Troubleshooting; Common Problems And Solutions; Frequently Asked Questions - Linksys Instant Wireless WAP11 User Manual

Troubleshooting

Common Problems and Solutions

This chapter provides solutions to problems usually encountered during the
installation and operation of the Wireless Network Access Point. Read the
description below to solve your problems. If you can't find an answer here,
check the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.
What is the purpose of antenna diversity and when should it be used?
When used, how should it be set-up?
The dual antennas on the Access Point are probably best explained using this
example.... Take television, if you have ever had the old "rabbit ear type of
antenna" and saw a reflection on TV (called "ghosts") and then moved the
antenna and it "went away" (Using two antenna's allow us to "MOVE AWAY"
from reflections that cause us to lose or have to retransmit data. It should be
used indoors as outdoor reflections are rare. As long as both antenna's cover
roughly the same area this is fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Wireless Network Access Point act as my DHCP Server?
No. The Access Point is nothing more than a wireless hub, and as such, cannot
be configured to handle DHCP capablilities.
Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless net-
work?
This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over
a network. Consult the application's user guide to determine if it supports oper-
ation over a network.
Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network?
Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area net-
work). Refer to the game's user guide for more information.
What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?
The IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN standards subcommittee, which is formulat-
ing a standard for the industry. The objective is to enable wireless LAN hard-
ware from different manufacturers to communicate.
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Instant Wireless TM Series Wireless Network Access Point
What IEEE 802.11 features are supported?
The product supports the following IEEE 802.11 functions:
• CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol
• Multi-Channel Roaming
• Automatic Rate Selection
• RTS/CTS feature
• Fragmentation
• Power Management
What is Ad-hoc?
An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter,
connected as an independent wireless LAN. Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applica-
ble at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.
What is Infrastructure?
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configura-
tion. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to cen-
tral database, or wireless application for mobile workers.
What is Roaming?
Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continu-
ously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a
single Wireless Network Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the
workstation must make sure that it is the same channel number with the
Wireless Network Access Point of dedicated coverage area.
To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a
number of different functions. Each node and Wireless Network Access Point,
for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node
must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually trans-
mitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF
networking technology that links Wireless Network Access Points and nodes.
In such a system, the user's end node undertakes a search for the best possible
access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and qual-
ity, as well as the message load currently being carried by each Wireless
Network Access Point and the distance of each Wireless Network Access Point
to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the
right Wireless Network Access Point and registers its address. Communications
between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the
backbone.
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