10

Chapter 4: Connecting the Router

Overview

10/100 8-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

“Appendix G: Windows Help”. (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 5: Setting up and Configuring 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.

10/100 8-Port

VPN Router

Notebook with

Ethernet Adapter

PC with Ethernet

Adapter

Cable or DSL

Modem

Figure 4-1: Example of a Typical Network

Broadband:

an always-on, fast Internet connection

11

Chapter 4: Connecting the Router

Connection Instructions

10/100 8-Port VPN Router

Connection Instructions

1.

Before you begin, make sure that all of your hardware is powered off, including the Router, PCs, hubs,

switches, and cable or DSL modem.

2.

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

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

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

3.

Connect your cable or DSL modem’s Ethernet cable to the Router’s Internet port. If using the DMZ/Internet

port, connect a second cable to it, and the other end to the network device, e.g., modem or public server.

4.

Power on the cable or DSL modem and the other network device if using one.

5.

Connect the included power adapter to the Router’s Power port on the back of the Router, as shown in Figure

4-4, and then plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet.

The System LED on the front panel will light up as soon as the power adapter is connected properly.

If you need to configure your PCs, proceed to “Appendix G: Windows Help.” Otherwise, proceed to

“Chapter 5: Setting Up and Configuring the Router.”

Figure 4-2: Connect a PC

Figure 4-3: Connect the Internet and DMZ/Internet

Figure 4-4: Connect the Power

Hardware:

the physical aspect of computers,

telecommunications, and other information technology devices