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  Intel Processor Finder  
  List of CPU Sockets  
  Tom's Hardware Review  

Tables & Charts

Hardware

Sortware

Network

Motherboard
Form Factors

Operating Systems
Upgrade Specifications

Client/server
networking model

POST
Hardware Diagnostic
Message Groups

Windows
Short-Cut
Keys

Network Topology

BIOS Setup
Access Keys
& POST codes

Trouble-Shooting
Minimum Processes
to run in WinXP

Glossary of
Network Terms

Bus
Architecture
Characteristics

Windows XP Professional
Product Documentation

Cable / DSL
Modem Diagnostics

Default IRQ
Assignments

The 7 Layer
OSI Model

Common I/O Address
Assigments

DMA Channel
Assignments

Logical Device
Name Assignments

Intel
Microprocessors

AMD
Microprocessors

Memory
Modules

Miscellaneous Q & A








Tables & Charts Listing



Motherboard Form Factors

Form Factor

Width (in inches)

Length (in inches)

Design Type

IBM PC

8.5

13

Motherboard

IBM PC XT

8.5

13

Motherboard

AT

12

11-13

Motherboard

Baby AT

8.5

10-13

Motherboard

LPX

9

11-13

Backplane

Micro-AT

8.5

8.5

Motherboard

ATX

12

9.6

Motherboard

Mini-ATX

11.2

8.2

Motherboard

Mini-LPX

8-9

10-11

Backplane

Micro-ATX

9.6

9.6

Motherboard

NLX

8-9

10-13.6

Backplane

Flex-ATX

9

7.5

Motherboard

The Motherboard

Bus Structure

Internal bus - The lines that move data within the computer on the motherboard.


External bus - The lines that communicate with peripherals and other devices plugged into the motherboard


Four primary types of bus structures on most motherboards

Address Bus:
The components on the motherboard pass memory addresses to one another over the address bus.

Control Bus:
Used by the CPU to send out signals to coordinate and manage the activities of the motherboard components.

Data Bus:
The primary job of the computer is to process data logically the daa must be transferred between peripherals, memory, and the CPU.

Power Bus:
This bus is the river of life for the motherboard's componets, providing each with the electrial power it needs to operate.








Tables & Charts Listing



POST Hardware Diagnostic Message Groups

Code

Description

1xx

Motherboard errors

2xx

Main Memory errors

3xx

Keayboard errors

5xx

Color Graphics Adaptor errors

6xx

Floppy Disk Controller errors

11xx

COM port errors

14xx

Printer errors - lpt port

17xx

Hard Drive Controller errors

86xx

Mouse error

3000

Nick Card error

NOTE:
After the POST (Power On Self Test) and boot sequence have advanced to the point at wihich they have use of the video to display messages, they can display a numerical error message to indicate a failure that occurred during the POST or boot sequesece.







Tables & Charts Listing



BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
Setup Program Access Keys

  BIOS POST Codes @ BIOS Central  

BIOS

Keys

AMI

Del (Delete)

Award

Del or Ctrl+Alt+Asc

Compaq

F10

Dell

Del, F2, or Fn+F1

Gateway 2000

F1

Hawlett Packard

F1

IBM Aptiva

F1

Phonenix BIOS

F1 or F2








Tables & Charts Listing



Bus Architecture Characteristics

Bus

Bus Width (bits)

Bus Speed (MHz)

How Configured

8-bit

8

8

Jumbers and DIP switches

ISA

8, 16

8

Jumbers and DIP switches

MCA

32

10

Software

EISA

32

32

Software

VL-Bus

32

Processor speed
(up to 40 MHz)

Jumpers and DIP switches

PCI

32/64

Processor speed
(up to 33 MHz)

PnP

USP

Serial

Serial

PnP

AGP

32

66 MHz

PnP








Tables & Charts Listing



Default IRQ Assignments

IRQ#

Default Use

Description

0

System timer

Reserved interupt for the internal system timer.

1

Keyboard controller

Reserved interupt for the keyboard controller.

2

Bridge to IRQs 8-15

In cascaded interupt systems, IRQ 2 is used as a link to IRQ 8-15, which means it's not available for general use; If needed by an older system, it's replaced by IRQ 9. You may also see IRQ 2 assinged to programmable interupt control

3

COM2 and COM4

Many modems are preconfigured for COM2 on IRQ 3. It's also used as the default interupt for COM4, if a system has four serial ports in use.

4

COM1 and COM3

Normally used by the serial mouse on IRQ 4. It's also the default interupt for COM3

5

LPT2 & Sound card

Often the default IRQ for network interface cards. Used on some older systems for the hard disk drive and is the default interupt for LPT2 (the second parallel port). Most sound cards are preset to IRQ 5.

6

Floppy disk controller

Reserved for the floppy disk controller (FDC).

7

LPT1

This interupt is normally used for the first parallel port.

8

Real-time clock

Reserved for the real-time clock timer, which is used by software to track events to "real world" time, (IRQs 8-15 are not available on an 8-bit system).

9

None

A popular choice for network interface cards, but it's generally available for any use. It replaces IRQ 2 in cascading interupt systems, so it should not be used if IRQ 2 is in use. Hardware MPEG2 cards and SCSI host adapters can also use it.

10

None

This IRQ has no specific default settings; it is commonly used for video cards and modems.

11

None

No default assignment; it is used by some SCSI host adapters, PCI video cards, IDE sound cards, and USB controllers

12

Motherboard mouse
(PS/2) connector

On motherboards supporting a PS/2 mouse (mini-DIN connection on the motherboard), this IRQ is reserved for the PS/2 mouse, A PS/2 mouse on this interupt frees up IRQ 4 (and COM1/3) for other users. Some video cards may also use this IRQ.

13

Math coprocessor or
floating point unit (FPU)

Reserved for the integrated floating point unit (386DX and later) or a math coprocessor (386sx and earlier).

14

Primary IDE adapter

Reserved for the primary IDE controller, which controls the first two IDE (ATA) disk drivers. On PCs with no IDE devices, it can be reassigned in the BIOS setup for other users.

15

Secondary IDE adapter

Reserved for secondary IDE controller, if present. Can be reassigned in BIOS, if needed.







Tables & Charts Listing



Common I/O Address Assigments

I/O Address Range

Device or Port Commonly Assigned

000-00Fh

DMA channels 0-3 controller

020-021h

IRQ 0-7 interupt

060h,061h

Keyboard

0F8-0FFh

Math coprocessor

130-14Fh

SCSI host adadter

170-177h

Secondary hard drive controller

1F0-1F7h

Primary hard drive controller

200-207h

Game prot

220-22Fh

Sound cards

278-27Fh

LPT2 or LPT3

2E8-2EFh

COM4

2F8-2FF

COM2

300-30Fh

Netword cards

3B0-3BBh

VGA video adapter

3C0-3DF

VGA video adapter

378-37Fh

LPT1 or LPT2

3E8-3EF

COM3

3F0-3F7h

Floppy disk controller

3F8-3FFh

COM1







Tables & Charts Listing



DMA Channel Assignments

DMA channel

Assignment

0

DRAM refresh

1

Sound card

2

Floppy disk drive

3

ECP or EPP parallel port

4

DMA controller

5

Sound card

6

Available

7

ISA IDE Hard Drive Controller







Tables & Charts Listing



Logical Device Name Assignments

Port

I/O Address

Default IRQ

COM1

3F8-3FFh

4

COM2

2F8-3FFh

3

COM3

3E8-3EFh

4

COM4

2E8-2EFh

3

LPT1

378-37Fh

7

LPT2

278-27Fh

5







Tables & Charts Listing



  Intel Processors Finder  
  List of CPU Sockets  

CPU

Core Speed
(MHz)

Voltage
(volts)

L1 Cache
(KB)

L2 Cache
(KB)

Mounting

Pentium P5

60-66

5

8 WT/8 WB

-

Socket 5

Pentium P5

75-333

3.3

8 WT/8 WB

-

Socket 7

Pentium Pro

166-200

3.3

16

512

Socket 8

Pentium II

233-450

2.8

16 WT/16 WB

512

Slot 1

Pentium II
Xeon

400-450

2

16 WT/16 WB

512/1024/2048

Slot 1

Celeron

266-300

2

-

-

Slot 1

Celeron

300-533

2

16 WT/16 WB

128

Slot 1/
Socket 370

Celeron

533-700

1.7

16 WT/16 WB

128

Socket 478

Pentium III

450-1266

1.7-2

16 WT/16 WB

256/512

Slot 1/Socket 370

Pentium III
Xeon

500-1000

2

16 WT/16 WB

256/512/
1024/2048

Slot 1

Pentium 4

1300-2533

1.75

Socket

256

Socket
478 P4







Tables & Charts Listing



AMD Microprocessors

CPU

Core Speed
(MHz)

Voltage
(volts)

L1 Cache
(KB)

L2 Cache
(KB)

Mounting

K6

166-266

3.3

32 WT/32 WB

256

Socket 7

K6

266-300

2.2

32 WT/32 WB

256

Socket 7

K6-2

266-550

2.2/2.3

32 WT/32 WB

256

Socket 7

Athlon

500-1800

1.75

64 WT/64 WB

512/256

SlotA/Socket A

Duron

600-1200

1.6

64 WT/64 WB

64

Socket A



Tables & Charts Listing



AMD Microprocessors

Processor

Socket Type

Avaible
Clock Speeds

Dual-Core
Support

64-Bit
Support

Front Side Bus*

Socket Type

AMD Athlon 64 FX-60, FX-62

Intel Penium Extreme Edition

Intel Pentium D

Intel Core Duo

Socket 7

Avaible
Clock Speeds

Dual-Core
Support

2.2

32 WT/32 WB

256

Socket 7

K6-2

266-550

2.2/2.3

32 WT/32 WB

256

Socket 7

Athlon

500-1800

1.75

64 WT/64 WB

512/256

SlotA/Socket A

Duron

600-1200

1.6

64 WT/64 WB

64

Socket A







Tables & Charts Listing



Memory Modules

30-Pin SIMM Capacities

Capacity

Parity SIMM

Nonparity SIMM

256KB

256KBx9

256KB-8

1MB

1MB-9

1MB-8

4MB

4MB-9

4MB-8

16MB

16MB-9

16MB-8

72-Pin SIMM Capacities

Capacity

Parity/ECC SIMM

Nonparity SIMM

1MB

256KB-36

256KB-32

2MB

512KB-36

512KB-32

4MB

1MB-36

1MB-32

8MB

2MB-36

2MB-32

16MB

4MB-36

4MB-32

32MB

8MB-36

8MB-32

64MB

16MB-36

16MB-32

128MB

32MB-36

32MB-32

168/184-Pin DIMM/DDR DIMM Capacities

Capacity

Parity/ECC DIMM

Nonparity DIMM

8MB

1MB-72

1MB-64

16MB

2MB-72

2MB-64

32MB

4MB-72

4MB-64

64MB

8MB-72

8MB-64

128MB

16MB-72

16MB-64

256MB

32MB-72

32MB-64

512MB

64MB-72

64MB-64

1024MB

128MB-72

128MB-64

184-Pin RIMM Capacities

Capacity

Parity/ECC RIMM

Nonparity RIMM

64MB

32MBx18

32MBx16

128MB

64MBx18

64MBx16

256MB

128MBx18

128MBx16







Operating System Upgrade Specifications





Tables & Charts Listing

WIN 95     WIN 98     WIN ME     WIN XP and 2000

Windows 95 Minimum System Requirements

Component

Minimum

Recommended

Processor

386DX/20

486DX/66

Memory

4MB

16MB

Hard drive

10MB

500MB

Video card

VGA

SVGA

CD-ROM

Optional (2X)

Optional (2X>

Mouse

Required

Required



Tables & Charts Listing

WIN 95     WIN 98     WIN ME     WIN XP and 2000

Windows 98 Minimum System Requirements

Component

Minimum

Recommended

Processor

486DX/66

Pentium

Memory

16

24

Hard drive

180MB

295MB

Video card

VGA

SVGA

CD-ROM

Required (2X)

Required (2X)

Mouse

Required

Required



Tables & Charts Listing

WIN 95     WIN 98     WIN ME     WIN XP and 2000

Windows ME Minimum System Requirements

Component

Minimum

Recommended

Processor

Pentium/150

Pentium/150

Memory

32MB

32MB

Hard drive

480MB

645MB

Video card

VGA

SVGA

CD-ROM

Required (2X)

Required (2X)

Mouse

Required

Required



Tables & Charts Listing

WIN 95     WIN 98     WIN ME     WIN XP and 2000

Windows XP and 2000 Minimum System Requirements

Component

Windows XP Pro

Windows 2000 Pro

Processor

233-MHz Pentium
(300-MHz Recommended)

133-MHz Pentium
compatible

Memory

64MB
(128 MB recommended)

64MB

Hard drive capacity

2GB

2GB

Hard drive free space

1.5GB

650GB

required drive

CD-ROM or DVD

CD-ROM or DVD

Video card

SVGA or higher

VGA or higher

Imput device required

Keyboard and mouse

Keyboard





Tables & Charts Listing



Short-Cut Keys
Most Windows Programs Internet Explorer
Save the current document
     <Ctrl> + S
Open a New document
     <Alt> + O
Undo the last thing you did
     <Ctrl> + Z or <Ctrl> + <Backspace>
Undo the last undo
     <Ctrl > + Y
Select the entire current document
     <Ctrl> + A
Delete the selection and move it to the clipboard
     <Ctrl> + C
Paste the clipboard's contents into the
curent program
     <Ctrl> + V
Open the print dialog box
     <Ctrl> + P
Trun italics on or off
     <Ctrl> + I
Turn bold on or off
     <Ctrl> + B
Turn underlining on of off
     <Ctrl> + U
Launch a program's search of find tool
     <Ctrl> + F or <F3>
Move the cursor to beginning of document
     <Ctrl> + <Home>
Move the cursor to end of document
     <Ctrl> + <End>
Open a shortcut (right-click) menu
     <Ctrl> + <F10>
Show the Desktop
     <Windows Key> + D
Go to the address bar
     <Alt> + D
Add www. before and .com after, what you're
typing in the Address bor and go to that site
     <Ctrl> + <Enter>
Refresh the current Web page
     <F5> or <Ctrl> + R
Refresh current Web page regardless
of time-stamps
     <Ctrl > + <F5>
Stop downloading a Web page
     <Esc>
Show or hide the Search bar
     <Ctrl> + E or <F3>
Open the Find Dialog box
     <Ctrl> + F
Show or Hide the History bar
     <Ctrl> + H
Show or hide the Favorites bar
     <Ctrl> + I
Toggle full-screen mode on or off
     <F11>
Open a new browser window
     <Ctrl> + N
Go to your Home page
     <Alt> + <Alt>
Open the Open dialog box to go to
another Web site
     <Ctrl> + O or <Ctrl> + L




Tables & Charts Listing



Trouble-Shooting
Minimum Processes to run in WinXP

Start the Task Manager (by right-clicking an empty portion of the Taskbar and
selecting task Manager or pressing CTRL-ALT-DELETE) to check if anything is
running in the background. Stop all runing programs listed below the
Application tab, and then check the list below the Processes tab; here you shold
stop all the processes except:

  • Csrss.exe
  • Explorer.exe
  • Lsass.exe
  • Services.exe
  • Smss.exe
  • Spoolsv.exe
  • Svchost.exe
  • System
  • System Idle Process
  • Winlogon.exe



  • Tables & Charts Listing




    Network Stuff




    Tables & Charts Listing


    Comparison of Networking Models

    Attribute

    Peer-to-Peer Network

    Client'Server Network

    Size

    Restricted to a maximum of 10 compters

    Te size of the network is limited only by server size and network hardware, and it can have thousands of connected systems.

    Administration

    Each individual is responsible for the administration of his or her own system. A dedicated administrator is not needed.

    A skilled network administrator is often required to maintain and manage the netork

    Security

    Each individual is responsible for maintaining security for shared files or resources connected to the system.

    Security is managed from a central location but often requires a skilled administrator to correctly configure.

    Cost

    Minimal startup and implementation cost.

    Requires dedicated equipment and specialized hardware and administration increasing the cost of the network.

    Implementation

    Easy to configure and set up.

    Often requires complex setup procedures and skilled staff to set up.



    Tables & Charts Listing




    Network Topology

    Advantages and Disadvantages




    Bus Topology

    Bus Network

    Advantages

    Disadvantages

    Compared to other topologies, a bus is cheap and easy to implement.

    There might be network disuption when computers are added or removed.

    Requires less cable than other topologies.

    Because all systems on the network connect to a single backbone, a break in the cable will prevent all systems from accessing the network

    Does not use any specialized network equipment.

    Dificult to troubleshoot.

    Ring Topology

    Ring Network

    Advantages

    Disadvantages

    Cable faults are easily located, making troubleshooting easier.

    Expansion to the network can cause network disruption.

    Ring networks are moderately easy to install.

    A single break in the cable can disrupt the entire network

    Star Topology

    Star Network

    Advantages

    Disadvantages

    Star networks are easily expanded without disrption to the network.

    Requires more cable than most of the other topologies.

    Cable failure affects only a single user.

    A contral connecting device allows for a single point of failure.

    Easy to troubleshoot and isolate problems.

    More difficult than other topologies to implement.

    Mesh Topology

    Mesh Network

    Advantages

    Disadvantages

    Provide redundant paths between devices.

    Requires more cable than the other LAN topologies.

    The network can be expanded without disruption to current users.

    Complicated implementation.

    Wireless Topology

    Advantages

    Disadvantages

    Allows for wireless remote access.

    Potential security issures associated with wireless transmissions.

    Network can be expanded without disruption to current users.

    Limited speed in comparison to other network topologies.



    Tables & Charts Listing






    Glossary of Network Terms

    IP Address
    The "IP address" is the Internal IP address of the Router. To access the advanced setup interface, type this IP address into the address bar of your browser. This address can be changed if needed. To Change the IP address, type in the new IP address and click "Apply Changes". The IP address you choose should be a non-routable IP. Examples of a non-routable IP are:

    192.168.x.x (where x is anything between 0 and 255.)
    10.x.x.x (where x is anything between 0 and 255.)
    172.y.x.x (where y is anything from 16 to 31, and x is anything between 0 and 255.)

    Subnet Mask
    ADVANCED FEATURE! There is no need to change the subnet mask. It is possible to change the subnet mask if necessary. Only make changes to the Subnet Mask if you specifically have a reason to do so.

    DNS
    DNS is an acronym for Domain Name Server. A Domain Name Server is a server located on the Internet that translates URL's (Universal Resource Links) like www.belkin.com to IP addresses. Many ISP's do not require you to enter this information into the Router. The "Automatic from ISP" checkbox should be checked if your ISP did not give you a specific DNS address. If you are using a Static IP connection type, then you may need to enter a specific DNS address and secondary DNS address for your connection to work properly. If your connection type is Dynamic or PPPoE, it is likely that you do not have to enter a DNS address. To enter the DNS address settings, uncheck the "Automatic from ISP" checkbox and enter your DNS entries in the spaces provided. Click "Apply Changes" to save the settings.

    DHCP
    The DHCP server function makes setting up a network very easy by assigning IP addresses to each computer on the network. The DHCP Server can be turned off if necessary. Turning off the DHCP server will require you to manually set a Static IP address in each computer on your network. The IP pool is the range of IP addresses set aside for dynamic assignment to the computers on your network. The default is 2-100 (99 computers) if you want to change this number, you can by entering a new starting and ending IP address and clicking on "Apply Changes".

    Local Domain Name
    You can set a local domain name (network name) for your network. There is no need to change this setting unless you have a specific advanced need to do so. You can name the network anything you want such as "MY NETWORK".

    Dynamic IP
    A dynamic connection type is the most common connection type found with cable modems. Setting the connection type to dynamic in many cases is enough to complete the connection to your ISP. Some dynamic connection types may require a Host Name. You can enter your Host Name in the space provided if you were assigned one. Your Host Name is assigned by your ISP. Some dynamic connections may require that you clone the MAC address of the PC that was originally connected to the modem. To do so, click on the "Change WAN MAC address" link in the screen. The Internet Status indicator will read "Connected" if your Router is set up properly.

    Static IP
    A Static IP address connection type is less common than other connection types. If your ISP uses static IP addressing, you will need your IP address, Subnet Mask, and ISP gateway address. This information is available from your ISP or on the paperwork that your ISP left with you. Type in your information then click "Apply Changes". After you apply the changes, the Internet Status indicator will read "Connected" if your Router is set up properly.

    If your ISP assigns you more than one static IP address, your Router is capable of handling up to five static WAN IP addresses. Select "My ISP provides more than one static IP address" and enter your additional addresses.

    PPPoE
    Most DSL providers use PPPoE as the connection type. If you use a DSL modem to connect to the Internet, your ISP may use PPPoE to log you into the service. If you have an Internet connection in your home or small office that doesn't require a modem, you may also use PPPoE.

    Your connection type is PPPoE if:
    1) Your ISP gave you a user name and password which is required to connect to the Internet
    2) Your ISP gave you software such as WinPOET, Enternet300 that you use to connect to the Internet
    3) You have to double-click on a desktop Icon other than your browser to get on the Internet

    To set the Router to use PPPoE, type in your User Name and Password in the spaces provided. If you do not have a Service Name or do not know it, leave the Service Name field blank. After you have typed in your information, click "Apply Changes". After you apply the changes, the Internet Status indicator will read "Connected" if your Router is set up properly. For more details on configuring your Router to use PPPoE, see the user manual.

    PPTP
    Some ISPs require a connection using PPTP protocol. This sets up a direct connection to the ISP's system. Type in the information provided by your ISP in the space provided. When you have finished, click "Apply Changes". After you apply the changes, the Internet Status indicator will read "Connected" if your Router is set up properly.

    Telstra BigPond
    Your user name and password are provided to you by Telstra BigPond. Enter this information below. Choosing your state will automatically fill in your Login Server IP address. If your Login Server address is different than one provided here, you may manually enter the Login Server IP address. When you have entered your information, click "Apply Changes". After you apply the changes, the Internet Status indicator will read "Connected" if your Router is set up properly.


    MTU Setting
    The MTU setting should never be changed unless your ISP gives you a specific MTU setting. Making changes to the MTU setting can cause problems with your Internet connection including disconnection from the Internet, slow Internet access and problems with Internet applications working properly.

    Disconnect after X...
    The Disconnect feature is used to automatically disconnect the router from your ISP when there is no activity for a specified period of time. For instance, placing a checkmark next to this option and entering 5 into the minute field will cause the router to disconnect from the Internet after 5 minutes of no Internet activity. This option should be used if you pay for your Internet service by the minute.

    MAC Address
    MAC is an acronym for Media Access Controller. All network components including cards, adapters, and routers, have a unique "serial number" called a MAC address. Your ISP may record the MAC address of your computer's adapter and only let that particular computer connect to the Internet service. When you install the router, the Router's own MAC address will be "seen" by the ISP and may cause the connection not to work. Belkin has provided the ability to clone (copy) the MAC address of the computer into the router. This MAC address, in turn, will be seen by the ISP's system as the original MAC address and will allow the connection to work. If you are not sure if your ISP needs to see the original MAC address, simply clone the MAC address of the computer that was originally connected to the modem. Cloning the address will not cause any problems with your network.
    To Clone your MAC address, make sure that you are using the computer which was ORIGINALLY CONNECTED to your modem before the Router was installed. Click the "Clone MAC address" button. Click "Apply Changes". Your MAC address is now cloned to the router.

    Channel and SSID
    To change the channel of operation of the Router, select the desired channel from the drop-down menu and select your channel. Click "Apply Changes" to save the setting. You can also change the SSID. The SSID is the equivalent to the wireless network's name. You can make the SSID anything you want to. If there are other wireless networks in your area, you should give your wireless network a unique name. The default is belkin54g. To change the SSID, click inside of the SSID box and type in a new name. Click "Apply Changes" to make the change.

    Broadcast SSID
    It is possible to make your wireless network nearly invisible. By turning off the broadcast of the SSID, your network will not appear in a site survey. Site Survey is a feature of many wireless network adapters on the market today. It will scan the "air" for any available network and allow the computer to select the network from the site survey. Turning off the broadcast of the SSID will help increase security.

    USE as Access Point
    When using the Router as an Access Point, you must specify an IP address for the Access Point. This IP address must fall into the same range as the network that you will be connecting it to. To access the advanced setup interface of the Router again, type in the IP address in the web browser and login.

    Protected Mode
    NOTE: In most situations, best performance (throughput) is achieved with Protected Mode OFF. If you are operating in an environment with HEAVY 802.11b traffic or interference, best performance may be achieved with Protected Mode ON.

    Turbo Mode
    Selecting "Frame Bursting" will result in all devices capable of Frame Bursting to function in frame bursting mode, and all clients not capable to operate in normal 802.11g modes. Frame Bursting mode supports both Frame Bursting enabled devices and non Frame Bursting enabled devices simultaneously. Frame Bursting mode is based on the unreleased 802.11e specification.

    Selecting "Off" will disable all turbo modes.

    Virtual Servers
    This function will allow you to route external (Internet) calls for services such as a web server (port 80), FTP server (Port 21), or other applications through your Router to your internal network. Since your internal computers are protected by a firewall, machines from the Internet cannot get to them because they cannot be 'seen'. If you need to configure the Virtual Server function for a specific application, a list of common applications has been provided. If your application is not listed, you will need to contact the application vendor to find out which port settings you need. To select from the provided list, select your application from the drop-down list. Select the row that you want to copy the settings to from the drop-down list next to "to row", then click "Enter". The settings will be transferred to the row you specified. Click "Apply Changes" to save the setting for that application. To manually enter settings, enter the IP address in the space provided for the internal (server) machine, the port(s) required to pass (use a comma between multiple ports), select the port type (TCP or UDP) and click "Apply Changes". You can only pass one port per internal IP address. Opening ports in your firewall can pose a security risk. You can enable and disable settings very quickly. It is recommended that you disable the settings when you are not using a specific application.

    Client IP filters
    The Router can be configured to restrict access to the Internet, e-mail or other network services at specific days and times. Restriction can be set for a single computer, a range of computers, or multiple computers. To restrict Internet access to a single computer for example, enter the IP address of the computer you wish to restrict access to in the IP fields. Next enter 80 and 80 in the Port fields. Select TCP. Select Block. You can also select Always to block access all of the time. Select the day to start on top, the time to start on top, the day to end on the bottom and the time to stop on the bottom. Click "Apply Changes". The computer at the IP address you specified will now be blocked from Internet access at the times you specified. Note: be sure you have selected the correct time zone under Utilities> System Settings> Time Zone.


    MAC Address Filtering
    The MAC Address Filter is a powerful security feature that allows you to specify which computers are allowed on the network. Any computer attempting to access the network that is not specified in the filter list will be denied access. When you enable this feature, you must enter the MAC address of each client on your network to allow network access to each. The "Block" feature lets you turn on and off access to the network easily for any computer without having to add and remove the computer's MAC address from the list. To enable this feature, select "Enable MAC Address Filtering". Next, enter the MAC address of each computer on your network by clicking "Add" and entering the MAC address in the space provided. Click "Apply Changes" to save the settings. To delete a MAC address from the list, simply click "Delete" next to the MAC address you wish to delete. Click "Apply Changes" to save the settings.

    Note: you will not be able to delete the MAC address of the computer you are using to access the Router's administrative functions. (The computer you are using now).

    DMZ
    The DMZ feature allows you to specify one computer on your network to be placed outside of the NAT firewall. This may be necessary if the NAT feature is causing problems with an application such as a game or video conferencing application. Use this feature on a temporary basis. The computer in the DMZ is not protected from hacker attacks. To put a computer in the DMZ, enter the last digits of its IP address in the IP field and select "Enable". Click "Apply Changes" for the change to take effect. If you are using multiple static WAN IP addresses, it is possible to select which WAN IP address the DMZ host will be directed to. Type in the WAN IP address you wish the DMZ host to direct to, enter the last two digits of the IP address of the DMZ host computer, select "Enable" and Click "Apply Changes".

    Block ICMP Ping
    Computer hackers use what is known as "Pinging" to find potential victims on the Internet. By pinging a specific IP address and receiving a response from the IP address, a hacker can determine that something of interest might be there. The Router can be set up so it will not respond to an ICMP Ping from the outside. This heightens the level of security of your Router. To turn off the ping response, select "Block ICMP Ping" and click "Apply Changes". The router will not respond to an ICMP ping.

    Administrator Password
    The Router ships with NO password entered. If you wish to add a password for more security, you can set a password here. Keep your password in a safe place, as you will need this password if you need to log into the router in the future. It is also recommended that you set a password if you plan to use the Remote management feature of this Router.

    The login timeout option allows you to set the period of time that you can be logged into the Router's advanced setup interface. The timer starts when there has been no activity. For example, you have made some changes in the advanced setup interface, then left your computer alone without clicking "Logout". Assuming the timeout is set to 10 minutes, then 10 minutes after you leave, the login session will expire. You will have to login to the router again to make any more changes. The login timeout option is for security purposes and the default is set to 10 minutes. As a note, only one computer can be logged into the Router's advanced setup interface at one time.

    Time and Time Zone
    The Router keeps time by connecting to a Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) server. This allows the Router to synchronize the system clock to the global Internet. The synchronized clock in the Router is used to record the security log and control client filtering. Select the time zone that you reside in. If you reside in an area that observes Daylight Saving, then place a checkmark in the box next to "Enable Daylight Saving". The system clock may not update immediately. Allow at least 15 minutes for the router to contact the time servers on the Internet and get a response. You cannot set the clock yourself.

    Remote Management
    Before you enable this function,MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SET THE ADMINISTRATOR PASSWORD. Remote management allows you to make changes to your Router's settings from anywhere on the Internet. There are two methods of remotely managing the router. The first method is to allow access to the router from anywhere on the Internet by selecting "Any IP address can remotely manage the router". By typing in your WAN IP address from any computer on the Internet, you will be presented with a login screen where you need to type in the password of your router. The Second method is to allow a specific IP address only to remotely manage the router. This is more secure, but less convenient. To use this method, enter the IP address you know you will be accessing the Router from in the space provided and select "Only this IP address can remotely manage the Router". Before you enable this function, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you set your administrator password. Leaving the password empty will potentially open your router to intrusion.

    AT Enabling
    Before you enable this function, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SET THE ADMINISTRATOR PASSWORD. Network Address Translation (NAT) is the method by which the router shares the single IP address assigned by your ISP with the computers on your network. Advanced users should only use this function. This function should only be used if your ISP assigns you multiple IP addresses or you need NAT disabled for an advanced system configuration. If you have a single IP address and you turn NAT off, the computers on your network will not be able to access the Internet. Other problems may also occur. Turning off NAT will disable your firewall functions.

    UPnP
    UPnP (Universal Plug-and-Play) is a technology that offers seamless operation of voice messaging, video messaging, games, and other applications that are UPnP compliant. Some applications require the Router's firewall to be configured in a specific way to operate properly. This usually requires opening TCP and UDP ports and in some instances setting trigger ports. An application that is UPnP compliant has the ability to communicate with the Router, basically "telling" the Router which way it needs the firewall configured. The Router ships with the UPnP feature disabled. If you are using any applications that are UPnP compliant, and wish to take advantage of the UPnP features, you can enable the UPnP feature. Simply select "Enable" in the "UPnP Enabling" section of the Utilities page. Click "Apply Changes" to save the change.


    Automatic Firmware Update Notification
    The Router has the capability built-in to automatically check for a new version of firmware and alert you that the new firmware is available. When you log into the Router advanced interface, the router will perform a check to see if new firmware is available. If new firmware is available, you will be notified. You can choose to download the new version or ignore it. The router ships with this feature disabled. If you want to enable it, select "Enable" and click "Apply Changes".

    Wireless Security
    Using Encryption can help secure your wireless network. Only one type of security may be selected at a time. Therefore the customer must select a mode that is supported on all network devices on the wireless network. This Belkin product has 5 possible Security settings:

    1) Disabled. No encryption is enabled in this mode. Open networks where all users are welcome sometimes prefer to not enable encryption.

    2) WPA PSK - Home (no server). WPA (Wireless protected Access) PSK is a recent standards-based security technique where each packet of information is encrypted with a different code, or key. Since the key is constantly changing, WPA is very secure. There are two types of WPA, WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key), and WPA-Radius Server. Obviously the difference being that one requires a server and one does not. WPA-PSK is for home and small business users who do not have a server. The PSK encryption key is generated automatically from a string of characters or Pass Phrase. Obviously the biggest security risk in WPA PSK is if someone finds out your Pass Phrase.

    a. TKIP verses AES. WPA setup requires the user to select whether to encrypt using TKIP or AES. The WPA standard specifies TKIP, so that is the default. Additionally TKIP should provide better compatibility between wireless products from different vendors since many wireless products will never be upgraded to AES. AES is a new encryption technique based on the un-ratified 802.11i standard. New WPA standards are being considered using AES. Although AES is not as popular, some users may prefer to use this technique. Either way, all networks devices must use the same technique.

    b. Pre-Shared Key. Enter any word or phrase up to 40 characters. The same PSK must also be used for every other wireless network device on the network. Watch out for upper and lower case differences ("n" is different than "N".) Remember, the easiest way to break your security is for someone to guess your PSK.

    3) 128-bit WEP. Until recently, 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) was the standard for wireless encryption. If not all of your wireless devices support WPA, 128bit WEP still offers very good security option. It will require you to enter hex numbers, or you can generate them automatically.

    4) 64-bit WEP. Belkin only recommends 64-bit mode on networks where some devices do not support either WPA or 128bit WEP.



    5) WPA - Radius Server. (This mode is accessed from the Advanced Button). WPA server is only for networks using a Radius Server. All parameters for this mode should be obtained from the administrator of your Radius Server. Unlike WPA PSK, WPA server passes the key from the server to the clients instead of generating it automatically.

     




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      Cable / DSL Modem Diagnostics

      In order to access the modem's internal diagnostics please
      follow the instructions below. Make sure the modem is directly
      connected to the PC i.e. not connected through a router.

    1. Go into the Control Panel and click on Network or
      network connections depending on the operating system.
      If using Windows XP or Windows 2000 then a Network
      Connections window will appear. In this Window there
      will be your local area connection that you use to
      connect to the internet, right click on this and click
      properties. Another window will appear called Local area
      connection properties or Network if using Win98 or Windows
      Me. In this window select the TCP/IP protocol for your
      adapter and click properties.

    2. If using Windows 2000 or XP then a Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
      Properties window will appear. The settings in this window
      will probably be set to Obtain an IP address automatically.
      Change this to Use the following IP address and where it says
      IP address there will be a box to the right, in this box type
      in 192.168.100.100 then go to the next box (Subnet Mask) and
      type in 255.255.255.0 then in the last box (Default Gateway)
      type in 192.168.100.1 and then click OK. The window will
      close, then close the Properties Box by clicking OK or CLOSE.
      Then close the Network Connections window.

    3. For Windows 98 and Windows ME, the properties window that appears
      will be slightly different in that it has TABS. On the tab that
      is titled IP Address type the same settings as above but to enter
      the gateway you will need to click on the Gateway tab and enter
      the gateway address in the New Gateway box and click Add. Once
      this is done click OK to all and Apply, then you will be prompted
      to restart your computer. This will not happen in Windows 2000 or XP.

    4. Once the computer has restarted or if using Windows 2000 or XP all
      windows are closed, open Internet Explorer and type in the address
      bar 192.168.100.1 and the diagnostics page should display.

    5. Once you have viewed this information you will need to delete the
      settings you entered in your network in order to access the
      internet again.




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    The 7 Layer OSI Model

    The modular networking architecture of Windows is based on two industry standard models for a layered networking architecture, namely the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) model for computer networking, called the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) Reference Model, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802 model. Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP are all designed according to these standard models. The ISO OSI and IEEE 802 models define a modular approach to networking, with each layer responsible for some discrete aspect of the networking process.

    The OSI model describes the flow of data in a network, from the lowest layer (the physical connections) up to the layer containing the user’s applications. Data going to and from the network is passed layer to layer. Each layer is able to communicate with the layer immediately above it and the layer immediately below it. This way, each layer is written as an efficient, streamlined software component. When a layer receives a packet of information, it checks the destination address, and if its own address is not there, it passes the packet to the next layer.

    When two computers communicate on a network, the software at each layer on one computer assumes it is communicating with the same layer on the other computer. For example, the Transport layer of one computer communicates with the Transport layer on the other computer. The Transport layer on the first computer has no regard for how the communication actually passes through the lower layers of the first computer, across the physical media, and then up through the lower layers of the second computer.

    Note: The OSI Model was originally developed in the early 1980s by the ISO, which contuues to maintain the stardard.

    The applictation block is made up of the upper three layers: Appliction, Presentation, and Seassion. It is responsible for connecting software programs to the network.

    The network block consists of the lower four layers: Transport, Network, Data-link, and Physical. This block is responsible for moving data on the network.

    It can be difficult to remmber the order of the layers, so in the past, a lot of schools taught them from the top down, using the mnemonic device "All People Seem To Need Data Processing."

    The OSI Reference Model includes seven layers:

    • Application
    • Presentation
    • Session
    • Transport
    • Network
    • Data-Link
    • Physical

    Application layer represents the level at which applications access network services. This layer represents the services that directly support applications such as software for file transfers, database access, and electronic mail. This layer provides services and utilities that enable application programs to access a network and its resources. This enables applications to save files to the network server or print to network printers. the Appliction layer also adverties resources that each system has availble for network use.

    The Presentation layer translates data from the Application layer into an intermediary format and will change at lower layers.. This layer also manages security issues by providing services such as data encryption, and compresses data so that fewer bits need to be transferred

    The Session layer allows two applications on different computers to establish, use, and end a session. This layer establishes dialog control between the two computers in a session, regulating which side transmits, plus when and how long it transmits.

    The Transport layer handles error recognition and recovery. It also repackages long messages when necessary into small packets for transmission and, at the receiving end, rebuilds packets into the original message. The receiving Transport layer also sends receipt acknowledgments.

    The Network layer addresses messages and translates logical addresses and names into physical addresses. It also determines the route from the source to the destination computer and manages traffic problems, such as switching, routing, and controlling the congestion of data packets.

    The Data Link layer packages raw bits from the Physical layer into frames (logical, structured packets for data). This layer is responsible for transferring frames from one computer to another, without errors. After sending a frame, it waits for an acknowledgment from the receiving computer.

    IEEE 802.2: General standard for the data link layer in the OSI Reference Model. The IEEE divides this layer into two sublayers -- the logical link control (LLC) layer and the media access control (MAC) layer. The MAC layer varies for different network types and is defined by standards IEEE 802.3 through IEEE 802.5. IEEE 802.3: Defines the MAC layer for bus networks that use CSMA/CD. This is the basis of the Ethernet standard. IEEE 802.4: Defines the MAC layer for bus networks that use a token-passing mechanism ( token bus networks). IEEE 802.5: Defines the MAC layer for token-ring networks.

    The Physical layer transmits bits from one computer to another and regulates the transmission of a stream of bits over a physical medium. This layer defines how the cable is attached to the network adapter and what transmission technique is used to send data over the cable.




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    Q & A

    What

    Where

    Microsoft Product Information

    http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/default.aspx?View=22




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    Last update: 1-31-2009 at 5:38pm