Wireless Basics

D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or public access wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you want, when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking brings.

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are used increasingly in both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.

Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as

Ethernet adapter cards.

People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:

Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.

Low Implementation Costs – WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.

Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be fast

and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or office.

Scalability – WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from Peer-to-Peer networks suitable for a small number of users to larger infrastructure networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.

Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as conventional Ethernet network devices.

DWL-700AP specifications

The D-Link DWL-700AP is a versatile wireless access point designed for small to medium-sized networks, offering robust performance and reliability. Released as part of D-Link's extensive lineup of networking solutions, the DWL-700AP caters to both home users and businesses by providing seamless connectivity and extensive features.

One of the main characteristics of the D-Link DWL-700AP is its compliance with the IEEE 802.11b/g standards, allowing it to operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This dual-band functionality ensures compatibility with a wide range of wireless devices while delivering data rates of up to 54 Mbps in the 802.11g mode. The access point supports a variety of wireless encryption protocols, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2, ensuring that users can maintain a secure network environment to protect against unauthorized access.

The DWL-700AP is equipped with a versatile operating mode, enabling it to function as an access point, bridge, or repeater. This flexibility allows for easy integration into existing network infrastructures and supports various network topologies. In access point mode, the DWL-700AP can expand wireless coverage and connect multiple devices seamlessly. In bridge mode, it can connect two network segments while extending WLAN coverage, and in repeater mode, it amplifies signal strength to cover larger areas.

Additionally, the DWL-700AP features a built-in DHCP server, enabling it to assign IP addresses automatically to devices within the network. This simplifies network management and allows for easy scalability as more devices connect. The access point also supports Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize bandwidth for essential applications, such as video streaming and VoIP communications, ensuring optimal performance for critical tasks.

With its sturdy and compact design, the DWL-700AP can be easily mounted on walls or ceilings, making it suitable for various installation scenarios. The integrated antennas provide a strong and reliable wireless signal, while the external antenna connectors allow for further customization and coverage enhancement if needed.

In summary, the D-Link DWL-700AP is a reliable, feature-packed access point that caters to a variety of networking needs. Its combination of security features, versatile operation modes, and ease of management make it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their wireless connectivity. Whether used in a home or small business environment, the DWL-700AP stands out as an effective solution for creating a robust wireless network.