Nomadix AG-2000W, Руководство пользователя

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8 Introduction
Why Choose Wireless?
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are cellular computer networks that
transmit and receive data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used
increasingly in both home and office environments, and Public-access locations such
as airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN
technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently and with
increased mobility and flexibity. The absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure
have proven to be beneficial for users and cost-effective for service providers.
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless
adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as
Ethernet adapter cards.
It may sometimes be desirable for mobile network devices to link with conventional
Ethernet LANs to connect with servers, printers or the Internet supplied through the
wired LAN. A wireless Access Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link.
Wireless LAN technology is used for many different purposes:
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Mobility:
Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location
within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on
real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
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Low Implementation Costs:
WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that
frequently change can benefit from the ease of WLAN implementations.
WLANs can operate in locations where the installation of physical wiring
may be impractical.
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Installation and Network Expansion:
Installing a WLAN can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to route
cabling through walls and ceilings. Wireless technology allows the network
to go where wires cannot go—even outside the home or office.
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Inexpensive Solution:
Wireless networking devices are as competitively priced as conventional
Ethernet networking devices.
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Scalability:
WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of specific
applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range
from peer-to-peer networks (suitable for a small number of users) to larger
infrastructure networks that can accommodate hundreds or thousands of
users, depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.
See also, “Defining the Wireless Configuration {Wireless Configuration}” on
page 171 .