User Manual

Wireless LAN card user manual

are within range.

Infrastructure

Networking

Infrastructure networking differs from ad-hoc network-

ing in that it includes an access point. Unlike the ad-

hoc structure where users on the LAN contend the

shared bandwidth, on an infrastructure network the

access point can manage the bandwidth to maximize

bandwidth utilization.

Additionally, the access point enables users on a

wireless LAN to access an existing wired network, al-

lowing wireless users to take advantage of the wired

networks resources, such as Internet, email, file

transfer, and printer sharing.

Infrastructure networking has the following advantages

over ad-hoc networking:

• Extended range: each wireless LAN computer

within the range of the access point can commu-

nicate with other wireless LAN computers within

range of the access point.

•

Roaming:

the access point enables a wireless

LAN computer to move through a building and

still be connected to the LAN.

• Wired to wireless LAN connectivity: the access

point bridges the gap between wireless LANs and

their wired counterparts.

Notes on wireless LAN configuration

When configuring a wireless LAN (WLAN), be sure to note the following points:

• Optimize the performance of the WLAN by ensuring that the distance between access points is not too

far. In most buildings, WLAN cards operate within a range of 100 ~ 300 feet, depending on the thick-

ness and structure of the walls.

• Radio waves can pass through walls and glass but not metal. If there is interference in transmitting

through a wall, it may be that the wall has reinforcing metal in its structure. Install another access point

to circumvent this problem.

• Floors usually have metal girders and metal reinforcing struts that interfere with WLAN transmission.

This concludes the first chapter. The next chapter deals with the hardware installation of the Wireless LAN

card.