Installing a Linksys WRT54GS Wireless Router

[ArkiStan]

I'm about to set this baby up and while reading how-to sites on the internet (it's my first time installing a router) several sites highly recommend skipping the installation wizard CD alltogether and configuring it manually in a web browser. But the box has a HUGE, RED sticker that says in BOLD letters, "RUN CD FIRST." What do you recommend?

FYI, I'll be hardwiring (right terminology?) it to my main desktop with cables and only using the wireless for my laptop.


Thanks!
:wavey2:
Stan

[Devhux]

Set your computers up as DHCP, plug in the router, and then point your web browser to 192.168.1.1

The CD is for those who don't know anything about networking. Not needed at all.

[Nija]

I set mine up using the CD. It's way easy mode.

[ArkiStan]

Set your computers up as DHCP...

is that the same as setting up your internet protocol (TCP/IP) properties to "Obtain an IP address automatically?"

maybe I'll need the CD after all... :hehehmm:

[Cubsfan]

yep, that's exactly what you do. I agree, I wouldn't run the CD. Not sure what it does, but if it installs anything, then that sucks.

What all do you need to do? I have a similar one at home and can walk you though whatever you need. Most likely the only thing you'll need to do is set up wireless I"m guessing. Just make sure you hide your SSID and set up some encryption on that sucker.

[ArkiStan]

thanks guys it's up and running. no more leaching off neighbors' weak signals. and i managed to do it without the CD. it's nice to learn how to do it without the help of wizardry.


What all do you need to do? I have a similar one at home and can walk you though whatever you need. Most likely the only thing you'll need to do is set up wireless I"m guessing. Just make sure you hide your SSID and set up some encryption on that sucker.

thanks for the offer. i've set up SSID and WEP. how do i hide my SSID? do I disable "Wireless SSID Broadcast?"
later on if i have guests over and i want them to use my signal, i'll have to unhide it right?

[bachviet]

Yes and use WPA instead of WEP.

If you know your SSID, you could just manual enter it in the guests' laptops.

You can also set up MAC address filtering.

[ArkiStan]

Yes and use WPA instead of WEP.

If you know your SSID, you could just manual enter it in the guests' laptops.

You can also set up MAC address filtering.

done and done.

thanks everybody. everything went smoothly. i love you guys. :wavey2:

[ArkiStan]

wait. there is also WPA2. is WPA2 better than WPA?

[Markel]

wait. there is also WPA2. is WPA2 better than WPA?
Yes.

[ArkiStan]

thweeeeet.