TROY Group 802.11b manual Introduction, Ad-Hoc Mode

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Introduction

The EtherWind 802.11b Wireless Print Server lets you communicate with printers from anywhere on an 802.11b wireless network. You can use the print server in ad-hoc (peer-to-peer) or infrastructure (access point) wireless mode, as shown below.

	EtherWind
Laptop computer with
		Printer
802.11b capabilities

Ad-Hoc Mode

(Peer-to-Peer)

Laptop computer with 802.11b capabilities

Printer

EtherWind

802.11b

Access Point

Local Area Network (or Cable/DSL connection)

Infrastructure Mode

(With Access Point)

The print server operates at speeds of up to 11 Mbps on any IEEE 802.11b wire- less compatible network. Your printer can be simultaneously connected to your PC or Macintosh via the USB port.

Follow the instructions in this manual to install the print server for your printer. For more information and software downloads, check the TROY web site (www.troygroup.com).

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Contents User’s Guide Copyright Notice Contents Where to Get Help TroubleshootingIntroduction Ad-Hoc ModeNetwork Protocols Supported System RequirementsOperating Systems Supported IPX/SPX Page Unpacking the Print Server Installing EtherWind Print Server HardwareBefore You Begin EtherWind Connectors, Switches, and LEDs Verifying the Connection to the Printer Connecting to a PrinterVerifying Successful Installation DB9 DTE DCE Connecting the EtherWind to an RS-232 Serial DeviceSET Port S1 Console Enabled Page IP Settings ConfiguringConfiguring the EtherWind EtherWind 802.11bPage Installing the Software Page Page Page Management Methods STARTProgramsTROY GroupEtherWindWP-AdminSTARTProgramsTROY GroupEtherWindXAdmin32 Telnet DEC NCP DEC NCL EtherWind ConsoleMicrosoft Windows Network ConfigurationPage Page Additional Windows Configuration Methods Configuring the Macintosh ConfigurationSetting Up Printing MacOS 8.x AppleTalk NetworkDirectory Services Setting Up Printing MacOSNetWare Network This section covers installation using the Novell clientPage Print Server Name window Select Print Services Quick Setup from the Tools menuPage 192.189.207.33xcdprinter Berkeley Unix Host ConfigurationUnix Network Mkdir /usr/spool/lpd/LaserPrinter Sun Solaris ConfigurationLaserPrinter\ Lp=\ Select Add Access to Remote Printer HP/UX ConfigurationLp -dLaserJet filename Check the box next to Remote Printer is on BSD SystemName of queue to add user selectable Activate the queue Yes Configuration on Other Systems$SET Term LTAxx/PASSTHRU/PASSALL VMS LAT Host ConfigurationDEC LAT Network PRINT/QUEUE=queuename filename @filenameBanyan Vines File Server User ConfigurationFile Server Queue Configuration Print Server Configuration PrintraNet Internet Printing ConfigurationInstalling the Software on a Windows PC at the Local Site 10-2 Adding a Second PrintraNet Destination Configuring the Remote Troy Print Server Printing to the Remote Troy Print Server 192.189.207.222mail.troy.com Troubleshooting Wireless Configuration Problems Troubleshooting and MaintenanceTroubleshooting Printing Problems Troubleshooting Network Configuration Server Name Wireless Server Configuration Screen FieldsSsid Loading the Firmware Wireless Mode11-6 11-7 Change/Remove Uninstalling the EtherWind Wireless SoftwareDouble-ClickAdd/Remove Programs Contacting Troy Where to Get HelpWorldwide Web Support Returning Products WarrantyFCC Compliance Statement For United States Users Declaration of Conformity For European UsersRegulatory Information Canada IC notice

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.