5
Introduction to Wireless Networks
4
Introduction to Wireless Networks
A wireless network connects computers to each other using radiotechnology which
allows you the freedom to move around the area and work anywhere within reach
of an Access Point.
The
Action
tec 802.11b Wireless Access Point can be connected to a wired network.
This allows communication between the wired network and computers using
Actiontec 802.11b Wireless PC Cards. The technology is an extension to the exist-
ing Ethernet networking standard, so you can connect the
Action
tec 802.11b
Access Point to an existing Ethernet network.
Adding Access Points to your network
Placement and connection of the
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point depends entirely
on your specific (network) environment. The
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point can
be used for the following configurations:
Creating a wireless network.
Extending an existing wireless network.
Connecting to a single computer.
Creating a wireless network
Your
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point can be used to setup a wireless network as
shown on figure 1. Follow the steps below to create a wireless network.
Introduction to Wireless Networks
Figure 1. Creating a Wireless Network
Note:
Refer to the appropriate user manual for successful installation of your
wireless network.
1.
Prepare one computer that you will want to connect wirelessly.
(Install wireless network card and software).
2.
Configure the IP settings for this client computer.
3.
Install the
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point.
4.
Your 802.11b wireless network is now ready.
5.
For further functionality and security, the
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point
can be configured using the
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point KickStart
software utility and the Web Interface.
6
. Install other client computers if this is applicable to your environment.
Extending a wired network with one or more
Actiontec 802.11b Access Points
When the
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point is used as an extension to a wired net-
work (figure 2), please make sure that the current wired network is completely
functional.
Note:
Refer to the appropriate user manual for successful installation of
your wireless network.
Follow these steps to extend you wired network:
1.
Install the
Action
tec 802.11b Access Point and connect it to your wired network.
2.
You can now use the wireless network.
Figure 2. Extending a Wired Network
