Linksys RT41-BU, User Manual

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1 Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Wired Broadband Router
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wired Broadband Router. This Router will allow your computers to share a high-speed
Internet connection as well as resources, including files and printers.
How does the Router do all of this? By connecting your computers and peripherals to the Router and connecting
the Router to your cable or DSL modem, the Router can direct and control communications for your network. The
Router’s built-in 4-port switch lets you attach four local PCs, or add more hubs and switches as your network
grows. Auto MDI/MDI-X cross-over detection means you don't have to worry about the cable type.
But what does all of this mean? Networks are useful tools for sharing Internet access and computer resources.
Multiple computers can share Internet access, so you don’t need more than one high-speed Internet connection.
Plus, you can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer’s hard
drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks not only are useful in homes
and offices, but also can be fun.
PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is
why the network is called “wired”.
To create your network, install and set up the Router. To guide you through the process, Linksys strongly
recommends that you run the Setup Wizard on the Setup CD-ROM. If you prefer to manually set up the Router, use
the instructions in this User Guide to help you. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of
the Router.
ethernet : an IEEE standard network protocol
that specifies how data is placed on and
retrieved from a common transmission
medium.
lan (local area network): the computers and
networking products that make up the network
in your home or office.