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NTRODUCTION
The 3Com wireless product family lets you set up a local area network (LAN)
without the restraints of network cabling. If your office already has an Ethernet
LAN, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 can extend the network
without additional cabling. The access point security features will also extend the
security of installed wired networks to include all wireless components.
Setting up a Wireless
Network
The type of network you configure depends on the size of your office and whether
you require a connection to a wired LAN. A simple configuration consists of an
access point and several clients. The clients can associate with the wireless
network anywhere within the coverage area of the access point.
For more complex requirements, you can configure several access points as
separate networks at the same site. The access points use different network
identifiers called wireless LAN service areas (WLAN service areas) or Extended
Service Set Identities (ESSID). Client computers can roam within the coverage areas
of access points that have the same WLAN service areas.
Wireless and Wired
Networks
An access point can be connected to a wired LAN by an Ethernet cable acting as a
bridge between the wired and wireless networks. In this configuration, the access
point provides the link between the wired network and wireless clients. Clients can
move freely throughout the service area of the access point and remain associated
with the larger network, allowing client access to the full range of network
services.
For complete wireless coverage, several access points can be connected to an
existing LAN. Wireless clients can roam freely between different access points with
the same WLAN service areas and remain associated with the larger network.
Network Security and
RADIUS Support
The Access Point 8000 provides a multiple-layer security solution, supporting the
IEEE 802.1x, Remote Access Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) Authentication, and the
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). If you do not have a centralized RADIUS
server, the access points Dynamic Security Link manages network login. The
access points internal data base supports up to 1000 users.
