Lll. Introduction To Wireless Networks - ActionTec AU802C User Manual

Introduction to Wireless Networks
A wireless network connects computers to each other using radiotechnology which
allows you the freedom to move around the area and work anywhere within reach
of an Access Point.
The Actiontec 54Mbps Wireless Access Point supports the 802.11g wireless LAN
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protocol and is backward compatible with 802.11b. The Access Point can be
connected to a wired network to allow communication between the wired network
and computers using Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Wireless PC Cards.
The technology is an extension to the existing Ethernet networking standard, so you
can connect the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point to an existing Ethernet
network.
Adding Access Points to your network
Placement and connection of the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point depends
entirely on your specific (network) environment. The Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless
Access Point can be used for the following configurations:
Creating a wireless network.
Extending an existing wireless network.
Connecting to a single computer.
Creating a wireless network
Your Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point can be used to setup a wireless net-
work as shown on figure 1. Follow the steps below to create a wireless network.
Figure 1. Creating a Wireless Network
Refer to the appropriate user manual for successful installation of your
Note:
wireless network.
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Introduction to Wireless Networks
1. Prepare one computer that you will want to connect wirelessly.
(Install wireless network card and software).
2. Configure the IP settings for this client computer.
3. Install the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point.
4. Your 54 Mbps wireless network is now ready.
5. For further functionality and security, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access
Point can be configured using any Web Broser.
6. Install other client computers if this is applicable to your environment.
Extending a wired network with one or more 54 Mbps Wireless Access Points
When the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is used as an extension to a wired
network (figure 2), please make sure that the current wired network is completely
functional.
Figure 2. Extending a Wired Network
Refer to the appropriate user manual for successful installation of
Note:
your wireless network.
Follow these steps to extend you wired network:
1. Install the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point and connect it to your
wired network.
2. You can now use the wireless network.
3. For further functionality and security, the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless
Access Point can be configured using any Web Browser.
4. Install the wireless client computer(s).
Introduction to Wireless Networks
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