Contents:
About the Wireless Access PC Card, PCI Adapter, and Access Point
Network Configuration and Planning >
Adapter Installation and Configuration for Windows 95*/98 FE*/98 SE/2000/NT/Me/XP
Navigating the Network Configuration Utility Tool and the Access Point Web Configurator
Product Specifications for Wireless Access PC Card and PCI Adapter
Product Specifications for Wireless Access Point
Wireless Access PC Card, PCI Adapter, and Access Point User Guide
Network Configuration and Planning
The Wireless Access PC Card and PCI Adapter support legacy Ethernet LAN network configuration options as defined by the IEEE 802 standards committee.
The Wireless Access PC Card and PCI Adapter can be configured as one of the following:
- 802.11b AdHoc for departmental or Small Office and Home Office (SOHO) LANs
- Infrastructure for enterprise LANs
- LAN-Interconnection for point-to-point link as a campus backbone
NETWORK TOPOLOGY
An 802.11b AdHoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one Wireless Access PC Card or PCI Adapter, that is connected as an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific 802.11b AdHoc wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio channel.
802.11b AdHoc wireless LAN configurations are appropriate for branch level departments or SOHO operations.
The Wireless Access PC Card or PCI Adapter provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of Wireless Access PC Card or PCI Adapter users and a Wireless Access Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each Wireless Access PC Card or PCI Adapter in a BSS can talk to any computer in the wired LAN infrastructure through the Wireless Access Point.
An Infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a PC to a wired LAN and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for two Wireless Access PC Cards or PCI Adapters. Since the Wireless Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.
The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. Any PCs equipped with Wireless Access PC Cards or PCI Adapters and configured without roaming options in an independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID that corresponds to the Wireless Access PC Card or PCI Adapter used in the BSS. Check your Wireless Access PC Card or PCI Adapter for its BSS ID or use the Access Point Configuration Utility program to determine the BSS ID.
The Infrastructure Wireless Access LAN configuration is appropriate for enterprise-scale wireless access to a central database or as a wireless application for mobile users.
A point-to-point LAN configuration is possible when two Wireless Access Points are linked with an optional directional antenna (the directional antenna is an optional accessory; please contact your dealer for information). The optional directional antenna makes LAN Interconnection to a wireless backbone between buildings possible.
ROAMING
Infrastructure configuration also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All Wireless Access PC Cards, PCI Adapters, and Wireless Access Points within one ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum Access Point position. Proper Wireless Access Point positioning and a clear radio signal will greatly enhance the performance.
