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Network Parameters
•Multicast Rate: Sets the rate at which Multicast messages are sent. This value is related to the Distance Between
APs parameter (described previously). The table below displays the possible Multicast Rates based on the
Distance between APs setting. By default, this parameter is set to 2 Mbits/sec. See Multicast Rate for more
information.
•DTIM Period: The Deferred Traffic Indicator Map (DTIM) is used with clients that have power management
enabled. DTIM should be left at 1, the default value, if any clients have power management enabled. This
parameter supports a range between 1 and 65535.
•RTS/CTS Medium Reservation: This parameter affects message flow control and should not be changed under
normal circumstances. Range is 0 to 2347. When set to a value between 0 and 2347, the Access Point uses the
RTS/CTS mechanism for packets that are the specified size or greater. When set to 2347 (the default setting),
RTS/CTS is disabled. See RTS/CTS Medium Reservation for more information.
•Interference Robustness: Enable this option if other electrical devices in the 2.4 GHz frequency band (such as a
microwave oven or a cordless phone) may be interfering with the wireless signal. The AP will automatically
fragment large packets into multiple smaller packets when interference is detected to increase the likelihood that
the messages will be received in the presence of interference. The receiving radio reassembles the original packet
once all fragments have been received. This option is disabled by default.
•Closed System: Check this box to allow only clients configured with the Access Point’s specific Network Name to
associate with the Access Point. When enabled, a client configured with the Network Name “ANY” cannot connect
to the AP’s 802.11b radio. This option is disabled by default.
NOTE
If you enable Closed System, you will need to inform your subscribers of the AP’s Network Name; your
subscribers will need to configure their client card’s SSID to match this setting before gaining access to the
network.
•Load Balancing: Enable this option so clients can evaluate which Access Point to associate with, based on
current AP loads. This feature is enabled by default; it helps distribute the wireless load between APs. This feature
is not available if you are using an ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard or a non-ORiNOCO client with the AP.
•Medium Density Distribution: When enabled, the Access Point automatically notifies wireless clients of its
Distance Between APs, Interference Robustness, and RTS/CTS Medium Reservation settings. This feature is
enabled by default and allows clients to automatically adopt the values used by its current Access Point (even if
these values differ from the client’s default values or from the values supported by other Access Points). Note that
this feature is not available if you are using an ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard or a non-ORiNOCO client with
the AP. Proxim recommends that you enable this parameter, particularly if your subscribers have ORiNOCO clients
on your wireless network (leaving this parameter enabled should not adversely affect the performance of any
ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCards or non-ORiNOCO cards on your network).
Distance Between APs
Distance Between APs defines how far apart (physically) your APs are located, which in turn determines the size of
your cell. Cells of different sizes have different capacities and, therefore, suit different applications. For instance, a
typical office has many clients that require high bandwidth for complex, high-speed data processing. In contrast, a
typical warehouse has a few forklifts requiring low bandwidth for simple transactions.
This parameter is particularly useful in roaming environments with traditional access points. However, this feature has
limited applications with AP-2500 since the AP is designed for small to medium hotspot and offers only a few options
for roaming (see Limitations on Roaming). Also, this feature is not available if you or your subscribers are using an
ORiNOCO ComboCard or a non-ORiNOCO client with the AP.
The Distance Between Cells parameter supports five values: Large, Medium, Small, Minicell, and Microcell. You
should set this parameter so you can provide your subscribers with the highest Multicast Rate for your environment.
For example, if the AP provides strong coverage to wireless clients in all areas of your hotspot, you can set this value
to Small. But if the connection is weak on the edges of your hotspot, set this value to Large.
Distance between APs Multicast Rate
Large 1 and 2 Mbits/sec
Medium 1, 2, and 5.5 Mbits/sec
Small 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbits/sec
Minicell 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbits/sec
Microcell 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbits/sec