Introduction; Document Conventions - Symbol AP-5131 Installation Manual

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Introduction

The Symbol AP-5131 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 AP-5131 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.
The AP-5131 is available in two radio versions, a single-radio and dual-radio model. One version of
the device firmware runs on the AP-5131 regardless of its radio configuration.
The Symbol AP-5131 Access Point is available in the following base models:
• Single 802.11a/g radio, external antenna (Part No. AP-5131-4002X-WW)
• Dual 802.11a+g radio, external antenna (Part No. AP-5131-1304X-WW)
If new to the AP-5131 and access point technology, refer to the AP-5131 Product Reference Guide to
familiarize yourself with access point technology and the feature set exclusive to the Symbol
AP-5131. The guide is on the CD-ROM shipped with the AP-5131, or can be found at
(http://www.symbol.com/services/downloads.html).

1.1 Document Conventions

The following graphical alerts are used in this document to indicate notable situations:
NOTE
!
CAUTION
WARNING!
Tips, hints, or special requirements that you should take note of.
Care is required. Disregarding a caution can result in data loss or
equipment malfunction.
Indicates a condition or procedure that could result in personal injury or
equipment damage.
Introduction 1