Lancom AirLancer MC-54, Manual

Page: 7 / 47

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Introduction
7
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AirLancer
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EN
1 Introduction
The advantages of a radio network (Wireless LAN) are obvious: notebooks
and PCs can be set up where they are needed. Due to Wireless LANs, prob-
lems with missing connections or structural alterations belong to the past.
Network access in conferences or during presentations, access to resources
in neighbouring buildings or data exchange with portable terminals are only
some possible applications of Wireless LANs.
1.1 What is a Wireless LAN?
A Wireless LAN connects single terminals (e.g. PCs, notebooks and PDAs) to
a local network (also LAN –
L ocal A rea N etwork). In contrast to a conven-
tional LAN, communication takes place via radio links rather than via network
cables. This is the reason why a Wireless LAN is also called
W ireless L ocal
A rea N etwork (WLAN).
All functions of a cable-bound network are also available in a Wireless LAN:
access to files, servers, printers etc. is as possible as the connection of indi-
vidual stations to an internal mail system or to the Internet access.
1.2 What do you need for a Wireless LAN?
The obvious advantages of the Wireless LANs raise questions about the
required hardware equipment.
1.2.1 Radio interfaces to the network
Each device within a Wireless LAN needs a radio interface to be able to
access the Wireless LAN. Many devices, which do not have a radio interface
as standard, can be upgraded with an extension card or an adapter. With an
AirLancer client adapter you upgrade a device for access to the Wireless
LAN.
A Wireless LAN is made of at least two devices having each a radio interface.
In this case, these two devices are able to communicate directly via radio.