Linksys wap54g Quick Installation Manual page 103

Wireless-G Access Point
What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern
that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single
logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit
pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original
data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical
techniques embedded in the radio can recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an
unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most
narrowband receivers.
Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread
Spectrum technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN
series offers the encryption function (WEP) to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up
depending upon their needs.
Can Linksys Wireless products support file and printer sharing?
Linksys Wireless products perform the same function as LAN products. Therefore, Linksys Wireless products
can work with Netware, Windows NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing.
What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40-bit shared-key algorithm, as
described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
What is a MAC Address?
The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet
networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level.
For all practical purposes, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every
time a computer logs on to the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable
identifier for the network.
How do I avoid interference?
Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to one another will generate
interference. When employing multiple Access Points, be sure to operate each one on a different channel
(frequency).
How do I reset the Access Point?
Press the Reset button on the back of the Access Point for about ten seconds. This will reset the unit to its
default settings.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
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