8
Wireless Basics
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
Ethernetadaptercards.
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatiblehigh-speed wirelessconnectivitywithinyourhome, businessorpublicaccess
wirelessnetworks.D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data youwant,
whenandwhereyouwantit.Youwillbeabletoenjoythefreedomthatwirelessnetworking
brings.
Awirelesslocal areanetwork(WLAN)is acomputernetworkthat transmits andreceives
datawithradiosignalsinstead of wires. WLANs are used increasinglyinbothhomeand
office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities.
InnovativewaystoutilizeWLANtechnologyarehelping peopleto workandcommunicate
more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed
infrastructurehaveproventobebeneficial for many users.
People use WLAN 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
informationcansignificantlyimproveworkerefficiency.
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 -Installinga WLAN system can be fastand
easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless
technologyallowsthenetwork to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or
office.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventionalEthernetnetwork 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
fromPeer-to-Peernetworks suitable for asmallnumberofusers to larger Infrastructure
networkstoaccommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on thenumber
ofwirelessdevicesdeployed.