WLAN FAQ

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Wireless Ethernet LAN (WLAN)

General 802.11a/802.11b/802.11g FAQ

Q: What is a Wireless LAN (WLAN)?

Q: What are the benefits of using a WLAN instead of a wired network connection?

Q: Are Intel WLAN products interoperable with other product brands?

Q: What is Wi-Fi*?

Q: What is IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?

Q: What is the transmission range of WLAN products?

Q: What data rates are available with a WLAN network connection?

Q: What is an Access Point?

Q: When do I need an Access Point?

Q: How many simultaneous users can a single access point support?

Q: How many users can a WLAN system support?

Q: What is a Wireless Gateway?

Q: What is the wireless SSID?

Q: Why do 802.11b and 802.11g products operate on the 2.4 GHz Frequency range?

Q: Why do 802.11a products operate in the 5 GHz Frequency range?

Q: What can be done to secure a WLAN?

Q: What is WEP?

Q: What is WPA?

Q: What is 802.1x?

Q: What are Power Save Polling and Constant Awake Mode?

Q: Is WLAN technology only for notebook computers?

Q: Will WLANs receive interference from other wireless devices? From other WLANs?

Q: Are all WLAN products (802.11, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a) interoperable?

Q: Is a WLAN suitable for home use?

Q: What is Authentication and Association?

Q: What is a Client Workstation?

Q: What is Ethernet?

Q: What is a MAC Address?

Q: What is a Wireless Ethernet Adapter?

Q: Why is a site survey necessary?

Info: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g comparison chart.

Q: What is a Wireless LAN (WLAN)?

A: A WLAN is a type of Local Area Network (LAN) that uses high frequency radio waves rather than wires to

communicate and transmit data. It is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension to or

as an alternative for, a wired LAN.

Q: What are the benefits of using a WLAN instead of a wired network connection?

● Increased Productivity - WLAN provides "untethered" network and Internet access.

● Fast and Simple Network Set-up - There are no cables to install at a users desk or work area.

● Installation Flexibility - WLANs can be installed in places where wires can't, and they facilitate

Summary of content (5 pages)

PAGE 1
Wireless Ethernet LAN (WLAN) General 802.11a/802.11b/802.11g FAQ Q: What is a Wireless LAN (WLAN)? Q: What are the benefits of using a WLAN instead of a wired network connection? Q: Are Intel WLAN products interoperable with other product brands? Q: What is Wi-Fi*? Q: What is IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.
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temporary set-up and relocation. ● Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - Wireless LANS reduce installation costs because there is no cabling; as a result, savings are greatest in frequently changing environments. ● Scalability - Network expansion and reconfiguration may be less complicated than expanding a wired network, Q: Are Intel WLAN products interoperable with other product brands? A: Yes. Intel WLAN products are compatible with products from different vendors employing the same technology (i.e., IEEE 802.
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A: A wireless gateway is a special type of access point which allows wireless network clients to share an Internet connection (DSL or cable modem). Wireless gateways typically include features such as NAT and VPN support which may not be found in simple access points.
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connection flexibility and mobility. Q: Will WLANs receive interference from other wireless devices or other WLANs? A: The unlicensed nature of radio-based wireless LANs means that other products (ex. 2.4 GHz cordless phones, microwave ovens, garage door openers, Bluetooth™ devices) that transmit energy in the same frequency spectrum can potentially interfere with a WLAN system. Older microwave ovens are a concern, but most WLAN manufacturers design their products to account for microwave interference.
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Metal or steel construction can be a barrier to radio signals. 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g comparison chart: 802.11a 802.11b 802.11g 2001 1999 2003 Non-Overlapping Channels 8 3 3 Frequency Band 5 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz Coverage Area Good Better Better 54 Mbps 11 Mbps 54 Mbps Best Good Better 802.11a 802.11b Backward Compatible to 802.