D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650, User Manual

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DWL-AB650 Wireless Multimode Cardbus Adapter
7
Wireless Basics
D-Link AirPro wireless products are based on industry standards to provide
easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your
home or business. Strictly adhering to the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b
standards, the D-Link
AirPro wireless family of products will allow you to
access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you
be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or
office. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and
receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used
increasingly in both home and office environments. Innovative ways to utilize
WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more
efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed
infrastructure has proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an
Ethernet LAN. Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems,
support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users, there
is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop
computer and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless adapter other
than the added benefit of the ability to roam within the wireless-cell. Under
many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link
to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an
Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access
Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link. Your new DWL-AB650
Cardbus adapter can connect to either an 802.11a or an 802.11b AP, as well
as other computers that have an 802.11a or 802.11b WLAN adapter
installed.
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
location within the operating range of the WLAN. Ad-hoc management
decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker
efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs - WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change
and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and logically,
can benefit from WLANs’ ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in