ZyAIR G-100 User’s Guide

Chapter 2

Using the ZyAIR Utility

This chapter shows you how to configure the ZyAIR using the ZyAIR Utility.

2.1About Your ZyAIR

The ZyAIR is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN PC card that fits into any 32-bit CardBus slot. With the ZyAIR, you can enjoy wireless mobility within the coverage area. The IEEE 802.11g technology provides greater range and offers transmission rate at up to 54 Mbps.

The following lists the main features of your ZyAIR.

•Your ZyAIR can communicate with other IEEE 802.11b/Wi-Fi compliant wireless devices.

•Automatic rate selection.

•Data transmission rates up to 54 Mbps.

•Offers 64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for network security.

•Low CPU utilization allowing more computer system resources for other programs.

•A built-in antenna

•Power and Link LEDs

•Driver support for Windows XP/2000/Me/98 SE

2.2Benefits of a Wireless LAN

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems offer a number of advantages over traditional wired systems. WLANs are flexible, easy to set up and manage. They are also more economical than wired LAN systems.

Access to network services in areas otherwise hard or expensive to wire, such as historical buildings, buildings with asbestos materials and classrooms.

Doctors and nurses can access a complete patient’s profile on a handheld or notebook computer upon entering a patient’s room.

It allows flexible workgroups a lower total cost of ownership for networks that are frequently reconfigured.

Conference room users can access the network as they move from meeting to meeting- accessing up-to-date information that facilitates the ability to communicate decisions “on the fly”.

It provides campus-wide networking coverage, allowing enterprises the roaming capability to set up easy-to-use wireless networks that transparently covers an entire campus.

2.3Notes on Wireless LAN Setup

When setting up a wireless LAN, be sure to note the following points:

Optimize the performance of the WLAN by ensuring that the distance between access points is not too far. In most buildings, most WLAN adapters operate within a range of 100 ~ 300 feet, depending on the thickness and structure of the walls.

Radio waves can pass through walls and glass but not metal. If there is interference in transmitting through a wall, it may be that the wall has reinforcing metal in its structure. Install another access point to circumvent this problem.

Using the ZyAIR Utility

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