Chapter 1. Introduction - Symbol AP-51 Series Product Reference Manual

Introduction
This AP-51xx Product Reference Guide contains setup and advanced configuration instructions for
both the AP-5131 and AP-5181 model Symbol access points. Both the AP-5131 and AP-5181 model
access points share the same Web UI interface, thus there is no difference in how the devices are
configured using the instructions within this guide. However, there are marked differences in how the
devices are physically installed, as the AP-5181 is constructed to support outdoor installations, while
the AP-5131 model is constructed primarily for indoor deployments.
The access point (AP) provides a bridge between Ethernet wired LANs or WANs and wireless
networks. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped mobile units
(MUs). MUs include the full line of Symbol terminals, bar-code scanners, adapters (PC cards, Compact
Flash cards and PCI adapters) and other devices.
The access point provides a maximum 54Mbps data transfer rate via each radio. It monitors Ethernet
traffic and forwards appropriate Ethernet messages to MUs over the network. It also monitors MU
radio traffic and forwards MU packets to the Ethernet LAN.
If you are new to using an access point for managing your network, refer to Theory of Operations on
page 1-19 for an overview on wireless networking fundamentals.