Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

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 also provides products to allow wireless adaptors to access wired network through a bridge such as the wireless access point, or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an infrastructure 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 more than doubled since Access Point can transmit signal at higher power to the wireless space.

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 network (SSID) and wireless security settings.

This Access Point has 802.11F Inter-Access Point Protocol (IAPP) to complete the roaming process in seconds. If your wireless networks share the same IP subnet, this will not disrupt your data connection while moving around.

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.

Network Layout

The Wireless-N Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b products. The Access Point is compatible with 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b adapters, such as the notebook adapters for your laptop computers, PCI adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB adapters for all PCs when you want to enjoy

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access point.

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

roaming: the ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection.

ssid: your wireless network's name

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

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Network Topology

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Linksys WAP4400N manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming, Network Layout
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WAP4400N specifications

The Linksys WAP4400N is a robust wireless access point that caters to small and medium-sized businesses looking for reliability and enhanced wireless coverage. This device combines advanced networking technologies with a user-friendly design, making it a versatile addition to any network infrastructure.

At the heart of the WAP4400N is its adherence to the IEEE 802.11n wireless networking standard, which provides significantly improved speed and range compared to its predecessors. By utilizing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) technology, the WAP4400N can transmit and receive multiple data streams simultaneously, which boosts the overall data throughput and extends the wireless coverage area, making it ideal for larger spaces.

One of the standout features of the WAP4400N is its dual-band capability. It operates seamlessly across both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing for greater flexibility and reduced interference. This dual-band functionality enables users to optimize their wireless environment by assigning less congested channels, which is particularly useful in densely populated areas where multiple wireless networks compete for bandwidth.

The WAP4400N also boasts comprehensive security features. It supports WPA2 encryption, ensuring that data transmissions remain secure against unauthorized access. Additionally, it offers MAC address filtering and the option to create a guest network, allowing businesses to provide internet access to visitors without compromising the security of their main network.

Installation and configuration of the WAP4400N are straightforward, thanks to its web-based interface and guided setup wizard. The access point is equipped with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, which simplifies deployment by allowing the device to receive power through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for additional power adapters or outlets.

For monitoring network performance, the WAP4400N includes advanced features such as traffic prioritization and bandwidth management. These features allow administrators to allocate bandwidth to critical applications, ensuring optimal performance for essential business operations.

In summary, the Linksys WAP4400N is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a powerful and efficient wireless access point. With its advanced wireless technologies, strong security features, and ease of management, it effectively meets the demands of modern networking environments, providing reliability and speed that users can trust.
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