Linksys WAP54GPE manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming, Network Layout

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Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one or more wireless adapters. Computers in a wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel to talk to each other. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with each other to form an ad-hoc network without the use of an access point.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide access to a wired network when using an access point, such as the Wireless-G Exterior 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 or wireless network 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 (depending on antenna characteristics).

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 wireless channel and SSID.

Before 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.

Note that Spanning Tree Protocol should be disabled on the switches connecting to the APs to allow roaming to work without disruption.

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Exterior Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11g and 802.11b products. The Access Point is compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b adapters, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB connectivity. These wireless products can also communicate with a 802.11g or 802.11b Wireless PrintServer.

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: 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 List of Figures 15 Wireless Advanced Wireless Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this User Guide? Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Roaming Planning Your Wireless NetworkNetwork Topology Network LayoutExample of a Simple Wireless Network Receiving data from a wireless device Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access PointWireless LEDsEthernet That supports Power over Ethernet PoEPorts AntennaReset Button and Ground Reset Button GroundAntenna Pattern Internal Antenna Pattern Horizontal PlaneWireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Hardware Installation Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access PointOverview Ground the Access Point Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Accessing the UtilityEnter the Host Name and IP Address settings on this screen SetupWireless Navigating the UtilityAdministration AP ModeStatus Network Setup Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior Access PointSetup Tab IP SettingsSetup Time Tab TimeWireless Network Wireless Basic Wireless Settings TabConfigure the Wireless Network attributes for each Ssid Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Disabled Wireless Wireless Security TabWireless Security WPA-Personal aka WPA-PSKWPA2-Personal WPA2-Personal MixedWPA-Enterprise WPA2-Enterprise11 Wireless Wireless Security WPA2 Enterprise Mixed WPA2-Enterprise MixedRadius Wireless Connection Control Wireless Wireless Connection Control TabSelect MAC Address From Networked Computers Wireless Advanced Wireless Settings Tab Advanced WirelessWireless-G Exterior Access Point AP Mode Tab MAC AddressWireless Repeater 17 Wireless Repeater18 Site Survey Web Access Administration Management TabAP Password Local AP PasswordWireless-G Exterior Access Point Administration Log Tab LogWireless-G Exterior Access Point Factory Default Administration Factory Default TabAdministration Firmware Upgrade Tab Firmware UpgradeReboot Administration Reboot TabOn this screen you can reboot the Access Point Administration Config Management Tab Config ManagementInformation Status Local Network TabLocal Network Status Wireless Tab 26 Status WirelessStatus System Performance Tab WiredWireless System PerformanceWireless-G Exterior Access Point Appendix 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 Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Figure C-1 Firmware Upgrade Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareShared Resources Appendix D Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Standards Appendix F SpecificationsModel IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.3u, IEEE802.3afTo 95%, Non-Condensing Operating HumidityStorage Humidity External antenna is sold separatelyAppendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix H Regulatory Information FCC StatementWireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Information section in this Guide Appendix I Contact InformationNeed to contact Linksys? Linksys
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