Cisco WPC54GS User Manual Download Page 9

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Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network
Network Topology

Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter.  Computers in a wireless 
network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or 
adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless 
router.  An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an 
infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless 
router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the 
effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs.  Since an access point is able to forward data 
within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your 
wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they 
both share the same channel and SSID.

Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. 
Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

infrastructure

: a wireless network that is 

bridged to a wired network via an access point.

ad-hoc

: a group of wireless devices 

communicating directly with each other (peer-
to-peer) without the use of an access point.

roaming

: the ability to take a wireless device 

from one access point's range to another without 
losing the connection.

ssid

: your wireless network's name.

topology

: the physical layout of a network.

Summary of Contents for WPC54GS

Page 1: ...A Division of Cisco Systems Inc Model No Notebook Adapter Wireless G WPC54GS v2 0 User Guide WIRELESS GHz 2 4802 11g with SpeedBooster ...

Page 2: ... items when reading this guide In addition to these symbols there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this Also each figure diagram screenshot or other image is provided with a figure number and description like this Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the List of Figures section in the Table of Contents This exclamation point means there is a caution or wa...

Page 3: ...5 Hardware Installation 12 Connecting the Adapter 12 Chapter 6 Using the Wireless Network Monitor 13 Accessing the WLAN Monitor 13 Link Information 13 Site Survey 16 Profiles 17 Creating a New Profile 18 Appendix A Troubleshooting 30 Common Problems and Solutions 30 Frequently Asked Questions 31 Appendix B Wireless Security 34 Security Precautions 34 Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 34 Ap...

Page 4: ...notebook 12 Figure 6 1 Link Information 13 Figure 6 2 More Information Network Settings 14 Figure 6 3 More Information Network Statistics 15 Figure 6 4 Site Survey 16 Figure 6 5 Profiles 17 Figure 6 6 Importing a Profile 17 Figure 6 7 Exporting a Profile 17 Figure 6 8 Creating a New Profile 18 Figure 6 9 Enter Profile Name 18 Figure 6 10 Wireless Mode for New Profile 19 Figure 6 11 Ad Hoc Mode Set...

Page 5: ...Figure 6 23 EAP LEAP Authentication 25 Figure 6 24 RADIUS Settings 26 Figure 6 25 EAP TLS Authentication 26 Figure 6 26 EAP TTLS Authentication 27 Figure 6 27 EAP MD5 Authentication 27 Figure 6 28 EAP PEAP Authentication 28 Figure 6 29 LEAP Authentication 28 Figure 6 30 TKIP Settings 29 Figure 6 31 EAP TLS Authentication 29 ...

Page 6: ... re connected you can keep in touch with your e mail access the Internet and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network At home you can surf the web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio Your wireless connection is protected by up to 128 bit WEP encryption You ll also be able to connect with any of...

Page 7: ...tallation This chapter shows you how to connect the Adapter to your PC Chapter 6 Using the WLAN Monitor This chapter show you how to use the Adapter s WLAN Monitor Appendix A Troubleshooting This appendix describes some problems and solutions as well as frequently asked questions regarding installation and use of the Adapter Appendix B Wireless Security This appendix discusses security issues rega...

Page 8: ...ebook Adapter with SpeedBooster Appendix G Regulatory Information This appendix supplies the Adapter s regulatory information Appendix H Contact Information This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources including Technical Support ...

Page 9: ...ble the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs Since an access point is able to forward data within a network the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled Roaming Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users Roaming means that you can move your wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up t...

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