User`s guide

ZyAIR B-5000 User’s Guide
Access Point Quick Setup 4-13
Network Address This is the IP address of the static route network.
Subnet mask This is the subnet mask of the static route network.
Gateway This is the IP address of the gateway.
Add Click this to add a new static route.
Back
Click Back to go to the previous screen.
NEXT
Click NEXT to continue.
4.4 Quick Setup – Wireless
Use the next Quick Setup screen to set up the wireless LAN.
4.4.1 Wireless LAN Basics
A wireless LAN (WLAN) provides a flexible data communications system that you can use to access various
services (navigating the Internet, email, printer services, etc.) without the use of a cabled connection. In
effect a wireless LAN environment provides you the freedom to stay connected to the network while roaming
around in the coverage area.
4.4.2 Channel
The range of radio frequencies used by IEEE 802.11b wireless devices is called a “channel”. Channels
available depend on your geographical area. You may have a choice of channels (for your region) so you
should use a different channel than an adjacent AP to reduce interference. Interference occurs when radio
signals from different access points overlap causing interference and degrading performance.
Adjacent channels partially overlap however. To avoid interference due to overlap, your AP should be on a
channel at least five channels away from a channel that an adjacent AP is using. For example, if your region
has 11 channels and an adjacent AP is using channel 1, then you need to select a channel between 6 or 11.
4.4.3 RTS/CTS Threshold
A hidden node occurs when two stations are within range of the same access point, but are not within range
of each other. The following figure illustrates a hidden node. Both stations (STA) are within range of the
access point (AP) or wireless gateway, but out-of-range of each other, so they cannot “hear” each other, that
is they do not know if the channel is currently being used. Therefore, they are considered hidden from each
other.