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Linksys WAP54GP manual What is the ISM band?

Models: WAP54GP

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Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

What is the ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

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 feature of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers a variety of wireless security methods to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up depending upon their needs.

Can Linksys wireless products support file and printer sharing?

Linksys wireless products perform the same function as LAN products. Therefore, Linksys wireless 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.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Linksys WAP54GP manual What is the ISM band?
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WAP54GP specifications

The Linksys WAP54GP is a wireless access point designed for business and enterprise environments, providing reliable network connectivity while accommodating various networking standards. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to deliver Power over Ethernet (PoE), which simplifies installation by allowing power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable.

One of the standout features of the WAP54GP is its adherence to the IEEE 802.11g/b standards, offering wireless data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps and backward compatibility with older 802.11b devices. This makes it an ideal choice for upgrading legacy networks while still supporting newer devices, ensuring seamless connectivity across different generations of wireless technology.

The WAP54GP boasts a robust range of security features, including WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 encryption methods. These protocols protect sensitive data transmitted over the network, clearly addressing common security concerns associated with wireless networks. Additionally, the device supports MAC address filtering and has a built-in firewall to further enhance network security.

With its ability to function in various modes, including access point, bridge, and repeater modes, the WAP54GP provides flexibility for different networking needs. This versatility allows organizations to adapt their network setups according to specific requirements, such as expanding coverage or extending enterprise networks to meet growing demands.

The access point is equipped with multiple 10/100 Ethernet ports, providing wired connections for devices that require stable links, such as printers or desktops. Furthermore, its user-friendly web-based setup wizard allows for straightforward configuration and management, even for users with limited technical expertise.

Another significant characteristic of the Linksys WAP54GP is its compact, durable design, intended for easy deployment in various environments. It can be mounted on walls or ceilings, making it suitable for different office layouts without compromising performance.

In summary, the Linksys WAP54GP is an efficient and versatile wireless access point that combines essential features for security, flexibility, and ease of use. Its compatibility with a range of devices, ability to deliver power over Ethernet, and solid wireless performance make it a valuable asset for any organization looking to enhance its network capabilities.