3Com WL-462, WL-450 Wireless Network Standards, FAR-REACHING 802.11G, HIGH-PERFORMANCE 802.11A

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need to consider AC power outlet locations. PoE support makes it easier than ever to overcome installation problems with difficult-to-wire or hard-to-reach locations.

WIRELESS NETWORK STANDARDS

Understanding the characteristics of the 802.11g and 802.11a standards can help you make the best choice for your wireless implementation plans.

FAR-REACHING 802.11G

802.11g operates in the 2.4 GHz band at up to 54Mbps. Ratified in 2003, it supports the widest coverage—up to 100 meters (328 feet). However, is subject to a greater risk of radio interference because it operates in the more popular 2.4 GHz band.

Consider 802.11g when you need wider coverage and vendor compatibility and you are:

oMaintaining support for existing 802.11b users and the existing wireless investment while providing for expansion into 802.11g.

o

o

Implementing a complete wireless LAN solution, including bridges, gateways, access points and clients; Wi-Fi certification guarantees compatibility among vendors

Providing access to hot spots in public spaces such as coffee shops or university cafeterias

HIGH-PERFORMANCE 802.11A

Ratified in 2002, 802.11a is IEEE’s more recent wireless standard. It operates at the 5 GHz band and supports data rates at up to 54 Mbps. For those organizations demanding even higher speeds, a “turbo mode” feature can boost throughput rates up to 108 Mbps. And because there are fewer devices in the 5 GHz band, there’s less potential for RF interference. However, because it is at an entirely different radio spectrum, it is not compatible with 802.11g.

The higher spectrum provides about 50 meters (164 feet) of coverage—about half what 802.11g offers.

Consider 802.11a when you need high throughput in a confined space and you are:

oRunning high-bandwidth applications like voice, video, or multimedia over a wireless network that can benefit from a fivefold increase in data throughput

oTransferring large files like computer aided design files, preprint publishing documents or graphics files, such as MRI scans for medical applications, that demand additional bandwidth

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Contents Wireless LAN Access Points 8250/8500/8750 3Com Corporation 350 Campus Drive Marlborough, MA Contents System Configuration Regulatory Compliance Information Index Product Features IntroductionManageability SecurityPerformance and Reliability HIGH-PERFORMANCE 802.11A Wireless Network StandardsFAR-REACHING 802.11G Infrastructure Wireless LAN Network Configuration and PlanningAD HOC Wireless LAN Infrastructure Wireless LAN for Roaming Wireless PCSTerminology Page Installing the Access Point Installation RequirementsPower Requirements Safety InformationPage Connecting the Standard Antennas Before YOU BeginConnecting Power Using the Power Supply Mounting on a Wall Using a POWER-OVER-ETHERNET LAN PortChecking the Leds Plastic anchors and 3 screws Flat Surface Installation Selecting and Connecting a Different Antenna Model Back Power Settings on the Access Point for External Antennas Installing Software UtilitiesPage Using the 3COM Wireless Device Manager Launching a Wireless Device ConfigurationClick Configure Using the PRE-IP Configuration Wizard Configuration LoginSetting the Country Code Basic Setup Dhcp Client Advanced SetupIdentification Radius Secure WEB Server ConnectionAuthentication Page Field Default Description Filter Control Filtering by VlanUplink Port MAC Address Filtering Client List TimeoutSecurity Filters Snmp Filtering by Ethernet Protocol TypeAdministration System LOG Radio Interface Radio SettingsStatus Page Security Configuring Authentication Configuring EncryptionWPA Configuration WEP Configuration HOW to Setup the Access Point for Radius Authentiction Select Advanced SetupSelect Advanced Setup HOW to Setup the Access Point for WPA with PRE-SHAREDPSK KEYWPA Configuration for Windows XP WEPWPA-PSK AES Troubleshooting Click Configure Client service area to match Where to GO for Help Troubleshoot Online Obtaining Support for Your ProductAccess Software Downloads Contact US Telephone Technical Support and RepairCountry Telephone Number North America Telephone Regulatory Compliance Information Industry Canada IC Emissions Compliance Statement Additional Country Restrictions WL-463, 802.11g Radio Module Safety Compliance Notice Index Radius TCP/IP