CAUTION: To avoid possible injury or damage to equipment, you must use either

!the provided power supply or IEEE 802.3af compliant power supply equipment that is safety certified according to UL, CSA, IEC, or other applicable national or international safety requirements for the country of use. All references to power supply in this document refer to equipment meeting these requirements.

CAUTION: The 3Com power supply input relies on a 16A rated building fuse or

!circuit protector for short circuit protection of the line to neutral conductors. CAUTION: It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the

!Power-over-Ethernet (POE) power supply is properly connected. Connection to any other device, such as a standard Ethernet card or another POE supply, may result in permanent damage to equipment, electric shock, or fire. Refer to the installation instructions for proper installation.

DECIDING WHERE TO PLACE EQUIPMENT AND

PERFORMING A SITE SURVEY

The access point is ideally designed for vertical installation on a wall surface, but can also be flat-surface mounted in an elevated location where it will not

be disturbed. Ceiling installation is not recommended.

Whether you choose to mount the access point on a wall or place it on a flat surface, make sure to select a clean, dry location that is elevated enough to provide good reception and network coverage. Do not mount the access point on any type of metal surface. Do not install the access point in wet or dusty areas. The site should not be close to transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators or any other electrical equipment that can interfere with radio signals.

If you are connecting the access point to a wired network, the location must provide an Ethernet connection. You will need to run an Ethernet cable from the power supply to the access point.

An access point provides coverage at distances of up to 100 Meters (300 Feet). Signal loss can occur if metal, concrete, brick, walls, floors or other architectural barriers block transmission. If your location includes these kinds of obstructions, you may need to add additional access points to improve coverage

13

Page 18 Page 20
Page 19
Image 19
3Com WL-455 manual Deciding Where to Place Equipment Performing a Site Survey
Page 18 Page 20

WL-455 specifications

The 3Com WL-455 is a versatile wireless access point designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized enterprises. Renowned for its robust performance, this device is a critical component for businesses looking to enhance their wireless network capabilities.

One of the standout features of the WL-455 is its ability to support both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards. This dual compatibility allows organizations to maintain connectivity with a broad range of devices, ensuring high-speed internet access while reducing the risk of obsolescence as new technologies emerge. The WL-455 supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps, providing sufficient bandwidth for most applications utilized in a business environment.

Security is paramount in today's digital world, and the WL-455 excels in this area. It offers advanced security features including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols, offering multiple layers of protection for sensitive data transmitted over the wireless network. This ensures that employees can connect to the network securely, minimizing the risks posed by potential threats.

In terms of management and installation, the 3Com WL-455 is designed for ease of use. It includes a streamlined web-based interface, which simplifies the process of configuring network settings. Additionally, the device supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling network administrators to deploy the access point without needing external power sources, reducing cabling clutter and simplifying setups.

The WL-455 is also equipped with a feature called Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes network traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth during peak usage times. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on real-time applications, such as VoIP or video conferencing, where latency and packet loss can severely impact performance.

With a sleek and compact design, the 3Com WL-455 can be easily mounted on ceilings or walls, allowing for flexible placement options within any office environment. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining optimal performance.

Overall, the 3Com WL-455 is a powerful solution for organizations aiming to implement a reliable and secure wireless network. With its range of features, user-friendly management tools, and robust security measures, it emerges as an excellent choice for businesses looking to improve their connectivity and efficiency in an increasingly wireless world.
Top Page Image Contents