User's Manual
Table Of Contents
Introduction to the Client
Utility
The Wireless LAN Client Adapter connects your PC to a wireless local area network (wireless
LAN) by way of radio signals. An access point is the device that forwards data from the wired
network to your PC by way of radio signals and connects you with other wireless users. The IEEE
802.11 standard identifies two types of wireless networking modes:
In an
infrastructure network, an access point links the wireless LAN to a wired network. By
attaching to an existing network infrastructure, you can gain access to other resources on the
wired network, other wireless LANs, or the Internet. This is the mode to use when setting up a
home network or accessing an office network.
In an
ad-hoc wireless network, you establish communications between your PC and a small
number of other wireless users without using an access point.
The Wireless LAN Client Adapter installed on your PC can communicate with any access point that
supports the industry standard IEEE 802.11 wireless communications protocol.
Service Set Identifiers
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is a name that uniquely identifies a wireless local area
network. Each device in the wireless network must have the same SSID configured in
order to participate in the network. The SSID can be up to 32 alphanumeric characters in
length and is also known as the wireless network name.
The 802.11 standard specifies two types of network service sets identified by SSID:
Basic Service Set (BSS) -- collection of wireless devices operating with an access point in
infrastructure mode (Basic Service Set - BSS) or without an access point in ad-hoc mode
(Independent Basic Service Set - IBSS).
Extended Service Set (ESS) -- collection of BSSs with wireless devices that can roam from one
BSS to another while staying connected to wireless network resources.
Client Utility Overview
The Client Utility enables you to perform all these functions:
Obtain a view of your wireless network, including the type of network, the access point with
which you are associated, and information about the radio signals currently being transmitted and
received.
Scan and connect to wireless networks within radio range of your PC.
Create or select a profile, which stores the specifics of the network connection and security
selections for your Wireless LAN Client Adapter. The Client Utility supports multiple profiles,
enabling you to connect to different networks, whether at home, at work, or at wireless hotspot
locations.
Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Page 15 of 36