Instant WirelessTM Series
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
A wireless LAN is exactly like a regular LAN, except that each computer in the LAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a wire- less LAN must be configured to share the same frequency channel.
The Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter users and an Access Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each PC equipped with an Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter in a BSS can talk to any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of an Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effec- tive wireless transmission range for two Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter PCs. Since the Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.
The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All computers that have Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter configured without roaming options in an independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID (that is used in the BSS).
The Wireless LAN Infrastructure configuration is appropriate for enterprise- scale wireless access to a central database, or as a wireless application for mobile users.
Roaming
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con- tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter PCs within one ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.
Before enabling a network with roaming capability, selecting a feasible radio channel and optimum Access Point position is recommended. Proper Access Point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance per- formance.
Wireless USB Network Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Wireless USB Network Adapter
The Wireless USB Network Adapter’s Port and LEDs
The Wireless USB Network Adapter’s USB port is located on the back of the Adapter.
Figure
The Wireless USB Network Adapter’s USB port
USB Port The USB Port is a port installed in your PC, enabling you to connect to USB peripherals. To work with USB ports, your PC must be running Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP.
Your Wireless USB Network Adapter comes with a USB cable. Plug one end into your PC’s USB port and the other end into your Wireless USB Network Adapter.
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