Introduction; Document Conventions; Introduction To Wireless Networking - Proxim AP-4000 User Manual

Introduction

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Document Conventions

•

Introduction to Wireless Networking

• IEEE 802.11 Specifications
• Management and Monitoring Capabilities
Document Conventions
• The term, AP, refers to an Access Point.
• The term, 802.11, is used to describe features that apply to the 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards.
• Blue underlined text indicates a link to a topic or Web address. If you are viewing this documentation on your computer, click the blue text
to jump to the linked item.
NOTE
A Note indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION
!
A Caution indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
Introduction to Wireless Networking
An AP extends the capability of an existing Ethernet network to devices on a wireless network. Wireless devices can connect to a single
Access Point, or they can move between multiple Access Points located within the same vicinity. As wireless clients move from one coverage
cell to another, they maintain network connectivity.
To determine the best location for an Access Point, Proxim recommends conducting a Site Survey before placing the device in its final
location. For information about how to conduct a Site Survey, contact your local reseller.
Before an Access Point can be configured for your specific networking requirements, it must first be initialized. See
Figure 1-1 Typical wireless network access infrastructure
Once initialized, the network administrator can configure each unit according to the network's requirements. The AP functions as a wireless
network access point to data networks. An AP network provides:
• Seamless client roaming
• Easy installation and operation
• Over-the-air encryption of data
• High speed network links
AP-4000 User Guide
1
Getting Started for details.
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