Linksys WPC55AG manual What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?

Page 20

What IEEE 802.11b features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11b functions:

CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol

Multi-Channel Roaming

Automatic Rate Selection

RTS/CTS feature

Fragmentation

Power Management

What is ad-hoc mode?

When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped com- puters are configured to communicate directly with each other. The ad-hoc wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.

What is infrastructure mode?

When a wireless network is set to infrastructure mode, the wireless network is configured to communicate with a wired network through a wireless access point.

What is ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique devel- oped by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communica- tions systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? Frequency-HoppingSpread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To

an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during trans- mission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most nar- rowband receivers.

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security fea- ture of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption function (WEP) to enhance security and access control.

Can Linksys wireless products support printer sharing?

Linksys wireless products perform the same function as LAN products. Therefore, they can work with NetWare, Windows NT/2000, or other network operating systems to support printer or file sharing.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40/64 bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

32

33

Image 20
Contents Dual-Band Wireless A+G Copyright & Trademarks Table of Contents Common Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook AdapterFeatures IntroductionNetwork Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkAd-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Overview Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Adapter’s LEDsHardware Installation Driver Installation for Windows XP Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration\setup.exe where D is the letter of your CD-ROM drive Installation and Configuration for Windows 98, Me,Software Installation for Windows 98, Me, Page Proceed to the next section, Hardware Installation ModeUsing the Wlan Monitor for Windows 98, Me, Starting the Wlan MonitorLink Information Wireless Network StatusTCP/IP Setting Site Survey Site InformationProfiles Profile InformationCreating a New Profile Page Mixed Mode Select G-Only ModeLeap Authentication Frequently Asked Questions Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions What Ieee 802.11b features are supported? Appendix B Glossary Page Page Page Appendix C Specifications EnvironmentalAppendix D Warranty Information Appendix E Contact InformationSales Information Web FTP SiteCopyright 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved

WPC55AG specifications

The Linksys WPC55AG is a versatile and robust wireless adapter designed to enhance connectivity for laptops and desktop computers. This device stands out with its combination of dual-band connectivity, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, making it an excellent choice for users looking to achieve faster speeds and reduced interference. The capability to operate on two different frequencies allows for flexibility in network environments, catering to the varying needs of users.

One of the main features of the WPC55AG is its support for both 802.11g and 802.11a wireless standards, which means it can connect to a wide range of access points and routers. The device can provide wireless speeds up to 54Mbps on the 802.11g band and even higher when operating on the 802.11a band. This ensures a reliable connection for various applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.

The WPC55AG also incorporates advanced security protocols, including Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and WPA2. These security features help to safeguard users' networks from unauthorized access, ensuring a secure browsing experience whether at home or in public environments.

Installation of the Linksys WPC55AG is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly setup wizard. The card is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS, ensuring that a wide range of users can benefit from its capabilities. With its PCI card form factor, this wireless adapter can easily be installed in most computers, providing a stable connection that surpasses that of many built-in wireless solutions.

In addition to its impressive technical features, the Linksys WPC55AG is notable for its durability and reliability. Designed for long-term use, this adapter boasts a sleek design that complements modern computing setups while maintaining functionality. With ongoing updates and support from Linksys, users can ensure that their devices operate at peak performance.

In conclusion, the Linksys WPC55AG is an excellent choice for individuals looking to enhance their wireless connectivity. Its dual-band capabilities, extensive range of compatible standards, robust security features, and ease of installation make it a go-to option for both casual users and gaming enthusiasts alike. Whether at home or on-the-go, this wireless adapter provides the performance and reliability that users demand.