Networking (LAN)

1. Do I need a managed network?
As your network grows and your network traffic grows, network management becomes
critical to maintaining optimum performance and maximum security. A managed switch
is a must for applications such as voice and video.

2. Can I easily manage the network?
All fully managed Linksys® products come with the WebView monitoring tool, which allows
you to manage your network from anywhere using a Web browser. The WebView interface is
simple and intuitive, with pulldown menus and several configuration options.

3. When do I use Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
Power over Ethernet, which allows networks to run both data and electrical power through an
Ethernet cable, is a great option if you are running network peripherals that traditionally
need a power outlet. With PoE, you can place IP phones, surveillance cameras and wireless
access points anywhere in the office without traditional wall plugs.

4. Why is Quality of Service (QoS) important?
Because data traffic is not uniform, time-sensitive data can experience packet delay that can
result in poor voice or video transmissions. QoS allows QoS-capable switches to prioritize
which traffic gets transmitted first. This allows bandwidth-intensive traffic to move ahead
of less time-sensitive traffic like email, which minimizes delay and results in a better
user experience.

5. Should I invest in Gigabit Ethernet?
Businesses today need to do full data backups on servers and user computers. As storage
systems become larger and higher performing, and as multimedia data takes up more space,
a gigabit interface can be a huge benefit for any growing, changing business.

6. What if my network grows? Do I just add more bandwidth?
You need more bandwidth, but you also need more intelligence. Otherwise, bandwidth-hungry
applications like storage will slow the whole network down. You also may want to restrict users
to certain servers and applications. These tasks require managed switches that can prioritize
critical data and block data from unauthorized users.

Wireless Access

1. What is the difference between 802.11 standards? Do I need support for 802.11n?
The main difference is in the speed of each 802.11 wireless technology.802.11b moves data at
11Mbps; 802.11g at 54Mbps; and draft 802.11n is currently fastest at 300Mbps. Draft 802.11n
products are just starting to ship; since each standard is backwards compatible, it is wise to get
the fastest technology available.

2. Can I keep my wireless communication secure when logging in from my favorite café?
Linksys® Business Series wireless access points, routers, and client adapters support the main
wireless security protocols, including WEP,WPA and WPA2 Personal and Enterprise. If you are
connecting through a VPN gateway, the connection is even more secure.

3. What's the difference between WEP security and WPA?
WPA and WPA2 have more advanced encryption algorithms, making them more secure than WEP.

4. Does wireless access work on handheld devices?
Handheld devices that support 802.11b and 802.11g can work with Linksys Access
Points and Routers.

5. How can I extend the range of Linksys access points and routers?
Linksys Business Series Wireless-N Routers and Access Points use MIMO (Multi-In/Multi-Out)
technology to extend the indoor range even further.

6. Why should I buy a Business Series wireless product rather than a less expensive
wireless version found at retail stores?
Business Series Routers and APs feature more robust security and intrusion features than
many off-the-shelf products in retail stores. More sophisticated features include embedded
VPN engines rather than a VPN pass-through, both IPSec and SSL over VPN in certain products,
and full support for Gigabit speeds.

Network Security

1. Are all routers and gateways the same?
No. Router and gateway products marketed for residential use are meant to work as standalone
products. A business router should be able to work with other network devices such as
switches, storage devices, security cameras and other hardware. There must be consistent
Quality of Service (QoS) levels for voice and video traffic, as well as consistent security
across all network devices.

2. If I have a router with an Intrusion Protection System (IPS) do I need antivirus
(AV) software on my computer?
An IPS is designed to complement your computer's antivirus software. There are constant
emerging threats looming on the Internet; having multiple layers of security minimizes your
exposure to current and future threats.

3. How do I securely connect two sites through a firewall?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure "tunnel" through a firewall that connects one
designated site to another. It is a private connection established over public bandwidth where
information is encrypted and accessible only to parties on either end of the connection.

4. What's the difference between a VPN and a firewall?
VPN tunnels securely transmit data between a remote user and a company network or between
two different locations. Firewalls filter traffic coming into the company network from the
Internet.All Linksys VPN devices include firewall features.

5. How do I know when there's been a threat?
Linksys routers with Intrusion Protection and Detection (IDS) extensively log threats, allowing
you to see the type of threat, when it occurs and where it comes from.