User's Manual

Applying wireless LAN technology to desktop systems provides an organization with flexibility
impossible with a traditional LAN. Desktop client systems can be located in places where running
cable is impractical or impossible. Desktop PCs can be redeployed anywhere within a facility as
frequently as needed, making wireless ideal for temporary workgroups and fast-growing
organizations.
Read About Building-to-Building WLANs
In much the same way that a commercial radio signal can be picked up in all sorts of weather miles
from its transmitter, WLAN technology applies the power of radio waves to truly redefine the "local"
in LAN. With a wireless bridge, networks located in different buildings can be integrated into a single
local-area network. When bridging between buildings with traditional copper or fiber-optic cable,
freeways, lakes, and even local governments can be impassible obstacles. A wireless bridge makes
them irrelevant, transmitting data through the air and requiring no license or right of way.
Without a wireless alternative, organizations frequently resort to wide area networking ( WAN )
technologies to link together separate LANs. Contracting with a local telephone provider for a leased
line presents a variety of drawbacks. Installation is typically expensive and rarely immediate. Monthly
fees are often quite high for bandwidth that by LAN standards is very low. A wireless bridge can be
purchased and then installed in an afternoon for a cost that is often comparable to a T1 installation
charge alone. Once the investment is made, there are no recurring charges. In addition, today's
wireless bridges provide the bandwidth one would expect from a technology rooted in data, rather than
voice, communications.
Read About Combination WLANs
Recently a combination of the in building and building to building WLAN has been developed. Two
examples are parking lots that are equipped with outdoor access points and vehicles that are equipped
with access points.
In the first example, a user is connected and disconnected with the company LAN as they approach or
leave the parking area. This allows the user full fast access while in the vehicle. In most cases, the user
will still be able to gain access to a portion of the company LAN through a slower and more expensive
RF or landline WAN while they are outside of the WLAN area.
In the second example, a user connects to the company WAN with an RF modem located inside the
vehicle. When the user leaves the vehicle, the computer is connected to the vehicle using a WLAN
connection. The vehicle can either contain a store of information or simply be a pass through to the
WAN.