Re: Linksys NAS200 Network Storage adapter

The only two wireless network settings that are of any consequence (as far as individual computers are concerned) are the SSID and the encryption method and password. You can write these down on a piece of paper. The only other thing that you might have to ensure is that the network adapter is set to obtain its IP address and DNS server address automatically -- but that's the default setting. See http://screenshots.modemhelp.net/screenshots/Windows_XP/Network_Connections/Wireless_Network_Connection/Properties/General/TCPIP_Properties/Auto_DNS.shtml

If you want to automate things, however, you can use the WinXP Wireless Network Setup Wizard (although I generally prefer to set things up manually rather than use a "wizard"). See http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb878069.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/connectnow.mspx

The Wizard lets you pick an SSID (network name), the level of encryption you want to use, and the encryption password (it will also automatically create a strong password if you like). I haven't used this wizard, so I don't know if it's been updated to permit the choice of WPA2 encryption. The Wizard makes these settings on the computer on which you are running the Wizard, and then either prints out the info (set up a network manually) or saves them as XML files on a USB flash drive. You can then plug the USB flash drive into other computers running WinXP sp2 and they will automatically be set up with your chosen network parameters.

The catch is that many routers (including the WRT54G) do NOT have a USB port and are not compatible with "Windows Connect Now." Thus, you won't be able to use the flash drive to configure the router. However, either click the "Print Network Settings" button on the final screen of the Wizard or simply access the appropriate XML file and get at them that way and then use the information to configure the router manually as I explained earlier.

Once you're done, put the flash drive away in a secure location (it does, after all, have your wireless network password on it).

Completely separately from all of the above, you can save the *router's* configuration (for the next time you have to reset it to factory defaults) by going to the router's Administration > Config Management page.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.


Richard In Va. wrote:
Hello Lem, Wow, ask and thou shall receive!

Thanks for all good information here. I guess I had always run on the old adage that if it works, don't mess with it. But then I knew the day would come that I'd havta do something about it. Right now, all I have is the DSL modem > wireless broadband router > Ethernet card in my PC. I have no other network or wireless devices. The wireless part is only used when brother or sister visit with their laptops maybe once or twice a year.

(guess which one gave it to me for xmas)

Everything you suggest in your reply certainly makes good sense to me. With the holidays upon us, I might wait till after Thanksgiving to reset the wireless router in case I need to get ahold of linksys tech support. During the initial install or anytime afterwards, I have never had access to the router config web page, kindof weird.

Either that or I'm just missing things here.

As you suggest, I'll leave the firmware alone, at least I know about it if the problem comes up later.

Again, thanks for the information AND instruction, but more so, thank you for your time!

I'll post back my results, who knows, I might get impatient and do this during the Thanksgiving break, but if something goes wrong I won't have internet access.

btw, is there a way to backup/save my settings in XP network connections?

Richard in VA.
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"Lem" <lemp40@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:OPTPqYlKIHA.5788@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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.


Richard in Va. wrote:
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.
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"Lem" <lemp40@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:OB3zjlhKIHA.6008@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Richard in Va. wrote:
Thanks again Jack... !

Thanks also for the heads-up about the Windows Home Server (WHS) or a Media Server w/WHS installed as a possible option/solution. I've read thru some of the MS web site on that product and it appears to do everything a NAS will do plus other cool features, such as, with an xbox360 with the wireless adapter, I can stream my video/pics to my TV for family viewing. A bowl of popcorn and we're set!

Looks like people are making add-ons for the WHS to add even more stuff to do, like a Download Manager or a web page builder, lots of stuff to look at and consider here too!

The difference in $$ between the two would compare with one, ok maybe 2 trips to Wal-Mart, those folks won't let me out the door till I spend at least $150.

So I guess I'll check to see if my Linksys WRT54G wireless broadband router can keep a DNS service updated. Then call my ISP and inquire about a static IP as well as to see if they block certain ports for the service plan I have.

(joke for the day)
I was mowing my lawn last week when the neighbors cat ran out in from of me. I wound up cutting his tail off, so I gathered the cat in one arm and picked up his tail then carried them down to Wal-Mart.

You might ask: Why Wal-Mart?
Answer: Wal-Mart is the largest Re-Tailer in the world aren't they?

Thanks Jack!

Richard in VA.
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"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <jack@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:egc2qzZKIHA.3400@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi
Some Routers can keep certain DNS services On. Otherwise a PC needs to run in order to update the DNS service.
If your Router can keep the DNS updated, or you get a Static IP, then the Modem, the Router, and the NAS stays On, and all computers can be Off.
I personally do not like any of the Entry level NAS. I keep a simple computer, mini case, with mATX/onboard graphic motherboard, running Celeron 1GHz, 512MB RAM, 320GB HD, using Windows 2000 as NAS and Http/ftp servers. The computer keeps a free DNS service updated. Since it takes only 70 watts when working, and less when in standby, it is Not a terrible electrical expense. I have already an experimental Windows Home Server (WHS) configured with embedded free DNS provided by Microsoft with WHS. The address is nice too, yourname.homeserver.com
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Richard in Va." <reaton@xxxxxxx> wrote in message news:%23JkEOGZKIHA.5328@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you Jack for your extended input here. It helps alot!
So I either obtain a static IP from my ISP or use a free or inexpensive DNS service.

Use the static IP from my ISP as my "web address", enable port forwarding in the router set to forward to the IP address of the NAS which has a static IP.

Good! At least I have a much better idea of what I'm getting into BEFORE I buy the NAS and the HD to put in it.

I guess I'll call my ISP and bicker for a static IP, I call them every year or so anyway and "encourage" them to give me a better deal, sometimes they double my DSL bandwidth for just a few $, sometimes they knock $10+/- off my bill. Gotta stay on those people cuz you won't get anything if you never ask!

One thing tho, The Linksys NAS200 is independent of a PC, meaning others can access the NAS over the internet even when my PC is turned off. If I go with a DNS service, will that require my PC to be turned on to make the NAS accessible to others over the internet ??

The way I understand it, the DNS service installs/runs a service on my PC that tags my ISP every once in a while, when it detects that the ISP has assigned a new IP to me, it informs the DNS network to redirect my incoming traffic to the new IP. If true, I'd have to leave my PC on to keep things going.

Once again, thanks for the ezlan.net link, LOTS of good stuff to read... I'll be in there for awhile!

Best regards,

Richard in VA.
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"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <jack@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:utOG9OWKIHA.4228@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi
You are getting there.
Port 80 is for HTTP, FTP usually uses port 21.
Let assume that you have a regular HTTP web site on the NAS using port 80.
You log to the Router and you ser it to forward port 80 toward the NAS (Notice that the Router can open a port only toward one internal IP). If (example ) your NAS' IP 192.168.1.10 you open port 80 toward this IP.

Let say that your external Internet IP is 60.40.2.3., or you use DNS service that point to your computer as myserver.DNSservice.com.

Some one on the Internet types into their browser 60.40.2.2, or myserver.DNSservice.com, it goes to your Router, since the Router was told to Route (forward) traffic coming on port 80 toward 192.168.1.10 it would go to the NAS.
Jack (MVP-Networking).


"Richard in Va." <reaton@xxxxxxx> wrote in message news:uaiiOpKKIHA.5360@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello Jack,

Thanks for your input here!
So if the NAS200 has a static IP and I address the "port open" for port #80 or #8080 and the firewall issues are dealt with, then anyone on the internet that types the IP of the NAS into the browser address bar will have access to my storage drive provided I give them a password?

Is this correct?

Thanks for the link to http://www.ezlan.net:80/myip.html
I've read thru some of this and I guess I'm still alittle confused, maybe I should read some more...

When I saw the NAS200 at linksys.com and read thru all the features and benefits, towards the end I found the "fine print" about needing the TZO DNS Dynamic DNS service required to do basic file shares between remote PC's along with a 1-year "free" offer for the service. I really don't want another monthly $$ service just to do a few file shares over the internet.

Richard in VA
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The NAS200 offers
"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <jack@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:eWzperIKIHA.748@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi
You are mixing few issues that are somewhat independent.
Main use of NAS is the storage File for your private Network.
Some NAS' provide also the capacity to configure an ftp server.
Connecting to any device on a private LAN through the Internet is done similarly and there are few options.
Static IP makes it easy to be found on the Internet, but does not resolve the issue of Routing the traffic to the NAS.
The Routing pass your Internet Router is based on Port Opening toward your NAS' ftp server.
In order to work well the NAS must have Static IP, otherwise the port opening might get confused and the traffic would not reach the NAS
Almost all NAS' you set the IP to whatever is needed to fit to your current IP subnet scheme.
These two page where written for another devices but the principle is exactly the same for NAS.
This page concerns the connection through the Internet, http://www.ezlan.net/myip.html
The second half of this page show the idea of internal Routing from the Internet to the Device, http://www.ezlan.net/vnc.html
Jack (MVP-Networking).


"Richard in Va." <reaton@xxxxxxx> wrote in message news:eIgURq$JIHA.4808@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Does anyone know anything about the Linksys NAS200 Network Storage adapter?
I'm using WinXP-Home with a Linksys WRT54G v5 Wireless DSL Broadband Router.

The storage adapter holds (2) SATA drives, I understand other remote PC's can access this via web browser or ftp using passwords. Supposedly, other users can upload and/or download files to and from the storage adapter based on permissions I set up for them.

Is there anything else $$ needed to accomplish this?
Is the TZO DNS Dynamic DNS service required to do basic file shares between remote PC's?
The TZO software is embedded in the NAS200. Is this really needed?

Thanks for any advice!

Richard in VA.
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FYI, the WRT54G (as long as it's reasonably recent) will automatically work with DynDNS or TZO. Get to the admin web pages and go to
Setup > DDNS.

--
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

--
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




--
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
.