User's Manual

7
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of the Multi-Tech System’s RouteFinder model RF802EW, one
of the finest broadband routers available today.
The RouteFinder RF802EW provides wireless users with seamless access to their existing wired
LAN, enabling them to share broadband access to the Internet as well as other resources. Using
the IEEE 802.11b wireless standard, the RouteFinder provides increased speed--up to 11 Mbps--
and mobility between the desktop,conference room, or campus. It supports a DSL or cable
modem connection to the Internet to provide shared Internet access for up to 253 users. The RF
802EW includes one asychronous port for backup Internet access or dial-in remote access.
Wireless Networking. The RouteFinder’s integrated IEEE 802.11b-compliant access point
provides mobility, enabling access to shared resources without requiring a physical connection.
The RouteFinder also communicates with other access points on the network to provide roaming
from one cell to another.
Connects up to 253 internal IP addresses to the Internet with broadband speed. The
RouteFinder can be configured as a DHCP server to handle requests for Internet services and
route to and from the ISP. Up to 253 internal IP addresses are connected to the Internet with
only one IP account. The WAN Ethernet port has a bandwidth of 10 Mbps which is 179 times
faster than a 56k modem and can support DSL or cable speeds of up to 5 Mbps.
Network Security. The RouteFinder uses 64-bit WEP encryption for wireless LAN security.
WEP prevents intruder access to the network and prevents the capture of wireless LAN traffic by
eavesdropping. The RouteFinder uses the NAT protocol to provide security from hackers
attempting to access the office LAN without the extra cost of a firewall. It implements firewall and
gateway security for LAN-based resources. Additionally, the RouteFinder supports Internet
access restriction by IP address, client protocols or a list of forbidden sites.
Dial Backup or Dial-in RAS Port. The RouteFinder also provides an additional asynchronous
port that, when connected to a dial-up modem or ISDN terminal adapter, serves as a backup
resource for Internet access if your cable or DSL service goes down. It can also serve as dial-in
remote access for your telecommuters or mobile users.
Virtual Server Support. In addition to providing shared Internet access, the RouteFinder can
support Web, FTP or other Internet servers. Once configured, the RouteFinder accepts only
unsolicited IP packets addressed to the Web or FTP server.
LAN Segmentation. For added LAN security, the RouteFinder can be used to segment the LAN
by connecting the corporate servers to one RouteFinder Ethernet port and the Internet Servers to
the other Ethernet port. This configuration puts the corporate servers behind a firewall and the
Internet servers outside the firewall. To continue to provide Internet access, connect a modem,
or ISDN terminal adapter to the RouteFinder’s asynchronous port.