I've never used any of those automated setup tools, and so I don't know
what exactly they do or when they might be useful and when not.
I suggest NOT messing around with a firmware update. The WRT54G v.5
works with DynDNS and TZO out of the box. With respect to the WRT54G,
version numbers such as 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 refer to the *hardware* and not
to firmware. The most recent firmware update for WRT54G versions 5 and
6 is 1.02.2 7/02/2007. This firmware is *only* compatible with these
two hardware versions of the WRT54G.
Reviewing the firmware change log, I see that the only change relevant
to using DynDNS with is version 1.00.2 (9 or 10 revisions ago;
unfortunately, revision dates aren't given). The notes say that this
change "Resolves issue with DynDNS abusive updates," so if you will be
using DynDNS, you ought to ensure that you have this or more recent
firmware.
In any event, you should regain access to the router's configuration
utility. Among other things, you really should be using WPA or WPA2
encryption. WEP encryption can be cracked using easily-available tools
in less than 5 minutes.
The default method for gaining access is to leave the User name blank
and to use "admin" (all lower case) for the password. If this doesn't
work, you will have to reset to factory defaults. To do so, press and
hold the reset button for about 10 seconds.
If you reset the router you will have to do the following things, all of
which can be done manually, if you think that you'll have difficulty
using the "Secure EZ Setup" button and the Setup Wizard CD-ROM (and, of
course, this method *only* works if all of the other wireless devices
are compatible with the Linksys "Secure EZ Setup" -- and not all are).
Read Chapter 3 of the User Guide, which should be on the CD or can be
downloaded from Linksys.
1. You will have configure the way that the router connects to your
ISP. If you have cable, your ISP *probably* supplies you with an IP
automatically with DHCP. The default configuration of the WRT54G is to
use this. If you have DSL, your ISP probably uses PPPoE, which requires
you to log in to your ISP (usually) using your email address and email
password. You'll have to enable this mode and same this info in the
router. There are a couple of other relevant options for PPPoE
explained in the User Guide. If you don't know how to connect to your
ISP without a router (that is, directly to your cable or DSL modem),
call your ISP or check their technical support website.
2. In "Network Setup," you should set your time zone and the DDNS
selection (which was the main reason for this exercise). You can leave
the rest of this section at default values.
3. In the "Wireless" section, you should select the mode (G-only,
B-only, or mixed). If all of your wireless devices are 802.11G, you
should use G-only rather than mixed. Pick a unique SSID, but don't use
your name or address. Do NOT disable SSID broadcast. If you haven't
experienced any interference from nearby wireless networks or other
electronic devices, leave the channel at the default. If you have
problems on channel 6, try 1 or 11. These are the only 3 channels you
should use. For encryption, use WPA2-Personal if all your other
wireless devices support it; otherwise, use WPA-Personal. If you have
any wireless devices that only support WEP, I strongly advise updating
or replacing them. Similarly, select AES as the encryption algorithm,
if all of your other devices support this (most should).
Everything else can be left at default.
Thanks Lem, mine is a Linksys WRT54G v5 and I see Linksys has a firmware "v6" available.
But while we're on this subject, let me ask a question I had been saving for a phone call
the Linksys Tech Support.
Maybe one of you might have a good answer to offer.
I got my WRT54G for xmas a few years ago, the install/setup CD failed to configure
everything. So I disconnected the router and went to Linksys.com and downloaded a utility
that they claimed would fix everything and it did, for the most part anyway. It
configured my network and everything "works" but I have lost access the routers setup web
page. My password and/or username does not work. I've never really had any concerns with
this because it "just works". I have tho been afraid to push the reset button on the
router because I think that will reset everything back to factory default putting me right
back to where I started in the first place.
I suppose my security is ok and I don't notice any network traffic that is not me, but my
neighbors across the street have been asking me for my wep key (small town, nice people
and their just kidding) !
The other night I did find a new utility at Linksys.com that when installed, claims to map
my network devices and says it will fix problems and such, the utility is called
"EasyLinkAdvisor" (~21MB).
I have run netconfig/all and it really doesn't tell me much.
I do notice that the TCP/IP properties of my PC network connection is set to...
Under General Tab
(x) Obtain and IP address automatically
(x) Obtain a DNS server address automatically
Under Alternate Configuration Tab
(x) Automatic private IP address
SO, what can I expect to have happen if I press the reset button on the router?
Thanks so much!
Richard in VA.
+++++++++++
--
Lem -- MS-MVP - Networking
To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm