The Router used in this example is a Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router, either Model # BEFSR41 or BEFSR81 can be used. This is the BEFSR81. The difference between the two is the number of ports on the integrated Hub and minor functionality. Check out the Linksys web site for details. These routers are configured through a web based interface. You literally configure these with your Web Browser. The front has several handy LEDs that show the status of all of your connections. Also, these devices have built in and configurable Port Filtering, Network Address Translation (NAT), Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP), a De-Militarized Zone (DMZ), and an IP forwarder.
The "Linky" as it is fondly referred to, bridges two 10/100 Base-T/TX networks. It is typically used to bridge an Internet (WAN) Ethernet network to an Intranet Ethernet network. All computers on the Intranet use the Linky as their Gateway. The Linky has an integrated Hub. To use it, First connect your computer to one of the ports and connect the cable or DSL modem to the WAN port.
To access the Linky's web based configuration, you must first manually set your PC to one of the Router's Intranet IP Addresses, such as 192.168.1.50, 255.255.255.0 with a Gateway of 192.168.1.1 and then reboot your PC. See this page for instructions on how to set TCP/IP properties for your NIC.
After the reboot, open Internet Explorer and browse to 192.168.1.1. If you are presented with this screen, enter the password (Default is admin) User Name is blank.
This is the web based configuration screen. If this screen does not come up, check your NIC drivers and cables.
Enter the IP, Subnet Mask, and DNS addresses given to you by your ISP. Leave the LAN address set to the default 192.168.1.1. Click Apply and save the changes. It is also recommended that you go to the Password screen and set your own password.
At this point, you should be able to browse the Internet.
This device also provides the ability to add non-standard ports for specific addresses for use with popular software such as games and Netmeeting. Additionally, you can configure a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for one computer. The computer assigned to the DMZ has access to all ports.
Firmware Upgrade:
At some point you will want to download the latest Firmware
from Linksys and install it on your Router. If you tried to upgrade
the Firmware in the Router and it failed resulting in the Diagnostic LED flashing red
and you cannot access the setup page or the Internet, then try this procedure to Revive
A Dead Linky. If you follow this procedure, you should be
able to successfully load firmware into your router, even if you think you've
tried everything. Follow the steps exactly and don't
skip any!
1) Set a static IP Address on the Windows PC as following:
IP Address: 192.168.1.50
Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.12) Make sure that you can execute the DOS command: "PING 192.168.1.1".
3) Make sure that the file name of the firmware code, given to TFTP.EXE, is "code.bin". RENAME the firmware file if you have to.
4) Try passwords in this order:
First: Try a blank password,
Second: Try "admin" (don't enter the quotes)
Third: The password you assigned previously5) After successfully uploading the firmware, press the Reset button to clear memory and select default settings.
6) Reconfigure the LinkSys as required to support your Broadband environment.
Alternate method for reviving a dead Linky:
1) Press and hold the Reset button for about 30 seconds
2) Remove power. Wait about 5 seconds. Reapply power.
3) Linky should now be restored to factory default settings and you should be able to load firmware using the default password admin.
