User's Manual

Wireless Basics

The 802.11g USB Adapter is based on industry standards to provide easyto-

use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home or

business. Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11g, the 802.11g USB Adapter will

allow you to access the data you want, when and where you want it. No

longer will you be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through

your home or office. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless

networking delivers.

A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and

receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used

increasingly in both home and office environments. Innovative ways to utilize

WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more

efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed

infrastructure has proven to be beneficial for many users.

Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an

Ethernet LAN. Wireless adapters used on laptop and desktop systems,

support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users, there

is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop

computer and a computer equipped with a wireless adapter - other than the

added benefit of the ability to roam within the wireless cell. Under many

circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to a

conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet

connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access Point (AP) is

a device used to provide this link.

People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes.

Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any

location within the operating range of the WLAN. Ad-hoc management

decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker

efficiency.

Low Implementation Costs - WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change

and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and logically,

can benefit from WLANs’ ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in

locations where installation of wiring may be impractical. Furthermore, IEEE