Linksys Network Router specifications Planning your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-G Range Expander

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Topology

topology: the physical layout of a network

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they both share the same channel and SSID.

Should you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer- to-peer) without the use of an access point.

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

roaming: the ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection.

SSID: your wireless network's name.

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

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Network Topology

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Contents Copyright and Trademarks How to Use this Guideword definition Table of Contents List of Figures adapter - a device that adds network functionality to your PC Chapter 1 IntroductionWelcome router - a networking device that connects multiple networks togetherWhat’s in this Guide? This appendix supplies the Range Expander’s regulatory information Appendix F Warranty InformationThis appendix supplies the Range Expander’s warranty information Appendix G Regulatory InformationRoaming Chapter 2 Planning your Wireless NetworkSSID your wireless networks name Network TopologyNetwork Layout no network with which to connect, this light will appear red Chapter 3 Getting to Know the Wireless-G Range ExpanderPower when there is network activityFigure 3-3 The Two Prong Power Plate Figure 3-2 The Power Plate The Power Platewith Cord tcp/ip a set of instructions PCs use to communicate over a network Chapter 4 Connecting the Wireless-G Range ExpanderWall Mounting Chapter 5 Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander Figure 5-2 Connecting to an access point Click the Next button to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard bit - a binary digit Figure 5-11 The Confirm New Settings screen Overview Chapter 6 Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expandersubnet mask an address code that determines the size of the network The Setup TabBasic Setup firmware the programming code that runs a networking deviceencryption encoding data transmitted in a network Figure 6-3 WEP Security screensoftware instructions for the computer download to receive a file transmitted over a network PasswordHelp upgrade to replace existing software or firmware with a newer versionWhat IEEE 802.11b features are supported? Appendix A TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is ISM band? What is Ad-hoc?What is Infrastructure? What is Roaming?What is WEP? What is Spread Spectrum?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? Can Linksys Wireless products support file and printer sharing?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? How do I reset the Range Expander?How do I avoid interference? Security Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID WPA Pre-Shared Key. If you do not have a RADIUS server, select the type of algorithm, TKIP or AES, enter a password in the Pre-Shared key field of 8-64 characters, and enter a Group Key Renewal period time between 0 and 99,999 seconds, which instructs the Router or other device how often it should change the encryption keys Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Network Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpTCP/IP Shared ResourcesAppendix E Glossary Encryption - Encoding data transmitted in a network Router - A networking device that connects multiple networks together Appendix F Specifications Appendix G Warranty Information Appendix H Regulatory Information EN 609 50 Safety An FCC compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this equipment. This equipment is designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible modular jack, which is FCC Part 68 compliant. Connection to the telephone network should be made by using the standard modular telephone jack Appendix H Regulatory Information Appendix I Contact Information Range Expander 2.4 802 GHz .11g Wireless- GWIRELESS User Guide