Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router. Linksys WRT54GS

Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router

The Back Panel

Figure 3-1: The Router’s Back Panel

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

Reset Button

Internet

1, 2, 3, 4

Power

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 tab - Factory

Defaults in the Router's Web-based Utility.

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

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

The Power port is where you will connect the power adapter.

Important: Resetting the Router will erase all of your settings (WEP Encryption, network settings, etc.) and replace them with the factory defaults. Do not reset the Router if you want to retain these settings.

port: the connection point on a computer or networking device used for plugging in cables or adapters

broadband: an always-on, fast Internet connection

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router

The Back Panel

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Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

The Front Panel

The Router’s LEDs, where information about network activity is displayed, are located on the front panel.

Power

DMZ

WLAN

1, 2, 3, 4

Internet

Figure 3-2: The Router’s Front Panel

Green. The Power LED lights up and will stay on while the Router is powered on. When the

Router goes through its self-diagnostic mode during every boot-up, this LED will flash. When the diagnostic is complete, the LED will be solidly lit.

Green. The DMZ LED indicates when the DMZ function is being used. This LED will remain lit as long as DMZ is enabled.

Green. The WLAN LED lights up whenever there is a successful wireless connection. If the LED is flashing, the Router is actively sending or receiving data over the network.

Green. These numbered LEDs, corresponding with the numbered ports on the Router’s back panel, serve two purposes. If the LED is continuously lit, the Router is successfully connected to a device through that port. A flashing LED indicates network activity over that port.

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

dmz: removes the Router's firewall protection from one PC, allowing it to be "seen" from the Internet

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router

The Front Panel

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