User's Manual

IEEE 802.11g Cardbus Wireless Network Adapter
7
Wireless Basics
Wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use
and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home or
business. Strictly adhering to the 802.11b and 802.11g standards, our
wireless family of products 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 have proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an
Ethernet LAN. Wireless card cards used on laptop and desktop systems,
support the same protocols as Ethernet card cards. For most users, there is
no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop
computer and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless card 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. Your new IEEE 802.11g Carbus Wireless
Network Adapter can connect to an 802.11b/g AP, as well as other
computers that have an 802.11b/g WLAN card installed.
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