Appendix A: Troubleshooting; Common Problems And Solutions; Frequently Asked Questions - Linksys WAP11 User Manual

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This chapter provides a list of questions and answers regarding the operation of
the 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.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. I am getting interference between my 2.4GHz phone system and my wireless
network.
There are a few steps you can take:
• Change the channel of the phone or the Access Point so they use different
channels.
• Move the phone's base station so that it's farther away from the Access Point.
• If there is still too much interference, you may have to buy a different phone
system, either 900MHz or 5GHz.
1. I need to extend the range of my wireless network.
Set the Access Point to Wireless Repeater mode, and buy a second Wireless
Network Access Point (WAP11), which will re-transmit the first Access
Point's signal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 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 capabilities.
Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?
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?
It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard
allows wireless networking hardware from different manufacturers to commu-
nicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard. The
802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an oper-
ating frequency of 2.4GHz.
32
Instant Wireless ® Series Wireless Network Access Point
What IEEE 802.11b 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 mode?
When a wireless network is set to ad-hoc mode, the wireless-equipped com-
puters are configured to communicate directly with each other. The ad-hoc
wireless network will not communicate with any wired network.
What is infrastructure mode?
When a wireless network is set to infrastructure mode, the wireless network is
configured to communicate with a wired network through a wireless access
point.
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 as the wireless
network access point of the 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 net-
work 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.
33