Introduction - D-Link DWL-2700AP User Manual

Introduction

The DWL-2700AP, a reliable high-performance wireless outdoor solution, is an ideal addition to business networks
seeking to extend wireless signal coverage. With the DWL-2700AP, bandwidth-intensive applications like graphics
or multimedia will benefit significantly because large files are able to move across the network quickly.
The DWL-2700AP is capable of operating in one of 3 different modes to meet your wireless networking needs.
The DWL-2700AP can operate as an access point, or in WDS (Wireless Distribution System) with AP, or in
WDS mode.
Use less wiring, enjoy increased flexibility, save time and money with PoE (Power over Ethernet). With PoE, the
DWL-2700AP shares power and data over the CAT5 cable, making the setup of your network less expensive and
more convenient.
An ideal solution for quickly creating and extending a wireless local area network (WLAN) in offices or other
workplaces, trade shows and special events, the DWL-2700AP provides data transfers at up to 54Mbps* when used
with other D-Link Air Premier products (The 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices).
®
WPA is offered in two flavors: Enterprise (used for corporations), and Personal (used for home users).
WPA-Personal and WPA2-Personal is directed at home users who do not have the server based equipment
required for user authentication. The method of authentication is similar to WEP because you define a
"Pre-Shared Key" on the wireless router/AP. Once the pre-shared key is confirmed and satisfied on both the client
and access point, then access is granted. The encryption method used is referred to as the Temporal Key Integrity
Protocol (TKIP), which offers per-packet dynamic hashing. It also includes an integrity checking feature which
ensures that the packets were not tampered with during wireless transmission. WPA2-Personal is far superior to
WPA-Personal, because the encryption of data is upgraded with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
WPA-Enterprise and WPA2-Enterprise is ideal for businesses that have existing security infrastructures in place.
Management and security implementation can now be centralized on a server participating on the network. Utilizing
802.1x with a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service) server, a network administrator can define
a list of authorized users who can access the wireless LAN. When attempting to access a wireless LAN with
either WPA-Enterprise or WPA2-Enterprise configured, the new client will be challenged with a username and
password. If the new client is authorized by the administration, and enters the correct username and password,
then access is granted. In a scenario where an employee leaves the company, the network administrator can
remove the employee from the authorized list and not have to worry about the network being compromised by a
former employee. WPA2-Enterprise is far superior to WPA-Enterprise, because the encryption of data is upgraded
with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
802.1x: Authentication which is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the authentication process, the
Authentication Server verifies the identity of the client attempting to connect to the network. Unfamiliar clients
would be denied access.
EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is available through the Windows
XP Operating System. You will
®
need to use the same type of EAP protocol on all the devices in your network when using the 802.1x feature.
*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network
conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network
overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors may adversely affect wireless signal range.
D-Link DWL-2700AP User Manual 7