Instant Wireless™ Series

 

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

Figure 6-11

When you’ve completed making any changes on this tab, click the Apply button to save those changes or Cancel to exit the Web-based Utility without saving changes. To clear any of the information you’ve typed by not yet applied, click the Clear but- ton. For more information on this tab, you can click the Help button.

The Wireless Tab

Before making any changes to the Wireless tab, shown in Figure 6-12, please check your wireless settings on other systems, as these changes will alter the effectiveness of the Access Point. In most cases, these settings do not need to be changed.

•Beacon Interval. This value indicates the frequency interval of the beacon. A beacon is a packet broadcast by the Access Point to keep the network synchro- nized. A beacon includes the wireless LAN service area, the AP address, the Broadcast destination addresses, a time stamp, Delivery Traffic Indicator Maps, and the Traffic Indicator Message (TIM).

•RTS Threshold. This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. Should you encounter inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications are recom- mended.

Figure 6-12

•Fragmentation Length. This specifies the maximum size a data packet will be before splitting and creating a new packet and should remain at its default setting of 2,346. A smaller setting means smaller packets, which will create more packets for each transmission. If you have decreased this value and experience high packet error rates, you can increase it again, but it will likely decrease overall network performance. Only minor modifica- tions of this value are recommended.

•Data Beacon Rate. (5GHz/802.11a only) This value, between 1 and 16384, indicates the interval of the Delivery Traffic Indication Message. A Data Beacon Rate field is a countdown field informing clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages. When the Access Point has buffered broadcast or multicast messages for associated clients, it sends the next message with a rate value. Access Point Clients hear the bea- cons and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast messages.

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Linksys WAP51AB manual Wireless Tab
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WAP51AB specifications

Linksys WAP51AB is a Wireless Access Point designed to provide high-speed wireless connectivity for both home and office environments. With its dual-band capabilities, it operates efficiently on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, ensuring a stable connection for various applications, including streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.

One of the standout features of the WAP51AB is its robust support for the latest wireless standards, including 802.11a/b/g. This versatility allows it to connect with a wide range of devices, from older wireless gadgets to the latest smartphones and laptops. Additionally, the access point enables simultaneous dual-band broadcasting, which helps to reduce congestion and improve the overall wireless experience.

The WAP51AB boasts advanced security features to protect users' data and privacy. It supports WPA2 encryption, ensuring robust security for wireless networks. The access point also offers MAC address filtering, which adds an additional layer of control over which devices can connect to the network, thereby enhancing security.

A key characteristic of the WAP51AB is its ease of setup and management. With the Linksys web-based configuration interface, users can quickly set up their network settings, manage bandwidth, and monitor connected devices with minimal hassle. This user-friendly interface simplifies the process for both novice and experienced users alike.

In terms of physical characteristics, the WAP51AB features a sleek, compact design that allows for easy mounting on walls or ceilings, making it an ideal choice for various deployment scenarios. The external antennas enhance wireless coverage, providing a reliable signal across larger areas, which is particularly useful in environments such as schools, warehouses, or multi-story buildings.

The Linksys WAP51AB also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling flexible placement options without the need for additional power sources. This feature is particularly advantageous in commercial settings where power outlets may be limited.

In summary, the Linksys WAP51AB stands out for its dual-band support, robust security features, user-friendly setup, and flexible installation options, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their wireless networking capabilities. Whether for home use or in a business environment, this access point delivers reliable performance and comprehensive coverage to meet diverse connectivity needs.
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