D-Link GO-RT-N150 User Manual page 66

Appendix A - Wireless Basics
Why D-Link Wireless?
D-Link is the worldwide leader and award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking products.
D-Link delivers the performance you need at a price you can afford. D-Link has all the products you need to build
your network.
How does wireless work?
Wireless works similarly to how cordless phones work; through radio signals transmitting data from point A to point B.
However, wireless technology has restrictions as to how you can access the network. You must be within the wireless
network range area to be able to connect your computer. There are two different types of wireless networks: Wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
In a wireless local area network, a device called an access point (AP) connects computers to the network. The access
point has a small antenna attached to it, which allows it to transmit data back and forth over radio signals. With an
indoor access point, the signal can travel up to 300 feet. With an outdoor access point the signal can reach out up to
30 miles to serve places like manufacturing plants, industrial locations, college and high school campuses, airports,
golf courses, and many other outdoor venues.
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate with a
range of up to 30 feet.
The speed and wireless operation range of Bluetooth are both less than those of WLAN, but in return it doesn't use
nearly as much power which makes it ideal for personal devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops,
speakers, and other devices that operate on batteries.
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