Creating a New Profile

Instant Wireless® Series

1. On the Profiles screen, shown in Figure 7-6, click the New button to create a new profile.

2. When the Create connection pro- file screen appears (Figure 7-9), enter a name for the new profile. Click OK to save the profile name or click Cancel to return to the previous screen.

Figure 7-9

3.The Wireless Mode screen (Figure 7-10) shows a choice of two wireless modes. Click the Infrastructure Mode radio button if you want your wire- less computers to communicate with computers on your wired network via a wireless access point. Click the Ad-Hoc Mode radio button if you want multiple wireless computers to communicate directly with each other. Click the Next button to continue or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Infrastructure Mode - This mode allows wireless and wired networks to communicate through an access point.

Ad-Hoc Mode - This mode allows wireless-equipped computers to com- municate directly with each other. No access point is used.

Figure 7-10

Wireless-B PCI Adapter

4.The Wireless Channel screen (Figure 7-11) will appear. If you chose Infrastructure Mode, go to Step 5 now. If you chose Ad-Hoc Mode, select the correct operating channel for your network from the Channel drop- down menu. Click the Next button, and go to Step 5. Click the Back but- ton to change any settings.

Channel - The channel you choose should match the channel set on the other devices in your wireless network. If you are unsure about which chan- nel to use, select the default channel (Channel 6).

Figure 7-11

WMP11 specifications

The Linksys WMP11 is a wireless network adapter that exemplifies the early 802.11b technology, designed to enhance connectivity in home and small office environments. Launched in the early 2000s, this product was one of the first to facilitate wireless connections for desktop PCs, allowing users to harness the power of wireless networking without the constraints of physical cables.

One of the main features of the WMP11 is its compatibility with the 802.11b wireless standard, which offers data transfer rates of up to 11 Mbps. This was a crucial advancement in networking technology at the time, as it enabled users to enjoy a significantly faster internet connection compared to traditional dial-up services. The adapter operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, providing a range of approximately 150 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors under optimal conditions.

The WMP11 comes equipped with a PCI interface, making installation straightforward for users with compatible desktop computers. The adapter features Linksys' Plug and Play technology, allowing for easy setup and configuration. With a driver disk provided, users can quickly install the necessary software to get the device up and running. Moreover, it supports WEP security protocols, which, while dated compared to modern standards, offered basic encryption to protect wireless connections during its time.

Additionally, the WMP11 integrates seamlessly with other Linksys networking products, particularly their wireless routers, enabling users to create a robust and comprehensive wireless network. The adapter features a removable antenna, allowing users to replace it with a higher-gain antenna for extended range and improved signal quality.

Despite its age, the Linksys WMP11 laid the groundwork for subsequent generations of wireless technology. It helped usher in a new era of networking, characterized by the convenience and flexibility of wireless connectivity. While it may no longer meet the needs of today’s high-speed internet requirements, the WMP11 holds a nostalgic place in the evolution of wireless networking technology. Users seeking reliable wireless communication during its prime found a dependable solution in the WMP11, making it a noteworthy device in the history of networking.