Channels; Wep - Linksys LAPN300 User Manual

Different access points within an ESS can use different channels. To reduce interference, it is
recommended that adjacent access points SHOULD use different channels.
As wireless stations are physically moved through the area covered by an ESS, they will automatically
change to the access point that has the least interference or best performance. This capability is called
Roaming. (Access points do not have or require roaming capabilities.)

Channels

The wireless channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
• Access points use a fixed channel. You can select the channel used. This allows you to choose
a channel that provides the least interference and best performance. For USA and Canada,
the following channels are available.
2.4GHz:
2.412 to 2.462 GHz; 11 channels
o
5GHz:
5.180 to 5.240 GHz; 4 channels
o
5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels
o
• If using multiple access points it is better if adjacent access points use different channels to
reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between adjacent access points is
five channels, e.g., use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11.
• In Infrastructure Mode wireless stations normally scan all channels looking for an access
point. If more than one access point can be used, the one with the strongest signal is used.
(This can only happen within an ESS.)
• If using Ad-hoc Mode (no access point) all wireless stations should be set to use the same
channel. However, most wireless stations will still scan all channels to see if there is an
existing ad-hoc group they can join.

WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a standard for encrypting data before it is transmitted. This is
desirable because it is impossible to prevent snoopers from receiving any data transmitted by your
wireless stations. If the data is encrypted, it is meaningless unless the receiver can decrypt it.
Note—If WEP is used, the wireless stations and the wireless access point must have the same
settings.
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