Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network; Network Topology; Roaming; Chapter 3: Getting To Know The Wireless Usb Network Adapter - Linksys WUSB11 User Manual

Chapter 2: Planning Your
Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless LAN is exactly like a regular LAN, except that each computer in the
LAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers in a wire-
less LAN must be configured to share the same frequency channel.
The Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter provides access to a wired LAN
for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an
Infrastructure configuration. A group of Instant Wireless™ USB Network
Adapter users and an Access Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each
PC equipped with an Instant Wireless™ USB Network Adapter in a BSS can
talk to any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of an Instant
Wireless™ USB Network Adapter PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effec-
tive wireless transmission range for two Instant Wireless™ USB Network
Adapter PCs. Since the Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the
effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.
The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All computers that have Instant
Wireless™ USB Network Adapter configured without roaming options in an
independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID (that is used in the BSS).
The Wireless LAN Infrastructure configuration is appropriate for enterprise-
scale wireless access to a central database, or as a wireless application for
mobile users.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More
than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con-
tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All Instant
Wireless™ USB Network Adapter PCs within one ESS must be configured
with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, selecting a feasible radio chan-
nel and optimum Access Point position is recommended. Proper Access Point
positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
3
Instant Wireless Series
TM
Wireless USB Network Adapter
Chapter 3: Getting to Know the
Wireless USB Network Adapter

The Wireless USB Network Adapter's Port and LEDs

The Wireless USB Network Adapter's USB port is located on the back of the
Adapter.
Figure 3-1
The Wireless USB Network Adapter's USB port
USB Port The USB Port is a port installed in your PC, enabling you to
connect to USB peripherals. To work with USB ports, your PC
must be running Windows 98, 2000, Millennium, or XP.
Your Wireless USB Network Adapter comes with a USB cable that has two dif-
ferent types of connectors. Type A, the master connector, is shaped like a rec-
tangle and plugs into your PC's USB port. Type B, the slave connector, resem-
bles a square and connects to the USB port on the rear panel of your Wireless
USB Network Adapter.
USB Type A
Figure 3-2
USB Type B
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