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Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of the seller. The seller provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind. The seller may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.
Contents About This Manual........................................................................................................................................................ V Chapter 1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 7 Wireless LAN Basics .............................................................................................................................................
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Configuration Tab...................................................................................................................................................... 30 Encryption ...............................................................................................................................................................................31 Advanced.....................................................................................................
Contents Appendix A Limited Warranty................................................................................................................................. 71 Wireless LAN Hardware ............................................................................................................................................ 71 Wireless LAN Software .............................................................................................................................................
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual List of Figures Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 1-3 Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3 Figure 3-4 Figure 3-5 Figure 3-6 Figure 3-7 Figure 5-1 Figure 5-2 Figure 5-3 Figure 5-4 Figure 5-5 Figure 5-6 Figure 5-7 IV Ad-Hoc Mode .......................................................................................................................................9 Infrastructure Mode ............................................................................................
Contents About This Manual This manual was written for the following types of wireless adapter: • 32-bit CardBus Adapter • Mini-PCI Adapter For brevity, throughout this manual Wireless LAN Card is used to indicate both adapters.
02.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Note and Caution in this manual are highlighted with graphics as below to indicate important information. Contains related information text that corresponds to a topic. Note Represents essential steps, actions, or messages that should not be ignored. Caution This User’s Manual contains information on how to install and configure your Wireless LAN Card. From now on, we will guide you through the correct configuration steps to get your device up and run.
Chapter 1 Introduction This Wireless LAN Card enables your computer to access the Internet, share resources, such as files or printers without being bound to the network wires. This card is fully compatible with IEEE 802.11 standards, which means it can interoperate with devices from other vendors that also follow this standard. The 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card can transmit data up to 54 Mbps. The 802.11b/g products are backward compatible with 802.11b devices. Since the 802.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Wireless LAN Basics This section contains some wireless network basics to help you better understand how the product work together to create a wireless network. Local Area Network (LAN) Simply put, a LAN is a network that exists in a relatively limited area. A network is two or more computers connected together sharing files and peripheral devices such as printers.
Chapter 1 Introduction Ad-Hoc Mode Ad-Hoc mode offers peer-to-peer connections between workstations, allowing communication between computers within range that have compatible wireless adapters installed. This mode is typically used in a relatively small network. A typical Ad-Hoc network may look like Figure 1-1 where all the wireless stations use the same Service Set Identity (SSID), channel, WEP settings (if enabled).
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Interoperability between Wireless Stations When set to use Ad-Hoc mode, your Wireless LAN Card can connect to another standard-compatible Ad-Hoc peer. The interoperability between wireless stations is summarized as follows: ! ! When operating in 802.11g mode, your target peer can be 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless stations. An 802.11b/g device cannot communicate with 802.11a devices.
Chapter 1 Introduction Note the following compatibility if your Wireless LAN Card is set to use Infrastructure mode: ! ! Your 802.11b/g card cannot connect to an 802.11a Access Point since 802.11a devices are not compatible with 802.11b/g devices. Operating in 802.11b/g mode, you can connect to 802.11b or 802.11g compatible Access Point.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Roaming Multiple Access Points can be installed to extend the wireless service coverage area for seamless wireless access. Within an extended service area, all Access Points and wireless clients must have the same Service Set Identity (SSID). Roaming among different Access Points is controlled automatically to maintain the wireless connectivity at all times.
Chapter 1 Introduction 802.11b and 802.11g 802.11b and 802.11g networks have their own features. Getting familiar with some of theses features will help you better understand your device. 802.11b: This most widely adopted wireless standard operates in the 2.4GHz band. It supports data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps. This standard employs Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technologies. 802.11g: This standard is a new emerged wireless networking standard.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card This chapter describes the installation process for the driver and software for the Wireless LAN Card. Proper driver installation is to allow the device to operate on your host computer while the utility software, Wireless LAN Monitor Utility, is to help you configure and monitor your Wireless LAN Card.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Installing Wireless LAN Card Driver and Software This section describes how to install the wireless adapter’s driver and software. The following only describes the overall installation procedures. In OS-specific situations, you should follow the on-screen instructions to proceed. You can refer to the general guidelines provided in next section for further information. For Mini PCI adapter.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card Follow these steps to install the Wireless LAN Card driver and software. 1. Close all Windows programs that are running. 2. Insert the provided Software Utility CD into your CD-ROM drive and select Utility&Driver. Or, run Setup.exe from D:\Utility&Driver folder of the Software Utility CD where D is the drive letter. When the welcome screen pops up, click Next. 3. For quick installation, select Typical and click Next. Then skip to step 10.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual 18 4. To install the software to the default destination folder, click Next. If you are to install the software to a different folder, click Browse to select another folder, and then click Next. 5. If required, you may type a new folder name for the program icons to be added to the Program Folder. Then click Next to continue.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card 6. Select the network type you prefer and then click Next. 7. Enter the SSID of the wireless network you wish to connect to. Then click Next.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual 20 8. This step is for Ad Hoc network type only. For Ad Hoc mode network, specify a channel (1 ~ 11) for the Wireless LAN Card. 9. If the settings listed are correct, click Next. Otherwise, click Back to modify your settings.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card 10. For CardBus adapter only. The following screen will pop up asking you to insert your wireless adapter into the PCMCIA slot of your computer. Please do as the dialog request. 11. When the following screen appears, click Finish.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual General Guidelines for OS-Specific Situations Subject to your Windows OS and Wireless LAN Card, different situations will occur during or after the software installation. Follow these instructions to complete the installation. For Windows 98(SE) ! When prompted for Windows 98(SE) CD-ROM, click OK. Then enter the path to your Windows 98(SE) original files, and click OK.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card For Windows XP ! ! If Windows logo compatibility message appears, click Continue Anyway. If Windows OS pops up a dialog box requesting for driver, select Install the software automatically and click Next. If you need to set up the TCP/IP address or the subnet mask, refer to “Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP” for details. Note Now you are done with the installation procedure.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility The configuration of the Wireless LAN Card is done through the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. This utility also includes a number of tools to display current statistics and status information pertaining to your Wireless LAN Card and to perform link test. See the appropriate subsection as required. Accessing the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility The Wireless LAN Monitor Utility is launched automatically with its monitor icon located on the system tray.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual ! Right-click the tray icon and select the desired tab from the context menu. Figure 3-1 Wireless LAN Monitor Tray Icon Menu When the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility screen pops up, it displays the current active configuration profile and its connection status. In addition, you can find the following buttons in any tab which perform the self-explanatory tasks: ! ! Radio Enable/Disable: Allows to enable/disable the RF signal.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility If you want to disable the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility and have your device managed by the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility, proceed as follows: 1. Double-click the Windows XP wireless tray icon and then click Advanced (or Properties) > Wireless Networks. Windows XP wireless icon 2. Vendor-provided wireless utility tray icon On the Wireless Networks tab, uncheck the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box and click OK.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Status Tab The Status tab contains general information about the connection and activity of your current connection. The following table describes the items found on the Status screen. 28 Screen Item Description Current Profile Name of your current settings. SSID Displays the name of the wireless network your station is currently connected to. Network Mode Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer). Channel Shows which channel is currently in use.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility Screen Item Description Received Number of packets received. Link Status Displays whether your Wireless LAN Card is connected or disconnected. Signal Strength Displays the signal strength in dbm and in graphic (only in infrastructure mode).
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Configuration Tab The Configuration tab allows you to configure the parameters for the current connection or the new one that you wish to connect to. Screen Item Description Network Name Enter the name of the WLAN group you want to participate in. For Ad Hoc mode: A network name is mandatory. The SSID for all stations in a single Ad Hoc network must be same. For Infrastructure mode: Enter the Network Name you wish to join in.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility Screen Item Description Channel Select the channel (1 ~ 11) for your wireless network (Ad-Hoc mode ONLY). If you are using Infrastructure mode, your Wireless LAN Card will automatically use the channel specified by the AP. You don’t need to set up this item. Power Saving Specifies the power save mode to be used in order to extend the battery life of your notebook. ! ! ! Disabled – The wireless adapter receives full power from the PC.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual If you are not going to use encryption, just select Disable in the Encryption field from the Profile tab. Yet, if you need to enable encryption, please do the following: 1. In the Encryption field, select 64 Bit or 128 Bit as your encryption type. 2. For flexibility, you can enter the WEP keys in either HEX or ASCII format. Enable the preferred format and then enter up to four keys in the Key #1-4 fields.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility • Auto: Selects automatically between the two authentication types above mentioned. When configuring WEP settings, please note the following: ! ! Your authentication type and WEP key table must be identical to those used by your target wireless network. When selecting a key to transmit your outgoing data, you may optionally use a key different from the target AP’s or wireless client. But it must be one of the defined keys.
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Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility Advanced The configuration items on the Advanced tab are described as below. Transmit Power Level: Specifies the transmit power to be used. Reducing the transmit power level conserves battery power but decreases radio range. 802.11b Preamble: The preamble is part of the IEEE 802.11b physical layer specification. All 802.11b devices are mandatory to support the long preamble format, but may optionally support the short preamble.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Wireless Mode When Starting Ad Hoc Network: Disabled in Infrastructure mode. Set up the operational mode of your Ad Hoc Network. ! ! 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps: Specifies whether to use 11 Mbps mode for 802.11b radio space. 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps: Specifies whether to use 54 Mbps mode for 802.11g radio space. Subject to the wireless adapter type some radio space option will not be available.
Chapter 3 Figure 3-4 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility Advanced section under Configuration Tab 37
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Profile Tab The Profile feature allows you to create multiple profiles to reflect specific WLAN settings for each place you may roam. Selecting a profile from the Existing Profile list can display the corresponding parameters on the bottom of this tab. Figure 3-5 Profile Tab To create a new profile, click the New button.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility button. In both cases the following screen will appear. If you are creating a new profile, enter an appropriate name for the new profile in the Profile Name field. For instructions on configuration, please consult the previous section describing the Configuration tab.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual There are two ways to activate any profile under Existing Profile list box: ! ! Double-click on the profile name. Select the profile name and click on the Connect button. In both cases the utility will take you back to the Status tab showing the parameters of the connection newly established. Deleting a Profile If you wish to delete an existing profile, do the following: 1. Make sure the profile is not currently in use.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility Network Name: Service Set ID. Displays the current SSID of the Access Point or Ad Hoc network. Network Mode: Indicates whether the operating mode is Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc. Ch: The operating radio channel number. Encryption: Displays if encryption is enabled or disabled on the Access Point/wireless station. dbm: Shows the signal strength ratio. The higher the ration, the more powerful the signal received by your Wireless LAN Card.
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Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Monitor Utility About Tab The About tab displays the basic information about the device, including the Driver, Application version and the MAC address of your Wireless LAN Card. Click Exit button if you wish to exit the utility.
Chapter 4 Using Wireless Tray Icon Functions Viewing Signal Strength and Speed Whenever you start Windows, you should be able to find the wireless monitor icon loaded in the system tray, located near the clock on the task bar. While connected, you can place your cursor over the icon to see the pop-up text that gives link information about the SSID and the speed.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Tray Icon Color Indication The graphic of the wireless icon changes to indicate your wireless connection quality. Possible radio connection quality and procedures to take are described in the table below: Color Description Excellent signal strength. Your Wireless LAN Card has an excellent radio connection with the network. Low signal strength. The radio signal is very weak. Save your profiles and move closer to the target Access Point.
Chapter 4 Using Wireless Tray Icon Functions Other Functions Right-click the icon displays the menu as shown below: Each item on the context menu is described as below: Status/Configuration Setting/Profile Setting/Site Monitor/About: Pops up the Wireless LAN Utility in its respective tab. EXIT: Shuts down the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility.
Chapter 5 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Windows XP provides built-in Wireless Zero Configuration utility for wireless configuration and monitoring. You can choose to configure your wireless network via either the ireless LAN Utility as described in preceding section, or to use the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration utility. This section only provides the essential instructions on using Windows XP wireless utility to get your wireless network established.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Depending on whether your wireless network is established, the context menu may come with different items. Note 2. When the Connect to Wireless Network window pops up, you will see all the Access Points or Wireless LAN Cards that are available in the air. Select the wireless network you want to connect to. Figure 5-1 3.
Chapter 5 4. Note Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Click Connect, then you will join the target network and this dialog window will disappear. When your wireless connection is established, the connection icon appears as below: If the wireless connection can’t be established, double-click the connection icon and then click Properties. Go to Authentication tab first to make sure that you use the correct authentication type for the Wireless LAN Card.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Figure 5-2 Windows XP- Connection Status Configuring Your Wireless Properties To configure your wireless properties, open the Wireless Network Connection Status window as described above, and then click the Properties button. This will open the Wireless Network Connection Properties window that allows you to configure more detailed items of the Wireless LAN Card.
Chapter 5 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility General This tab allows you to specify the network methods to be used with your Wireless LAN Card. The network policy depends on your wireless network. For TCP/IP protocol, you should configure its properties as instructed by your network administrator. For more information on TCP/IP setting, please refer to “Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP” on page 77.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Wireless Networks This tab contains two sections: Available networks and Preferred networks described as below. Under Available networks section, you can also see all the Access Points and Wireless LAN Cards available in the air. Clicking Refresh will update the list of Access Points and Wireless LAN Cards.
Chapter 5 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Under Preferred networks section, you can add any wireless networks that you wish to connect to. To do this, just click Add to add more Access Points or Wireless LAN Cards to the list. After you click the Add button, the Wireless Network Properties window pops up. Type your network name (SSID) and, if needed, the wireless network WEP settings.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual After you add several profiles into Preferred networks, you can change the order in which connection attempts to preferred networks are made. Just select the target wireless network and click Move up or Move down to move it to a desired position. To Access Certain Wireless Network Only If you just want to access certain wireless network type, click the Advanced button on the Wireless Networks tab (Figure 3-12) to open the Advanced window.
Chapter 5 Figure 5-6 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility Windows XP Configuration Utility-Set up Network to Aceess Authentication This tab allows you to configure the authentication settings of your Wireless LAN Card. The most important setting for the Wireless LAN Card is to disable Enable network access control using IEEE802.1X to ensure successful connection between the Wireless LAN Cards and Access Points or other Wireless LAN Cards. You must disable this function for any reason.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Make sure to clear the Enable network access control using IEEE802.1X check box to ensure successful connection.
Chapter 6 Disabling / Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card As the Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card is an embedded wireless solution, it does not make sense to uninstall the Wireless LAN Card since the physical device is still present in your laptop. Even wireless software removal is performed, Windows PnP capability still detects the wireless adapter and requests for its driver. Therefore, if you want to stop the device from working, you should disable the device instead of uninstalling it.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Disabling the Wireless LAN Card For Windows 98/Me 1. Under Control Panel, click System > Device Manger. 2. In Device Manager window, double-click Network adapters to display the wireless adapter. 3. Right-click the target wireless adapter and select Properties. 4. On the Device usage section on the General tab, check the Disable in this hardware profile box. Click OK. A red X is appended to the adapter icon to indicate that the device has been disabled.
Chapter 6 Disabling / Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card Software In case you want to update the Wireless LAN Card software, you can follow the steps described in this section to remove your old driver first. Note Before uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card software, please disable the utility by right-clicking the utility tray icon and select EXIT from the context menu. The icon will disappear to indicate that the utility is not in operation. 1.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual 62 3. Click OK to proceed with the software removal procedure. 4. Click Finish. Subject to your Wireless LAN adapter, the Windows OS may reboot to enable the changes.
Chapter 7 Updating the Device Driver and Software Periodically, you may need to upgrade the Wireless LAN Card’s driver when a newer version is available. Check our website for information about the latest driver upgrades. When you have finished the download procedure, please follow as below to update the device driver. 1. Uninstall the Wireless LAN Card as described in Chapter 6. Follow the steps to remove the Wireless LAN Card and then uninstall the software. 2.
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting To verify the Wireless LAN Card is functioning properly. After installation you can verify whether you wireless adapter is properly installed and functioning by take out these steps: 1. Launch the Device Manager as below: • For Windows 98/Me: Under Control Panel, click System > Device Manager. • For Windows 2000/XP: Under Control Panel, click System > Hardware > Device Manager. 2. In the Device Manager window, double-click Network adapters to display your wireless adapter. 3.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Radio Interference You may be able to eliminate any interference by trying the following: • Reseat the Wireless LAN Card. • Increase the distance between the wireless computers and the device causing the radio interference. • Plug the computer equipped with the Wireless LAN Card into an outlet on a different branch circuit from that used by the affecting device. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio technician for help.
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting Card Not Detected If Windows does not detect the Wireless LAN Card, try the following: • Make sure the Wireless LAN Card is properly inserted in the computer. • Contact your dealer for additional testing if there is a hardware problem with the Wireless LAN Card. Cannot Connect to Another Wireless LAN Card If you cannot make a connection to another Wireless LAN Card from your computer, it could be due to one of the following reasons: • Incorrect SSID.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Poor Link Quality If the link quality display stays in the poor range, it could be due to one of the following reasons: • Radio/object interference. To minimize this problem, move the devices within the line of sight. • Distance between two wireless devices is too far. Decrease the distance between the wireless adapter and Access Point (or another wireless adapter).
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting • The Access Point has reached its maximum number of supported clients. • If MAC address access control is enabled on the Access Point, make sure the MAC address of your Wireless LAN Card is not among the deny access list.
Appendix A Limited Warranty Wireless LAN Hardware The seller warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for 1 year from the date of purchase from the seller or its authorized reseller.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Wireless LAN Software The seller warrants to Customer that each software program licensed from it, except as noted below, will perform in substantial conformance to its program specifications, for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase from the seller or its authorized reseller. The seller warrants the media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are provided.
Appendix B Regulatory Compliance FCC Part 15 Declaration of Conformity (DoC) The following equipment: Product Name: Wireless LAN Card is herewith confirmed to comply with the requirements of FCC Part 15 rules. The operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual FCC Rules and Regulations - Part 15 Warning: This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commissions Rules and Regulation. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Appendix B Regulatory Compliance FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP This section contains instructions for configuring the TCP/IP protocol of the Wireless LAN PCMCIA Card. The IP address policy depends on your wireless network. You should configure your TCP/IP protocol as instructed by your network administrator. For Windows 98/ME 1. Double-click the Network icon on the Control Panel. 2. Click the Configuration tab of the Network dialog box. 3. In the network components list, select the TCP/IP protocol of your Wireless LAN Card, e.g.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual 4. On the IP Address tab, choose one of the methods as required: Option A: Click Specify an IP address. In the IP Address box, enter a valid four-component IP address, either a public or private one as required. In the Subnet Mask box, enter a valid four-component IP address. Then select the Gateway tab and enter your gateway information. Option B: Select Obtain an IP address automatically. Then an IP address will be automatically assigned to your computer. 5.
Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP For Windows 2000/XP 1. Double-click Network Dial-up Connections (Windows 2000) or Network Connections (Windows XP) on Control Panel. 2. Right-click the Local Area Connection icon corresponding to your wireless adapter (e.g., Wireless PC Card Model xxxx) and click Properties.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual 3. On the General tab, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click Properties. Option A: Use fixed IP address. Enable the Use the following IP Address option. Enter the IP address, Subnet Mask and Default gateway. Then click OK. Option B: Use dynamic IP address Select Obtain an IP address automatically. 4. 80 Close the Local Area Connection Properties window. For Windows 2000, if prompted, click Yes to restart your computer.
Appendix D Specifications *Specifications are subject to change without notice. General Specification Host Interface ! Form Factor ! Chipset Network Standard Security Encryption ** 32bit CardBus ! Mini-PCI spec V1.0 CardBus type ! Mini PCI type IIIB ! CardBus: Atheros AR5212 , AR5112 ! Mini-PCI: Atheros AR5212, AR2112 IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g ! ! Encryption: AES, TKIP, WEP Authentication: 802.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual Modulation Techniques BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM Modulation Technology OFDM, CCK, DSSS Media Access Technique CSMA/CA Supported Data Rates IEEE 802.11b/g Standard Mode: 1 – 54Mbps Antenna type ! ! OS Compatibility Mini-PCI: Internal diversity with connectors CardBus: Two internal diversity antennas Windows 98se, Me, 2000, XP ** The current driver/utility versions only support WEP encryption.
Glossary 802.11 802.11 refers to a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN technology. 802.11 specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients. Access Point An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Access Points combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple radio cells that enable roaming throughout a facility. Ad-Hoc (Peer-to-Peer) An 802.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual short-range wireless connection. BSS Basic Service Set. In a network where an AP is connected to wired network and is associates with a set of wireless stations, it is referred to as a BSS. ESS Extended Service Set. An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a set of two or more BSSs that form a single network. It’s basically a roaming wireless network. Default Gateway Encryption The translation of data into a secret code.
Glossary communicate with each other or can communicate with a wired network. IP Internet Protocol. The standard protocol within TCP/IP that defines the basic unit of information passed across an Internet connection by breaking down data messages into packets, routing and transporting the packets over network connections, then reassembling the packets at their destination. IP corresponds to the network layer in the ISO/OSI model.
802.11b/g Wireless LAN Card User's Manual RF Roaming SSID Subnet Mask TCP Topology 86 Radio Frequency, any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space. In an Infrastructure mode wireless network, roaming refers to the ability to move from one AP coverage area to another without interruption in service or loss in connectivity.
Glossary WEP WLAN Wired Equivalent Privacy, a security protocol for wireless local area networks defined in the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same level of security as that of a wired LAN. LANs are more secure than WLANs because LANs are somewhat physically protected by their structure, having some or all part of the network inside a building protected from unauthorized access.
