User manual

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Figure 3 Infrastructure Mode-Combination Wireless and Hardwired LANs
2.2 Planning Your New Wireless Network
First, determine what components (WLAN cards, access points) and what kind of network will be created (Ad-
Hoc, Infrastructure mode). Then select your network name (SSID), WEP key (security password) and channel
number (1 through 11 in US, 1 through 13 in Europe and 1 through 14 in Japan). All members of the wireless
LAN will have to configure their PCs to the same SSID, WEP and Channel number to talk to each other. SSID,
WEP key and channel number are essential to understanding and creating a successful wireless network.
These concepts are explained in the following paragraphs.
SSID
A wireless network requires a BSS or ESS to operate and a name associated with it. SSID literally stands for a ne-
twork name for use with that Service Set of clients and access points if so set up. All computers must have the
same SSID as the network in order to communicate over the new network. The SSID name can be any name
such as “wireless_lan”, “Bob’s domain”, or “AbCdE123”, and can include numbers as well as be case-sensitive. If
the exact SSID name is not used, then that wireless client cannot logon into that network.
Operating Frequency (Channel)
IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN networks communicate using one of several available channels (each with a dif-
ferent operating frequency) to reduce the interference from other potential sources or users of that channel.
Depending on the country where the network is being set up, you may have a choice of up to 14 channels
available. In the US, channels 1 through 11 are defined for use in the 2.4GHz spectrum used by 802.11b/g. In
Europe, channels 12 and 13 are added, while Japan can have up to 14 channels. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are the
most commonly used channels in the US.
For your network, choose a channel that offers little interference and configure all users of this network to the
same channel.