Linksys WUSB54GC manual Planning your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

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.

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 enabling 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

access point: device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network.

infrastructure: Configuration in which a wireless network 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 4802GHz.11gWireless-G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use this User GuideTable of Contents Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Front Panel List of FiguresMore Information Wireless Network Status 39 Leap Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Roaming Planning your Wireless NetworkNetwork Topology Network Layout Planning your Wireless NetworkLED Indicators Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB AdapterStarting the Setup Wizard Setting up and Connecting the USB AdapterConnecting the Adapter Screen Connecting the AdapterAvailable Wireless Network Setting Up the AdapterSecureEasySetup Logo and Location Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetupChanges, refer to Using the Wireless Network Monitor Encryption encoding data transmitted in a network Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks12 PSK2 Needed for Connection Changes, refer to Using the Wireless Network Monitor 15 Network Settings Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup16 Wireless Mode WEP PSK2 WPA PersonalEAP-TLS WPA EnterpriseRadius Leap 27 Confirm New Settings Link Information Screens Using the Wireless Network MonitorAccessing the Wireless Network Monitor Wireless Network Status Wireless Network Statistics SecureEasySetup Button SecureEasySetupSecureEasySetup is Complete Site Information Site SurveyProfile Information Profiles15 Export a Profile Creating a New Profile19 The SecureEasySetup Logo and Location 21 SecureEasySetup Complete 22 Available Wireless Network 25 PSK2 Needed for Connection 26 The Congratulations Screen 28 Network Settings 31 Wireless Security 32 Wireless Security WEP 33 Wireless Security WPA Personal 35 Wireless Security WPA Enterprise EAP-TLS 37 Wireless Security Radius EAP-TLS 39 Leap 41 The Congratulations Screen Common Problems and Solutions Appendix a TroubleshootingWhat is the Ieee 802.11b standard? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is ad-hoc mode? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? Figure B-1 Wireless Network Monitor Icon Appendix B Using Windows XP Wireless ConfigurationFigure B-4 Available Wireless Network Figure B-6 Network Connection Wireless Security Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix C Wireless Security Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Network Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpShared Resources Appendix E Glossary Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Limited Warranty Appendix F Warranty InformationDbpsk 1 Mbps 802.11g Ofdm Appendix G SpecificationsModel StandardsStorage Humidity Storage TempOperating Humidity FCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationCompact Wireless-G USB Adapter Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Appendix I Contact Information