Basic Setting TAB, Advanced TAB | Linksys WAP11 guide

Instant WirelessTM Series

THE BASIC SETTING TAB

The Wireless Network Access Point will automatically detect the settings to your wireless network. Changing these values will alter your current wireless network configuration.

•ESSID. The ESSID or SSID is the unique name shared among all points in a wireless network. The ESSID must be identical for all points in the net- work. It is case sensitive and must not exceed 30 characters. Make sure that all points in the network are set the same. Verify that you’re using the cor- rect ESSID before clicking the Apply button.

•Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to corre- spond with your network settings, between 1 and 11 (in North America). All devices that communicate with this Access Point must use the same channel in order to work correctly. Verify that the correct channel is select- ed before clicking the Apply button.

The Close button will close the SNMP Configuration Utility without saving any changes.

Click the Apply button to store the information, then click the Yes button to accept the changes in the dialog box that appears.

Wireless Network Access Point

THE ADVANCED TAB

Before making any changes to the Advanced tab, please check your wireless settings as these changes will alter the effectiveness of the Wireless Network Access Point. In most cases, these settings do not need to be changed.

•Fragmentation Threshold Value. This value indicates how much of the Access Point’s resources are devoted to recovering packet errors. The value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. If you have decreased this value and experience high packet error rates, you can increase it again, but it will likely decrease overall network performance. Only minor modifica- tions of this value are recommended.

•RTS Threshold Value. This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. Should you encounter inconsistent data flow, only minor modifica- tions are recommended.

•Authentication Type. The authentication type defines configuration options for the sharing of wireless networks to verify identity and access privileges of roaming wireless network cards. Verify that you’ve set this to the correct authentication type before clicking the Apply button.

•Preamble Type. The preamble defines the length of the CRC block for communication between the Wireless Network Access Point and the roam- ing wireless network card. Verify that you’ve selected the appropriate pre- amble type before clicking the Apply button.

WAP11 specifications

The Linksys WAP11 is a versatile and influential device in the realm of wireless networking. Released in the early 2000s, this wireless access point was designed to offer seamless connectivity for users who required reliable internet access without the constraints of wired connections. The WAP11 quickly became popular for home and office environments, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet wirelessly.

One of the standout features of the Linksys WAP11 is its compliance with the IEEE 802.11b wireless networking standard. This standard enabled the WAP11 to deliver a maximum data transfer rate of up to 11 Mbps, which was impressive at the time of its launch. It also supported backward compatibility with 802.11g devices, enabling a broader range of connectivity options for users.

The WAP11 utilizes both infrastructure and ad-hoc modes, catering to various networking setups. The infrastructure mode allows for connection through a wireless router or switch, while the ad-hoc mode facilitates a peer-to-peer connection among multiple devices. This flexibility makes the WAP11 suitable for both small home networks and larger office settings.

Another notable characteristic of the WAP11 is its range and coverage capability. The device operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency and is designed to provide coverage in a typical home or small office. When deployed in an environment with minimal obstacles, the WAP11 offers a considerable range, ensuring that users can connect from various locations within the premises.

Security features are also a significant aspect of the WAP11. It supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, providing a basic level of security to protect data transmitted across the wireless network. While WEP has since been superseded by more robust security protocols like WPA and WPA2, it was a necessary feature for its time, giving users peace of mind regarding their data protection.

Installation and setup of the Linksys WAP11 are user-friendly, making it accessible even for individuals with minimal technical experience. The device comes with a web-based interface that allows users to configure settings, adjust security parameters, and troubleshoot network issues with ease.

In summary, the Linksys WAP11 is a remarkable wireless access point that laid the groundwork for the wireless networking standards we now take for granted. With its support for 802.11b, flexible operating modes, decent range, and user-friendly configuration, the WAP11 provided a reliable solution for expanding wireless connectivity. Its influence can be seen in the ongoing evolution of wireless networking technologies, emphasizing the importance of connectivity in our increasingly digital world.