Linksys WMP54GR manual Planning your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with RangeBooster

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 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 can 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 can be doubled.

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 enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

topology: the physical layout of a network.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to- peer) without the use of an access point.

access point: a device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

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 Wireless- G How to Use This User Guide Copyright and TrademarksWord definition Table of Contents Setup Wizard’s License Agreement Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen10 Import a Profile Introduction WelcomeAdapter a device that adds network functionality to your PC What’s in this Guide? Wireless-G PCI Adapter with RangeBooster Network Topology Planning your Wireless NetworkRoaming Topology the physical layout of a networkNetwork Layout Setup Wizard’s License Agreement Starting the SetupSetting up the Adapter Connecting the AdapterEncryption encoding data transmitted in a network WEP Key Needed for ConnectionCongratulations 10 Network Settings Manual SetupWEP PSK2 WPA PersonalEAP-TLS WPA EnterpriseRadius 19 Confirm New Settings Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor Using the Wireless Network MonitorWireless Network Status screen Link InformationWireless Network Status More Information-Network Statistics Wireless Network StatisticsSite Information Site SurveyWPA-Personal Needed for Connection Profile Information Profiles12 Create a New Profile Create a New ProfileWPA Personal Needed for Connection 13 Available Wireless Network Wpa wi-fi protected access a wireless security protocol Using Tkip Temporal Key Integrity Protocol encryptionWhich can be used in conjunction with a Radius server 17 Wireless Security WEP 19 Wireless Security PSK2 EAP-TLS 22 Wireless Security Radius Using EAP-TLS 25 Congratulations Common Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingWhat is the Ieee 802.11b standard? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is infrastructure mode? What is ad-hoc mode?What is roaming? What is ISM band?What is WEP? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is WPA? What is RADIUS?Select Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor Appendix B Using Windows XP Wireless ConfigurationFigure B-4 Available Wireless Network Figure B-6 Network Connection Wireless Security Appendix C Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C Wireless Security Wireless-G PCI Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G PCI Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix F Specifications Protocols802.11g Ofdm Storage Temp Operating HumidityStorage Humidity Limited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationWireless-G PCI Adapter with Range Booster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with Range Booster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with Range Booster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with Range Booster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with Range Booster Appendix I Contact Information
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