Cisco Systems CB21AG, PI21AG Site Requirements, For Infrastructure Devices, For Client Devices

Chapter 1 Product Overview and Installation

Site Requirements

–The logical name for your workstation (also referred to as client name)

–The protocols necessary to bind to the client adapter, such as TCP/IP

–The case-sensitive service set identifier (SSID) for your RF network

–If your network setup does not include a DHCP server, the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address of your computer

–The wired equivalent privacy (WEP) keys of the access points with which your client adapter will communicate, if your wireless network uses static WEP for security

–The username and password for your network account

–Protected access credentials (PAC) file if your wireless network uses EAP-FAST authentication with manual PAC provisioning

Site Requirements

This section discusses the site requirements for both infrastructure and client devices.

For Infrastructure Devices

Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, every network application is a unique installation. Therefore, before you install any wireless infrastructure devices (such as access points, bridges, and base stations, which connect your client adapters to a wired LAN), a site survey must be performed to determine the optimum placement of these devices to maximize range, coverage, and network performance.

Note Infrastructure devices are installed and initially configured prior to client devices.

For Client Devices

Because the client adapter is a radio device, it is susceptible to RF obstructions and common sources of interference that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:

•Install the client adapter in an area where large steel structures such as shelving units, bookcases, and filing cabinets will not obstruct radio signals to and from the client adapter.

•Install the client adapter away from microwave ovens. Microwave ovens operate on the same frequency as the client adapter and can cause signal interference.

Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows Vista

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