Wireless Server Configuration Screen Fields

TROY Group 802.11b manual Wireless Server Configuration Screen Fields, Server Name

Wireless Server Configuration Screen Fields

Listed below is a description of each of the fields displayed on the Wireless Server Configuration screen and reasonable values for that field. Once these are all set, click OK to close the Configuration Screen and write the changes to the Server. If you decide NOT to CHANGE the values, select CANCEL to close the Configuration Screen and revert to the prior values.

Server Name

This is the name of the wireless print server. The default is XCD_xxxxxx (where

xxxxxxare the last six digits of the MAC/Ethernet address). You can choose any name for this setting. Many companies have suggested naming practices; check with your System Administrator or Network Manager for policies and practices.

Serial Number

This is the fixed number which identifies the EtherWind Server. It is set during manufacture and does not change after that.

Password

This is the EtherWind Wireless Print Server configuration password. For security, the password is never shown. (The field displays asterisks (*) if you type characters into it.) You must know the password before WP-Admin will show you the Configuration Screen. Users should only put text into this field if they want to change the password. Ask your System Administrator or Network Manager for the correct password; be sure the Administrator/Manager is informed and concurs BEFORE the password is changed.

Firmware Revision

This is a static string displaying the correct version of the software embedded in the Server. It can not be modified.

IP Address

The IP Address is a set of four bytes, separated by periods. Each byte can have any value between zero (0) and 255 includive. Most company networks have ranges for their IP Addresses. Many have automatic IP set-up, so the IP address may not require configuration. Consult with your network administrator if you are not sure what to put in this field.

WorkGroup/Domain

This is the Microsoft Network WorkGroup or Domain in which you want the print server. If you are using NetBIOS or NetBEUI to print, this value should match the PC from which you are printing.

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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.