14
ZoomAir Wireless LAN Owner’s Manual
written, wireless bridging between Access Points was not sup-
ported for all-wireless networks.
Infrastructure Network with Access Point
to a Wired LAN
If you are installing an infrastructure wireless network to connect
to a wired LAN, you will need one Access Point for each 100 to
300 linear feet (about 30 to 90 meters) in typical indoor environ-
ments; this translates to one Access Point for approximately each
8,000 to 70,000 square feet (about 730 to 6,500 square meters).
Outdoors, or in large structures with no barriers, the range may be
as high as 1,000 feet (about 300 meters).
You are not limited to one floor; a ZoomAir wireless network
should work between floors, with effective distances depending on
the composition of the floors and ceilings.
Because of the great flexibility of wireless networks, you can add
new members (and new Access Points to a wired network) at any
time.
Strategy
There are at least two procedures you can follow for installing an
infrastructure network. Either will work well, but it is best to start
with a plan.
All Clients First
Install all of your ZoomAir Wireless Cards as ad-hoc clients, ac-
cepting the defaults in the setup software. This will give you a
functioning ad-hoc wireless network, which you can test and trou-
bleshoot before joining it to the wired network. When you are sat-
isfied with this ad-hoc network, you can “promote” the client you
have designated to be an Access Point simply by uninstalling its
drivers and installing the Access Point drivers. At that point you
can also use the configuration software to add extra security fea-
tures if you want to. Then you can change each of the remaining
clients from ad-hoc to infrastructure mode and add matching secu-
rity features.
