Linksys RT042 Network Router User Manual


 
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Broadband Router
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Broadband Router. The Linksys Broadband Router with QoS is a kind of "splitter" for
your Internet connection. Just connect your DSL or Cable Modem to the Router, and all the computers in your
home or office can share the Internet at the same time. Use the built-in 4-port switch to attach four local PCs
directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches as your network grows. It has Auto MDI/MDI-X cross-over
detection so you don't have to worry about the cable type.
The Router's QoS (Quality of Service) feature lets you define the amount of the available bandwidth for each of
the devices on your network. This means that you can prioritize time-sensitive data like Voice Over IP phone calls
or streaming media ahead of less sensitive email and web surfing. The dual Internet ports let you optionally
connect a second Internet line for additional bandwidth.
Of course, once your computers are connected to the Internet through the Router, they can communicate with
each other too, sharing resources and files. All your computers can print on a shared printer connected
anywhere in the home. And you can share all kinds of files between computers, like music, digital pictures, and
other documents.
In addition to this, you can control access to the Internet through the Router’s Parental Control features. This
allows you to set a schedule, see what websites and programs are being used, optimize performance, and block
those sites you don’t wish to be accessed.
This user guide will give you all the information you need to connect, set up, and configure your Router.
Ethernet: a network protocol that specifies
how data is placed on and retrieved from a
common transmission medium.
bandwidth: the transmission capacity
of a given device or network.
broadband: an always-on,
fast Internet connection.
browser: an application program that provides a way to
look at and interact with all the information on the Internet.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) : a networking
protocol that allows administrators to assign temporary IP
addresses to network computers by "leasing" an IP
address to a user for a limited amount of time.
firewall: a set of related programs located at a
network gateway server that protects the resources
of a network from users from other networks.
network: a series of computers or devices
connected for the purpose of data sharing,
storage, and/or transmission between users.
router: a networking device that
connects multiple networks together.