What Is Wireless - D-Link DSL-X3052E User Manual

Appendix A - Wireless Basics

What is Wireless?

Wireless or Wi-Fi technology is another way of connecting your computer to the network without using wires. Wi-Fi uses radio
frequency to connect wirelessly so you have the freedom to connect computers anywhere in your home or office network.
How does wireless work?
Wireless works similarly to how cordless phones work, through radio signals that transmit data from one point A to point B. But
wireless technology has restrictions as to how you can access the network. You must be within the wireless network range area
to be able to connect your computer. There are two different types of wireless networks: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN),
and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
In a wireless local area network, a device called an Access Point (AP) connects computers to the network. The access point has a
small antenna attached to it, which allows it to transmit data back and forth over radio signals. With an indoor access point the
signal can travel up to 300 feet. The chart below shows the difference between the Wi-Fi standards:
IEEE Standard Frequency
802.11ax 2.4/5 GHz
802.11ac 5 GHz
802.11n 2.4/5 GHz
802.11g 2.4 GHz
802.11a 5 GHz
802.11b 2.4 GHz
D-Link DSL-X3052E User Manual
Highest Modulation Channel Width
1024-QAM 20/40/
80/160MHz
256-QAM 20/40/80MHz
64-QAM 20/40MHz
OFDM, DSSS 20 MHz
BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 20 MHz
64-QAM
CCK, PBCC, DBPSK, 20 MHz
DQPSK
MIMO
MU-MIMO (Multi-User)
MU-MIMO (Multi-User)
SU-MIMO (Single-User)
N/A
N/A
N/A
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