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Configuring the Linksys WRT54GS Router for wifi

Basic ADSL Router setup






The full GUI can be accessed at http://ui.linksys.com/WRT54G/v1-v4/4.20.7/index.htm
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 The router will work out of the box, but has none of the security functions enabled as standard. It should be connected by Cat5 or 5e ethernet cable between a modem and the computer network as its job is to manage traffic and protect the network with its built-in firewall.

Configuring the WRT54GS is quite straightforward thanks to its user-friendly web interface. To access it enter; http://192.168.1.1 into your web browser. You will be prompted to enter a username and password. Enter admin for both, you will be changing this later.


Router Name

This image above is of the first web interface showing the basic configuration settings. Nothing needs to be changed here for most home user setups, but I suggest changing the Router Name to something meaningful and changing the Time Zone. If you have made any changes, click Save at the bottom to enable the changes. You will need to do this on each page if you make amendments to the configuration.

Wireless Network

The next tab is for the wireless connection if you have one. Disable it if you don’t have a wireless connection, no need to offer free Internet access for your neighbours! If you do have wireless, the settings are pretty straightforward. Wireless Network Mode needs to reflect the wireless device that you want to connect to the router. If it’s an older device, Mixed mode would be good here. If a newer one, then 802.11G will offer the best speeds. The exact mode should appear somewhere in the device's manual or setup options.
Change the Wireless Network Name or SSID to something meaningful to you. If you live in a built up area, there may be several wireless devices competing for the airwaves so having a name you recognize will make it easier for you and your devices to connect. Set the Wireless Channel to anything you like, ensuring you set the wireless device to the same channel.
Select the Wireless Security Tab near the top to bring up a new screen.


Security Mode

The Security Mode should be set to WPA2 Personal if your wireless device can use it. As the image shows, the default is WEP, which is okay but relatively easy to defeat. WPA2 is one of the best types of wireless security available to home users. Set the WPA2 Encryption to the highest your devices can handle and set a Passphrase. This can be anything you like, the more complicated the better, but you have to remember what it is in order to be able to program your devices with it. They need the passphrase in order for the router to allow them access to the network. Save again if you made changes and then choose the Security tab.
The most important basic configuration change is to enable the firewall. While the built in firewall is good, it is still a good idea to have another one on each device that connects to the network as added protection.


Security and Freedom

For the maximum security, enable all options in the Security tab and save. While not foolproof, the firewall is an effective first defence for your network.
Lastly, select the Administration tab in order to change the password. Set the Router Password to something complicated but memorable, disable Remote Management and save the settings.
Following these few steps will secure your router while still allowing you the freedom to use the internet and wireless as you want to. Your router and network are now protected and ready for use!



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Unknown said…
You are posting a informative knowledge in your blog, i love to read it and i cleared my basic concept about linksys support. Thanks for sharing.
April 26, 2013 at 3:36 AM
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