Radio Interface Configuration; Configuring Radio Settings (802.11A) - Foundry Networks IronPoint 200 User Manual

The IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g interfaces include configuration options for radio signal
characteristics and wireless security features. The configuration options for radio parameters are
nearly identical and are both covered in this section.
The access point can operate in three modes, IEEE 802.11a only, 802.11b/g only, or a mixed
802.11a/b/g mode. Also note that 802.11g is backward compatible with 802.11b.
A physical radio interface on an access point can be configured with up to four virtual access points
(VAP). Each VAP functions as a separate access point. Wireless clients can associate with these
access points in the same way they associate with a physical access point.
A VAP functions like a VLAN. Each VAP can be matched with a VLAN ID. You can separate traffic to
the access point using VAP (for example, voice traffic on one VAP while data traffic goes on another
VAP). You can also apply different wireless security methods on each VAP without having to
purchase additional access points.
You can configure up to four VAP per radio, numbered 0 to 3. Each VAP interface can be configured
to have its own Service Set Identification (SSID) and security settings. Each VAP can have up to 64
wireless clients.
Note: The radio channel settings for the access point are limited by local regulations, which
determine the number of channels that are available. This user guide shows channels and settings
that apply to United States and Canada with 13 channels available for the 802.11a interface and 11
channels for the 802.11g interface. Other regions my have different channels and settings available.
Beginning with Release 02.0.00, you can configure access points to automatically select a channel
and transmission power for its radios. This new feature will aid in deploying multiple access points
without the need to configure chanel and transmit power for each access point. The access point will
then select the least used channel and the appropriate transmit power and help prevent channel
overlap and interference. The feature also allows you to configure how often an access point scans
the airwaves to see if channel selection and transmit power need to be adjusted.

Configuring Radio Settings (802.11a)

The IEEE 802.11a radio operates within the 5 GHz band, at up to 54 Mbps in normal mode or up to
108 Mbps in Turbo mode.
December 2006

Radio Interface Configuration

© 2006 Foundry Networks, Inc.
Chapter 20
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