Minimum System Requirements
At a minimum, your computer must be equipped with the following.
For Ethernet port connectivity (5100, 5200, 5400, 5500 series):
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- A network interface card (NIC) that supports Ethernet 10/100Base-T full-/half-duplex - Operating system that supports TCP/IP
- Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator versions 5.0 or later - USB Port Connectivity (5200, 5500 series)
For USB port connectivity (5200, 5500 series):
- 32 MB RAM.
- Pentium-compatible 166 MHz processor (or faster).
- 12 MB available hard disk space.
- Windows 98 or later operating system.
- Must meet manufacturer’s minimum requirements for USB.
Important! Your specific configuration may vary slightly from the instructions and illustrations in this chapter. Refer to your service provider’s documentation, or contact them with questions regarding your specific configuration.
Hardware Installation
You may position the SpeedStream router at any convenient location in your office or home. No special wiring or cooling requirements are needed; however, you should comply with the safety guidelines specified in the General Safety Guidelines on page 3.
Basic Installation Procedure
Install line filters if necessary.
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Connect the cables.
Plug the router into the electrical outlet; then verify port status.
Install USB drivers if necessary (5200, 5500 series).
Configure network settings on your computer.
Configure the router via the Web-based management interface.
Reboot the computer if prompted.
Recording System Settings
Another important step is to record the current router configuration in the worksheets provided in Appendix A, “Configuration Data Sheets.” Although the router is already configured for your particular network, it is important to record this configuration in case it must be restored for any reason or if you make changes to the default settings and need to restore them at any point.
Installing Line Filters
Note This section may not apply to you. Consult your provider if you are unsure.
Because DSL shares your telephone line, you may need to separate the two signals so they do not interfere with each other. A line filter (may be included with some models) prevents DSL traffic from disrupting the voice signal on the telephone line, and vice versa. Follow the procedures below to install line filters on any device (telephones, fax machines, caller ID boxes) that shares the same telephone line with your DSL.
You will need one of these type filters to connect between the telephone and the wall plate:
In-line filter: For use with standard desktop telephones.
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2. Wall-mount filter: For use with wall-mounted telephones.
You may also need a two-to-one adapter if you want to connect more than one device to the telephone wall plate.
Important! DSL performance may be significantly degraded if the line filters are not installed in the correct direction, as illustrated below.
In-Line Filter
For each device sharing the same telephone line:
1. Unplug the device’s cord from the telephone jack.
2. Plug the filter into the telephone jack.
3. Plug the telephone cord (or other device cord) into the filter.
Wall-Mount Filter
For a wall-mounted telephone, install a wall mount filter:
1. Remove the telephone.
2. Connect the wall mount filter to the wall plate.
3. Reconnect the telephone.
Two-to-One Adapter
If your DSL router and another device will share the same telephone jack, install a two-to-one adapter:
1. Plug a two-to-one adapter into the telephone jack.
2. Plug a line filter into one of the sockets of the two-to-one adapter. The other socket will be used to connect the DSL cable.
3. Plug the device cord into the line filter.
Connecting the Cables
You can connect your SpeedStream router to an existing Ethernet port on your computer. Some models provide the added flexibility of connecting to your computer’s Ethernet port, USB port, or both.
Determine the cable to use for your physical connection, and then follow the instructions below for the appropriate installation method.
SpeedStream 5100 series SpeedStream 5200 series
SpeedStream 5400 series SpeedStream 5500 series
Note Some models may have a power switch on the router case, as illustrated:
Ethernet Installation Method
To connect the SpeedStream router via the Ethernet interface, your computer must have an Ethernet adapter (network interface card, or “NIC”) installed. If your computer does not have this adapter, you will need to install it before proceeding further. Refer to the Ethernet adapter documentation for complete installation instructions.
1. Make sure the router is not plugged in to the electrical outlet.
2. Connect the Ethernet straight-through cable to the Ethernet port on the router.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your computer.
4. Plug the telephone cable into the DSL port on the router.
5. Plug the other end of the telephone cable into the telephone jack.
Note If using a two-to-one adapter, plug the cable into the open socket.
6. Plug the power adapter into the router and the electrical outlet.
When using the Ethernet installation method, you do not have to install any software. Refer to your Internet Service Provider’s instructions for installing their software and/or connecting to the Internet.
You can now configure the TCP/IP settings as detailed on page 9 in Chapter 3, Configuring Computer Network Settings.
USB Installation Method
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements for USB installation.
• Make sure the router is not plugged in to the electrical outlet.
• Connect the USB cable to the USB port at the rear of the router.
• Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on your computer.
• Plug the telephone cable into the DSL port on the router.
• Plug the other end of the telephone cable into the telephone jack.
Note If using the two-to-one adapter, plug the cable into the open socket.
• Plug the router power adapter into the router and then into the electrical outlet.
Note The Plug and Play process for installing the USB drivers begins as soon as you turn on your computer and it discovers the router. To install the USB drivers, insert the SpeedStream CD-ROM and follow the on-window instructions.
You can now configure the TCP/IP settings as detailed on page 9 in Chapter 3, Configuring Computer Network Settings.