SMC Networks SMC2582W-B manual Introduction, Overview, Features IEEE 802.11b Operational modes

1. Introduction

1.1. Overview

The SMC2582W-B is a versatile device that can be configured to be in one of the 3 operational modes—Access Point, Bridge Master, and Bridge Slave—for various wireless bridging applications. With the convenient Web-based user interface, a network administrator can easily and clearly man- age the SMC2582W-B.

In Chapter 2, we describe the steps to install and configure a newly acquired SMC2582W-B. Following the steps, the SMC2582W-B can be quickly set up to work. In Chapter 3, detailed explana- tion of each Web management page is given for the user to understand how to fine-tune the set- tings of an SMC2582W-B to meet his or her specific needs.

1.2.Features

• IEEE 802.11b

• Operational modes.

•Access Point. The AP enables IEEE 802.11 Stations (STAs) to automatically associate with it via the standard IEEE 802.11 association process. In addition, the IEEE 802.11 WDS (Wireless Distribution System) technology can be used to manually establish wireless links between two APs or between an AP and a Bridge Master.

•Bridge Master. Use this mode to provide the Bridge Master functionality of the SMC2682W.The Bridge Master mode is designed to work in those networks where SMC2682W Wireless Bridge Slaves are already installed.The Bridge Master enables Bridge Slaves to automatically associate with it. It also enables IEEE 802.11 Stations, which are on the same LAN as the Bridge Master, to automatically associate with it via the standard IEEE 802.11 association process. In addition, the IEEE 802.11 WDS (Wireless Distribution System) technology can be used to manually establish wireless links between two Bridge Masters or between a Bridge Master and an AP.

•Bridge Slave. Use this mode to provide the Bridge Slave functionality of the SMC2682W.The Bridge Slave mode is designed to work in those networks where SMC2682W Wireless Bridge Masters are already installed.

•64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). For wireless data encryption.

•Enabling/disabling SSID broadcasts. When the SMC2582W-B is in AP or Bridge Master mode, the administrator can enable or disable the SSID broadcasts functionality for security reasons.When the SSID broadcasts functionality is disabled, an STA or Bridge Slave cannot associate with the AP or Bridge Master with an ANY network name (SSID, Service Set ID); the correct SSID has to be specified on the STA or Bridge Slave.

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