WLAN FAQ

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 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g); Choosing products that are Wi-Fi* certified will help
insure compatibility
Q: What is Wi-Fi*?
A: Wi-Fi* is the trademarked name that the Wi-Fi Alliance uses to signify WLAN product interoperability. The
name stands for "wireless fidelity." Wi-Fi Alliance performs elaborate tests on WLAN products and those that
pass the tests are awarded the Wi-Fi logo.
Q: What is IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
A: IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a are industry standard specifications issued by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). These specifications define the proper operation of Wireless Local
Area Networks (WLANs). See the
comparison chart below for an overview of these specifications.
Q: What is the transmission range of WLAN products?
A: Radio Frequency (RF) range, especially in indoor environments, is a function of transmitted power, antenna
design, receiver design, and interference. Interactions with typical building objects, including walls, metal
objects, windows, and even people, can affect how signals propagate, and thus what range and coverage a
particular system achieves. The range of coverage for typical WLAN systems varies depending on the
number and types of obstacles encountered. Coverage can be provided for a greater area through the use of
multiple access points, wireless repeaters or wireless bridges.
Q: What data rates are available with a WLAN network connection?
A: 802.11b WLANs operate at speeds up to 11 Mbps. 802.11a and 802.11g WLANs operate at speeds up to
54Mbps.
Q: What is an Access Point?
A: An Access Point connects wired and wireless networks together and enables the sending and receiving of
data between wireless clients and the wired network. Using multiple access points increases total system
capacity and range. Users can "roam" between access points without losing their connection similar to the
way a cellular phone can roam between cellular phone towers.
Q: When do I need an Access Point?
A: Access points are required for operating in “infrastructure” mode, but not for peer-to-peer (a.k.a. “ad-hoc”
mode) connections. A wireless network only requires an access point when connecting notebook or desktop
computers to a wired network. If you are not connecting to a wired network, there are still some important
advantages to using an access point to connect wireless clients. First, a single access point can nearly double
the range of your wireless LAN compared to a simple peer-to-peer network. Second, the wireless access point
acts as a traffic controller, directing all data on the network, allowing wireless clients to run at maximum
speed. Finally, an access point can be your central connection to a DSL or cable modem service for sharing
an Internet connection.
Q: How many simultaneous users can a single access point support?
A: There are two limiting factors to how many simultaneous users a single access point can support. First,
some access point manufacturers place a limit on the number of users that can simultaneous connect to their
products. Second, the amount of data traffic encountered (heavy downloads and uploads vs. light) can be a
practical limit on how many simultaneous users can successfully utilize a single access point. Installing
multiple access points can overcome both of these limitations.
Q: How many users can a WLAN system support?
A: The number of users is virtually unlimited. The number of users can be expanded by installing multiple
access points. By installing multiple access points in the same location, set at different frequencies (channels),
the wireless network can expand to accommodate additional simultaneous users in the same area. Similarly,
a WLAN can support more users by installing additional access points in various locations in the building. This
increases the total number of users and allows roaming throughout the building or across the campus.
Q: What is a Wireless Gateway?