Getting to Know the Wireless Network Access Point

Getting to Know the Wireless Network Access Point

WAP11 specifications

USB Compatibility with Your PC

Instant WirelessTM Series

The Wireless Access Point’s Rear Panel

The ADSL Modem Router’s Rear Panel

Your Access Point’s ports, where network cables are connected, are located on the rear panel of your Access Point.

The Wireless Network Access Point’s Ports

Dipole Antenna
Connectors	These two round connections are where the anten-
	nas are connected to the Access Point.
LAN	This LAN (Local Area Network) port connects to
	network devices, such as a hub, switch, or router.
Power	The Power port is where you will connect the
	power adapter. Be sure to connect the power cord to
	the power adapter before plugging it in.
Configuration Port	The Configuration Port is a USB port (Type B-
	slave) which connects to a USB-ready PC in order
	to configure the Access Point’s settings. To work
	with USB ports, your PC must be running Windows
	98, 2000, or Millennium.

Note: The Configuration Port does not connect your Access Point to your PC (or any other device) for networking purposes. Its only function is to allow you to configure your Access Point’s settings. Once the Access Point is configured, you may remove the USB cable connecting the Access Point to your PC.

Wireless Network Access Point

Your Access Point comes with a USB cable that has two different types of con- nectors. Type A, the master connector, is shaped like a rectangle and plugs into your PC’s

To use the USB port on the Wireless Network Access Point, you must have Windows 98, 2000, or Millennium installed on your PC. USB is not support- ed in a Windows 95 or NT environment.

Also, your PC must have a USB port installed and enabled. Some PCs may have a disabled USB port. If your port doesn’t seem to be working, there may be jumpers on the motherboard or a menu option in the BIOS to enable a PC’s USB port.

Other motherboards have USB interfaces, but no ports. You can install your own USB port and attach it to your PC’s motherboard using hardware pur- chased at retail computer stores. See your PC’s User Guide for instructions.

USB port. Type B, the slave connector, resembles a square and connects to the USB port on the rear panel of your Wireless Network Access Point.

There is no USB Support on PCs

running Windows 95 or Windows NT.

USB Type A

USB Type B

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.