Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network; Network Topology; Roaming; Network Layout - Linksys WAP54GPE User Manual

Wireless-G Exterior Access Point

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless
network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or
adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.
Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point, such as the
Wireless-G Exterior Access Point, or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an
infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired
network infrastructure via the access point or wireless router.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and may double the
effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data
within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network may be doubled.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your
wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they
both share the same channel and SSID.
Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position.
Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

Network Layout

The Wireless-G Exterior Access Point has been designed for use with 802.11g and 802.11b products. The Access
Point is compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b adapters, such as the Notebook Adapters for your laptop
computers, PCI Adapters for your desktop PCs, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB connectivity.
These wireless products can also communicate with a 802.11g or 802.11b Wireless PrintServer.
To link your wired network with your wireless network, connect the Access Point's Ethernet network port to any
switch or router with Power over Ethernet (PoE)—or a PoE injector, such as the Linksys WAPPOE or WAPPOE12.
With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at
www.linksys.com for more information about wireless products.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Network Topology
ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly
with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of an access
point.
infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired
network via an access point.
roaming: the ability to take a wireless device from one
access point's range to another without losing the
connection.
ssid: your wireless network's name
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