Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet. This Access Point will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever. An access point allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless network while also allowing you to connect the wireless network to a wired environment. The Wireless-N Access Point also offers the convenience of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability (in addition to regular 12VDC power adaptor), so it can receive data and power over a single Ethernet network cable.

This Access Point supports the latest 802.11n draft Specification by IEEE early 2006. It also support 802.11g and 802.11b clients in a mixed environment. This Access Point currently can support an 11n data rate up to 300 Mbps. Besides the higher data rate, 802.11n technology also promises longer coverage by using multiple antennas to transmit and receive data streams in different directions. Users are encouraged to update their firmware through www.linksys.com when 802.11n specification is finalized by IEEE to ensure compatibility with all the wireless-N devices.

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet cables, which is why the network is called "wired".

PCs equipped with wireless client cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the same wireless settings within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network. This is sometimes called a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Access Point bridges wireless networks of 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b standards and wired networks.

Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Access Point, set it up, and configure it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Access Point.

access point: a device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with each other and with devices on a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

network: a series of computers or devices connected together.

lan (local area network): the computers and networking devices that make up your local network.

poe (power over ethernet): a technology enabling an Ethernet network cable to deliver both data and power.

ethernet: network protocol defined in IEEE 802.3 standard that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.

802.11n: wireless networking draft standard that specifies a maximum data rate up to 600Mbps (300Mbps supported by this device), an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b/g devices.

802.11g: a wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

802.11b: a wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

Chapter 1: Introduction

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Welcome

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Linksys WAP4400N manual Introduction, Welcome
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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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