User's Manual

Wireless Basics

D-Link 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 802.11a/b, the D-Link

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 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 802.11a/b set of standards.