Introduction To The Client Adapters - Cisco Aironet Installation And Configuration Manual

Introduction to the Client Adapters

Introduction to the Client Adapters
The Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters are radio modules that provide transparent wireless
data communications between fixed, portable, or mobile devices and other wireless devices or a wired
network infrastructure. The client adapters are fully compatible when used in devices supporting
Plug-and-Play (PnP) technology.
The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data packets transparently through the wireless
infrastructure through an access point connected to a wired LAN. The adapters operate similarly to a
standard network product except that the cable is replaced with a radio connection and an access point
is required to make the connection to the wire. No special wireless networking functions are required,
and all existing applications that operate over a network can operate using the adapters.
This document covers the five client adapters described in
Table 1-1 Client Adapter Types
Client Adapter Model Number
PC card AIR-PCM3xx
LM card AIR-LMC3xx
PCI card AIR-PCI3xx
Mini PCI card AIR-MPI350
PC-Cardbus AIR-CB20A
card
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows
1-2
Description
An IEEE 802.11b-compliant 11-Mbps 2.4-GHz PCMCIA card radio
module that can be inserted into any device equipped with an external
Type II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices can include laptops,
notebook computers, personal digital assistants, and handheld or
portable devices. The PC card is available in the 340 and 350 series.
An IEEE 802.11b-compliant 11-Mbps 2.4-GHz PCMCIA card radio
module that is usually preinstalled in a device equipped with an
internal Type II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices usually include
handheld or portable devices. The LM card is available in the 340 and
350 series.
An IEEE 802.11b-compliant 11-Mbps 2.4-GHz client adapter card
radio module that can be inserted into any device equipped with an
empty PCI expansion slot, such as a desktop personal computer. The
PCI card is available in the 340 and 350 series.
An IEEE 802.11b-compliant 11-Mbps 2.4-GHz client adapter card
radio module that is preinstalled in a device equipped with an internal
Type IIIA mini PCI card slot, such as a laptop computer. The mini PCI
card is available only in the 350 series.
An IEEE 802.11a-compliant 54-Mbps 5-GHz client adapter card
radio module with a Cardbus interface that can be inserted into any
device equipped with an external Type II or Type III Cardbus slot.
Host devices can include laptops, notebook computers, personal
digital assistants, and handheld or portable devices.
Chapter 1
Table 1-1.
Illustration
Product Overview
CIS CO AIR
ON ET 340
11 Mbp s WIR
ELE SS LAN SERI ES
ADA PTE
R
CIS CO AIR
ON ET 340
11 Mbp s WIR
ELE SS LAN SERI ES
ADA PTE
R
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