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INTRODUCTION

The 3Com wireless product family lets you set up a local area network (LAN) without the restraints of network cabling. If your office already has an Ethernet LAN, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 can extend the network without additional cabling. The access point security features extend the security of installed wired networks to include all wireless components.

The type of network you configure depends on the size of your office and whether you require a connection to a wired LAN. A simple configuration consists of an access point and several clients. The clients can associate with the wireless network anywhere within the coverage area of the access point.

For more complex requirements, you can configure several access points as separate networks at the same site. The access points use different network identifiers called wireless LAN service areas (WLAN service areas) or Extended Service Set Identities (ESSID). Client computers can roam within the coverage areas of access points in the same segment with the same WLAN service areas.

Wireless and Wired An access point can be connected to a wired LAN by an Ethernet cable acting as a

Networksbridge between the wired and wireless networks. In this configuration, the access point provides the link between the wired network and wireless clients. Clients can move freely throughout the service area of the access point and remain associated with the larger network, allowing client access to the full range of network services.

For complete wireless coverage, several access points can be connected to an existing LAN. Wireless clients can roam freely between different access points with the same WLAN service areas and remain associated with the larger network.

Access Point 8000 Feature Summary

Clear channel select

When initializing, automatically scans the frequency spectrum and

 

selects the channel with the least interference.

Power over Ethernet

Powered over the Ethernet cable to reduce the number of cables

 

and simplify installation.

Access point discovery

Clients and network administrators can discover access points and

 

ESSIDs within the same network segment. The network

 

administrator can also discover, manage, and upgrade access

 

points across routers by means of the 3Com Network Supervisor

 

(3NS).

Rate control

Rate Control options available in the access point to select

 

Optional, Required, or Not Used.

Transmit power control

Adjustable power level from minimum to maximum to extend

 

transmission range.

Roaming within segments

Allows client to roam between access points within the same

 

segment.

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3Com 11 Mbps manual Introduction, Access Point 8000 Feature Summary
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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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