Intellinet 522755, User Manual

7 

Wireless Basics

The 802.11g Wireless Access Point is based on industry standards to provide easy-to 
use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or 
public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the 802.11g 
Wireless Access Point will allow you to securely access the data you want, when and 
where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking 
delivers. 
 
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and 
receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used increasingly in 
both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and 
universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and 
communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other 
fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users. 

Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless 
adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as 
Ethernet adapter cards. 
 
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to a 
conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet connection 
supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access Point (AP) is a device used to 
provide this link. 
 
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes: 
 

Mobility - 

Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location within 

the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time information 
can significantly improve worker efficiency. 
 

Low Implementation Costs – 

WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and 

relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease of 
implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be 
impractical. 
 

Installation and Network Expansion 

- Installing a WLAN system can be fast and easy 

and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless technology 
allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or office. 
 

Inexpensive Solution 

– Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as 

conventional Ethernet network devices. 
 

Scalability 

– WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways 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 larger infrastructure 
networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number of 
wireless devices deployed.