5
1. The Wireless Technology
1.1 Standard
The Wireless Access Point utilizes the 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11a standards. The IEEE 802.11g standard is an
extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps (108Mbps in Super G mode) within the
2.4GHz band, utilizing OFDM technology. This means that in most environments, within the specified range of this
device, you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format you’re your network
without noticeable delays. The IEEE 802.11a standard is based on 5.8 GHz band with data rate up to 54 Mbps (108
Mbps in Turbo mode) to have a better clean wireless band away from interference.
These two standards work by transmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller
sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the
amount of cross talk (interference) in signal transmissions. The AP will automatically sense the best possible
connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible. The 802.11g and 802.11a offers the most
advanced network security features available today, including: WPA, TKIP, AES and Pre-Shared Key mode.
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1.2 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. The 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 may 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 may be double
d.
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.
Network Layout
The AP Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11a or 802.11g and 802.11b products. With 802.11g
products communicating with the 802.11b standard, products using these standards can communicate with each
