Wireless Basic Settings, Wireless Site Survey

Chapter 6

Advanced Configuration

Wireless

The Wireless tab contains the following three screens that allow you to configure the Bridge’s wireless interfaces: Basic Settings, Wireless Security, and Advanced Settings.

Wireless > Basic Settings

The Basic Settings screen allows you to set the following information.

Wireless > Basic Settings

SSID The SSID is the network name used by all devices in a wireless network. It is case-sensitive, must not exceed 32 characters in length, and can contain any keyboard character except spaces. For added security, you should change the default SSID (linksys) to a unique name.

If you are using the WET200 in Infrastructure mode to communicate with a wireless access point, enter the SSID of the access point, or click Site Survey to see a list of available access points. For more information, see the “Wireless Site Survey” section.

If you are using the WET200 in Ad-Hoc mode to communicate with other clients on a wireless network, enter the SSID of that wireless network.

Mode Select the network mode of your wireless access point. If you are unsure of the mode, keep the default setting, B/G Mixed. Select Disabled to disable wireless access. If you use the Site Survey feature, it will search for available networks based on your mode configuration.

Channel Select the correct operating channel for your network from the drop-down menu. This should match the channel setting of the other devices in your wireless network. If you are using Infrastructure mode, this should match your Access Point’s channel number. If you are using Ad-Hoc mode, this should match your peer device’s channel number. If you use the Site Survey feature to connect to your wireless network, the channel setting is configured automatically.

Network Type Keep the default setting, Infrastructure, if you want your wireless Bridge to connect to another wired network through an Access Point. Select Ad-Hocif you want to connect to another wired network through a second wireless Bridge which is also in Ad-Hoc mode.

Click Apply to apply your changes, or click Cancel to cancel your changes.

Wireless Site Survey

When you click Site Survey on the Basic Settings screen, the Wireless Site Survey screen appears. This screen shows all the wireless networks detected by the Bridge and their general information. You can use this screen to connect to one of these networks. If wireless security is configured in a network, the wireless security screen will also appear; enter the passphrase information on this screen.

Wireless > Basic Settings > Wireless Site Survey

For each wireless network detected, the following information is displayed:

Channel The channel setting.

SSID The network name. To join a wireless network, click the radio button to its left.

MAC Address The MAC address of the network’s access point.

Encryption The encryption type. Authentication The authentication type. Network The type of the network.

Signal Strength The wireless signal strength in percent.

Click Refresh to obtain the most up-to-date data. Click Close to close this screen.

Wireless-G Business Ethernet Bridge

WET200 specifications

The Linksys WET200 Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge is designed for businesses looking to extend their network capabilities without the hassle of running Ethernet cables throughout their premises. This high-performance device effectively connects wired devices to a wireless network, providing businesses with efficient access to internet resources and network shares.

One of the standout features of the WET200 is its dual-functionality. It operates as both an Ethernet bridge and a wireless access point, allowing users to connect multiple wired devices, such as printers, servers, or computers, to a wireless network. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for environments where network mobility is crucial, such as offices, retail establishments, and warehouses.

Another key characteristic of the Linksys WET200 is its support for Wireless-G technology, offering a maximum wireless speed of up to 54 Mbps. This ensures that data transfer between connected devices is quick and reliable while providing adequate bandwidth for various applications, including file sharing and streaming. The device also adheres to the IEEE 802.11b/g standard, which means it is compatible with a vast number of other wireless devices.

The WET200 features a simple setup process, aided by its web-based configuration interface. This user-friendly interface allows for easy management of networking settings, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users. Security is a significant consideration, and the WET200 includes robust encryption protocols such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2 to protect data transmission over the wireless network.

Moreover, the Ethernet Bridge is equipped with two 10/100 Ethernet ports, enabling connections to multiple wired devices simultaneously. Its compact design allows for easy placement in various locations, and the inclusion of LEDs provides users with real-time feedback on connectivity status.

Overall, the Linksys WET200 Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge stands out with its combination of performance, flexibility, and ease of use, making it an invaluable asset for businesses aiming to expand their wired network capabilities without compromising on performance or security. It's a smart solution for those who need to harness the power of wireless connectivity while ensuring that their critical wired devices remain connected to the network efficiently.