ZyAIR G-160 User’s Guide

Chapter 2

Using the ZyAIR Utility

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

2.1About Wireless LAN Network

This section describes each wireless LAN parameter.

2.1.1 Channel

The range of radio frequencies used by IEEE 802.11 wireless devices is called a “channel”. The number of available channels depends on your geographical area. You may have a choice of channels (for your region) so adjacent APs (access points) should use different channels to reduce crosstalk. Crosstalk occurs when radio signals from different access points overlap causing interference and degrading performance.

Adjacent channels partially overlap however. To avoid interference due to overlap, the AP should be on a channel at least five channels away from a channel that an adjacent AP is using. For example, if your region has 11 channels and an adjacent AP is using channel 1, then you need to select a channel between 6 or 11.

2.1.2SSID

The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.

2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)

Your ZyAIR automatically adjusts the transmission rate to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyAIR automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the communication quality improves again, the ZyAIR gradually increases the transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate.

2.1.4 Wireless Network Application

Wireless LAN works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure.

To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using Access Points (APs), set the ZyAIR operation mode to Infrastructure. An AP acts as a bridge between the wireless stations and the wired network. In case you do not wish to connect to a wired network, but prefer to set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use the Ad-hocmode.

Using the ZyAIR Utility

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