Chapter 2: Introduction; Welcome - Cisco WAP4410N User Manual

Introduction

Welcome

Introduction
Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet. This Access
Point will allow you to network wirelessly better than ever. An access point allows for greater
range and mobility within your wireless network while also allowing you to connect the
wireless network to a wired environment. The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature is also
supported to help you simplify the setting up and configure security on a wireless network. The
Wireless-N Access Point even offers the convenience of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability (in
addition to regular 12VDC power adaptor), so it can receive data and power over a single
Ethernet network cable.
This Access Point supports the latest 802.11n draft Specification by IEEE early 2006. It also
support 802.11g and 802.11b clients in a mixed environment. This Access Point currently can
support an 11n data rate up to 300 Mbps. Besides the higher data rate, 802.11n technology also
promises longer coverage by using multiple antennas to transmit and receive data streams in
different directions. Users are encouraged to update their firmware through www.linksys.com
when 802.11n specification is finalized by IEEE to ensure compatibility with all the wireless-N
devices.
Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from
different computers and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are
even used for playing multiplayer video games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and
offices, they can also be fun.
PCs on a wired network create a LAN, or Local Area Network. They are connected with Ethernet
cables, which is why the network is called "wired".
PCs equipped with wireless client cards or adapters can communicate without cumbersome
cables. By sharing the same wireless settings within their transmission radius, they form a
wireless network. This is sometimes called a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network. The Access
Point bridges wireless networks of 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b standards and wired
networks.
Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Access Point, set it up, and configure
it to bridge your different networks. These instructions should be all you need to get the most
out of the Access Point.
WAP4410N User Guide 3