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Wireless Basics
Wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless
connectivity within your home or business. Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11b, our wireless family of products will
allow you to access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location
or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. 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. 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 has proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an Ethernet LAN. Wireless adapter cards
used on laptop and desktop systems, support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users,
there is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop computer and a wireless computer
equipped with a wireless adapter other than the added benefit of the ability to roam within the wireless-cell.
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. Ad-hoc management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker
efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs - WLANs 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. Furthermore, IEEE standardization mandates
interoperability of all WLAN devices that conform to the 802.11b set of standards.
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.
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Flexibility - 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.
Scalability - Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific
applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable
for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad
area.
Standards-based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the WUS-B12 is also interoperable with existing compatible 2.4 GHz
wireless technologies, with data transfer speeds of up to 11 Mbps.
Installation Considerations
The WUS-B12 lets you access your network with your laptop computer from virtually anywhere you want. Keep
in mind, however, that the number and thickness of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must
pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in
your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic principles:
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