User Manual

3.2 .2 Link Inform ation
The Link Information section contains the current information about the wireless
connection:
Ÿ Status – the status of the wireless network connection:
– Card Unplugged – adapter plugged in, but not recognized
See “ Troubleshooting” on page 39 for possible solutions.
– Connected – card plugged in and connected to a wireless network
– Not connected – card plugged in, but cannot find a wireless network
See “ Troubleshooting” on page 39 for possible solutions.
– No Radio – card plugged in, but the radio is turned off. Uncheck the Radio Off box to turn
the radio on.
Ÿ Network SSID – network SSID label (i.e., Network Name). The Network Name is a text string of
up to 32 characters.
Ÿ Network Type – type of environment to which you are connected The choices are
Infrastructure mode or Ad Hoc mode.
– Infrastructure Mode: In this mode, wireless clients send and receive information through
APs. When a wireless client communicates with another, it transmits to the AP. The AP
receives the information and rebroadcasts it. Other devices then receive the information.
APs are strategically located within an area to provide optimal coverage for wireless
clients. A large WLAN uses multiple APs to provide coverage over a wide area. APs can
connect to a LAN through a wired Ethernet connection. APs send and receive information
from the LAN through the wired connection.
– Ad Hoc Mode: In this mode, wireless clients send and receive information to other wireless
clients without using an AP. This type of WLAN only contains wireless clients. Us e Ad Hoc
mode to network computers at home or in small office, or to set up a temporary wireless
network for a meeting.
Ÿ Network BSSID – Network Basic Service Set Identifier. The BSSID is a 48-bit identity used to
identify a particular BSS within an area. In Infrastructure BSS networks, the BSSID is the MAC
address of the AP. In independent BSS or Ad Hoc networks, the BSSID is generated randomly.
Ÿ Security – reports the type and level of security set. The security level is set through the Profile
Setting of the Profile Manager tab. Configure WEP settings also through the Site Survey tab
when connecting to a network.
Ÿ Link Speed – connection speed, (i.e., 54 Mbps, 48 Mbps, etc.)