Wireless Basics - D-Link DWA-160 User Manual

Appendix A - Wireless Basics

Wireless Basics

D-Link 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 wireless family
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
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 Router is a device used to provide this
link.
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