Wireless Basics - D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ Manual

Wireless Basics

D-Link AirPlus wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-
use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or
public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the D-Link
AirPlus wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want, when and
where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and
receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used increasingly
in both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops
and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work
and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and
other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless
adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems, support the same protocols as
Ethernet adapter cards.
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to a
conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet connection
supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access Point (AP) is a device used to
provide this link.
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location
within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time
information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs – WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) are easy to set
up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and
logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in
locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and
easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings.
Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires
cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for wireless LAN
hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation
expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are
greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.
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