Wireless Faq; General Faq; What Is A Wireless Lan; What Are The Advantages Of Wireless Lan - ZyXEL Communications P-662HW-D Series Support Notes

P-662HW-D Series Support Notes

Wireless FAQ

General FAQ

1. What is a Wireless LAN?

Wireless LANs provide all the functionality of wired LANs, without the need for
physical connections (wires). Data is modulated onto a radio frequency carrier
and transmitted through the ether. Typical bit-rates are 11Mbps and 54Mbps,
although in practice data throughput is half of this. Wireless LANs can be
formed simply by equipping PC's with wireless NICs. If connectivity to a wired
LAN is required an Access Point (AP) is used as a bridging device. AP's are
typically located close to the centre of the wireless client population.

2. What are the advantages of Wireless LAN?

Mobility: Wireless LAN systems can provide LAN users with access to
real-time information anywhere in their organization. This mobility supports
productivity and service opportunities not possible with wired networks.
Installation Speed and Simplicity: Installing a wireless LAN system can be
fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and
ceilings.
Installation Flexibility: Wireless technology allows the network to go where
wire cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership: While the initial investment required for
wireless LAN hardware can be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware,
overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs can be significantly lower.
Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring
frequent moves and changes.
Scalability: Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies
to meet the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are
easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small
number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that
enable roaming over a broad area.

3. What is the disadvantage of Wireless LAN?

The speed of Wireless LAN is still relatively slower than wired LAN. The setup
cost of Wireless LAN is relative high because the equipment cost including
access point and PCMCIA Wireless LAN card is higher than hubs and CAT 5
cables.
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