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Wireless Networking Concepts
The AP-600 extends the capability of an existing Ethernet network to devices on a wireless network. Wireless devices
can connect to a single Access Point, or they can move between multiple Access Points located within the same
vicinity. As wireless clients move from one coverage cell to another, they maintain network connectivity.
To determine the best location for an Access Point, Proxim recommends conducting a Site Survey before placing the
device in its final location. For information about how to conduct a Site Survey, contact your local reseller.
Before an Access Point can be configured for your specific networking requirements, it must first be initialized. See
Installation & Basic Configuration
Figure 1-1
Typical wireless network access infrastructure
Once initialized, the network administrator can configure each unit according to the network's requirements. The
AP-600 functions as a wireless network access point to data networks. An AP-600 network provides:
•
Seamless client roaming
•
Easy installation and operation
•
Over-the-air encryption of data
•
High speed network links
Guidelines for Roaming
•
An AP-600 can only communicate with client devices that support its wireless standard. For example, an 802.11a
client cannot communicate with an AP-600b and an 802.11b client cannot communicate with an AP-600a. Note
that an ORiNOCO 802.11a/b ComboCard can communicate with both the AP-600a and the AP-600b.
•
All Access Points must have the same Network Name to support client roaming.
•
All workstations with an 802.11 client adapter installed must use either a Network Name of "any" or the same
Network Name as the Access Points that they will roam between. If an AP-600b has Closed System enabled, a
client must have the same Network Name as the Access Point to communicate (see
•
All Access Points and clients must have the same security settings to communicate.
•
The Access Points' cells must overlap to ensure that there are no gaps in coverage and to ensure that the roaming
client will always have a connection available.
•
The coverage area of an AP-600b is larger than the coverage area of an AP-600a. The AP-600b operates in the
2.4 GHz frequency band; the AP-600a operates in the 5 GHz band. Products that operate in the 2.4 GHz band
offer greater range than products that operate in the 5 GHz band.
•
An AP-600a operates at faster data rates than the AP-600b. 802.11a products like the AP-600a operate at speeds
of up to 54 Mbits/sec (108 Mbits/sec in Turbo mode); 802.11b products like the AP-600b operate at speeds of up to
11 Mbits/sec.
•
All Access Points in the same vicinity should use a unique, independent Channel. By default, the AP-600
automatically scans for available Channels during boot-up but you can also set the Channel manually (see
Interfaces
for details).
•
Access Points that use the same Channel should be installed as far away from each other as possible to reduce
potential interference.
for details.
Introduction
Wireless
(AP-600b)).
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