Cisco Systems PI21AG, CB21AG manual Introduction to the Client Adapters, Terminology

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Chapter 1 Product Overview and Installation

Introduction to the Client Adapters

Introduction to the Client Adapters

The Cisco Aironet IEEE 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) are radio modules that provide wireless data communications among fixed, portable, and mobile devices within both wireless and wired network infrastructures. The client adapters are fully compatible when used in devices supporting “plug-and-play” (PnP) technology.

The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data packets through the wireless infrastructure by communicating with other clients or with access points that are connected to a wired LAN. The adapters operate similarly to a standard network product except that radios rather than Ethernet cables make the connection to the wire. No special wireless networking functions are required, and all existing applications that operate over a network can operate using the adapters.

This document covers the two client adapters described in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1

Client Adapter Types

Client Adapter

Model Number

Description

Illustration

PC-Cardbus

AIR-CB21AG

An IEEE 802.11a/b/g-compliant 2.4- and 5-GHz 54-Mbps client

 

card

 

adapter card radio module with a Cardbus interface that can be

 

 

 

inserted into any device equipped with a 32-bit Cardbus slot. Host

 

 

 

devices can include laptops and notebook computers.

 

95579

PCI card

AIR-PI21AG

An IEEE 802.11a/b/g-compliant 2.4- and 5-GHz 54-Mbps client

 

 

adapter card radio module that can be inserted into any device

 

 

equipped with an empty PCI expansion slot, such as a desktop

 

 

personal computer.

ACTIVITY

STATUS

95580

Terminology

The following terms are used throughout this document:

client adapter—Refers to both types of adapters.

PC-Cardbus card or PCI card—Refers to a specific adapter.

workstation (or station)—Refers to a computing device with an installed client adapter.

infrastructure device—Refers to a device that connects client adapters to a wired LAN, such as an access point, bridge, or base station. Throughout this document, access point is used to represent infrastructure devices in general.

Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows Vista

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OL-16534-01

 

 

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Contents Product Overview and Installation Introduction to the Client Adapters TerminologyRadio Antenna Hardware ComponentsRadio LEDsSoftware Components Network Configurations Using Client AdaptersAd Hoc Wireless LAN Ad Hoc Wireless LAN Safety Guidelines Safety informationFCC Safety Compliance Statement Unpacking the Client Adapter Package Contents System RequirementsFor Client Devices Site RequirementsFor Infrastructure Devices Inserting the Client Adapter Inserting a PC-Cardbus CardInserting a PCI Card Changing the BracketInserting the Card Assembling the Antenna Inserting a PCI Card into a PCMounting the Antenna Inserting the Antenna into Its BaseBottom of Antenna Base Mounting the Antenna Obtaining Client Adapter Software Installing the Client Adapter Driver and Software 11 Cisco Aironet Installation Program Window 13 Cisco Aironet Installation Program-Setup Status Window Click Finish OL-16534-01
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