Software CONFIGURATION, TOOLS, and Utilities

15CHAPTER 5: SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION, TOOLS, AND UTILITIES

Settings The Settings application displays information about the current card settings. It also lets you change the conﬁguration of the card without rebooting your system. The application lets you set parameters such as wireless LAN service area and power mode settings.

■Wireless LAN Service Area displays the name of the access point with which the wireless PC Card is associated. You can enter a new name in this ﬁeld or select a name from the drop-down list.

■Power Mode lets you select the power mode to use and specify when power-save options are in effect.

Continuous access does not use power save polling and disables it. Power save polling uses Power Save Polling at all times.

Switch based upon active power source causes the system to switch the power mode based upon whether the system is using AC or battery power. In this mode, the system use continuous polling mode with an AC power source and power save polling with battery power.

The Power Save Polling slider lets you balance network performance against power consumption. When the slider is set to lowest power, the adapter checks network trafﬁc less frequently, reducing power consumption used. When the slider is set to highest performance, the adapter tries to maintain constant contact with the network, increasing network performance but consuming correspondingly more power. If you check Let the adapter manage power usage, the card will use the best setting available at any given time. The polling interval is based on whether the system has received data recently. If no data is being received, the polling interval becomes less frequent over time, gradually decreasing power consumption.

Connection The Connection application allows more detailed checks of card performance than is possible with the AirConnect Status application. Signal strength is displayed over time, which lets you check the performance of the wireless link.

■Signal Strength tracks the signal strength in real time and displays a graph showing the historical trend.

■Link Performance lets you run a ping test between the wireless client and another IP device on the network. When the ping test is run to another wireless device, the round trip ping time can give an idea of what the upper limit is for connection speed.

Start Test starts a ping test using the information provided in the Test Count and Host Address ﬁelds.

Test Count lets you select the number of pings to perform in testing link performance.

Host Address lets you enter the IP address or host name of the system to perform the ping test.

Link Performance displays the results of the ping test speciﬁed on this tab. A graph indicating the round trip ping time of each ping and timing statistics are shown.

3CRWE73796B specifications

The 3Com 3CRWE73796B is a versatile wireless access point designed to enhance networking capabilities with robust features tailored for both home and small office environments. This access point supports the evolving needs of modern networks, providing reliable connectivity for a wide range of devices.

One of the standout features of the 3CRWE73796B is its adherence to the IEEE 802.11g wireless standard, ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of wireless devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, this access point delivers impressive data rates of up to 54 Mbps, enabling users to enjoy seamless internet access and smooth multimedia streaming.

The 3CRWE73796B incorporates advanced security features to safeguard network connections. With support for WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols, it offers multiple layers of security to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. This focus on security is crucial in today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated.

Equipped with a user-friendly web-based interface, configuring the 3CRWE73796B is straightforward, making it accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise. The device allows for easy setup of various networking features, including SSID broadcasting, wireless channel selection, and MAC address filtering.

Moreover, the access point supports multiple SSIDs, enabling the creation of distinct networks for different user groups. This functionality is particularly beneficial in small office environments where guest access or departmental networking is required, allowing for better organization and security.

Another notable characteristic of the 3CRWE73796B is its support for Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. This allows the device to be powered through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for additional power sources and simplifying installation, particularly in locations where access to a power outlet is limited.

In terms of physical design, the 3CRWE73796B features a compact and streamlined form factor that facilitates easy mounting on walls or ceilings. This design not only saves space but also helps optimize wireless coverage by positioning the device in ideal locations.

Overall, the 3Com 3CRWE73796B is a reliable wireless access point that combines ease of use, robust security features, and excellent performance. It serves as an effective solution for enhancing connectivity in various environments, making it a valuable addition to any network setup.