Linksys WVC54GC Planning Your Wireless Network, Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure Modes, Network Layout

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Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Introduction

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers and other devices, such as peripherals, in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name for wireless devices.

Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure Modes

Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or peripherals with a wired network or not.

If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessed by a wired network or need to share a peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in infrastructure mode. The basis of infrastructure mode centers around an access point, which serves as the main point of communications in a wireless network. (A wireless router can also be used because a wireless router incorporates the capabilities of an access point.) Access points transmit data to PCs equipped with wireless network cards, which can roam within a certain radial range of the access point. Multiple access points can be arranged to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and can be set up to communicate with your Ethernet (wired) hardware as well.

If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only with the other computers on the wireless network, then the ad-hoc mode can be used. Ad-hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for an access point. The drawback of this mode is that, in Ad-Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to communicate with computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the wireless-equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference directly between them.

Network Layout

The Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera is compatible with all 802.11b and 802.11g routers, as well as access points. The Camera will also communicate with network adapters, such as the Wireless-B and Wireless-G

LAN (Local Area Network): the computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A group of computers and associated devices that communicate with each other wirelessly.

Infrastructure: configuration in which a wireless network is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

Ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly to each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access point.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

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Introduction

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Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G How to Use this User Guide Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Appendix a Troubleshooting Appendix B Wireless SecurityCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Web-based UtilityList of Figures Camera LED22 Camera in Wall-Mounting Position 11 Sign Up Screen 15 SoloLink Ddns Screen Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this Guide? Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Planning Your Wireless Network Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure ModesNetwork Layout Planning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Camera Reset Button Camera HeadCamera Ports Camera StandConnection to a Wired Network for Setup OverviewMoving the Camera to a Different Network Setup Wizard Setup Wizard Welcome ScreenConnect the Network Cable to the Camera Screen Power on the Camera Screen Cameras Found Screen 10 Network Settings Screen 13 Wireless Settings Screen 14 Security Settings WPA-Personal Screen 17 Confirm New Settings Screen 18 Congratulations Screen Placement Options Stand OptionWall Mount Option 21 Wall Mount OptionInstalling the Multi-Camera Viewer & Recorder Utility Welcome ScreenInstallShield Wizard Complete Screen Using the Multi-Camera Viewer & Recorder Utility Camera StatusAdd Camera Cameras on LANCamera Data Internet Test ResultsRaise or lower the volume Icon FunctionCamera Settings Delete CameraResolution Quality Level Bit Rate File Size Scheduled RecordingsSaved Files Recorded FilesMotion Detection Files Motion Detection SnapshotsUtility Settings DirectoryRecording Time Frame Disk Allocation for RecordingStart Info Setting up the Linksys SoloLink Ddns Service Setup Wizard for the SoloLink Ddns ServiceSoloLink for Dynamic IP Address Screen Check Connections Screen SoloLink Ddns Screen 10 Welcome to the SoloLink Ddns Service Screen 11 Sign Up Screen 12 Confirmation of New Settings Screen 14 Confirm Your Location ID Screen 17 Create Links Screen 19 Account Confirmation of Camera Screen SoloLink Registration of Additional Cameras Click the SoloLink Ddns tab24 SoloLink Ddns Screen How to Access the Web-based Utility Camera’s Default IP AddressView Video To view the image as an image rotated 180º, click this iconSetup Web Utility Login ScreenDevice Settings LAN SettingsWireless Settings BasicWireless Security WEPVideo Settings Resolution Quality Level Bit RateImage Estimated Bit Rates for Video Viewing or RecordingAdjustments OptionsAdministrator LoginRestore Factory Defaults Firmware UpgradeUser Access UsersUsers SoloLink Ddns SoloLink DdnsStatus SoloLink Registration of Additional Cameras21 Find Available Port Screen Options Mail AlertOther Wireless StatusSystem Status NetworkHelp 26 User Help ScreenAppendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsCompact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Frequently Asked Questions Can I view video using a Macintosh or Netscape Navigator?How many users can view the Camera’s video at the same time? What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? Appendix B Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Figure C-1 Upgrade Firmware Screen Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareAppendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Appendix F Specifications StandardsPorts ProtocolsUnit Weight Lbs .13 kg Power 5V DC External Certifications Record File FormatOperating Temp Storage TempAppendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix H Regulatory Information Federal Communication Commission Interference StatementIndustry Canada Software License Agreement Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Appendix I Contact Information Need to contact Linksys?Information section in this Guide