What Is Wi-Fi; What Types Of Devices Use The 2.4Ghz Band; Does The Ieee 802.11 Interfere With Bluetooth Devices; Can Radio Signals Pass Through Walls - ZyXEL Communications P-2608HWL-D1 Support Notes

P-2608HWL Series Support Notes

What is Wi-Fi ?

The Wi-Fi logo indicates that a product is interoperable with wireless networking equipment from other
vendors. A Wi-Fi product has been tested and certified by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance
(WECA). The Socket Wireless LAN Card is Wi-Fi certified which means that it will work (interoperate)
with any brand of Access Points that is also Wi-Fi certified.

What types of devices use the 2.4GHz Band ?

Various spread spectrum radio communication applications use the 2.4 GHz band. This includes WLAN
systems (not necessarily of the type IEEE 802.11b), cordless phones, wireless medical telemetry
equipment and Bluetooth™ short-range wireless applications, which include connecting printers to
computers and connecting modems or hands-free kits to mobile phones.

Does the IEEE 802.11 interfere with Bluetooth devices ?

When multiple devices are operating in the same frequency band, there is a potential for interference.
Both the IEEE 802.11b and Bluetooth devices occupy the same2.4-to-2.483-GHz unlicensed frequency
range- thus they operate in the same band. However, a Bluetooth device would not interfere with other
IEEE 802.11 devices much more than another IEEE 802.11 device would interfere. While more collisions
are possible with the introduction of a Bluetooth device, they are also possible with the introduction of
another IEEE 802.11 devices, or any 2.4 GHz cordless phones for that matter. BlueTooth devices are
usually low-power, so the effects that a Bluetooth device may have on an IEEE 802.11 network, if any,
aren't far-reaching.

Can radio signals pass through walls ?

Transmitting through a wall is possible depending upon the material used in its construction. In general,
metals and substances with a high water content do not allow radio waves to pass through. Metals reflect
radio waves and concrete attenuates radio waves. The amount of attenuation suffered in passing through
concrete will be a function of its thickness and amount of metal re-enforcement used.

What factors may cause interference among WLAN products ?

Factors of interference:
1. Obstacles: walls, ceilings, furniture... etc.
2. Building Materials: metal door, aluminum studs.
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