Linksys WRT54G - Manual (Page 9)

1 Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
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 over via the wireless broadcast at either 11Mbps Wireless-B or 54Mbps Wireless-G. In addition,
the Wireless-G standard provides greater security opportunities while the router’s switched ports are protected
through Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and a NAT firewall. All of these security features, as well as full
configurability is 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 and 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, Internet access,
even play games. All the while, the Wireless-G Broadband Router protects your networks from unauthorized and
unwelcome users.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Wireless-G Broadband Router, set it up, and configure it
to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Wireless-G
Broadband Router.
LAN (Local Area Network): The
computers and networking products
that make up the network in your home
or office