6CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

selecting the final location and be sure to allow for routing the antenna cable as required.

Do not install the access point in wet or dusty areas without protection. Make sure the temperature ranges between –20˚ C to 55˚ C (–4˚ F to 131˚ F).

Connecting the

The access point is supplied with standard detachable antennas. These should be

Standard Antenna

attached before the access point is installed.

1Carefully unpack the standard detachable antennas.

2Screw an antenna into each of the sockets in the access point housing.

3Hand-tighten the antennas.

4Position the antennas so they turn out and away from the access point at a 45-degree angle.

As a rule, the initial orientation of the antennas should be perpendicular to the floor. After network startup, you may need to adjust the antennas to fine-tune coverage in your area.

Depending on the coverage required for your site, you may want to replace the standard detachable antennas with one of the external antennas available for use with the access point. See “Selecting A Different Antenna” on page 11.

Placing the Access

The access point can be placed on a flat surface such as a table or desktop or it

Point

can be mounted on a wall or to the T-rail grid of an acoustical ceiling. If you

 

choose a flat surface, select one that is clear of obstructions and provides good

 

reception. Place the access point and adjust the antenna so that the arms point up

 

and away from the access point at a 45˚ angle.

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3Com 11 Mbps manual Connecting, Standard Antenna, Placing the Access, Point, Attached before the access point is installed
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11 Mbps specifications

3Com 11 Mbps was a pivotal product in the evolution of networking technology, paving the way for wireless communications as we know them today. Introduced in the late 1990s, this wireless LAN (Local Area Network) product utilized the IEEE 802.11 standard, which defined the protocols for wireless networking. Operating at a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second, it offered users a revolutionary means of connecting devices without the constraints of physical cabling.

One of the main features of the 3Com 11 Mbps solution was its simplicity and ease of installation. Unlike traditional wired networks that involved intricate setups of cabling and switches, 3Com facilitated a swift deployment process. Users could set up a wireless network in minutes, allowing organizations to enhance their productivity without extensive infrastructure.

The technology behind 3Com 11 Mbps was based on Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation. This approach spread the signal over a wider frequency range, which improved resistance to interference from other devices. The 2.4 GHz frequency band used by this network supported compatibility with various devices, making it a flexible option for businesses and homes alike.

In terms of security, 3Com incorporated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which aimed to provide a level of data confidentiality comparable to that found in wired networks. However, WEP was later found to have vulnerabilities, leading to the development of more secure protocols like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 in subsequent technologies.

Another characteristic that distinguished the 3Com 11 Mbps system was its ability to support multiple devices simultaneously. With the emergence of wireless laptops, printers, and other peripherals, a single access point could service several users without significant performance degradation.

Ultimately, the 3Com 11 Mbps was a significant stepping stone in the development of wireless technology. It showcased the potential of wireless networking and set the standard for future innovations. Although much faster and more secure wireless technologies have since emerged, the legacy of 3Com 11 Mbps resides in the fundamental advancements it brought to the realm of connectivity, making it easier and more accessible for users around the globe.
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