31
CONFIGURATION
31
is disabled, all wireless clients can freely communicate with each other. Choosing
which option is the right one depends on your network application.
• Beacon Interval (ms) — Access points broadcast traffic indication messages, or
beacons, in order to synchronize wireless networks. The beacon interval
specifies the duration in milliseconds between those beacon packets. The
default value of “100” typically does not need to be changed. If you prefer to
tweak the performance of your wireless network, you can lower the value (in
case your location be crowded by many different wireless networks creating a
lot of interference, perhaps) or you can raise the value (if you’re in a remote
locale with hardly any interference at all, for example). Then again, the effects
are minor to the point that only highly sensitive measuring tools can distinguish
the differences.
• Tx Power — This presents a menu of various output power ratings for the
adapter. If you want to limit the range of your wireless network to your office or
home in order to eliminate the possibility of an outside intruder breaking into your
network, you can lower the power setting to “75%,” “50%,” “25%” or “Low.”
• Idle Time — The default setting (“300”) doesn’t need to be changed.
Access Control List
The Access Control List offers yet another way to increase security. By combining
this feature with the four actions recommended above — WPA2 encryption, limiting
output power, enabling the “no forwarding between wireless clients” option and
