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PrintraNet Internet

Printing Configuration

TROY's PrintraNet product is a software driver for Windows that allows a PC user at one location to send a print job to a printer connected to an EtherWind wireless print server at a remote location across the Internet in a simple and trans- parent manner.

For example, a user on a PC in New York could print a document directly from his Microsoft Excel application program to a printer in Chicago. The PC may be attached to a Local Area Network, or it may be connected via a dial-up PPP link to an Internet Service Provider. Because of the low cost of accessing the Internet, the PrintraNet software can save the user a significant amount of money in toll charges, particularly when international communications is involved.

A new PrintraNet feature allows a user at a remote site to send a text E-mail mes- sage directly to a printer connected to a TROY print server at a remote site. The E-mail will be automatically printed on the printer without the need to run an E- mail program at the remote site.

There are two parts to the PrintraNet configuration, the configuration of the local Windows PC and the configuration of the remote EtherWind print server.

Installing the Software on a Windows PC at the Local Site

You may configure the local Windows PC to communicate over a LAN using the MAPI or WINSOCK protocol, or to communicate over a dial-up PPP connection to an Internet Service Provider.

To install the PrintraNet software on a Windows PC, execute the following steps:

1.Make sure that the PC is running an E-mail program (for example, Microsoft Outlook) that is capable of sending E-mail messages using either MAPI or WINSOCK. MAPI (Messaging Applications Program Interface) is used by most popular Windows E-mail packages, while WINSOCK is used by

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TROY Group 802.11b PrintraNet Internet, Printing Configuration, Installing the Software on a Windows PC at the Local Site

802.11b specifications

TROY Group 802.11b is a significant advancement in wireless networking technology, introduced in the late 1990s. Operating within the 2.4 GHz frequency band, 802.11b provided users with robust connectivity and established a foundation for future wireless standards. This protocol marked a transition from wired networking to wireless, enabling greater mobility and flexibility for users.

One of the main features of the 802.11b standard is its data transmission rate, which supports speeds of up to 11 Mbps. While this may seem modest by today’s standards, it was a groundbreaking achievement at the time. The 802.11b technology utilized Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation, which allowed multiple data streams to coexist with minimal interference. This was crucial in environments with numerous wireless devices.

Security was another important consideration, and 802.11b incorporated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) for data protection. WEP attempted to secure wireless transmissions by encrypting data packets, although it was later found to have vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, it was a starting point for securing wireless communication until more robust security protocols, such as WPA and WPA2, were developed.

The compatibility of 802.11b with earlier standards like 802.11 meant that devices could be mixed and matched, allowing for a smooth transition to wireless networks. With a typical range of around 100 to 300 feet, it was suitable for various environments, from homes to offices. In addition, the protocol facilitated peer-to-peer networking, allowing devices to communicate directly without the need for an access point.

In terms of hardware, 802.11b required compatible wireless network interface cards (NICs) and access points. These devices were increasingly integrated into laptops and desktops, leading to widespread adoption and the growing popularity of wireless networking in everyday life.

In conclusion, TROY Group 802.11b laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication. Its features, including data rates of up to 11 Mbps, DSSS modulation, and initial security measures like WEP, made it a pioneer in the industry. Although it has been succeeded by faster and more secure protocols, the legacy of 802.11b lives on as a crucial development in the evolution of wireless technology, setting the stage for the high-speed and secure connections that users enjoy today.