Introduction - SMC Networks EliteConnect SMC2555W-AG User Manual

Chapter 1

Introduction

SMC's EliteConnect Universal 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless Access
Point (SMC2555W-AG) is an IEEE 802.11a/g access point that
provides transparent, wireless high-speed data communications
between the wired LAN and fixed, portable or mobile devices
equipped with an 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless adapter.
This solution offers fast, reliable wireless connectivity with
considerable cost savings over wired LANs (which include
long-term maintenance overhead for cabling). Using 802.11a,
802.11b, and 802.11g technology, this access point can easily
replace a 10 Mbps Ethernet connection or seamlessly integrate
into a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN.
In addition, the access point offers full network management
capabilities through an easy to configure web interface, a
command line interface for initial configuration and
troubleshooting, and support for Simple Network Management
tools, such as SMC's EliteView.
Radio Characteristics – The IEEE 802.11a/g standard uses a
radio modulation technique known as Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and a shared collision domain
(CSMA/CA). It operates at the 5 GHz Unlicensed National
Information Infrastructure (UNII) band for connections to 802.11a
clients, and at 2.4 GHz for connections to 802.11g clients.
IEEE 802.11g includes backward compatibility with the IEEE
802.11b standard. IEEE 802.11b also operates at 2.4 GHz, but
uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation
technology to achieve a communication rate of up to 11 Mbps.
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