Knowledge Base

Configuring Linksys WRT54G in Windows XP

• After plugging the device in, turn on the computer.
• Go to Start > Internet Explorer



• Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar.



• At the popup, type admin for the "Password" but leave "User name" blank.



• Next, choose a unique name for your router (something only you would know)and type it into "Router name". Also, set the "Maximum Number of DHCP Users" to 5. Leave all other settings as the default and click Save Settings.



• You will get a screen saying "Settings are successful." Click Continue.



• At the next screen, choose a unique "SSID" that only you would know and choose to Disable the "Wireless SSID Broadcast." Click Save Settings. Leave all other settings as the default.



• Under the "Wireless" tab, select "Wireless MAC Filter." Select Enable and choose to Permit only PCs listed to access the wireless network



• Click on Edit MAC Filter List



• At this point, you must go to Start > Run and type in cmd. Hit enter and then type ipconfig /all into the black box. Write down the physical address. Enter this physical address into the "MAC Filter List" in the appropriate format. Repeat these steps for any computer that you wan to gain access to your router. (If the computer is an Apple machine you must go to System Preferences and open "Network". Select the "Ethernet" tab and write down the Airport ID. Enter this Ethernet ID into the "MAC Filter List" in the appropriate format.) Click Save Settings twice
• Under the "Wireless" tab, select Wireless Security. Choose WEP as the security mode and 1 as the "Default Transmit Key." Next, choose 128 bits 26 hex digits for "WEP Encryption." Enter a unique word for "Passphrase" and click Generate. Write down the 26-digit code next to "Key 1" and click Save Settings.



• Under the "Administration" tab, set a unique strong password (containing at least one number and one special character). Leave all other settings as the default. Click Save Settings.



• You will then be sent a page which says "Settings are Successful".



• Unplug the ethernet cord from the computer and plug an ethernet cord from the wall to the device.
• Restart the computer
• Right click on the wireless icon on the bottom right of your computer screen and choose View Available Wireless Networks



• Select Change the order of preferred networks



• Click Add under "Preferred Networks"



• Enter your SSID and choose Open for "Network Authentication" and WEP for "Data Encryption." Un-check "The key is provded for me automatically" and then enter the 26-digit key you wrote down earlier and confirm it. Leave all boxes unchecked and hit OK.



• Close all windows and restart the computer.
• YOUR LINKSYS WRT54G IS NOW SET UP AND READY TO USE! The internet will now be connected automatically every time you start up the computer.