What is WEP?, How do I avoid interference? | Linksys WAP54A specification

Instant Wireless™ Series

tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmis- sion, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security fea- ture of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryp- tion function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up depending upon their needs.

Can Instant WirelessTM products support file and printer sharing?

Instant WirelessTM products perform the same function as LAN products. Therefore, Instant WirelessTM products can work with Netware, Windows NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40 bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

How do I avoid interference?

Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to one another will generate interference. When employing multiple Access Points, be sure to operate each one on a different channel (frequency).

How do I reset the Access Point?

Press the Reset button on the back of the Access Point for about ten seconds. This will reset the unit to its default settings.

Wireless Access Point

How do I resolve issues with signal loss?

There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without test- ing. Every obstacle placed between an Access Point and wireless PC will cre- ate signal loss. Leaded glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhib- it the signal and reduce range. Start with your Access Point and your wireless PC in the same room and move it away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment.

You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel. Also, due to FCC regulations, more power may be transmitted on channels 52, 56, 60 and 64, than on the lower channels. Lastly, check the Advanced tab of the Web-Based Utility and make sure that FULL is selected in the Transmission Rate field.

Does the Turbo Mode work with Windows XP PCs?

No. The Turbo Mode does not work with Windows XP PCs.

Does the Access Point function as a firewall?

No. The Access Point is only a bridge from wired Ethernet to wireless clients.

I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.

WEP is probably enabled on the Access Point, but not on your wireless adapter (or vice versa). Verify that the same WEP Keys and levels (64, 128 or 152) are being used on all nodes on your wireless network.

What is the maximum number of users the Access Point facilitates?

No more than 65, but this depends on the volume of data and may be less if many users create a large amount of network traffic.

How many channels are available with the Access Point?

There are eight available channels (frequencies) ranging from 5.15GHz to 5.32GHz.

What is Turbo mode?

Turbo mode allows high-speed connections, but severely limits range. Turbo mode must be enabled on both the Access Point and the wireless PCs to func- tion. Turbo mode is not compatible with Windows XP and may only function with Linksys 5GHz wireless adapters.