Datasheet

3COM
®
OFFICECONNECT
®
WIRELESS 11A/B/G ACCESS POINT AND PC CARD DATA SHEET
2
Features, continued
WLAN Standards at
a Glance
Understanding the characteristics of the 802.11 standards can help you make the
best choice for your wireless implementation plans.
STANDARD SPEED RANGE FREQUENCY APPLICATION CHARACTERISTICS
802.11a 54 Mbps 50 meters 5 GHz Supports a denser user base because more non-overlapping
108 Mbps in (164 feet) channels allow more access points in a tighter space. High
Turbo mode speeds easily handle high-bandwidth applications, but
within a more limited coverage area.
802.11b 11 Mbps 100 meters 2.4 GHz Most widely deployed wireless standard, with a high
(328 feet) degree of multivendor interoperability. Operates in the
relatively crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum. Supports a slower
speed within a wider coverage area.
802.11g 54 Mbps 100 meters 2.4 GHz High speeds easily handle high-bandwidth applications
108 Mbps in (328 feet) such as voice, video, or multimedia. Supports a large
Turbo mode existing customer base because it is backward compatible
with 11b products. Wide coverage area makes it a good
choice for public hot spots. Faces the same spectrum
issues as 11b.
Description
RELIABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE
High speed Supports speeds up to 108 Mbps in Turbo mode for 11a and 11g clients.
Dynamic packet bursting Increases throughput by sending more frames per given time period; benefits both 11b and 11g clients.
Real-time hardware compression Increases throughput by compressing data frames for 11b and 11g clients, does not affect the host processor.
Fast frames Extends the frame size to transmit more data per frame, boosting efficiency with less overhead for
11g and 11b clients.
Dynamic/static turbo mode Activates and doubles the effective 11a and 11g transmission rate by combining two channels; dynamic
mode automatically adjusts bandwidth use for need and environment.
User support Access point supports up to 128 simultaneous wireless users, allowing plenty of room for growth.
Clear Channel Select (Access Point) Chooses the channel with the least traffic for clear, quick connections.
Dynamic rate shifting Automatically matches the best connection speed in response to changing traffic and environmental conditions.
EASY TO USE
3Com Access Point Discovery program Automatically identifies and configures network devices with little to no manual configuration required.
Access Point save and restore Copies settings to wireless devices on the network, simplifying and speeding LAN setup.
3Com Wireless Card Manager (PC Card) Creates profiles for each place wireless notebook userstravel, displays connection status, and features
simple-to-use diagnostic tools.
Web-based administration (Access Point) Familiar browser interface lets administrators configure and manage network devices from anywhere.
CONVENIENT
Wireless Distribution System support (Access Point) Enables users to create large wireless networks or a wireless LAN in large, open areas where pulling wires is
cost prohibitive, restricted, or physically impossible.