WLAN FAQ

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. RF interference can
also occur if two WLANs are located in close proximity to each other. This situation is usually dealt with by
placing each WLAN on a different RF channel within allowed frequency range.
Q: Are all WLAN products (802.11, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a) interoperable?
A: Yes, and no. 802.11b and 802.11g WLAN products should interoperate with other 802.11b or 802.11g
WLAN products, but 802.11a WLANs will only interoperate with 802.11a products. Note that many WLAN
products are being designed to meet multiple standards (i.e. adapters that support 802.11a, 802.11b and
802.11g). 802.11 is an older, lower data rate, IEEE specification. Choosing products that are Wi-Fi™
compliant will help insure interoperability.
Q: Is a WLAN suitable for home use?
A: Yes. With no wires to run and little networking knowledge required, installing a WLAN is one of the easiest
ways to setup a home network.
Q: What Is “Authentication” and “Association”?
A: Authentication is the process used to verify that a client device is allowed to use a wireless network.
Authentication can be ‘open’, meaning that any device can access the network, or an authentication
mechanism such as WEP, WPA or 802.1x may be required. Association means that the client device has
located an access point and will use it for accessing the network.
Q: What is a Client Workstation?
A: A computer connected to a network.
Q: What is Ethernet?
A: The most widely used type of local area network (LAN).
Q: What is a MAC Address?
A: The Media Access Control (MAC) address of the Wireless Ethernet Adapter is a unique serial number
assigned to the device by the manufacturer. Every wired or wireless network device has a unique MAC
address.
Q: What is a Wireless Ethernet Adapter?
A: A PC Card, USB or PCI device used to connect a client workstation wirelessly to an access point, wireless
gateway, or bridge.
Q: Why is a site survey necessary?
A: Because of differences in component configuration, placement and physical environment, every network
application is a unique installation. Before installing the system, users should perform a site survey to
determine the optimum utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage and network
performance. Here are some operating and environmental conditions you should consider:
❍ Data Rates. Data rates decrease the further you are from an access point. If your network
clients transfer large amounts of data on a regular basis, then access points may need to be
placed closer together.
❍ Antenna Type and Placement. Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing
radio range. As a general guide, range increases in proportion to antenna height.
❍ Physical Environments. Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled
areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.
❍ Obstructions. A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder the
performance of the Wireless Ethernet Adapter. Avoid locating the computing device and
antenna in a location where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving
antennas.
❍ Building Materials. Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in
construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks.