Linksys WMP55AG manual Instant Wireless Series

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Instant Wireless® Series

SSID (Service Set IDentifier) - A unique name shared among all points in a wireless network. The SSID must be identical for each point in the wireless net- work and is case-sensitive.

Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in a TCP/IP network.

Subnet Mask - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub- groups, or subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi- cient delivery over the network. TCP is known as a “connection oriented” pro- tocol due to requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet resulting in transmission control.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - The basic com- munication language or set of protocols for communications over a network (developed specifically for the Internet). TCP/IP defines a suite or group of protocols and not only TCP and IP.

Topology - A network's topology is a logical characterization of how the devices on the network are connected and the distances between them. The most common network devices include hubs, switches, routers, and gateways. Most large networks contain several levels of interconnection, the most impor- tant of which include edge connections, backbone connections, and wide-area connections.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), UDP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi- cient delivery over the network. UDP is known as a “connection-less” protocol due to NOT requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet (as opposed to TCP).

Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64- bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11b standard.

WINIPCFG - Configuration utility based on the Win32 API for querying, defining and managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used util- ity under Windows 95, 98, and Me.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associat- ed devices that communicate with each other wirelessly.

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Contents Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter Copyright & Trademarks Table of Contents Introduction Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI AdapterFeatures Network Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Overview Getting to Know the Dual-Band Wireless A+G PCI AdapterDual-Band Wireless A+G PCI Adapter’s LEDs Hardware InstallationDriver Installation for Windows XP Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Software Installation for Windows 98, Me, Installation and Configuration for Windows 98, Me,Instant Wireless Series Proceed to the next section, Hardware Installation Link Information Starting the Wlan MonitorSite Survey Wireless Network StatusProfiles Creating a New Profile Instant Wireless Series Instant Wireless Series Frequently Asked Questions Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? Appendix B Glossary Instant Wireless Series Instant Wireless Series Instant Wireless Series Environmental Appendix C SpecificationsAppendix E Contact Information Appendix D Warranty InformationCopyright 2003 Linksys, All Rights Reserved

WMP55AG specifications

The Linksys WMP55AG is a versatile network adapter designed to deliver robust wireless connectivity, catering to various user needs in the realm of home and office networking. Launched by Linksys, a revered name in the networking hardware domain, this adapter stands out for its combination of performance, compatibility, and user-friendly features.

One of the main features of the WMP55AG is its ability to operate across multiple wireless standards. It supports 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g protocols, making it a triple-mode solution that ensures compatibility with a wide array of wireless networks. This multi-standard support allows users to connect to virtually any Wi-Fi network, whether it is a legacy system or one utilizing more recent standards.

The WMP55AG is designed for PCI installation, meaning it can easily be integrated into desktop computers, providing a stable and powerful connection. With its internal antenna system, it ensures a strong signal and minimizes interference, which is crucial for maintaining seamless network performance, especially in environments with multiple competing signals.

In terms of speed, the WMP55AG can achieve data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps when operating in the 802.11g mode. This speed is sufficient for most internet browsing, streaming media, and online gaming needs. Moreover, when connected to an 802.11a network, users can benefit from higher throughput, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications.

Security is another critical aspect of the WMP55AG. It supports the latest Wi-Fi security protocols, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2, ensuring that users have multiple options to protect their wireless networks from unauthorized access.

Its ease of use is complemented by Linksys’ user-friendly setup software, which simplifies the process of installation and configuration. This feature is particularly advantageous for less tech-savvy users who may find the setup of networking devices daunting.

Overall, the Linksys WMP55AG delivers a reliable, flexible, and secure wireless networking solution. Its compatibility with multiple wireless standards, solid performance speeds, built-in security features, and straightforward installation make it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their desktop wireless connectivity. Whether for home use or office environments, the WMP55AG continues to be a relevant option in the landscape of wireless networking devices.