Instant WirelessTM Series

9.As shown in Figure 5-8, the Basic Settings screen for your 2.4 GHz/802.11b wireless products will appear. Enter your wireless network’s SSID and select the channel at which the network broadcasts its wireless signal. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the pre- vious page.

•SSID. The SSID is the unique name shared among all points in a wire- less network. The SSID must be identical for all points in the wireless network. It is case sensitive and must not exceed 32 characters, which may be any keyboard character. Make sure this setting is the same for all points in your wireless network.

•Channel. Select the appropriate channel from the list provided to corre- spond with your network settings, between 1 and 11 (in North America). All points in your wireless network must use the same channel in order to function correctly.

Figure 5-8

Note: WEP encryption should be used whenever communicating over a wireless network. Wireless transmissions, by their very nature, are unprotected and WEP encryption helps to close this hole in security and make your wireless network safer to use.

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

10.The Security Settings screen (Figure 5-9) for your 2.4 GHz/802.11b wire- less products will appear next. From this screen, you will set the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, 64-bit/128-bit, for your wireless network. Select a WEP configuration method and a WEP passphrase.

•WEP (Disable/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP). In order to utilize WEP encryption, select the WEP setting from the pull-down menu. If you do not wish to utilize WEP encryption, make sure Disable is selected.

•Passphrase. This is a text string with a maximum of 16 alphanumeric characters used for generating a WEP Key. Type the passphrase here. This passphrase may not work with non-Linksys products due to possible incompatibility with other vendors’ passphrase generators. If you’d rather not use a passphrase and would rather enter the WEP Key manually, click the Next button.

Click the Next button to continue or Back to return to the previous page.

Figure 5-9

Note: The Access Point’s passphrase function when mixing prod- ucts from other manufacturers into your wireless network. Linksys products should always be used for optimum functionality. If another company’s wireless product is used, however, the WEP key should be set manually.

WAP51AB specifications

Linksys WAP51AB is a Wireless Access Point designed to provide high-speed wireless connectivity for both home and office environments. With its dual-band capabilities, it operates efficiently on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, ensuring a stable connection for various applications, including streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.

One of the standout features of the WAP51AB is its robust support for the latest wireless standards, including 802.11a/b/g. This versatility allows it to connect with a wide range of devices, from older wireless gadgets to the latest smartphones and laptops. Additionally, the access point enables simultaneous dual-band broadcasting, which helps to reduce congestion and improve the overall wireless experience.

The WAP51AB boasts advanced security features to protect users' data and privacy. It supports WPA2 encryption, ensuring robust security for wireless networks. The access point also offers MAC address filtering, which adds an additional layer of control over which devices can connect to the network, thereby enhancing security.

A key characteristic of the WAP51AB is its ease of setup and management. With the Linksys web-based configuration interface, users can quickly set up their network settings, manage bandwidth, and monitor connected devices with minimal hassle. This user-friendly interface simplifies the process for both novice and experienced users alike.

In terms of physical characteristics, the WAP51AB features a sleek, compact design that allows for easy mounting on walls or ceilings, making it an ideal choice for various deployment scenarios. The external antennas enhance wireless coverage, providing a reliable signal across larger areas, which is particularly useful in environments such as schools, warehouses, or multi-story buildings.

The Linksys WAP51AB also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling flexible placement options without the need for additional power sources. This feature is particularly advantageous in commercial settings where power outlets may be limited.

In summary, the Linksys WAP51AB stands out for its dual-band support, robust security features, user-friendly setup, and flexible installation options, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their wireless networking capabilities. Whether for home use or in a business environment, this access point delivers reliable performance and comprehensive coverage to meet diverse connectivity needs.