networking tools, router, wireless networking, Cisco, Linksys, VoIP: April 2009

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Router Configuration - ISP Configuration - Static IP Address

When following these instructions, the computer should be connected directly to the Modem via Ethernet, and able to get online. After verifying that the computer is able to get online please follow these instructions per the Operating system that the computer is using:

Windows XP/2000
1. Click on the Start menu, then click on the Run option.
2. When the "Run" window opens, input control ncpa.cpl into the "Open" field, then click on the OK button.
3. Double click on the Local Area Connection that controls the Internet Connection.
4. The "Local Area Connection Status" window will open, click on the Properties button.
5. When the "Local Area Connection Properties" window opens, click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) then click on the Properties button.
6. The "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties" window should appear, take note of the following:

The option should be set to "Use the following IP Address", if not then make sure that this is the Local Area Connection that represents the Internet Connection, if it is, then please see the Dynamic Setup area.
o IP Address
o Subnet Mask
o Default Gateway
o Preferred DNS server
o Alternate DNS server

7. After taking note of the fields indicated, change the option to Obtain an IP Address automatically, then click on the OK button, then click OK or Close on the "Local Area Connection Properties" window.

Windows 98/ME
1. Click on the Start menu and click on the Run option.
2. When the "Run" window opens, input control netcpl.cpl into the "Open" field then click on the OK button.
3. When the "Network" window opens, double click on the TCP/IP for the Network Adapter that the static IP address is going to be assigned to.

This should be set to "Specify an IP Address", if it is set to "Obtain an IP address automatically" then please make sure that the proper Network Adapter, else please see the Dynamic Setup area.
o IP Address
o Subnet Mask
o After taking note of this information click on the option for Obtain an IP Address automatically, then click on the Gateway tab.
o Installed Gateway
o After taking note of the default gateway click on the Installed Gateway and click on the Remove button, then click on the DNS Configuration tab.
o DNS Server Search Order

4. After taking note of this information, please click on the OK button, and click on the OK button again on the "Network Properties" window, and Windows will prompt for a restart, click on the Yes option when prompted to restart.

Connecting the Router
to the PC & Modem

1. Before connecting to the router, connect the PC directly to the Modem via Ethernet (NOT via USB) and make sure that the Internet Connection is Working. If it is not working then please call the ISP, else Shut down the PC and unplug the power from Modem.
2. After powering down the PC and Modem, disconnect the Ethernet cable that is plugged into the back of the PC and input the cable into the routers Internet port (The Router should be powered down at this point).
3. Next, take the Ethernet cable that came with the Router and connect it to the back of the PC, then take the other end and connect it to Port 2 on the back of the router.
4. Power up the Modem and wait for the lights to stop blinking.
5. When the Modems lights stop blinking, power up the Router.
6. After powering up the Router, power up the PC.

Configuring the Router

Accessing the Routers Setup Page

1. After connecting the router, open a Web Browser (Such as Internet Explorer or Netscape)
2. When the browser opens, go to the "Address" bar and input the Routers IP Address (The Routers default IP Address is 192.168.1.1) then click on the Go button or hit the [Enter] key.
3. A window will pop up prompting for a "User Name" and "Password", leave the "User Name" blank and input the Routers password (admin is the routers default Password) then click on the OK button.
4. After inputting the Password, the "Setup" page should appear.

Configuring the Router

1. On the "Setup" page, set the "Internet Connection Type" to Static IP.
2. The page should refresh, and several fields will appear:
* IP Address: This will be the IP Address that was noted in the section.
* Subnet Mask: This will be the "Subnet Mask" that was noted in the section.
* Default Gateway: This will be either the "Default Gateway" or "Installed Gateway" that was noted in the section.
* Primary & Secondary DNS: These will be either the "Preferred/Alternate DNS Servers" or "DNS Sever Search Order" that were noted in the section.
3. When the Static IP information has been set, click on the Save Settings option on the bottom of the page, click on the Continue button if prompted.
4. After setting the "Internet Connection Type", click on the MAC Address Clone sub tab under the "Setup" area.
5. When the "MAC Address Cone" area appears, set the option to Enable or Enabled then click on the Clone or Clone my PC's MAC Address button.
6. When the MAC Address appears in the "MAC Clone Address" area, click on the Save Settings option at the bottom of the screen, and click on the Continue if prompted. Read More..

Monday, April 20, 2009

LinkSys Router Setup Guide, step by step

Physical Setting of a LinkSys Router Setup

Almost each model of LinkSys router will differ slightly, but the general design is similar across all models. Therefore, the setup is similar across all models.

Attach the antennas to the router (if your LinkSys router support wireless) d
Plug the Ethernet cable from your broadband Internet provider into the port labeled "Internet", in several router is known "WAN"
Plug another Ethernet cable into one of the available ports, it's named "LAN"
Plug the other end of that same cable from "LAN" into an Ethernet port on your PC
Set your PC on automatic IP Address

LinkSys Router Configuration

LinkSys routers now ship with a Setup Wizard which is intended to simplfy basic configuration tasks.

We do not recommend the LinkSys Setup Wizard for two reasons:

The Setup Wizard is not significantly easier that the regular configuration menus
If you use the Setup Wizard, you will end up learning two interfaces for your LikSys router instead of just one

Instead, we recommend simply starting your web browser and jumping into the configuration.

After physic configuration, your PC will assigned an IP address from Router's DHCP, check it with typing IPCONFIG from your CMD.

Once your web browser is open, go to the URL http://192.168.1.1/ [enter] This will take you to a popup box which asks you to enter a username and password.

The username is either blank or "admin" and the default password is "admin".

Once you are past the login screen, you are able to access (and change) a plethora of configuration options for your router.

Don't be worried by the enormous number and variety of options, your LinkSys router ships with default settings that enable it to work right out of the box in most environments.

From here the configuration options that you choose are largely up to your own personal preference.

If this is a wireless router, we recommend that you consider setting an SSID to identify the router as your own and configuring WEP to encrypt your wireless traffic.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Efficient Networks 120-5871-002 Speedstream Business Class DSL Router

Price: $29.95

Details

Technical Details

Flexible, all-in-one router/security solution
Built-in firewall protection
Compatible with all broadband connection methods
Transfer rate of 10 Mbps

Cisco Small Business Pro SPA2102 Phone Adapter with Router - VoIP phone adapter - EN, Fast EN

Price: $79.99

Details

Easy to install, and simple to use, the Cisco SPA2102 Phone Adapter with Router connects a standard telephone or fax machine to an IP-based data network. Voice over IP (VoIP) service providers can offer residential and business users traditional and enhanced communication services via the customer's broadband connection to the Internet.The Cisco SPA2102 features two basic telephone ports to connect existing analog phones or fax machines to a private branch exchange (PBX) system. It also includes two 100BASE-T RJ-45 Ethernet interfaces to connect to a home or office LAN, as well as an Ethernet connection to connect a broadband modem or router (WAN). Each phone line can be configured independently via software controlled by the service provider or the end user. With the SPA2102, users are able to protect and extend their investment in their existing analog telephones, conference speakerphones, and fax machines, as well as control their migration to IP with an extremely affordable, reliable solution.

Cisco Small Business RV042 VPN Router - Router + 4-port switch - EN, Fast EN

Price: $324.99

Details

Network connections are the backbone of business connections. Cisco Small Business RV042 Virtual Private Networking (VPN) Router supports up to four wired and 50 off-site connections. The latter allows users to connect into your network with secure access to your files and intranet.The RV042 comes with dual Internet ports that can serve as a failsafe system for 24/7 network uptime, or as a secondary connection to a separate Internet provider. Whether they're used for backup or speed boosting, the router's networking hardware will keep bottlenecks away from your network, period. 10/100 Ethernet switch to connect four PCs directly, or you can connect more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need.The Virtual Private Network (VPN) capability creates encrypted "tunnels" through the Internet, allowing up to 30 remote office or traveling users to securely connect into your office network from off-site. Users connecting through a VPN tunnel are attached to your company's network - with secure access to files, e-mail, and your intranet - just as if they were in the building. You can also use the VPN capability to allow users on your small office network to securely connect out to a corporate network.The 10/100 4-Port VPN Router can serve as a DHCP Server, and has a powerful SPI firewall to protect your PCs against intruders and most known Internet attacks.

Cisco Small Business RVS4000 Gigabit Security Router - Router + 4-port switch - EN, Fast EN, Gigabit EN - Linux

Price:$127.75

Details

The Cisco RVS4000 Gigabit Security Router delivers secure, high-speed network access with switching capabilities to help staff in small businesses safely connect to required resources. IPsec VPN capabilities allow employees working remotely to access files and email as securely as if they were in the office.Fast Gigabit speeds, internally and externally, allow your employees to send and receive large files quickly and easily. Strong security features include a proven firewall with an intrusion prevention system (IPS) that scans deep - detecting and blocking most worms, Trojan horses, and denial-of-service attacks. Business Series is the affordable, reliable, high quality networking solution that helps you do business smarter. Secure and easy to install and maintain, its built to grow with your business.As broadband speeds increase most 10/100 gateways do not have the power to support those higher data rates, and thus become the bottleneck in the network. The RVS4000 10/100/1000 4-Port VPN Router works at Gigabit speeds to meet the demands of today's networks. It features Linksys' proven SPI Firewall with an integrated Intrusion Detection and Prevent System (IDS/IPS).Its built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100/1000 Ethernet switch can connect up four PCs directly, or additional hubs and switches.

Cisco Small Business Pro SPA2102 Phone Adapter with Router - VoIP phone adapter - EN, Fast EN

Price: $112.30

Details

Peplink Balance 380 Enterprise Grade Multi-WAN Router

Price: $1,890.00

Details

Technical Details

Link Aggregation & Load Balance: Faster, more reliable Internet made easy.
Enterprise-Grade Performance: Maximum throughput of 175Mbps housed in a 1U, 19" rack-mountable chassis.
Drop-in Mode: Easy, transparent installation
VoIP, SIP, and Vonage® Support: Fully compatible with major SIP-based VoIP providers. Enjoy your calls.
Integrated DNS Support: of NS, A, MX, CNAME and TXT records