SMC Networks SMCWBR11S-N - Manual (Page 25)

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2
N
ETWORK
P
LANNING
The Mini Broadband Router is designed to be very flexible in its deployment
options. It can be used as an Internet gateway for a small network, or as
an access point to extend an existing wired network to support wireless
users. It also supports use as a wireless bridge to connect up to four wired
LANs, or as a wireless client to connect to another wireless network.
This chapter explains some of the basic features of the Mini Broadband
Router and shows some network topology examples in which the device is
implemented.
I
NTERNET
G
ATEWAY
R
OUTER
The Mini Broadband Router can connect directly to a cable or DSL modem
to provide an Internet connection for multiple users through a single
service provider account. Users connect to the Mini Broadband Router
either through a wired connection to a LAN port, or though the device’s
own wireless network. The Mini Broadband Router functions as an Internet
gateway when set to Router Mode.
An Internet gateway employs several functions that essentially create two
separate Internet Protocol (IP) subnetworks; a private internal network
with wired and wireless users, and a public external network that connects
to the Internet. Network traffic is forwarded, or routed, between the two
subnetworks.
Figure 5: Operating as an Internet Gateway Router
Mini Router
Server
(IP: 192.168.2.x)
Desktop PC
(IP: 192.168.2.x)
Cable/DSL
Modem
Internet
Service
Provider
Notebook PC
(IP: 192.168.2.x)
WAN
(IP assigned
from
ISP)
LAN (IP: 192.168.2.x)
LAN Switch