User manual
Manual Ver1.0
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10. Wireless
Some basic understanding of 802.11b/g/n wireless technology and terminology is useful when you
are setting up the Router or any wireless access point. If you are not familiar with wireless networks
please take a few minutes to learn the basics.
Wireless client requirements
All wireless client adapters compliant to 802.11n, 802.11g and/or 802.11b can communicate with
the M505N Wireless LAN environment. However, be aware that only 802.11n compliant wireless
clients are able to gain full benefity of the 270Mb/s (Max) bandwidth delivered by the M505N. It is
highly recommended to use only wireless client adapters that are Wi-Fi™ certified to ensure
smooth interoperability with the M505N’s Wireless functionality.
Radio Transmission
Wireless LAN or WLAN devices use electromagnetic waves within a broad, unlicensed range of
the radio spectrum to transmit and receive radio signals. When a wireless access point is present, it
becomes a base station for the WLAN nodes in its broadcast range. WLAN nodes transmit digital
data using FM (frequency modulation) radio signals. WLAN devices generate a carrier wave and
modulate this signal using various techniques. Digital data is superimposed onto the carrier signal.
This radio signal carries data to WLAN devices within range of the transmitting device. The
antennae of WLAN devices listen for and receive the signal. The signal is demodulated and the
transmitted data extracted. The transmission method used by the access point is called Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and operates in a range of the radio spectrum between 2.4GHz
and 2.5GHz for transmission.
Antennas
Direct the external antenna to allow optimization of the wireless link. If for example the antenna is
erect, wireless links in the horizontal plane are favored. Please note that the antenna characteristics
are influenced by the environment that is by reflections of the radio signal against walls or ceilings.
It is advisable to use the received signal strength as indicated by the wireless client manager to
optimize the antenna position for the link to a given client. Concrete walls weaken the radio signal
and thus affect the connection.