User's Manual Part 1

Wireless-B Broadband Router
7
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless
Network
A wireless LAN is exactly like a regular LAN, except that each computer in the
LAN uses a wireless adapter to connect to the network through a wireless con-
nection. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured to share the same
radio channel.
The wireless adapter provides LAN access for wireless workstations. An inte-
grated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A
group of wireless adapter users and this Router compose a Basic Service Set
(BSS). Each PC equipped with a wireless adapter in a BSS can talk to any
computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via this Router.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a PC with a wire-
less adapter to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission
range for two PCs equipped with a wireless adapter
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More
than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con-
tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs that are
equipped with a wireless adapter, and are within one ESS, must be configured
with the same ESS ID.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, it is recommended to select a
feasible radio channel and optimum Router position. Proper positioning com-
bined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
Roaming
Network Topology
Network Everywhere
®
Series
6
The Internet indicators, shown in Figure 1-2, show the status of information
being transmitted to and from the Internet.
Internet Green. This LED indicates a connection between the Router
and your broadband device or network.