User's Manual

Wireless Ethernet Bridge
31
Instant Wireless
®
Series
5. The Web-based Utility won’t open.
Make sure that you have a LAN card (also known as a network adapter)
installed on the PC so you can use the Web-based Utility.
6. The Web-based Utility does not recognize my password.
The password is case-sensitive. Make sure you are using the correct case(s)
when entering the password.
If you forget your password, you can push the Bridge’s Reset button. This
will reset the password to the default setting; however, all other Bridge set-
tings will be reset to the factory defaults as well. To use the default settings,
leave the User Name field blank, and enter admin in the Password field.
7. After I make changes through the Web-based Utility,the new settings aren’t dis-
played on-screen.
Click the Refresh button of your web browser. If the new settings aren’t dis-
played, then unplug the power adapter from the Bridge. Plug the power
adapter back in, and then click the Refresh button again.
What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard
allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to commu-
nicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. The
802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an oper-
ating frequency of 2.4GHz.
What IEEE 802.11b features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11 functions:
• CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
• Multi-Channel Roaming
• Automatic Rate Selection
• RTS/CTS feature
• Fragmentation
• Power Management
Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?
This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over
a network. Consult the application’s user guide to determine if it supports oper-
ation over a network.
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Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network?
Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN. Refer to the
game’s user guide for more information.
What is ad-hoc mode?
When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped com-
puters are configured to communicate directly with each other. The ad-hoc
wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.
What is infrastructure mode?
When a wireless network is set to infrastructure mode, the wireless network is
configured to communicate with a wired network through a wireless access
point.
What is roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu-
ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a sin-
gle wireless network access point. Before using the roaming function, the
workstation must make sure that it is the same channel number as the wireless
network access point of the dedicated coverage area.
To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a
number of different functions. Each node and wireless network access point,
for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node
must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually trans-
mitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF
networking technology that links wireless network access points and nodes. In
such a system, the user’s end node undertakes a search for the best possible
access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and qual-
ity, as well as the message load currently being carried by each wireless net-
work access point and the distance of each wireless network access point to the
wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the right
wireless network access point and registers its address. Communications
between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the
backbone.
As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the sys-
tem to determine whether it is in touch with the original wireless network
access point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer
receives acknowledgment from its original wireless network access point, it
undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new wireless network access point, it
then re-registers, and the communication process continues.
Frequently Asked Questions