Linksys WUSB300N manual Planning your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-N USB Network Adapter

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.

access point: a device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network

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

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.

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 GHz Word definition Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Front Panel List of Figures10 Creating a Profile Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this User Guide? Adapter a device that adds network functionality to your PCIntroduction What’s in this User Guide? Network Topology Planning your Wireless NetworkRoaming Topology the physical layout of a networkNetwork Layout LED Indicators Getting to Know the Wireless-N USB Network AdapterUSB Extension Base USB Extension BaseStarting the Setup Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-N USB Network AdapterSetting up the Adapter Connecting the AdapterWEP Key Needed for Connection PSK2 Needed for Connection Advanced Setup WEP PSK PSK+RADIUS PSK2+RADIUS Radius 22 Confirm New Settings Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor Using the Wireless Network MonitorWireless Network Status screen Link InformationWireless Network Status Wireless Network Statistics Site Information ConnectProfile Information Profiles10 Creating a Profile Create a New Profile12 PSK Needed for Connection 15 Available Wireless Networks 17 Wireless Mode 19 Wireless Security WEP 20 Wireless Security PSK 23 Wireless Security PSK+RADIUS Peap Peap 26 Wireless Security Radius EAP-TLS 28 Confirm New Settings Common Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingFrequently Asked Questions What is the 802.11b standard?What 802.11b features are supported? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard?What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is ad-hoc mode?What is Spread Spectrum? What is ISM band?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WEP?What is WPA? What is WPA2?What is RADIUS? Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Appendix B Windows XP Wireless Zero 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-N USB Network Adapter TCP/IP Appendix D Windows HelpAppendix E Glossary Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Wireless-N USB Network Adapter USB Appendix F SpecificationsStorage Temp Limited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationImportant Note Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Wireless-N USB Network Adapter Wireless-N Notebook Adapter Appendix I Contact Information
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