Introduction To The Client Adapters; Terminology - Cisco AIR-PCM352 - Aironet 350 Series 11Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card Adapter Installation And Configuration Manual

Introduction to the Client Adapters

Introduction to the Client Adapters
The Cisco Aironet 350 Series Wireless LAN Client Adapters are 100-milliwatt (mW) radio modules that
provide transparent wireless data communications between fixed, portable, or mobile devices and other
wireless devices or a wired network infrastructure. The client adapters are fully compatible when used
in devices supporting Plug-and-Play (PnP) technology.
The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data packets transparently through the wireless
infrastructure through an access point connected to a wired LAN. The adapters operate similarly to a
standard network product except that the cable is replaced with a radio connection and an access point
is required to make the connection to the wire. No special wireless networking functions are required,
and all existing applications that operate over a network can operate using the adapters.
This document covers two types of client adapters:
•
•
The x in the product model number indicates the wired equivalent privacy (WEP) level of the card,
Note
where 0 = no WEP capability, 1 = 40-bit WEP, and 2 = 128-bit WEP. However, if the second x is a 0
but the model number contains K9, the card is 128-bit WEP capable.
Client adapter driver and utility version 2.50 is not supported for use with Cisco Aironet 340 series client
Note
adapters.

Terminology

The following terms are used throughout this document:
•
•
•
•
Cisco Aironet 350 Series Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows CE
1-2
PC card (model number: AIR-PCM35x)—An IEEE
802.11b-compliant 2.4-GHz 11-Mbps PCMCIA card radio
module that can be inserted into any device equipped with an
external Type II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices can
include laptops, notebook computers, personal digital
assistants, and handheld or portable devices.
LM card (model number: AIR-LMC35x)—An IEEE
802.11b-compliant 2.4-GHz 11-Mbps PCMCIA card radio
module that is usually preinstalled in a device equipped with an
internal Type II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices usually
include handheld or portable devices.
client adapter—Refers to both PC cards and LM cards.
PC card or LM card—Refers to a specific client adapter.
workstation (or station)—Refers to a computing device with an installed client adapter.
infrastructure device—Refers to a device that connects client adapters to a wired LAN, such as an
access point, bridge, or base station. Throughout this document, access point is used to represent
infrastructure devices in general.
Chapter 1 Product Overview
CI SC O AI
RO NE T 340
11 Mb ps WI
SER IES
RE LES S
LA N AD APT
ER
CI SC O AI
RO NE T 340
11 Mb ps WI
SER IES
RE LES S
LA N AD APT
ER
OL-1375-04