Linksys WRE54G manual Planning your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-G Range Expander

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Topology

topology: the physical layout of a network

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.

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.

Should 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.

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: 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 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks Word definitionTable of Contents Power Plate Front PanelIntroduction WelcomeWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Range Expander Planning your Wireless Network Ssid your wireless networks nameNetwork Topology RoamingNetwork Layout Light will appear red Flash when there is wireless network activitySide Panel Power Plate Connecting the Wireless-G Range Expander Setting Up the Wireless-G Range Expander Setup Wizard’s Welcome screenChoose an access point Security Settings screen Bit a binary digit 12 The Congratulations screen Configuring the Wireless-G Range Expander OverviewSetup Tab Basic SetupWEP Security screen Password Download to receive a file transmitted over a networkHelp Appendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsFrequently Asked Questions What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is Ad-hoc? What is Infrastructure?What is Roaming? What is ISM band?What is Spread Spectrum? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is WEP? What is a MAC Address?How do I avoid interference? How do I reset the Range Expander?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Range Expander Figure C-1 Upgrade Firmware Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareAppendix D Windows Help TCP/IPAppendix E Glossary Wireless-G Range Expander Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix F Specifications WEPAppendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix H Regulatory Information FCC StatementSafety Notices FCC Part 68 Statement Wireless-G Range Expander Appendix I Contact Information
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