User's Manual

6
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 IEEE 802.11b, 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 local area network (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 adapter cards 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 wireless 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
standardization mandates interoperability of all WLAN devices that conform
to the 802.11b set of standards.
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can
be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and
ceilings.