Linksys WPC54GX4 manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400

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 Word definition How to Use This User GuideCopyright and Trademarks Table of Contents Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen Adapter’s LEDs10 Import a Profile Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in This User Guide? But what does all of this mean?Introduction 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 Notebook Adapter with SRX400 LED IndicatorsGreen. The LED lights up when the Adapter is powered on Adapter is transmitting or receiving dataStarting the Setup Wizard On the Welcome screen, you have the following choicesInsert the Notebook Adapter Screen Setting Up the Adapter Available Wireless Network ScreenSetting Up the Adapter with an Available Network WEP Key Needed for ConnectionWPA-Personal Needed for Connection Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup 10 Available Wireless Network ScreenClick Next to continue or click Back to change any settings 12 Wireless Mode ScreenWEP 17 Wireless Security WPA2 Personal Screen EAP-TLS Radius 22 Confirm New Settings Screen Using the Wireless Network Monitor Accessing the Wireless Network MonitorWireless Network Status screen Link Information ScreensWireless Network Status More Information Wireless Network Status ScreenWireless Network Statistics ProfileSite Survey Site InformationUsing the Wireless Network Monitor Site Survey Profiles Profiles ScreenCreating a New Profile 12 Create a New Profile14 Available Wireless Network Screen 16 WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 20 Network Settings Screen 21 Wireless Mode Screen 23 Wireless Security Screen 26 Wireless Security WPA2 Personal Screen 27 Wireless Security WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen 29 Wireless Security Radius Using EAP-TLS Screen 32 Congratulations Screen Appendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsFrequently Asked Questions Wireless-G Notebook Adapter does not work properlyWhat 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 roaming? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is RADIUS? What is WEP?What is WPA? Select Use Linksys Wireless Network Monitor Figure B-3 Windows XP Wireless Configuration IconFigure B-4 Available Wireless Network You are now connected to your wireless network Figure B-6 Network Connection Wireless SecuritySecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix C Wireless Security Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Network Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpShared Resources Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Model Appendix F Specifications20dBm for Wireless-B/19dBm for Wireless-G Appendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix H Regulatory Information FCC StatementWireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX400 Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Appendix I Contact Information Linksys