Escient MP-150 manual Wireless Networking with 802.11b

HOME NETWORKING PRIMER WD005-1-2 12/22/2003

Wireless Networking with 802.11b

In 2000, 802.11b became the standard wireless networking technology for both business and home. The WiFI organization was created to ensure interoperability between 802.11b products. With a realistic throughput of 2.5-4Mbps, it is fast enough for most network applications and tolerable for file transfers.

Wireless to Ethernet Bridges can be used to connect Ecient products to your Ethernet network when you can’t run ethernet cables to your equipment.

Access Points

An 802.11b wireless network adapter can operate in two modes, Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure. In infrastructure mode, all your traffic passes through a wireless ‘access point’. In Ad-hoc mode your computers talk directly to each other and do not need an access point at all.

Access point varieties

Access points come in three varieties -- bridge, NAT router and NAT router+bridge. A bridge connects a wireless network to a wired network transparently.

Communication is possible between both networks in both directions. A NAT router type routes traffic from your wireless network to an Ethernet wired network, but it will not route traffic back. This type can be used to share an Internet connection. Lastly, there are hybrid NAT router + Bridge devices that bridge your wired and wireless networks, then route them both to the internet using a single IP address. This is good for sharing an Internet connection when you have both wired and wireless computers in your home. These are often called Cable or DSL routers with wireless access points built-in.

Security

Any network adapter coming within range of another 802.11b network adapter or access point can instantly connect and join the network unless WEP – Wireless Encryption Protocol – is enabled. WEP is secure enough for most homes and business, but don’t think it can’t be hacked. There are several flaws in WEP making it unusable for high security applications. At this point, it takes some serious hacking abilities to bust into a WEP enabled network so home users should not worry.

WEP and Speed

WEP ‘WILL’ slow down your wireless network. Expect a 20-50% reduction in speed depending on the products you are using. The speed issue is often the result of an access point without enough processing power.

Encryption

Encryption comes in 64bit and 128bit key varieties. All your nodes must be at the same encryption level with the same key to operate. 40bit and 64bit encryption is the same. it’s just a matter of how the manufacturer decided to label the product. Often 128bit cards can often be placed in 40/64bit mode.

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