ZyXEL Communications SBG Series Support Notes page 29

e. 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.
What are the disadvantages of Wireless LANs?
The speed of Wireless LANs is still relatively slower than that of wired LAN.
The most popular wired LAN standard operates at 100 Mbps, which is more
than 4 times of that of Wireless LAN (effectively around 25 Mbps). A faster
wired LAN standard (1000 Mbps), which is 40 times faster, is becoming
popular as well. The setup cost of Wireless LAN is relatively higher because
the equipment costs which includes access points and Wireless LAN cards
is higher than hubs and CAT 5 cables.
Where can you find wireless 802.11 networks?
Airports, hotels, and even coffee shops like Starbucks are deploying
802.11 networks so that customers can wirelessly access the Internet with
their laptops. As these types of networks spread, this will create additional
security risk for remote users if not properly protected.
What is an Access Point (AP)?
The AP (Access Point also known as a Base Station) is a wireless server
with an antenna and a wired Ethernet connection that broadcasts
information using radio signals. An AP typically acts as a bridge for the
clients. It can pass information to wireless LAN cards that have been
installed in computers or laptops allowing those computers to connect to
the campus network and the Internet without wires.
What is IEEE 802.11?
The IEEE 802.11 is a wireless LAN industry standard, and the objective of
IEEE 802.11 is to make sure that different manufacturers' wireless LAN
devices can communicate with each other. 802.11 provide 1 or 2 Mbps
transmission data rates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using either FHSS or
ZyXEL – SBG Support Notes
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