What is ISM band? | Linksys WPC4400N specs

Wireless-N Business Notebook Adapter

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 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.

What is WEP?

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

What is WPA?

WPA is Wi-Fi Protected Access, a wireless security protocol that can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.

What is RADIUS?

RADIUS is Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, which uses an authentication server to control network access.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Linksys WPC4400N manual What is ISM band?

WPC4400N specifications

The Linksys WPC4400N is a wireless networking card that epitomizes the fusion of advanced technology and user-friendly design, intended primarily for laptops and desktop computers. This product stands out for its compatibility with the IEEE 802.11n standard, which promises improved wireless coverage and higher data transfer speeds compared to its predecessors.

One of the most significant features of the WPC4400N is its dual-band capability. Operating on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, it allows users to choose the optimal frequency for their needs. The 2.4GHz band offers extended range, making it ideal for general browsing and streaming, whereas the 5GHz band provides increased speed, making it perfect for high-bandwidth activities such as gaming and video conferencing.

Incorporating MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, the WPC4400N enhances wireless performance by using multiple antennas to transmit and receive data simultaneously. This results in a more stable connection and a significant boost in throughput. MIMO technology ensures that users experience fewer drops in connectivity and improved speeds, even when multiple devices are connected to the network.

Additionally, the WPC4400N supports backward compatibility with the 802.11b and 802.11g standards. This feature ensures that users can connect to older routers and devices seamlessly, providing flexibility and convenience in mixed-device environments. The card is equipped with a simple installation process, making it easy for users to set up their network connection without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

The WPC4400N also prioritizes security, featuring advanced encryption protocols such as WPA2, which safeguards user data from potential threats. The device’s robust security features help protect sensitive information when used in public networks, making it a reliable choice for both home and business users.

In summary, the Linksys WPC4400N is a versatile wireless networking card that combines dual-band connectivity, MIMO technology, backward compatibility, and strong security measures. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for users who demand high-performance wireless connections in a variety of settings. Whether for streaming, gaming, or day-to-day internet use, the WPC4400N is designed to deliver a seamless and efficient networking experience.