Subnet Mask

Companies often have ranges of IP Addresses that can be described by one or more Masks. For example, a mask of 255.255.255.0 allows variation in the last position only. (The first three positions are fixed. The last position can be any value between 1 and 255.) Larger organizations may have masks of 255.255.0.0 -- the first two positions are static and the last two positions are variable. If the IP Address is set automatically, this mask may also be defined automatically.

Boot Method

This is the method the wireless print server uses to obtain an IP address. This can be set to Auto, DHCP, BOOTP, RARP, or Static. Auto will try DHCP, BOOTP and RARP, and then set to Static if the IP Address isn't set automatically by the other methods. If your network uses Static configuration, it will be necessary to set the Boot Method to Static and the IP to a particular address.

Gateway (or Router)

The Gateway or Router allows connections between different subnets. For exam- ple, if a corporation has separate subnets for the Hardware Department, the Software Department, and the Testing Department, they will need a Gateway between subnets to allow the separate groups to communicate.

RF Channel

The RF Channel is the wireless channel the print server uses to communicate. The EtherWind will be able to automatically configure itself in most cases, but you might need to manually set it to the same RF channel as the 802.11b wireless net- work. This value must match for all nodes on a network to communicate with each other.

MAC Address

This series of six numbers, separated by periods, defines the Ethernet address of the Server. For the EtherWind Servers, the MAC Address is set during manufac- turing and will not change. (This should avoid problems caused by mutlitple devices on an Ethernet network with the same address.)

Data Rate

This is the throughput speed in Mbps of the wireless Ethernet connection (1, 2, 5.5, or 11). In most cases with an 802.11b wireless network, it should be set to 11 Mbps. The Data Rate usually does not need setting as it will automatically negoti- ate to the highest possible rate.

SSID

This is the Service Set Identifier (Sometimes referred as Network Name or ESSID). This value must match for all nodes on a subnetwork to communicate with each other.

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TROY Group 802.11b manual Ssid
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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.
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