Linksys Wireless G Router

This page contains information and links about the Linksys Wireless G Router. The server that hosts this website is behind one of these routers, and I have broadband connections running through two of these routers: one with Clearwire broadband, and another with Eircom broadband.

Please ensure you do not purchase a v5 or v6 neutered version of this router. This is a version of the router that has diminished capabilities, and will most likely not run third party firmware.

The router comes in a box with the router itself, a power adaptor, an ethernet cable, and an installation pack (containing an installation CD and some reading material). Start by installing the installation CD (there are several warnings asking you to do this). The CD contains the following directions:

1. Unplug the broadband modem (obviously, you will be disconnected from the Internet at this point so before you do this, log out of any websites you are browsing, etc.)
2. Disconnect the cable that connects the modem to your computer
3. Connect the modem to the router - plug the cable that you just disconnected from teh computer into the router's Internet Port). Make sure it goes into the Internet Port fully.
4. Plug in the power to your modem
5. Plug in the supplied ethernet cable (the blue cable) into your computer's network port - this is if you want a wired connection (you'll need this to set up the router later).
6. Plug the other end of this cable into one of the Router's ports (numbered 1-4) - in this example let's plug it into port 1
7. Plug the power adapter into the Router's power port. Plug the other end into an electrical outlet.
8. On the Router's front pannel, the Power, Internet and Number 1 LED should be lit. If not make sure the computer, modem and router are powered on, and all cables are securely connected. The Wireless LED may also be blinking at this point..
9. The next step on the CDs instructions checks the computer settings and ensures that everything is set up correctly.
10. Next, the instructions prompt the user to fill in their Internet type. Clearwire users should select DHCP.
11. Next, the user is prompted to enter a new password - you are strongly urged to do this, as everyone knows the default password is 'admin'
12. The program now tests the Internet Connection. This might not work first time, if it doesn't, try unplugging the Router for a minute and try it again after plugging it back in (this worked for me with Clearwire).
13. Next the instructions offer the choice of using SecureEasySetup. These instructions skip that step and set things up manually
    1. Set the Wireless Network Name (SSID) - change the default name
    2. Set the Channel
    3. Set the Form of Security - e.g. WPA Personal with TIKP. Select a shared key. You will need these settings when setting up your client connections.

Obviously your computer must have a WiFi card for this to work.

In order to connect to the Router using a wireless client (e.g., laptop) follow these instructions:

1. In Windows 2000 and above: select Start→Settings→Control Panel→Network Connections→Wireless Network Connection. This will open up a dialog box showing you the available wireless networks.
2. Click on “Change advanced settings” and select the “Wireless Networks” tab.
3. Click on the Add… button
4. Select WPA-PSK under Network Authentication, TKIP under Data encryption, and enter your network key (which you selected above). Now Press OK to return to the previous window. Press OK on this window.
5. In a few seconds your laptop should be connected. If not, recheck your settings, and if necessary open Wireless Network Connections again and select the Wireless Network Name that you chose during the setup process above. Press Connect.