Appendix A - Wireless Basics

How does wireless work?

Wireless works similar to how cordless phone work, through radio signals to transmit data from one point A to point B. But wireless technology has restrictions as to how you can access the network. You must be within the wireless network range area to be able to connect your computer. There are two different types of wireless networks Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

In a wireless local area network, a device called an Access Point (AP) connects computers to the network. The access point has a small antenna attached to it, which allows it to transmit data back and forth over radio signals. With an indoor access point as seen in the picture, the signal can travel up to 300 feet. With an outdoor access point the signal can reach out up to 30 miles to serve places like manufacturing plants, industrial locations, college and high school campuses, airports, golf courses, and many other outdoor venues.

Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)

Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate in a range up to 30 feet away. Compared to WLAN the speed and wireless operation range are both less than WLAN, but in return it doesn’t use nearly as much power which makes it ideal for personal devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops, speakers, and other devices that operate on batteries.

Who uses wireless?

Wireless technology as become so popular in recent years that almost everyone is using it, whether it’s for home, office, business, D-Link has a wireless solution for it.

Home

Gives everyone at home broadband access

Surf the web, check email, instant message, and etc

Gets rid of the cables around the house

Simple and easy to use

Small Office and Home Office

Stay on top of everything at home as you would at office

Remotely access your office network from home

Share Internet connection and printer with multiple computers

No need to dedicate office space

D-Link DIR-651 User Manual

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D-Link DIR-651 manual How does wireless work?, Wireless Local Area Network Wlan, Wireless Personal Area Network Wpan

DIR-651 specifications

The D-Link DIR-651 is a versatile wireless router designed to offer a reliable and high-performance networking solution for home and small office environments. With its robust feature set, this device stands out as an excellent option for users seeking a seamless internet experience.

At the core of the DIR-651 is its dual-band capability, which operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. This dual-band functionality allows users to optimize their wireless connections, reducing interference and ensuring smoother performance for bandwidth-intensive applications such as online gaming, HD streaming, and video conferencing. The router supports IEEE 802.11ac standards, delivering data transfer rates of up to 1200 Mbps.

One of the standout features of the DIR-651 is its internal antenna design, which enhances signal strength and coverage throughout your home or office. This enables users to enjoy stable connections even in large spaces, minimizing dead zones and ensuring that all devices connected to the network have reliable access to the internet.

The DIR-651 is equipped with multiple Fast Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to desktop computers, gaming consoles, and other devices. This is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize speed and stability over wireless connections for critical applications. Additionally, the router supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features, which allow users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications, ensuring optimal performance for critical tasks.

Security is a top priority for the DIR-651, which comes with advanced security protocols including WPA/WPA2 encryption. This helps protect your network from unauthorized access and ensures that your connection remains secure. The router also features a built-in firewall and supports virtual private network (VPN) functionality, adding another layer of security for users concerned about online privacy.

Setup and management of the DIR-651 is user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive web interface and D-Link's DNS-based dynamic DNS service. The router can be configured easily via a web browser, and users can monitor their network traffic and manage connected devices with a few clicks.

Overall, the D-Link DIR-651 combines advanced technologies and features to provide users with a fast, reliable, and secure networking solution. Whether for streaming, gaming, or general web browsing, this router is designed to meet the demands of today's digital lifestyle, making it a valuable addition to any home or small office network.