Chapter Planning Your Wireless Network, Roaming

Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

Planning Your Wireless

Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one or more wireless adapters. Computers in a wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel to talk to each other. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with each other to form an ad-hoc network without the use of an access point.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructurenetwork.EachwirelessPCinaninfrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired or wireless network via the access point or wireless router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and may double the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network may be doubled (depending on antenna characteristics).

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC’s signal, providing that they both share the same wireless security and SSID.

Before you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

NOTE: Spanning Tree Protocol should be disabled on the switches connecting to the APs to allow roaming to work without disruption.

Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Layout

The Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11g and 802.11b products, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters for either a laptop or desktop. These wireless products can also communicate with a 802.11g or 802.11b Wireless Print Server.

To link your wired network with your wireless network, connect the Access Point’s Ethernet network port to any switch or router.

Example of a Simple Wireless Network

	Broadband	Switch or
Internet	Modem	Router	Wired Clients

WAP2000

Wireless Access Point

Wireless Clients

Example of Simple Wireless Network

The above diagram shows a typical infrastructure wireless network setup. The Wireless Access Point connects to a Linksys switch that provides power to the Access Point. The Access Point can connect multiple wireless devices to the network. This network will provide connectivity among wireless network devices and PCs that have a wired connection to the switch. The switch then can connect to a router that can connect to an ISP for Internet access.

Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

WAP2000 specifications

The Linksys WAP2000 is a robust wireless access point designed to enhance connectivity for both home and small business environments. This device provides a reliable solution for extending the reach of your existing network, ensuring that users can access high-speed internet with minimal interruptions.

One of the main features of the Linksys WAP2000 is its dual-band capability, which operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This dual-band technology allows for greater flexibility and less interference, accommodating more devices while maintaining optimal performance. Users can connect to the 5 GHz band for bandwidth-intensive activities, such as streaming and online gaming, while the 2.4 GHz band serves well for general browsing and connecting older devices.

The WAP2000 is equipped with the latest 802.11n wireless standard, offering speeds of up to 300 Mbps. This high throughput makes it an efficient choice for businesses that require swift data transfers and reliable connections. Additionally, the device supports Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which uses multiple antennas to send and receive more data simultaneously, further enhancing its performance and range.

For ease of installation, the Linksys WAP2000 features Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. This allows the device to receive power through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power adapters and simplifying the setup process. Additionally, its browser-based setup utility provides a user-friendly interface for configuration, enabling users to customize settings easily.

Security is a critical concern for any network, and the Linksys WAP2000 addresses this with various security features. It supports WPA/WPA2 encryption protocols, protecting data transmitted over the network from unauthorized access. Furthermore, the device includes MAC address filtering, which allows users to control which devices can connect to the network.

With a sturdy design and compact form factor, the Linksys WAP2000 is suitable for a variety of deployment scenarios, whether mounted on walls or placed on desks. Its versatility and performance make it an excellent choice for users looking to improve their wireless connectivity, ensuring that both guests and employees can enjoy a seamless online experience. Overall, the Linksys WAP2000 is an essential addition to any network, providing high-speed internet access and robust security features to keep users connected and safe.

Linksys WAP2000 Chapter Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming, Network Layout

Models: WAP2000