Linksys WAP51AB manual What is WEP?, What is a MAC Address?, How do I avoid interference?

Instant Wireless™ Series

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security fea- ture of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryp- tion function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up depending upon their needs.

Can Instant WirelessTM products support file and printer sharing?

Instant WirelessTM products perform the same function as LAN products. Therefore, Instant WirelessTM products can work with Netware, Windows NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40-bit shared-key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

What is a MAC Address?

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all practical pur- poses, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a computer logs on to the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for the network.

How do I avoid interference?

Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to one another will generate interference. When employing multiple Access Points, be sure to operate each one on a different channel (frequency).

How do I reset the Access Point?

Press the Reset button on the back of the Access Point for about ten seconds. This will reset the unit to its default settings.

How do I resolve issues with signal loss?

There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without test- ing. Every obstacle placed between an Access Point and wireless PC will cre- ate signal loss. Leaded glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhib- it the signal and reduce range. Start with your Access Point and your wireless PC in the same room and move it away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment.

Dual-Band Wireless Access Point

You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel. Also, due to FCC regulations, more power may be transmitted, using 802.11a, on channels 52, 56, 60 and 64, than on the lower channels. Lastly, check the Advanced tab of the Web-Based Utility and make sure that FULL is selected in the Transmission Rate field.

Does the Turbo Mode work with Windows XP PCs?

No. The Turbo Mode does not work with Windows XP PCs.

Does the Access Point function as a firewall?

No. The Access Point is only a bridge from wired Ethernet to wireless clients.

I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.

WEP is probably enabled on the Access Point, but not on your wireless adapter (or vice versa). Verify that the same WEP Keys and levels (64, 128 or 152) are being used on all nodes on your wireless network.

What is the maximum number of users the Access Point facilitates?

No more than 65, but this depends on the volume of data and may be less if many users create a large amount of network traffic.

How many channels/frequencies are available with the Access Point?

Using 802.11a, there are eight available frequencies, ranging from 5.15GHz to 5.32GHz. Using 802.11b, there are eleven available channels, ranging from 1 to 11.

What is Turbo mode?

Turbo mode allows high-speed connections, but severely limits range. Turbo mode must be enabled on both the Access Point and the wireless PCs to func- tion. Turbo mode is not compatible with Windows XP and may only function with Linksys 5GHz wireless adapters.

What is the difference in range between 802.11a and 802.11b products?

Overall, range will be a little less in a typical environment, while higher speeds may be achieved with 802.11a, through- put degrades more quickly. (See Figure A-1.)

Figure A-1

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