Configuring, EtherWind 802.11b, IP Settings

TROY Group manual EtherWind 802.11b, IP Settings, Configuring the EtherWind

2	Configuring the
	EtherWind 802.11b

and IP Settings

Configuring the EtherWind

There are three basic steps required to configure the EtherWind:

1.Configuring the EtherWind 802.11b settings. To operate on an 802.11b net- work, you must set the wireless (ad-hoc or infrastructure), SSID, channel, data rate and WEP encryption. All nodes of a wireless network need to have the same settings in order to communicate with each other.

2.Configuring the IP address settings. You will need to set the IP address, subnet mask, and router address if you are using TCP/IP, NetBIOS IP, or PrintraNet, or if you want to use the WebXAdmin web-based management utility.

3.Configuring the EtherWind for operation with the network operating systems. The final step is to configure the EtherWind so that you can print to it using one or more network operating systems (for example, Windows NT/2000, NetWare, AppleTalk, etc.).

Before You Begin

◗Make sure that you have properly configured your computer for communica- tion on a wireless network. If you are connecting to the printer through an access point, make sure your computer is in infrastructure mode and it is asso- ciated with the access point. If you are printing directly to the printer without an access point, you should be in ad-hoc mode. See the documentation for your wireless adapter for instructions.

Note:

If your wireless adapter includes an option for 802.11 Ad-hoc, you must select it if you want to use the printer in ad-hoc mode. If it doesn’t include

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802.11b specifications

TROY Group 802.11b is a significant advancement in wireless networking technology, introduced in the late 1990s. Operating within the 2.4 GHz frequency band, 802.11b provided users with robust connectivity and established a foundation for future wireless standards. This protocol marked a transition from wired networking to wireless, enabling greater mobility and flexibility for users.

One of the main features of the 802.11b standard is its data transmission rate, which supports speeds of up to 11 Mbps. While this may seem modest by today’s standards, it was a groundbreaking achievement at the time. The 802.11b technology utilized Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation, which allowed multiple data streams to coexist with minimal interference. This was crucial in environments with numerous wireless devices.

Security was another important consideration, and 802.11b incorporated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) for data protection. WEP attempted to secure wireless transmissions by encrypting data packets, although it was later found to have vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, it was a starting point for securing wireless communication until more robust security protocols, such as WPA and WPA2, were developed.

The compatibility of 802.11b with earlier standards like 802.11 meant that devices could be mixed and matched, allowing for a smooth transition to wireless networks. With a typical range of around 100 to 300 feet, it was suitable for various environments, from homes to offices. In addition, the protocol facilitated peer-to-peer networking, allowing devices to communicate directly without the need for an access point.

In terms of hardware, 802.11b required compatible wireless network interface cards (NICs) and access points. These devices were increasingly integrated into laptops and desktops, leading to widespread adoption and the growing popularity of wireless networking in everyday life.

In conclusion, TROY Group 802.11b laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication. Its features, including data rates of up to 11 Mbps, DSSS modulation, and initial security measures like WEP, made it a pioneer in the industry. Although it has been succeeded by faster and more secure protocols, the legacy of 802.11b lives on as a crucial development in the evolution of wireless technology, setting the stage for the high-speed and secure connections that users enjoy today.