Linksys WPC54A User Manual download pdf (Page 5)

Wireless PC Card

Instant Wireless

Series

Chapter 2: Planning Your

Wireless Network

A wireless LAN is exactly like a regular LAN, except that each computer in the

LAN uses a Wireless PC Card to connect to the network through a wireless

connection. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured to share the

same radio channel.

The Wireless PC Card provides LAN access for wireless workstations. An inte-

grated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A

group of Wireless PC Card users and an Access Point compose a Basic Service

Set (BSS). Each PC equipped with a Wireless PC Card in a BSS can talk to

any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a Wireless PC Card

PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for

two PCs equipped with a Wireless PC Card. Since the Access Point is able to

forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastruc-

ture LAN is doubled.

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More

than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con-

tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs that are

equipped with an Wireless PC Card, and are within one ESS, must be config-

ured with the same ESS ID.

Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, it is recommended to select a

feasible radio channel and optimum Access Point position. Proper Access Point

positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance perform-

ance.

Roaming

Network Topology

• One Wireless PC Card (IEEE 802.11a)

• One Setup Utility CD-ROM with User Guide

• One Quick Installation Guide

• One Registration Card

• Pentium-Class 200MHz or Faster Processor

• 64MB RAM Recommended

• One Available Type II or Type III PCMCIA CardBus Slot

• One CD-ROM Drive

• Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, or XP

• 5 Mb of free disk space for utility and driver installation

Package Contents

System Requirements

Figure 1-1

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Linksys WPC54A User Manual Page 5

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