Instant WirelessTM Series

Chapter 4: Connecting the Wireless Network Access Point

1.Locate an optimum location for the Access Point. The best place for the Access Point is usually at the center of your wireless network, with line of sight to all of your mobile stations.

2.Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position which can best cover your wireless network. Normally, the higher you place the anten- na, the better the performance will be. The antenna’s position enhances the receiving sensitivity. Both antennae should be perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.

3.Connect a standard Ethernet network cable to the Access Point. Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or hub. The Access Point will then be connected to your 10/100 Network.

4.Connect the AC Power Adapter to the Access Point’s Power Socket. Only use the power adapter supplied with the Access Point. Use of a differ- ent adapter may result in product damage.

Now that the hardware installation is complete, proceed to Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless Network Access Point for directions on how to setup the Access Point.

Note: In order for all other wireless devices to communicate with the Access Point, those devices must be operating in the Infrastructure Mode. If any wireless devices are configured in the Ad Hoc Mode, they will not be recognized by the Access Point.

Wireless Network Access Point

Chapter 5: Setting Up the Wireless Network Access Point

Have You: Connected the Access Point to a hub, switch or router

on your wired network as shown in Chapter 4: Connecting the

Now that you’ve connected the Access Point to your wired network, you are ready to begin setting it up. This Setup Wizard will take you through all the steps necessary to get the Access Point connecting your wireless network to your wired network and communicating more efficiently.

Note: While the Access Point has been designed to work correct- ly right out of the box, setting it up on a wireless computer will require you to use the Linksys default settings. These settings can then be changed with the Web-based Browser Utility.

1.Insert the Setup Wizard CD into your PC’s CD-ROM drive. Optimally, your PC should be on your wired network.

2.The screen in Figure 5-1 should appear on your monitor. If it does not, this means the autorun is not functioning. Start the autorun manually by click- ing the Start button, selecting Run, and typing d:\setup.exe (where “D” is your PC’s CD-ROM drive). Click the Setup button to continue this Setup Wizard. Clicking the User Guide button opened this User Guide. To access the Linksys web site on an active Internet connection, click the Linksys Web button or to exit this Setup Wizard, click the Exit button.

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Linksys WAP11 v2.2 manual Connecting the Wireless Network Access Point
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WAP11 v2.2 specifications

The Linksys WAP11 v2.2 is a wireless access point designed for small to medium-sized business and home users looking to expand their network capabilities. This device offers an appealing blend of features and technologies that cater to both ease of use and efficiency.

One of the primary features of the WAP11 v2.2 is its compatibility with the IEEE 802.11b wireless networking standard. Operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, this access point can deliver data rates of up to 11 Mbps under optimal conditions. This makes it well-suited for basic internet browsing, file sharing, and other low to moderate bandwidth applications.

A standout characteristic of the WAP11 v2.2 is its versatility in deployment. It can be easily configured to function in multiple modes, including access point, wireless bridging, or as a wireless repeater. This flexibility allows users to tailor the device to their specific networking needs, whether they are expanding an existing wireless network or creating a new one altogether.

The WAP11 v2.2 also includes robust security features to protect network data. It supports WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, which, while now considered less secure than modern protocols, was widely used during its time to provide a basic level of wireless security. Additionally, the access point offers MAC address filtering, allowing network administrators to whitelist or blacklist specific devices from accessing the network.

Installation and configuration of the WAP11 v2.2 is facilitated by a user-friendly web interface, making it accessible to users of all technical skill levels. The device can be set up quickly through a standard web browser, allowing users to easily manage settings like SSID, security options, and IP addressing.

In terms of physical characteristics, the WAP11 v2.2 features a compact design that allows for flexible placement in various environments. It includes a reset button for easy troubleshooting and recovery from erroneous settings, ensuring minimal downtime.

Overall, the Linksys WAP11 v2.2 is a solid choice for users looking to enhance their wireless network. Its combination of multiple operating modes, basic security features, and ease of use makes it a practical option for home offices or small business applications. Despite being an older model, it laid the groundwork for future advancements in wireless networking, reflecting the evolution of connectivity solutions over time.
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