Linksys WAP54GX manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-G Access Point with SRX

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

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, such as the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX, 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 may 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 may be doubled.

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

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.

Before using the roaming capabilities, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

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 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G How to Use this User Guide Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix a TroubleshootingFrequently Asked Questions Front Panel Back PanelWireless Security Radius Screen Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this User Guide? Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Network Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkRoaming Network Layout Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX WirelessBack Panel Connections for Setup Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point withOverview Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point with Using the Setup WizardConnect the Network Cable to the Router or Switch Screen Check the Access Point’s Status Screen Password Screen Basic Settings Screen Configuring the Access Point’s Wireless Settings Wireless Settings ScreenWEP 64-Bit WEP 128-BitWPA/WPA2 Personal WPA Personal WPA2 PersonalWPA2 Mixed Mode 14 WPA2 Mixed Mode Settings Screen16 Congratulations Screen Setup Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with SRXNavigating the Utility Administration WirelessStatus Setup Network Setup Tab Accessing the UtilityNetwork Setup Setup Static IP Screen Wireless Basic Wireless Settings Tab Basic Wireless SettingsWireless Wireless Security Tab Wireless SecurityWPA2-Mixed Radius Wireless Wireless MAC Filter Tab Wireless MAC FilterWireless Advanced Wireless Settings Tab Advanced WirelessWireless-G Access Point with SRX Administration Management Tab ManagementAdministration Log Tab LogAdministration Firmware Upgrade Tab Administration Factory Defaults TabFirmware Upgrade AP’s Information Status Local Network TabLocal Network Status Wireless Network Tab Wireless NetworkAppendix a Troubleshooting Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is the ISM band? Does the Access Point function as a firewall? Security Precautions Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Shared Resources Appendix D Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Model Appendix F SpecificationsEnable/disable StandardsOperating Humidity Storage HumidityAppendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix H Regulatory Information FCC StatementWireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Appendix I Contact Information