Instant WirelessTM Series

Figure 5-4

Access Point Name. You may assign any name to the Access Point. Unique, memorable names are helpful, especially if you are employing multiple access points on the same network.

6.As shown in Figure 5-5, the IP Settings screen will appear next. Unless your net- work has a DHCP server, you will want to click the radio button beside Set IP Address Manually to select this option. Enter an IP Address and IP Mask appro- priate to your network. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to pre- vious page.

Figure 5-5

Wireless Network Access Point

IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. (The

default IP address of 192.168.1.251.) As this is a private IP address, there is no need to purchase a separate IP address from your service provider.

IP Mask. The Access Point’s IP Mask (also known as a Subnet Mask) must be the same as your Ethernet network.

Gateway. This setting only appears when the DHCP, Automatically obtain an IP Address, option is enabled; it indicates the status of the gateway and is not user-adjustable.

7.The Security Settings screen (Figure 5-6) will appear next. From this screen, you will set the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption for your wired network. Select a WEP configuration method and a passphrase. Then, click the Next button to continue or Back to previous page.

Figure 5-6

WEP (Disable/64-bit WEP/128-bit WEP/256-bit WEP). In order to utilize WEP encryption, select the WEP setting from the pull-down menu. If you do not wish to utilize WEP encryption, make sure Disable is selected. The Access Point’s WEP encryption is unique to Linksys and may conflict with other vendors’ WEP encryption.

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Linksys WAP11 v2.2 manual Instant WirelessTM Series

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.