5

Chapter 2: Planning Your Network

IP Addresses

Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Since you use the Gateway to share your DSL Internet connection, contact your ISP to find out if they have

assigned a static IP address to your account. If so, you will need that static IP address when configuring the

Gateway. You can get that information from your ISP.

Dynamic IP Addresses

A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to a device on the network, such as computers and print servers.

These IP addresses are called “dynamic” because they are only temporarily assigned to the computer or device.

After a certain time period, they expire and may change. If a computer logs onto the network (or the Internet) and

its dynamic IP address has expired, the DHCP server will automatically assign it a new dynamic IP address.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Servers

Computers and other network devices using dynamic IP addressing are assigned a new IP address by a DHCP

server. The computer or network device obtaining an IP address is called the DHCP client. DHCP frees you from

having to assign IP addresses manually every time a new user is added to your network.

A DHCP server can either be a designated computer on the network or another network device, such as the

Gateway. By default, the Gateway’s DHCP Server function is enabled.

If you already have a DHCP server running on your network, you must disable one of the two DHCP servers. If you

run more than one DHCP server on your network, you will experience network errors, such as conflicting IP

addresses. To disable DHCP on the Gateway, see the DHCP section in “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N

ADSL2+ Gateway.”

6

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Ports and Reset Button on Side Panel

Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Ports and Reset Button on Side Panel

The Gateway’s ports and Reset button are located on a side panel.

DSL

The

DSL

port connects to the ADSL line.

Ethernet (1-4)

The

Ethernet

ports connect to your computers and other network devices.

Reset Button

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

Reset Button

,

for approximately five seconds, or restore the defaults from the

Factory Defaults

screen of

the Administration tab in the Gateway’s Web-based Utility.

Power

The

Power

port is where you will connect the power adapter.

IMPORTANT:

Resetting the Gateway to factory

defaults will erase all of your settings

(including Internet connection, wireless, and

other settings) and replace them with the

factory defaults. Do not reset the Gateway if

you want to retain these settings.

Figure 3-1: Ports and Reset Button on Side Panel

7

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

LEDs on Side Panel

Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

LEDs on Side Panel

The Gateway's LEDs, which indicate network activity, are located on the other side panel.

(POWER) button

When you want to power the Gateway on or off, push this button.

POWER

Green. The

POWER

LED lights up when the Gateway is powered on.

WIRELESS

Green. The

WIRELESS

LED lights up whenever there is a successful wireless connection. If

the LED is flashing, the Gateway is actively sending or receiving data to or from one of the

devices on the network.

ETHERNET (1-4)

Green. The

ETHERNET

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

is successfully connected to a device through the Ethernet port. If the LED is flashing, it is an

indication of any network activity.

DSL

Green. The

DSL

LED lights up whenever there is a successful DSL connection. The LED

flashes while the Gateway is establishing the ADSL connection.

INTERNET

Green. The

INTERNET

LED lights up green when an Internet connection to the Internet

Service Provider (ISP) is established. The INTERNET LED lights up red when the connection

to the ISP fails.

Figure 3-2: LEDs on Side Panel

8

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Overview

Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Overview

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 that data. After you have the setup information you

need for your specific type of Internet connection, you can begin installation and setup of the Gateway.

To use a computer with an Ethernet adapter to configure the Gateway, continue to “Wired Connection to a

Computer.” To use a wireless-equipped computer, continue to “Wireless Connection to a Computer.”

Wired Connection to a Computer

1.

Make sure that all of your network’s hardware is powered off, including the Gateway and all computers.

2.

Connect a phone cable from the DSL port on the Gateway’s side panel to the wall jack of the ADSL line. A

small device called a microfilter (not included) may be necessary between each phone and wall jack to

prevent interference. Contact your ISP if you have any questions.

3.

Connect one end of an Ethernet network cable to one of the Ethernet ports (labeled 1-4) on the back of the

Gateway, and the other end to an Ethernet port on a computer. Repeat this step to connect more computers, a

switch, or other network devices to the Gateway.

4.

Connect the power adapter to the Gateway’s Power port, and then plug the power adapter into a power outlet.

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

Power LED will flash for a few seconds, and then it will be solidly lit when the self-test is complete. If the LED

flashes for one minute or longer, see “Appendix A: Troubleshooting.”

5.

Power on one of your computers that is connected to the Gateway.

Go to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway.”

NOTE:

NOTE:

You should always plug the Gateway’s power adapter into a power strip with surge

protection.

Figure 4-2: Connect a PC

Figure 4-1: Connect the ADSL Line

Figure 4-3: Connect the Power

9

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Wireless Connection to a Computer

Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway

Wireless Connection to a Computer

If you want to use a wireless connection to access the Gateway, follow these instructions:

1.

Make sure that all of your network’s hardware is powered off, including the Gateway and all computers.

2.

Connect a phone cable from the DSL port on the Gateway’s back panel to the wall jack of the ADSL line. A

small device called a microfilter (not included) may be necessary between each phone and wall jack to

prevent interference. Contact your ISP if you have any questions.

3.

Connect the power adapter to the Power port, and then plug the power adapter into a power outlet.

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

Power LED will flash for a few seconds, and then it will be solidly lit when the self-test is complete. If the LED

flashes for one minute or longer, see “Appendix A: Troubleshooting.”

4.

Power on one of the computers on your wireless network(s).

5.

For initial access to the Gateway through a wireless connection, make sure the computer’s wireless adapter

has its SSID set to

linksys

(the Gateway’s default setting), and its wireless security is disabled. After you have

accessed the Gateway, you can change the Gateway and this computer’s adapter settings to match your usual

network settings.

Go to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-N ADSL2+ Gateway.”

NOTE:

You should always change the SSID from

its default,

linksys

, and enable wireless security.

Figure 4-4: Connect the ADSL Line

Figure 4-5: Connect the Power

NOTE:

NOTE:

You should always plug the Gateway’s power adapter into a power strip with surge

protection.