14CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ACCESS POINT

antenna to achieve the maximum possible received signal strength. See “Using the Site Survey Tool” on page 39 for more information.

1 Position the antenna so that there are minimal

"A" side

obstacles between it and any client with which

 

it will communicate. While maintaining a direct

 

line of sight between the antenna and a client

 

is not strictly necessary, such an arrangement

 

helps to ensure a strong signal. Ensure that

 

access is available for routing the antenna cable

 

from the antenna to the access point.

 

2 If they are installed, remove both arms of the the standard detachable antenna.

3Connect one end of the optional antenna cable to the antenna and secure the antenna in place.

4 Connect the free end of the antenna cable to the A side connection on the access point.

5 Make certain that the antennas and antenna masts are appropriately grounded to prevent injury or damage from lightning strikes.

6Go to Data Transmission Properties and change

the Radio Antenna settings to Diversity Off. See “Setting Data Transmission Properties” on page 27.

7If required in your country or at your site, go to Data Transmission Properties and change the power transmission settings. See “Setting Data Transmission Properties” on page 27.

Installing Software The 3Com Administrator Utilities CD includes tools and utilities to help you set up

Utilitiesand administer the wireless components of your network. Software tools and utilities are presented as Tools and Utilities options on the main menu of the CD and include:

Install the Utility Software and Documentation. This option installs the Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager Tool which you can use to monitor access points and select devices for administrative changes. It also installs the Site Survey Tool and product documentation in other languages as translations become available.

Install 3Com TFTP 3CDaemon Server Tool. A TFTP server is required for firmware upgrades and for backing up and restoring access point configuration files. This option launches the 3CDaemon installation, which is a resident TFTP server. You do not have to select this option if you already have a TFTP server set up. The 3CDaemon server tool can also act as a system log (syslog) server for the access point.

Install 3Com 802.1x Agent. This option installs the Wireless Authentication Agent for 802.1x support. If you will be using the access point in conjunction with a RADIUS authentication server, you must install this agent on each wireless client PC in the network. On systems running Windows XP this agent is not required because 802.1x support is built into the operating system.

Page 20
Image 20
3Com 11 Mbps manual Side

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.