Linksys WBP54G manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters

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.

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

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 you consider enabling 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.

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 User Guide Copyright and Trademarks Word definitionTable of Contents Power Port List of Figures Figure C-10 BIN File Information Screen Adapter a device that adds network functionality to your PC IntroductionWelcome What’s in This User Guide? Planning Your Wireless Network Network TopologyRoaming Topology the physical layout of a networkNetwork Layout Getting to Know the Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters OverviewLEDs PortCable Combination CableStarting the Setup Wizard Running the Setup WizardCheck for Compatibility Screen Connecting the Network Cable to a Router Screen Wireless-G Bridge Setup Screen WPA Encryption encoding data transmitted in a network11 Security Settings WEP 64-Bit Screen 13 Confirmation Screen 17 Disconnect the Network Cable from Phone Adapter Screen 19 Wireless is Now Active Screen 20 Congratulations Screen Speed of the wireless connection is very slow Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions What is the Ieee 802.11b standard?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is infrastructure mode?What is roaming? What is the ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is WEP? What is WPA?Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters To upgrade the Bridge’s firmware, follow these instructions Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareFigure C-4 Choose Destination Location Figure C-8 Browsed Devices on Network Screen Click Files Figure C-9 Open Firmware File Disconnect the Ethernet network cable from the PC Appendix D Windows Help TCP/IPAppendix E Glossary Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Appendix F Specifications WBP54GCertifications Appendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix H Regulatory Information Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Appendix I Contact Information
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