American Power Conversion 3-in-1 Wireless Mobile Router user manual Appendix B About Wireless LANs

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Appendix B: About Wireless LANs

This appendix provides some background information about using wireless LANs (WLANs) and describes the following:

•Modes for Wireless LANs

•Basic Service Set (BSS) and Extended Service Set (ESS)

•Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

Modes for Wireless LANs

Wireless LANs can work in either of two modes:

•Ad hoc Mode

•Infrastructure Mode

Ad hoc Mode

Ad hoc mode does not require an access point or a Wired (Ethernet) LAN. Wireless stations (such as notebook PCs with Wireless cards) communicate directly with each other.

Infrastructure Mode

In Infrastructure mode, one or more access points are used to connect Wireless stations (such as notebook PCs with Wireless cards) to a Wired (Ethernet) LAN. The Wireless stations can then access all LAN resources.

Note: Access points can only function in Infrastructure mode, and can communicate only with Wireless stations which are set to Infrastructure mode.

Basic Service Set (BSS) and Extended Service Set (ESS)

The following section describes the following types of wireless stations and the wireless channel:

•BSS

•ESS

•Channels

BSS

A group of wireless stations and a single access point, all using the same ID (SSID), form a Basic Service Set (BSS).

Note: Using the same SSID is essential. Devices with different SSIDs are unable to communicate with each other.

ESS

A group of wireless stations and multiple access points, all using the same ID (ESSID), form an Extended Service Set (ESS). Different access points within an ESS can use different channels. In fact, to reduce interference, it is recommended that adjacent access points use different channels.

As wireless stations are physically moved through the area covered by an ESS, they will automatically change to the access point which has the least interference or best performance. This capability is called Roaming. (Access points do not have or require roaming capabilities.)

Channels

The wireless channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.

•Access points use a fixed channel — Users select the channel used. This allows choice of a channel that provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA and Canada, 11 channels are available. If using multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different channels to reduce interference.

•In Infrastructure mode — Wireless stations normally scan all channels, looking for an access point. If more than one access point is available, the one with the strongest signal is used. (This can only happen within an ESS.)

•If using Ad hoc mode (no access point) — All wireless stations should be set to use the same channel. However, most wireless stations

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Contents User’s Manual Page Contents Operation and Usage Configuring the Router for AP/Router ModeAP/Router Mode Advanced Features Configuring the Router for Client ModeAppendix A. Troubleshooting and Maintenance A-1 List of Figures Conventions and Typefaces Used in This Manual Contents of this ManualPreface Intended AudienceTrademarks Regulatory ApprovalsCompliance Statement DisclaimersIntroduction FeaturesWireless Router Mode FeaturesPhysical Features Package ContentsModes Feature FunctionalityAP/Router Mode Access Point AP ModeClient Mode Config ModeModes How to Perform the Initial Configuration Initial ConfigurationRequirements Mode Configuration Screen Admin Using The System Setup ScreenSystem Using The Config File ScreenUpgrading the Firmware Upgrade Firmware ScreenUpgrading the Firmware Connecting the Router to a Wired or Wireless Network Configuring the Router for Access Point AP ModeUsing the Wireless Security Screen WirelessWireless Security WEP Screen Wireless Security WPA-PSK Screen Using the Trusted Wireless Stations ScreenAdd EditClear Using the Trusted Wireless Stations Screen Connecting in AP/Router Mode Configuring the Router for AP/Router ModeAP/Router Setup Screen Using the AP/Router Setup ScreenEthernet WAN Port Wireless LANSecurity System WEP Wireless Security ScreenSecurity System WPA-PSK Buttons Trusted Wireless Stations ScreenIP Address Ethernet WAN Port Configuration ScreenConnection Type Travel Mode Hotel Connection TypeMAC Address Connection Types PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, and No LoginIdentification Connection Behavior Ethernet Port Configuration All SettingsEthernet WAN Port Configuration Screen Internet Ethernet WAN Port StatusFixed/Dynamic IP Address Connection Log ConnectionMessage Description Pptp Status Screen Pptp StatusL2TP Status Screen Connection Status L2TP ScreenEthernet WAN Port Status Communication Applications AP/Router Mode Advanced FeaturesAdvanced Internet Screen Communication ApplicationsMy PC is not listed Enable DMZ usingPort Forwarding Send Application’s incoming calls toPort Forwarding IP Address Seen by Internet UsersPort Forwarding Screen ServiceProperties Modify Edit a Server Using Self-defined ServersConnecting to User-defined Servers Create a new ServerDdns Screen Using Dynamic DNS Domain Name ServerDdns Data Ddns ServicePing Network Diagnostics ScreenDNS Lookup Options Screen Backup DNSBackup DNS IP Enable UPnP ServicesAdvanced PC Database Screen Advanced PC Database ScreenPC Properties Firewall Security ScreenOptions Allow L2TP Allow PptpSecurity Screen Connecting the Computer to the Router Configuring the Router for Client ModeWireless Profiles Client Mode Setup ScreenSet as Current Network Type Wireless Client Profile ScreenGeneral Profile NameSecurity Sytem SecurityUsing AP Mode When Changing ModesOperation and Usage Connecting in AP/Router Mode Using AP/Router ModeAP/Router Setup Screen annotated Using Client Mode Solution Appendix a Troubleshooting and MaintenanceGeneral Problems Wireless Access AP or AP/Router ModeProblem 3 The wireless connections speed is very slow Router ModeModes for Wireless LANs Appendix B About Wireless LANsBasic Service Set BSS and Extended Service Set ESS Off, 64 Bit, 128 Bit Wired Equivalent Privacy WEPOpen System or Shared Key Wireless Interface Specifications Appendix C SpecificationsTechnical Support Warranty
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