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Linksys WTR54GS manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Network Layout

Models: WTR54GS

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Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name shared by the wireless devices belonging to the same wireless network.

network: a series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.

ssid: your wireless network’s name.

Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode

Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure and ad-hoc. An infrastructure configuration is a WLAN and wired LAN communicating to each other through an access point. An ad-hoc configuration is wireless-equipped computers communicating directly with each other. Choosing between these two modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or peripherals with a wired network or not.

If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired network or need to share a peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in Infrastructure mode. The basis of Infrastructure mode centers around a wireless router or an access point, such as the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster, which serves as the main point of communications in a wireless network. The Router transmits data to PCs equipped with wireless network adapters, which can roam within a certain radial range of the Router. You can arrange the Router and multiple access points to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and you can set up your wireless network to communicate with your Ethernet hardware as well.

If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only with the other computers on the wireless network, then the Ad-Hoc mode can be used. Ad-Hoc mode allows computers equipped with wireless transmitters and receivers to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for a wireless router or access point. The drawback of this mode is that in Ad-Hoc mode, wireless-equipped computers are not able to communicate with computers on a wired network. And, of course, communication between the wireless- equipped computers is limited by the distance and interference directly between them.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly to each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access point.

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.

ethernet: IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.

access point: a device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster has been specifically designed for use with your 802.11b and 802.11g products. Now, products using these standards can communicate with each other.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

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Network Topology

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Linksys WTR54GS manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode, Network Layout
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WTR54GS specifications

The Linksys WTR54GS is a robust wireless router that combines performance and ease of use for home and small office networks. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it caters to users seeking reliable connectivity for multiple devices. One of its standout features is the Wireless-G technology, which provides a maximum data transfer rate of up to 54 Mbps. This makes it ideal for streaming videos, online gaming, and facilitating smooth internet browsing.

The WTR54GS supports 802.11g standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It also supports backward compatibility with 802.11b devices, which is essential for users with older equipment. Enhanced by SpeedBooster technology, the WTR54GS improves performance by increasing the range and speed of the wireless connection, which is particularly beneficial in larger homes or offices where signal strength might be a concern.

Security is a top priority for the Linksys WTR54GS, offering robust features such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols. This ensures that users can maintain a secure connection while protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. Additionally, the router features a built-in firewall that helps defend against potential intrusions, providing an added layer of security for the network.

Equipped with four Ethernet ports, the WTR54GS enables users to connect wired devices for more stable and faster connections. This is particularly useful for activities that require high bandwidth, such as video conferencing or online gaming. The router also includes an intuitive web-based setup interface, allowing users to configure and manage their network settings effortlessly.

Another notable characteristic of the Linksys WTR54GS is its support for Quality of Service (QoS) features, which prioritize bandwidth for important applications, ensuring that critical tasks receive the necessary resources for optimal performance. This is particularly useful for households with multiple users and devices competing for bandwidth.

Overall, the Linksys WTR54GS is a versatile and reliable router that provides excellent performance for various networking needs. With its combination of speed, security, and user-friendly features, it remains a popular choice for those looking to enhance their wireless networking experience.