Instant Wireless® Series

Roaming - In an infrastructure mode wireless network, this refers to the abili- ty to move out of one access point's range and into another and transparently reassociate and reauthenticate to the new access point. This reassociation and reauthentication should occur without user intervention and ideally without interruption to network connectivity. A typical scenario would be a location with multiple access points, where users can physically relocate from one area to another and easily maintain connectivity.

SSID (Service Set Identifier) - An identification name that wireless devices use to make connections. In order for wireless devices to communicate, they must all be set to the same channel and they all must use the same SSID. For instance, if you are using an access point to connect two computers using wire- less devices, the access point and each of the wireless devices must use the same SSID. Even if they are set to the same channel, they cannot communicate unless the SSID is the same.

Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in a TCP/IP network.

Subnet Mask - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub- groups, or subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi- cient delivery over the network. TCP is known as a "connection oriented" pro- tocol due to requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet resulting in transmission control.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - The basic com- munication language or set of protocols for communications over a network (developed specifically for the Internet). TCP/IP defines a suite or group of protocols and not only TCP and IP.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), UDP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi-

Wireless-B PCI Adapter

cient delivery over the network. UDP is known as a “connection-less” protocol due to NOT requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet (as opposed to TCP).

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - A data privacy mechanism based on a 64- bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11b standard.

WINIPCFG - Configuration utility based on the Win32 API for querying, defining and managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used util- ity under Windows 95, 98, and Me.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associat- ed devices that communicate with each other wirelessly.

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Linksys WMP11 manual Instant Wireless Series
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WMP11 specifications

The Linksys WMP11 is a wireless network adapter that exemplifies the early 802.11b technology, designed to enhance connectivity in home and small office environments. Launched in the early 2000s, this product was one of the first to facilitate wireless connections for desktop PCs, allowing users to harness the power of wireless networking without the constraints of physical cables.

One of the main features of the WMP11 is its compatibility with the 802.11b wireless standard, which offers data transfer rates of up to 11 Mbps. This was a crucial advancement in networking technology at the time, as it enabled users to enjoy a significantly faster internet connection compared to traditional dial-up services. The adapter operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, providing a range of approximately 150 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors under optimal conditions.

The WMP11 comes equipped with a PCI interface, making installation straightforward for users with compatible desktop computers. The adapter features Linksys' Plug and Play technology, allowing for easy setup and configuration. With a driver disk provided, users can quickly install the necessary software to get the device up and running. Moreover, it supports WEP security protocols, which, while dated compared to modern standards, offered basic encryption to protect wireless connections during its time.

Additionally, the WMP11 integrates seamlessly with other Linksys networking products, particularly their wireless routers, enabling users to create a robust and comprehensive wireless network. The adapter features a removable antenna, allowing users to replace it with a higher-gain antenna for extended range and improved signal quality.

Despite its age, the Linksys WMP11 laid the groundwork for subsequent generations of wireless technology. It helped usher in a new era of networking, characterized by the convenience and flexibility of wireless connectivity. While it may no longer meet the needs of today’s high-speed internet requirements, the WMP11 holds a nostalgic place in the evolution of wireless networking technology. Users seeking reliable wireless communication during its prime found a dependable solution in the WMP11, making it a noteworthy device in the history of networking.
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