What's a Network Cable?

Network cables connect PCs in an Ethernet network, so they can share data and resources like printers and Internet access.

Since cables transmit data to and from your PCs, knowing how to use the right cables is the key to enjoying fast, reliable connections.

High-speed cable and DSL modems also use network cables to connect you to the Internet, which is simply one huge global network.

Network cables come in different types and grades, called "categories." Category 5, called "Cat 5" for short, is the most reliable and commonly used type of network cable today. You can buy them at any retail computer store for just a few dollars.

Standard Category 5 "Cat 5" network cables

Cat 5 cables are an example of "twisted-pair cabling," because the wires inside are twisted into pairs.

Cat 5 cables are tipped with RJ-45 connectors, which fit into RJ-45 ports.

RJ-45 ports are the most basic, common type of network interface used to connect two PCs together to share resources. Cable modems and DSL modems also use RJ-45 ports to connect you to the Internet.

RJ-45 ports can be found on network adapters, hubs, switches, your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router.

Straight-Through and Crossover Cables

To tell whether your cables are straight-through or crossover, hold the ends of your cable side by side, with both spring clips facing down.

Straight-through cables have the same order of wire colors in each tip, when held side by side. Most connections use a straight-through network cable.

Crossover cables, on the other hand, show different wire colors when held side by side.

If you are using homemade network cables instead of the store-bought variety, make sure that your RJ-45 ends are securely attached, and that your wires are properly pinned out according to the diagrams above.

What You Need For Your Set-Up

Before setting up your Router, make sure that you have enough network cables to connect your modem to your Router, and each of your PCs to your Router or network.

You'll also need a network adapter installed in each of your PCs.

Some cable or DSL modems use a crossover cable to connect to the Router, so check to see which type of cable your modem uses.

Whenever you finish connecting two pieces of hardware, always check to see that the matching Link LEDs light up. For example, your WAN Link LED lights up to mean that your modem is successfully connected to your Router. There is probably also a Link LED on your network adapter, found on the rear panel of your PC.

It is essential that you use the right cables in connecting your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router, and that you connect all your hardware with securely crimped cabling and properly pinned out ends.

Otherwise, connection problems may persist in your setup.

Now that you've learned about the different kinds of network cables, the rest of this site will simply refer to network cables in general.

HARDWARE SETUP

Connecting Your Cable or DSL Modem to the EtherFast Cable/DSL Router

Now that you have all your package contents and network cables, it's time to set up your hardware.

First, connect the power adapter to the power connector on the back of your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router.

Power Adapter for 4-Port Router

Plug your power adapter into a power outlet.

Using a power strip with surge protection is highly recommended.

Check that your Router is successfully powered up by confirming that the Power LED on the Router lights up.

Power Adapter for 4-Port Router-Link LED is on

Now, you'll need a network cable to connect the cable or DSL modem to your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router using RJ-45 ports.

Plug one end of the cable into the RJ-45 port of your cable or DSL modem, and the other end into the WAN port on your Router.

RJ-45 port on a Cable or DSL Modem

WAN Port on 4-Port Router

WAN Port on 1-Port Router

Make sure that the modem's power adapter is plugged into a power outlet. Power on your cable or DSL modem.

Check to see that the Router's front panel WAN Link LED is on to confirm a successful connection.

Connecting PCs to Your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router

Now that your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router and your cable or DSL modem are connected and powered on, it's time to get your PCs connected. You'll need one network cable for each PC, hub, and switch you plan to connect to the Router's RJ-45 ports.

You may connect your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router to just one PC, or you may connect the Router to an Ethernet network with multiple PCs.

To connect your Router to just one PC, locate the RJ-45 port on your PC's network adapter. Plug one end of the network cable into the RJ-45 port.

RJ-45 port on your PC's network adapter

· Plug the other end of the network cable into a standard RJ-45 port on the Router. All ports besides the WAN port and the Uplink port are standard RJ-45 ports. Use the LAN port on the 1-Port Router, and make sure the toggle switch is set to straight-through mode, marked by (II).

LAN port on 1-Port Router

To connect your Router to a network, locate a standard RJ-45 port on your network hub or switch, which is any port besides the Uplink port. Plug one end of the network cable into that port.

Standard RJ-45 port on a switch

· Plug the other end of the network cable into the Uplink port on the Router.

For the 1-Port Router, use the LAN port to connect your PC and set the toggle switch to crossover mode, marked by (X).

· If you have a 1-Port Router and the only open port left on your hub or switch is the Uplink port, connect the cable to that Uplink port, then to the LAN Port and set your toggle switch to straight-through mode (II).

Standard RJ-45 port on 4-Port Router

· When you use the Uplink port on your Router, do not use the standard port right next to it. Port 1 and the Uplink port share internal wiring and only one can be used at a time.

Using the Uplink port on 4-Port Router

· Check to see that the Link LEDs on your Router for your WAN port and your LAN ports light up. For the 4-Port Router, your LAN port LEDs are labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4.

· Your hub or switch also has Link LEDs that you can check for a successful connection.

Your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router's Link and Power LEDs should light up now, to confirm the successful connection of all your hardware.

Now we'll configure your Router to access the Internet, using your PC's web browser.

CONFIGURATION

Configuring Your Router's Internet Access

First, make sure that you have a working network adapter installed in each of your PCs.

If you use Internet Explorer:

Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, Internet Options, Connections, and the LAN Settings button. Clear all checked settings in this window. Then, open your browser and select the Tools menu. Under Internet Options, click on the Connection tab and make sure that "Never dial a connection" is selected.

If you use Netscape Navigator:

Go to the Edit menu and select Preferences. Go to Advanced, Proxies, and click "Direct Connection to the Internet."

If you are running Windows 95 or 98:

Click on the following tabs and write down the settings you find. Right-click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties. Select "TCP/IP" for your network adapter. Then click Properties.

Click the IP Address tab and select "Obtain an IP address automatically."
Click the Gateway tab. If there are any "Installed gateways," highlight them and click Remove.
Click the DNS tab and select "Disable DNS."
Click OK

If you are running Windows NT:

Write down any settings you see throughout the tabs for future reference. Right-click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties. Click the Protocols tab, highlight TCP/IP, then click on Properties. Click the IP Address tab and select "Obtain an IP address automatically." Remove any gateway settings you see. Click OK.

If you are running Windows 2000:

Right-click on My Network Places. Click on Properties. Double-click on the Local Area Connection icon that connects to the Router. Click on the Properties button. Highlight TCP/IP, then select "Obtain an IP address automatically." Click OK.

Your PC may ask for your Windows operating system files- if so, direct your PC to the location of these files. Now, reboot your PC. When your Desktop appears, click on your Web browser icon to try your Internet access.

If you cannot access the Internet, changing a few settings on your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router should get you connected. Most PCs have settings which prevent immediate connection to the Router, and require further configuration.

Using DHCP
(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

Each time a PC logs on to your network or the Internet, it must be assigned proper IP settings. Your EtherFast Router's DHCP Server feature automatically does this for you. Plus, it reinforces your network security.

By factory default, your Router is DHCP-enabled when you set it up. If you already have a DHCP server on your network, you must disable one of the two DHCP servers.

To disable or enable DHCP, select the DHCP tab in the Setup Window. Select "Disable" or "Enable." If you're enabling it, enter the number of users to be served by DHCP. Click Apply when you're done.

I can't access the Internet.

I can access the Internet.

I need to configure my Router further:

1. Make sure that you do not have any proxy server software (such as LanBridge or Sygate), firewall software (such as ZoneAlarm, BlackIce Defender, or WatchDog), or Internet log-on software (such as Enternet 300 or Ivasion Winpoet) installed.

2. Check your browser's properties. Click here for directions.

3. Ping the Router by bringing up the DOS prompt and typing in "ping 192.168.1.1" - click here to see how.

4. Check your Router for the correct IP address.

If you are running Windows 95 or 98:

Go to Start, Run, type in "command" and press Enter. At the DOS prompt, type in "winipcfg."

If you are running Windows NT or 2000:

Go to Start, Run, type in "command" and press Enter. At the DOS prompt, type in "ipconfig/all."
Check your Router's IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gaateway, and DNS server data to make sure they are correct.

IP Address	192.168.1.2-99
Subnet Mask	255.255.255.0
Default Gateway	192.168.1.1
DNS Server Data	* from your ISP

If all else fails, restore your Router's factory default settings by pressing the "Reset" button with the tip of a pencil or a paper clip. Shut down and power on all your hardware, starting with the PC. Wait 30 seconds between each device to give each a moment to refresh its settings.
After resetting factory defaults on your Router, shut down all your devices starting with the PC. Then try step 4 again, using the "Winipcfg" command, or the "ipconfig/all" command.

If resetting defaults does not display the correct data, try clicking on "Release All," then "Renew All" if you use Windows 95 or 98.

If you use Windows NT or 2000, enter "ipconfig/release," then "ipconfig/renew." Then check your refreshed data by entering "ipconfig/all" again.
If your TCP/IP Settings display the data in the chart above, click here to test your Internet access (Click "Back" to return to this page).

If your TCP/IP Settings still do not display the data in the chart above, click here for More Help.

MORE HELP

User Guide

There's a pdf file of the EtherFast Cable/DSL Router's User Guide under the Help tab of your Setup Wizard's Setup Window.

Common Pop-Up Error Messages

LCP Negotiation Fail: Authentication of PPPoE failed. Double check your username and password.

Conflict of IP addresses: Two users are using the same static IP address, or there are two DHCP servers on the network. Double check your IP address on each PC to make sure each is unique.

Rebooting and Powering Off Your Hardware

While troubleshooting, you may have to reboot and power down your PC to initiate the changes you made to your configuration.

To ensure proper implementation of settings changes, reboot and/or power down your hardware in the following order:

PC
Router
Modem

When you power all your hardware on again, do so in the following order, waiting 30 seconds in between each step, to give each piece of hardware a moment to obtain its IP address:

Setup Window Tabs

The Setup Wizard is comprised of 6 tabs, named below. Each of these tabs has a Help button, where a function is further explained in detail.

Setup

The Setup tab is the first tab where you enter in your PC's information.

Make sure you enter data correctly here: errors may prevent you from connecting to the Router. You can double check your entries under the Status tab.

Password

Setting up a password on your Router is key to keeping your PCs secure.

Your password must be 6 to 63 characters long, with no special characters such as &, /, etc. Try to choose a word that contains mixed numbers and letters, to reduce the possibility of your password being guessed.

Follow the directions to secure your Router with a Password. Click Apply when you are finished to activate the password.

If all else fails to set up your Router successfully, select the "Restore Factory Defaults" button and click Apply.

Status

The Status tab is used to show you the current IP address data that your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router is pulling for your PC.

After entering data under the Setup tab, check here to see whether the information has been processed. Under "PPPoE: Status," you'll see the status of the Router- whether it's "Connected," "Connecting," or Disconnecting."

DHCP

The DHCP tab gives you a button where you can choose to enable or disable the DHCP server. Remember, the DHCP server automatically assigns dynamic IP addresses, which are the values 192.168.1.100+.

Help

This Help section is designed to provide you with extra resources to make the most of our EtherFast Cable/DSL Router.

Here, you'll find a copy of your Router's User Guide, which is also included on hard copy in your package contents for easy reference. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the pdf format of the User Guide, so download it for free from www.adobe.com if you don't already have it installed.

Advanced

The Advanced tab brings up an Advanced window with five Advanced Features tabs, each with fields you can use to configure the respective advanced features.

Firmware Upgrades

Go to your Setup or Status tabs in the Setup window to find the firmware version number. Do not rely on the date of the firmware.

If you need to upgrade your firmware version, connect your cable or DSL modem directly into your PC's network adapter, using the RJ-45 port. Make sure that all your connections are secure and Link LEDs are lit, then download the file from www.linksys.com, under Product Information, BEFSR41, and Latest Firmware Upgrade.

When you're done downloading the entire file, reconnect your cable or DSL modem to the Router, making sure that Link and Power lights come on after each step, and power on your hardware again, using the order described above in "Rebooting and Powering Off Your Software."

IMPORTANT! - If your Internet connection is running successfully, do not download the newest version of the firmware. It will NOT increase your Internet access speed, and can only disrupt your current connection. Download new firmware only if you want to use new features offered in that version.

Useful Web Sites For Router Users

Following are some useful Web sites that you can use to configure and test the features on your Router.

Note: These links are strictly provided as a courtesy to Linksys customers, with the intention of helping you make the most of your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router. Linksys is not responsible for the improper use of application of this information. As the Internet is constantly changing, the following URLs will not necessarily remain valid over time.

www.grc.com Try launching an attack against your Router's ports with GRC's Shields Up! test.

www.practicallynetworked.com Tim Higgin's new site is chock full of useful advice and tips on setting up your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router, plus great insight on the latest hardware available on the market.

www.zdnet.com This site provides you with a speed test, which will test the speed of any modem you’re using, including cable modems, DSL modems, ISDN modems, and even dial-up modems.

Third-party Software Compatibility Charts

http://www.isi.edu/in-notes/iana/assignments/port-numbers
This page gives you a comprehensive listing of the ports to open for each type of third-party software. Or, you can refer to the document below to find the ports that some of the most popular software uses.

If the above URL is changed, go to www.microsoft.com and search for Article # 174904.

Cabling Distance Guide

10/100 Ethernet Networking

Hub to Hub	10Mbps	100 meters 328 feet
Hub to Hub	100Mbps	10 meters 32.8 feet
Hub to Switch	100Mbps	100 meters 328 feet
PC to Hub/Switch	100Mbps	100 meters 328 feet
Print Server to Hub/Switch	100Mbps	100 meters 328 feet
Print Server to Printer	100Mbps	6.25 meters 20 feet

Contact Information

To reach Linksys Technical Support by phone, fax, or email, use the information below. Normal business hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for North America only.

Tech Support	1-949-261-1288
	1-800-326-7114
Sales	1-800-546-5797
Fax	1-949-261-8868

Email	mailto:support@linksys.com
Web site	www.linksys.com
FTP site	ftp.linksys.com

ADVANCED FEATURES

Your Cable/DSL Router has five advanced features:

DMZ Hosting
IP Forwarding
IP Filtering
Dynamic Routing
Static Routing

To use DMZ Hosting, IP Forwarding, and/or IP Filtering, first set a static IP address for your PC(s) by filling in the blanks under the Setup tab:

If you are running Windows 95 or 98:

- Right-click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties.
- Select TCP/IP for your network adapter.
- Click on the Properties button.
- Click on the following tabs:

Under the IP Address, set to "Specify an IP address 192.168.1.2-99."
Under the Gateway tab, enter in a default gateway of 192.168.1.1.
Under the DNS tab, enable DNS Configuration.

If you are running Windows NT:

- Right-click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties.
- Under the Protocols tab, highlight TCP/IP, then click on TCP/IP Properties.
- Under the IP address, set to "Specify an IP address 192.168.1.2-99."
- Under the Gateway tab, enter in a default gateway of 192.168.1.1.
- Under the DNS tab, enable DNS Configuration.

If you are running Windows 2000:

- Right-click on My Network Places.
- Left-click on Properties.
- Double-click on Local Area Connection.
- Click on the Properties button.
- Highlight TCP/IP, then double-click on it.
- Select "Use the following IP address." Then enter the IP address 192.168.1.(2-99).
- Under the Gateway tab, enter in a default gateway of 192.168.1.1.
- Under the DNS tab, enable DNS Configuration.

To use DMZ Hosting, IP Forwarding, or IP Filtering, you must set a static IP address for that PC under the TCP/IP Settings tab.

You can use DHCP and a static IP address at the same time, which ensures that your PC will automatically have an IP address pulled, whether or not you manually assign a static IP address.

The Router uses IP addresses that start with 192.168.1.( ). If the IP address is static, the last number is between 2 and 99. If the IP address is dynamic, the last number is 100 or greater.

For example, 192.168.1.43 is a static IP address. 192.168.1.127 is a dynamic IP address.

To set a static IP address, make sure to enter all four pieces of data below under the Setup Tab of the Setup Window:

IP Address	192.168.1.2 through 99
Subnet Mask	255.255.255.0
Default Gateway	192.168.1.1
DNS Server data	From your ISP.*

*DNS server data can be found under the Status tab of the Router or by calling your ISP. You may have two or three sets of DNS data - enter in all the DNS Server data you have.

On the DNS tab under TCP/IP, enable DNS. In the Host section, enter any name you choose. You can even use your PC's name, which you can find under the Workgroup tab.

Under the Domain Name, enter the domain name of your ISP. In the DNS server, input all the DNS data.

Bring up the TCP/IP configuration window to confirm all the data is entered correctly.

If you are running Windows NT or 2000:

Go to Start, Run, type "command" in the field, and press Enter.

At the prompt, type in "Ipconfig/all," which will display all the TCP/IP data for your PC.

If you are running Windows 95 or 98:

Click on the Start button and select Run. Type in "Winipcfg" and press Enter to access the TCP/IP data for your PC's network adapter.

Note! Make sure you choose your Ethernet network adapter, not your PPP Adapter.

On both of these settings, you should have the data you entered in the TCP/IP settings for your network adapter :

IP Address	192.168.1.2-99
Subnet Mask	255.255.255.0
Default Gateway	192.168.1.1
DNS Server Data	* from your ISP

*DNS server data can be found under the Status tab of the Router or by calling your ISP. You may have two or three sets of DNS data - enter in all the DNS Server data you have.

If a piece of info is missing, go back to the Setup tab and input that data.

DMZ Hosting (Demilitarized Zone)

DMZ Hosting allows one user to be exposed to the Internet, bypassing the Router's firewall security while the rest of the network remains protected.

The DMZ feature exposes a single PC outside the firewall. If you are trying to run video-conferencing or programs that require 10 ports or more to be opened, use the DMZ feature.

Internet gaming and video-conferencing such as NetMeeting are two common uses of DMZ hosting.

Caution! When using the DMZ feature, you do not have firewall protection for that PC.

In the Router Setup window, click on the "Advanced" tab, then click on the "Forwarding" tab.

Enter the IP address of the PC you want to set in the DMZ zone. Click Apply when you're done.

IP Forwarding

If you need to forward more than 10 ports to a specific IP address, set up DMZ Hosting for that PC instead of using IP Forwarding. DMZ Hosting opens up all ports for one IP address.

IP forwarding can be used for email servers, Web servers, PC Anywhere®, Telnet, and more.

Access the Router Setup Window by typing 192.168.1.1 in your browser's Address field.
Once you have entered your correct username and password to display the Setup Window, click on the "Advanced" tab, then click the "Forwarding" tab.
Under the "Forwarding" tab, enter the port(s) that your application uses under the "Service Port" field(s) - type in a number for each of the ports. Both the TCP and UDP ports are activated once you enter a port number in the field.
Then enter the IP address of the PC on the network that you would like the data to be forwarded to. Remember to assign a static IP address to that PC.
Click on Apply.

IP Filtering

Filtering blocks specific users on your network from accessing the Internet by closing ports on your Router's firewall. Filters can be set up either through an IP address or a specific network port.

The Filtering feature can only block users from all Internet access, and cannot be used to block specific sites.

Modifying Filter Settings

Enter the IP addresses you wish to filter into the IP Address fields. Click Apply when you are done. The users with those IP addresses will not be able to access the Internet.
You can also filter users by entering their network port number. Enter the port numbers you want to filter into the port numbers fields. Users who are connected to the Router will no longer be able to access any port number listed there.

Blocking WAN Requests

By enabling the Block WAN Request feature, you can prevent your network from being "pinged," or detected by other Internet users. It also adds another layer of security to your network by hiding your network ports. Both functions of the Block WAN Request feature make it more difficult for outside users to work their way into your network.
Under the "Filters" tab, which is under the "Advanced" tab, select "Enable" and click Apply.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Hardware Troubleshooting

Precautions

Do not place your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router in a hot environment above 104 °F.
Your Router is always on when plugged in since there is no ON/OFF switch. Your modem should always be on when your Router is on. If you disconnect the power supply from the Router, you should also turn off your cable or DSL modem.
Unless you have notebook PCs, it's best to keep PCs where they were originally installed, instead of detaching them and repositioning them in different parts of the network without a good reason to do so.
Whenever you use an Advanced Feature involving opening ports on the Router, make sure that you close them when you complete your task. Opening ports on your Router gives intruders a way into your network. See the www.grc.com site below to test for open Router ports.

Checklist

Check to see if your power supply is plugged into a socket, and that your Power LED is on.
Confirm that all Link LEDs for each of your hardware connections is on (green).
For the 1-Port EtherFast Router, make sure that your LAN toggle switch is set to position (x).
Make sure that all the PCs on your network have unique PC names, and the same Workgroup name.

Quick and Easy Setup Tests

Cat 5 Network Cable Test

Swap out cables to test for faulty cabling.

Crossover Cabling Test

If you have a 1-Port Router, try moving the toggle switch to position (X), as marked on the Router.

Faulty Network Card Test

Plug your cable or DSL modem directly into the RJ-45 port on your PC's network adapter, without using your Router. If your Internet connection is still not up, then it's very likely that your PC's network card is not functional.

Accessing Your Cable/DSL Router from PCs

Open your web browser, e.g., Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

At the top of the page in your browser's Address box, type "192.168.1.1," which is the default IP address of your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router. Press Enter.

A window with Username and Password prompts will appear. Leave the User Name field blank, and type in the default password admin in the Password field. Click OK.

Note! If this window does not appear, check your cabling and Link lights on the Router and network adapters. Or, try pinging the Router from a DOS prompt (under Start, then Run).

Go to Start, Run, and type in "winipcfg" to display the IP information for your network adapter. Highlight your network adapter by clicking on the drop down arrow. Your adapter should show an IP address of 192.168.1.1xx and a Default Gateway of 192.168.1.1.

If you do not get this IP information from the Router, click on Release all, then click on Renew all.

If you do not get a reply, make sure your TCP/IP settings are entered correctly. Check your browser settings and network adapter settings.

If it gets a message detecting proxy settings or tries to dial a connection, check your settings on your browser. It should have the aforementioned settings.

Try to access the Router thru your browser.

Testing Access to Your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router - How to Ping Your Router

To open up a DOS prompt, click on Start, Run, and type in "command." Press Enter.

At the DOS prompt, type in "ping 192.168.1.1," to direct your PC to try accessing the Router.

Your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router should respond with 4 valid ping replies. A single valid reply looks like this: "reply from 192.168.168.1: bytes=32, time 10ms TTL=128."

Possible Ping Error Messages: "Destination host unreachable" - You may have a bad cable connection or a bad network adapter connection. "Request timed out" - Pull up your Setup Wizard and check your Router's settings.

Basic Troubleshooting

Pinpointing the Issue

Most PC and network administrative settings require some modification before connecting to the Internet through your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router and your ISP's unique settings.

Since the cable and DSL markets have yet to be standardized, the majority of PCs, networks, and routers must be manually modified to enjoy high-speed service through your Internet service provider.

If a basic configuration of your EtherFast Cable/DSL Router does not give you Internet access automatically, first determine whether your ISP uses PPPoE, and whether they assign you a dynamic or static IP address for your account.

If you're not sure about your type of IP address and whether PPPoE is used by your ISP, simply call and ask them to confirm this information.

FAQs

Where is the Cable/DSL Router installed on the network?

In a typical environment, the Router is installed between the Cable/DSL Modem and the LAN. Plug the Cable/DSL Router into the Cable/DSL Modem's Ethernet port.

Does the Cable/DSL Router support IPX or AppleTalk?

No. TCP/IP is the only protocol standard for the Internet and has become the global standard for communications. IPX, a NetWare communications protocol used only to route messages from one node to another, and AppleTalk, a communications protocol used on Apple and Macintosh networks, can be used from LAN to LAN connections, but those protocols cannot connect from WAN to LAN.

Does the WAN connection of the Cable/DSL Router support 100Mbps Ethernet?

Because of the speed limitations of broadband Internet connections, the Cable/DSL Router's current hardware design supports 10Mb Ethernet on its WAN port. It does, of course, support 100Mbps over in the auto-sensing Fast Ethernet 10/100 switch on the LAN side of the router.

What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for?

Network Address Translation (NAT) translates multiple IP addresses on the private LAN to one public address that is sent out to the Internet. This adds a level of security since the address of a PC connected to the private LAN is never transmitted on the Internet. Furthermore, NAT allows the Cable/DSL Router to be used with low cost Internet accounts, such as DSL or cable modems, where only one TCP/IP address is provided by the ISP. The user may have many private addresses behind this single address provided by the ISP.

Does the Cable/DSL Router support any operating system other than Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT?

Yes, but Linksys does not, at this time, provide technical support for setup, configuration or troubleshooting of any non-Windows operating systems.

What is DMZ?

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) allows one IP Address (computer) to be exposed to the Internet. Some applications require multiple TCP/IP ports to be open. DMZ allows just one computer to be exposed for that purpose. It is recommended that you set your computer with a static IP if you want to use DMZ.

If DMZ is used, does the exposed user share the public IP with the Router?

No.

How can I play Internet games (i.e., Ages of Empire) with the router?

Enable DMZ in "Advanced Features" of the web configuration screen. For example, if your computer's IP address is 192.168.1.102, enter the last three digits, or "102", in the DMZ field. You may also try using the port forwarding option instead of using DMZ.

Does the Router pass PPTP packets or actively route PPTP sessions?

The Router lets PPTP packets pass through.

What is the maximum number of users supported by the Router?

The Router supports up to 253 users.

Is the Router cross-platform compatible?

Any platform that supports Ethernet & TCP/IP is compatible with the router.

Will the Router function in a Mac environment?

Yes, but Linksys does not provide upgrade programs for Macintoshes. However, you may be able to find some software that uses TFTP for your Macs.

Will the Router allow you to use your own public IPs and Domain, or do you have to use the IPs provided by the router?

The router mode allows for customization of your public IPs and Domain.

How many ports can be simultaneously forwarded?

Theoretically, the Router can establish 520 sessions at the same time, but you can only forward 10 ports.

Can multiple gamers on the LAN get on one game server and play simultaneously with just one public IP address?

It depends on which network game or what kind of game server it is. For example, Unreal Games support multi-login with one public IP.

Does the Router replace a modem? That is, is there a cable or DSL modem in the router?

No. The Router must work in conjunction with a cable or DSL modem.

Which modems are compatible with the router?

The Router is compatible with any cable or DSL modem that supports Ethernet.

What are the advanced features of the Router?

The Router's advanced features include IP Filtering, IP Forwarding, Dynamic Routing, Static Routing, and DMZ Hosting.

What is the maximum number of VPN sessions allowed by the router?

Only one VPN session at a time.

How big is the memory buffer on the router?

512 Kilobytes.

How do I access the Router's set-up pages with a Mac?

The router's set-up pages are accessible to the Mac through the Mac's web browser, which must be Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher, or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher. Use the default address 192.168.1.1.

Can I choose whether to use UDP or TCP on the Router's ports?

No, the Router does not have this feature. UDP and TCP are both automatically activated at the same time when the Router's service ports are specified to be opened.

Does Linksys provide syslog support?

At this time, Linksys does not support syslog.

How can I check whether I have static or DHCP (dynamic) IP addresses?

Consult your ISP to confirm this data.

Does the Router support PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)?

Yes, the router does support PPPoE. The router must have a firmware revision 1.20 or later for PPPoE support. To set up PPPoE support:

Reach the web-based administrative utility by typing "http://192.168.1.1" in your web browser's address line. Press Enter.
A Password window will appear. Type "admin" in the password box and leave the user line blank.
Click Enabled for the PPPoE option and enter the User Name and Password as provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Click Apply, then click Continue.
Click on the Status tab. Scroll down the page. Ensure that PPPoE is Enabled and that its status is selected as Connect.

Why does the Router not obtain the IP address assigned by my ISP?

Make sure that your cable or DSL modem is connected properly.
Try resetting your cable or DSL modem by powering the modem off and on.
If you are using dynamic IP addressing, make sure that your cable or DSL modem is DHCP- capable.
Some ISPs require a MAC address to be registered with them.

If all else fails in the installation, what can I do?

Reset your cable modem or DSL modem by powering the unit off and on.