System information

The BSS channel can be either a channel number (as shown in the Available Channels box to the right)
or the frequency in megahertz. You must select a valid channel number or frequency. Selecting an
invalid channel number or frequency will result in the system using the lowest frequency in that range.
The Custom checkbox will force the system to use only those frequencies shown in the Custom Scan
List. You can remark out the entries and put select frequency lists (one list or frequency per line). This
will limit client scans to only listed frequencies and will also affect the frequencies displayed in the
Available Channels box.
For now, leave the transmit rate at “auto”, although later you may want to change your access point to
lock in a rate so weak stations don't slow the network down. Transmit rate will depend on the
frequency and mode selected, but will be one of: 1, 2, 5.5, 11, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, 72, 96, or 108.
The link distance is very important. This number determines how long the system will wait after
sending frames to its neighbors before assuming they are lost. If this number isn't greater than the
distance in miles to the farthest station, stations beyond this range will handshake, but not pass data.
This means that if a remote station is set with a number too low, you won't be able to communicate with
it to change the distance – you'll have to go to the remote site to fix it, so make sure you adjust the local
radio to its shortest distance first.
The country code should be entered per the list in Appendix A. This code will determine what
frequencies and channels are shown in the Available Channels window.
The transmit power override window will allow you to increase or decrease the power leaving the radio
card for the antenna. This may be set as “def” (default), 0 (same as default) or 1 to 30. Not all
frequency ranges allow the full 1W output. This is a function of the card, not StarOS. Atheros cards
run 18db by default.
Ensure you select the correct antenna. For the most part, that should be Antenna A (the connector in
the upper corner of the card). If you have two pigtails connected to one card, you can use the diversity
antenna setting with a spatial diversity antenna.
The Hide SSID turns off AP broadcasts of your ESSID. While this will help hide you from war drivers,
it should not be considered adequate by itself to secure your network.
The InterBSS Relay option, when checked, allows clients to talk client-to-client through the AP.
The Outdoor Only box will reduce the number of channels in the Available Channels box by removing
lower powered (by regulation) channels.
The Short Preamble box should only be checked if you can control all clients connected to you. Older
cards may only understand the long preamble. Hot Spots will definitely not want to check this box.
The Super A/G will use compression techniques and other methods to increase speed. Like the short
preamble box, super A/G will discriminate against older, slower clients.
AP Power Saving mode can lower power consumption when the AP is not actively passing traffic. If
you have a solar-powered site, you will want to check this.