User guide

Dell PowerConnect W-Instant Access Point 5.0.3.0-1.1.0.0 | User Guide Wireless Network | 35
Chapter 4
Wireless Network
In a Wireless LAN (WLAN), laptops, desktops, PDAs, and other computer peripherals are connected to each
other without any network cables. These network elements or clients use radio signals to communicate with each
other. Wireless networks are set up based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. The IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards
that are categorized based on the radio wave frequency and the data transfer rate. For more information about
the IEEE 802.11 standards, see Table 4.
During start up, a wireless client searches for radio signals or beacon frames that originate from the nearest IAP.
After locating the IAP, the following transactions take place between the client and the IAP:
1. Authentication - The IAP communicates with a RADIUS server to validate or authenticate the client.
2. Connection - After successful authentication, the client establishes a connection with the IAP.
Network Types
Dell Instant wireless networks are categorized as:
 Employee Network
 Voice Network
 Guest Network
Employee Network
An Employee network is a classic Wi-Fi network. This network type is supported with full customization on Dell
Instant. It will be used by the employees in the organization. Passphrase based or 802.1X based authentication
methods are supported on this network type. Employees can access the protected data of an enterprise through
the employee network after successful authentication.
Adding an Employee Network
This section provides the procedure to add an employee network.
1. In the Networks tab, click the New link. The New Network box appears.
Table 4 IEEE 802.11 Standards
IEEE Network Standard Frequency Used (in GHz)
Maximum Data Transfer Rate
(in Mbps)
802.11a 5.0 54
802.11b 2.4 11
802.11g 2.4 54
802.11n 2.4 or 5.0 300