Introduction - Symbol WS5000 Series Installation Manual

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Introduction

The Symbol WS5100 Wireless Switch is the high-performance member of Symbol's
WS5000 Series family. The WS5100, which is built on the same award-winning hardware
and software architecture as the WS5000 platform, provides centralized Wireless LAN
(WLAN) configuration and management by coalescing the network "intelligence" that
was previously spread across physically distributed access points. By replacing access
points with simpler access ports (or "thin" access points), the WS5100 becomes the single
point of contact with the WLAN thus reducing, the complexity of wireless networking by
moving management out of the ceiling and into the wiring closet. In addition, through the
use of Symbol's patented Virtual AP architecture, the WS5100 lets you create multiple
WLANs without changing or adding to the existing wired network infrastructure.
This document is written for the network device installer.
1.1 Package Contents
Inspect the package contents and report any missing or damaged items to your sales
representative. The package should contain the following:
• WS5100 Wireless Switch
• WS5100 Installation Guide (this document)
• Rack-mounting brackets (2)
• Mounting screws (4)
• Console cable
• WS5100 product CD
1.2 Document Conventions
The following graphical alerts are used in this document to indicate notable situations:
NOTE
CAUTION
!
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.
Introduction 1