What Is Wi-Fi; What Types Of Devices Use The 2.4Ghz Band; Does The 802.11 Interfere With Bluetooth Devices; Can Radio Signals Pass Through Walls - ZyXEL Communications Prestige 2802HW(L)-IX Support Notes

Prestige 2802HW(L)-Ix Support Notes

What is Wi-Fi ?

The Wi-Fi logo signifies that a product is interoperable with wireless networking equipment from other
vendors. A Wi-Fi logo product has been tested and certified by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility
Alliance (WECA). The Socket Wireless LAN Card is Wi-Fi certified, and that means that it will work
(interoperate) with any brand of Access Point that is also Wi-Fi certified.

What types of devices use the 2.4GHz Band ?

Various spread spectrum radio communication applications use the 2.4 GHz band. This includes WLAN
systems (not necessarily of the type IEEE 802.11b), cordless phones, wireless medical telemetry
equipment and Bluetooth™ short-range wireless applications, which include connecting printers to
computers and connecting modems or hands-free kits to mobile phones.

Does the 802.11 interfere with Bluetooth devices ?

Any time devices are operated in the same frequency band, there is the potential for interference.
Both the 802.11b and Bluetooth devices occupy the same2.4-to-2.483-GHz unlicensed frequency
range-the same band. But a Bluetooth device would not interfere with other 802.11 devices much more
than another 802.11 device would interefere. While more collisions are possible with the introduction of a
Bluetooth device, they are also possible with the introduction of another 802.11 device, or a new 2.4 GHz
cordless phone for that matter. But, BlueTooth devices are usually low-power, so the effects that a
Bluetooth device may have on an 802.11 network, if any, aren't far-reaching.

Can radio signals pass through walls ?

Transmitting through a wall is possible depending upon the material used in its construction. In general,
metals and substances with a high water content do not allow radio waves to pass through. Metals reflect
radio waves and concrete attenuates radio waves. The amount of attenuation suffered in passing through
concrete will be a function of its thickness and amount of metal re-enforcement used.

What are potential factors that may causes interference among WLAN products ?

Factors of interference:
1. Obstacles: walls, ceilings, furniture... etc.
2. Building Materials: metal door, aluminum studs.
3. Electrical devices: microwaves, monitors, electric motors.
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