You may have different computers than what are pictured here, but the setup is
similar. The Router lets you share your fast cable or DSL connection among
several computers in your home or business. This is called a Local Area
Network or LAN.
This Fast Start guide gives you the “big picture” of what you need to set up a
basic home or business network. The next three sections explain how you will
set up and configure your equipment to enable shared high-speed access to the
Internet.
Step 1: Connect the Router
Connect the Router to your cable or DSL modem and to your notebook or desk-
top PCs.
Step 2: Configure the PCs
Configure your notebook or desktop PCs to be able to communicate with the
Router.
Step 3: Configure the Router
Do the basics to get the Router to work with your cable or DSL modem and
your ISP’s settings.
Instant Broadband
®
Series
Introduction
Congratulations! Thank you for choosing the Linksys EtherFast
®
Cable/DSL
Router. The Router allows you to set up a home or small business network to
share your high-speed Internet connection.
Why do I need a network? Networks are useful for sharing computer
resources such as printers, files, and CD-ROM drives. Networks are even used
for playing multiplayer video games. So, not only are networks useful in homes
and businesses, but they can also be used for fun.
The most remarkable thing the Router does is to let you share your high-speed
cable or DSL connection to the Internet. The Router connects your LAN (Local
Area Network) to a WAN (Wide Area Network). The Internet is a network that,
being global, covers the widest area of all. All PCs connected to the Router can
share this connection.
How is this accomplished? You will be setting up a simple LAN. Your PCs are
connected via Ethernet cable from an Ethernet adapter (in or attached to your
PC) to one of the Router’s LAN ports. The term “Ethernet” is used to refer to
your network accessories, such as cables and adapters, because Ethernet refers
to the type of network you are setting up.
The Router is then connected to your cable or DSL modem. The Router makes
it seem as if each PC is connected directly to the Internet. Several PCs can then
use one Internet connection simultaneously.
Use the Linksys Router Setup Wizard CD-ROM (English only) or the
instructions in this Fast Start to help you connect the Router, configure your
PCs, and configure the Router.
These instructions will get you up and running quickly using the most basic set-
tings. Once you have access to the Internet, you can get advanced configura-
tion information (for gaming, VPNs, web hosting, etc.) by reading the User
Guide (English only) on the Setup Wizard CD-ROM.
4
EtherFast
®
Cable/DSL Routers
5
Cable or DSL Modem
Cable/DSL Router
(BEFSR41, BEFSX41
or BEFSR81)
PC with Ethernet Adapter
Notebook with Ethernet Adapter
WAN
LAN
This is What You Will Be Setting Up
