Linksys WPC54GR manual Planning your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

Page 9

Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster

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.

topology: the physical layout of a network.

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

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

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.

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

3

Network Topology

Image 9

Contents Wireless- G How to Use this User Guide Copyright and TrademarksWord definition Table of Contents Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Front Panel List of Figures10 Import a Profile Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this User Guide? Adapter a device that adds network functionality to your PCIntroduction What’s in this User Guide? Network Topology Planning your Wireless NetworkRoaming Topology the physical layout of a networkNetwork Layout LED Indicators Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook AdapterPower LinkStarting the Setup Setting up and Connecting the Wireless-G Notebook AdapterSetting up the Adapter Connecting the AdapterWEP Key Needed for Connection Congratulations 10 Network Settings Manual SetupWEP PSK2 WPA PersonalEAP-TLS WPA EnterpriseRadius 19 Confirm New Settings Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor Using the Wireless Network MonitorWireless Network Status screen Link InformationWireless Network Status More Information-Network Statistics Wireless Network StatisticsSite Information Site SurveyProfile Information Profiles12 Create a New Profile Create a New ProfileWPA Personal Needed for Connection 13 Available Wireless Network 15 Wireless Mode 17 Wireless Security WEP 19 Wireless Security PSK2 EAP-TLS 22 Wireless Security Radius Using EAP-TLS 25 Congratulations Appendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsWireless-G Notebook Adapter does not work properly What is the 802.11b standard? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What 802.11b features are supported?What is roaming? What is infrastructure mode?What is ISM band? What is Spread Spectrum?What is WEP? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is WPA? What is RADIUS?Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Appendix B Windows XP Wireless Zero ConfigurationFigure B-4 Available Wireless Network Figure B-6 Network Connection Wireless Security Appendix C Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C Wireless Security Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster 802.11g Ofdm Appendix F SpecificationsLimited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationWireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with RangeBooster Appendix I Contact Information