Linksys WAP54GPE manual Introduction, Welcome

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Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point. This Access Point will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever.

How does the Access Point do all of this? An access point allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network while also allowing you to connect the wireless network to a wired environment. In fact, the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point can support communications on up to eight wireless networks, using Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) technology.

The Wireless-G Exterior Access Point also offers the convenience of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, so it can receive data and power over a single Ethernet network cable. And with the advantage of its weather-proof housing, you can mount the Access Point outside to extend your wireless networking range and mobility to the outdoors. You can even connect wired networks in two different buildings, by using two Access Points set to Wireless Bridge mode.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the network is called "wired".

PCs equipped with wireless client cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Access Point bridges wireless networks of both 802.11g and 802.11b standards and wired networks.

Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Access Point, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Access Point.

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

network: a series of computers or devices connected together.

lan (local area network): the computers and networking devices that make up your local network.

poe (power over ethernet): a technology enabling an Ethernet network cable to deliver both data and power.

ethernet: network protocol defined in IEEE 802.3 standard that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.

802.11g: a wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

802.11b: a wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

Chapter 1: Introduction

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Welcome

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Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use this User GuideTable of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix a TroubleshootingFrequently Asked Questions List of Figures 15 Wireless Advanced Wireless Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this User Guide? Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Network Layout Planning Your Wireless NetworkNetwork Topology RoamingExample of a Simple Wireless Network LEDs Getting to Know the Wireless-G Exterior Access PointWireless Receiving data from a wireless deviceAntenna That supports Power over Ethernet PoEPorts EthernetReset Button Ground Reset Button and GroundInternal Antenna Pattern Horizontal Plane Antenna PatternWireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Hardware Installation Connecting the Wireless-G Exterior Access PointOverview Ground the Access Point Accessing the Utility Setting Up the Wireless-G Exterior Access PointNavigating the Utility SetupWireless Enter the Host Name and IP Address settings on this screenAdministration AP ModeStatus IP Settings Configuring the Wireless-G Exterior Access PointSetup Tab Network SetupTime Setup Time TabWireless Network Wireless Basic Wireless Settings TabConfigure the Wireless Network attributes for each Ssid Wireless-G Exterior Access Point WPA-Personal aka WPA-PSK Wireless Wireless Security TabWireless Security DisabledWPA2-Personal Mixed WPA2-PersonalWPA2-Enterprise WPA-EnterpriseWPA2-Enterprise Mixed 11 Wireless Wireless Security WPA2 Enterprise MixedRadius Wireless Connection Control Wireless Wireless Connection Control TabSelect MAC Address From Networked Computers Advanced Wireless Wireless Advanced Wireless Settings TabWireless-G Exterior Access Point MAC Address AP Mode Tab17 Wireless Repeater Wireless Repeater18 Site Survey Local AP Password Administration Management TabAP Password Web AccessWireless-G Exterior Access Point Log Administration Log TabWireless-G Exterior Access Point Firmware Upgrade Administration Factory Default TabAdministration Firmware Upgrade Tab Factory DefaultReboot Administration Reboot TabOn this screen you can reboot the Access Point Config Management Administration Config Management TabInformation Status Local Network TabLocal Network 26 Status Wireless Status Wireless TabSystem Performance WiredWireless Status System Performance TabWireless-G Exterior Access Point Frequently Asked Questions Appendix a TroubleshootingWhat 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 Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Figure C-1 Firmware UpgradeShared 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 IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.3u, IEEE802.3af Appendix F SpecificationsModel StandardsExternal antenna is sold separately Operating HumidityStorage Humidity To 95%, Non-CondensingLimited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationWireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Wireless-G Exterior Access Point Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Linksys Appendix I Contact InformationNeed to contact Linksys? Information section in this Guide
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