Instant Wireless® Series

Unlike e-mail programs in which graphics and program files have to be "attached," FTP is designed to handle binary files directly and does not add the overhead of encoding and decoding the data.

Full Duplex - The ability of a device or line to transmit data simultaneously in both directions.

Gateway - A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible communications protocols.

Half Duplex - Data transmission that can occur in two directions over a single line, but only one direction at a time.

Hardware - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunica- tions, and other information technology devices. The term arose as a way to dis- tinguish the "box" and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be known as the software.

Hop - The link between two network nodes.

HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) - The communications protocol used to connect to servers on the World Wide Web. Its primary function is to estab- lish a connection with a Web server and transmit HTML pages to the client browser.

Hub - The device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from workstations. Can be passive, where there is no amplification of the signals; or active, where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an extension of the cable that connects to a workstation.

ICQ - A conferencing program for the Internet that provides interactive chat, e-mail and file transfer and can alert you when someone on your predefined list has also come online.

IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - The IEEE describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society, promoting the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-being of our members."

Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router

The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the IEEE Computer Society.

Infrastructure Network - An infrastructure network is a group of computers or other devices, each with a wireless adapter, connected as an 802.11 wireless LAN. In infrastructure mode, the wireless devices communicate with each other and to a wired network by first going through an access point. An infra- structure wireless network connected to a wired network is referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS). A set of two or more BSS in a single network is referred to as an Extended Service Set (ESS). Infrastructure mode is useful at a corporation scale, or when it is necessary to connect the wired and wireless networks.

IP (Internet Protocol) - The method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the Internet. It is a standard set of rules, procedures, or conventions relating to the format and timing of data transmission between two computers that they must accept and use to be able to understand each other.

IP Address - In the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol (IP) today, an IP address is a 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information that is sent in packet across the Internet. When you request an HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet Protocol part of TCP/IP includes your IP address in the message (actually, in each of the packets if more than one is required) and sends it to the IP address that is obtained by looking up the domain name in the Uniform Resource Locator you requested or in the e-mail address you're sending a note to. At the other end, the recipient can see the IP address of the Web page requestor or the e-mail sender and can respond by sending another message using the IP address it received.

IPCONFIG - A Windows NT or 2000 utility that provides for querying, defin- ing and managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used utility for configuring networks with static IP addresses.

IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) - A suite of protocols used to implement secure exchange of packets at the IP layer. IPSec supports two basic modes: Transport and Tunnel. Transport encrypts the payload of each packet, leaving the header untouched, while Tunnel mode encrypts both the header and the pay- load and is therefore more secure. IPSec must be supported on both transmit- ter and receiver and must share a public key. Tunnel mode is widely deployed in VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).

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WRT55AG specifications

The RF-Link Technology WRT55AG is a versatile wireless router designed to cater to the demands of both home and small office environments. As a dual-band device, it operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing for enhanced network flexibility and reduced interference. This capability makes it ideal for settings where multiple devices compete for bandwidth, such as homes filled with smart devices and media streaming.

One of the standout features of the WRT55AG is its support for advanced wireless standards, including IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n. This broad compatibility ensures that users can connect various devices, from older laptops and smartphones to the latest smart home gadgets, without issues. The router boasts a maximum theoretical data rate of up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, providing ample speed for high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.

Security is a top priority for the WRT55AG, which incorporates WPA2 encryption and can easily configure firewall settings to protect user data from external threats. The router also features a robust Quality of Service (QoS) management tool that enables users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications or devices. This ensures that crucial tasks, such as video conferencing or online gaming, receive the necessary resources to function optimally.

In terms of connectivity, the WRT55AG is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to gaming consoles, PCs, and other network devices. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who require stable connections with minimal latency. The router also supports USB connectivity, enabling file sharing and media streaming directly from USB storage devices connected to the router.

The RF-Link Technology WRT55AG also incorporates user-friendly setup options, including an intuitive web interface for quick configuration. With support for both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, this router is future-proof, ensuring that it remains relevant as Internet standards evolve.

Overall, the RF-Link WRT55AG stands out as a reliable and feature-rich router that meets the needs of modern households and small offices. Its combination of speed, security, and versatility makes it a solid choice for users looking to enhance their wireless networking experience.