Introduction To The Client Adapters; Terminology - Cisco CB21AG Installation And Configuration Manual

Introduction to the Client Adapters

Introduction to the Client Adapters
The Cisco Aironet IEEE 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) are 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 by communicating with access points that are 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 the two client adapters described in
Table 1-1 Client Adapter Types
Client Adapter Model Number
PC-Cardbus AIR-CB21AG
card
PCI card AIR-PI21AG

Terminology

The following terms are used throughout this document:
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Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) Installation and Configuration Guide
1-2
Description
An IEEE 802.11a/b/g-compliant 2.4- and 5-GHz 54-Mbps client
adapter card radio module with a Cardbus interface that can be
inserted into any device equipped with an external 32-bit Cardbus
slot. Host devices can include laptops and notebook computers.
An IEEE 802.11a/b/g-compliant 2.4- and 5-GHz 54-Mbps client
adapter card radio module that can be inserted into any device
equipped with an empty PCI expansion slot, such as a desktop
personal computer.
client adapter—Refers to both types of adapters.
PC-Cardbus card or PCI card—Refers to a specific 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
Table 1-1.
Illustration
Product Overview
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