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Linksys WDT11 manual What is ISM band?, What is Spread Spectrum?, What is WEP?

Models: WDT11

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Instant WirelessTM Series

What is 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 devel- oped by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communica- tions 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 trans- mission, 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 nar- rowband 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 fea- ture of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN series offer the encryption function (WEP) to enhance security and Access Control. Users can set it up depending upon their needs.

PCI Adapter

Can Instant WirelessTM products support 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.

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Linksys WDT11 What is ISM band?, What is Spread Spectrum?, What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
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WDT11 specifications

The Linksys WDT11 is a wireless bridge designed to extend connectivity and provide enhanced network performance in both home and office environments. As part of Linksys' renowned product line, the WDT11 stands out due to its unique features that cater to various networking needs.

One of the primary characteristics of the WDT11 is its ability to bridge wired and wireless networks seamlessly. This capability allows users to connect their existing wired devices, such as printers or desktop computers, to a wireless network without the need for extensive cabling. The device supports 802.11b wireless standards, ensuring a reliable connection with speeds up to 11 Mbps, which was impressive at the time of its release.

The WDT11 features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the setup process. With a straightforward configuration page, users can easily manage and customize their network settings. Additionally, the firmware can be updated to ensure the bridge maintains optimal performance and security over time.

Security is another crucial aspect of the WDT11. It supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, which helps to safeguard the network from unauthorized access. While WEP encryption is now considered outdated, the device’s support for WEP at the time provided a necessary level of security for wireless communications.

For optimal connectivity, the Linksys WDT11 is equipped with multiple antennae positioned for improved signal strength and range. This ensures that even devices located far from the wireless router can maintain a stable connection. The range of the WDT11 is suitable for medium-sized homes and small offices, making it a versatile option for various environments.

The device also incorporates Linksys’ Multi-Purpose Architecture (MPA), contributing to its flexibility and usability. This feature allows the WDT11 to function not only as a wireless bridge but also in different modes such as access point and client mode, accommodating various networking scenarios.

In summary, the Linksys WDT11 is a robust wireless bridge that enhances connectivity for both wired and wireless devices. With its ease of use, basic security features, and adaptable functionality, it represents a solid choice for users looking to expand their network capabilities. As technology continues to advance, the WDT11 remains a testament to Linksys' commitment to quality and innovative networking solutions.