4

CONFIGURING THE ACCESS POINT 8000

If the access point factory default configuration does not meet your network requirements, or if you want to customize the configuration settings, you can use these tools, which are included on the 3Com Access Point 8000 Installation CD, to change the configuration.

3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager—As a discovery tool, the

Device Manager finds all of the 3Com wireless infrastructure devices on the same network segment as your workstation. It starts up with a hierarchical representation of the wireless infrastructure. You can select a device from this display, view its properties, and open the device for configuration and management through its configuration management system.

3Com Network Supervisor (3NS) — 3Com Network Supervisor graphically discovers, maps, and displays network links and IP devices, including 3Com wireless access points. It maps devices and connections so you can easily monitor stress levels, set thresholds and alerts, view network events, generate reports in user-defined formats, and launch device configuration tools. When your network changes, you can prompt 3Com Network Supervisor to regenerate the appropriate part of the map to ensure that you have current information. Automated operations, intelligent defaults, and the ability to detect Network misconfigurations and offer optimization suggestions make this application ideal for network managers at all levels of experience. Together with the optional 3Com Network Supervisor Advanced Package, 3Com Network Supervisor Version 3.5 helps businesses manage larger networks and easily upgrade agent software in 3Com devices. For detailed information on features and installation, refer to the Network Supervisor user guide which is installed with the Network Supervisor software.

3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 Configuration

 

Management System—The Configuration Management System is a set of

 

Web pages stored on the access point that lets you view and modify the access

 

point configuration settings through the Web browser on your workstation.

 

(You must have Internet Explorer 5.0 or later or Netscape 6.0 or later installed

 

as the default browser on your workstation.)

 

 

Installing the Device

The 3Com Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager can be installed on any

Manager

Windows client or on a desktop computer wired to the LAN.

1

Turn on the computer.

2

Put the 3Com CD in the CD-ROM drive.

3

In the main screen, click Tools and Utilities.

4

In the next screen, click Install Utility Software and Documentation.

5

Follow the instructions on the screens to complete the installation.

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3Com 11 Mbps manual Configuring the Access Point, Installing the Device, Manager

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.