User manual LINKSYS WCF11

[. . . ] Instant WirelessTM Series Wireless Network CF Card Use this Guide to install: WCF11 User Guide COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS Copyright © 2001 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective proprietors. LIMITED WARRANTY Linksys guarantees that every Instant WirelessTM Wireless Network CF Card is free from physical defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, when used within the limits set forth in the Specification section of this User Guide. [. . . ] The higher the percentage, the better the link. 15 14 Instant WirelessTM Series Wireless Network CF Card ABOUT The About screen shows the release information for the Driver Version, Configuration Utility Version, and Firmware Version. The Signal Strength field will display a bar indicating the percentage, between 0 and 100 percent, of the strength of the signal. The higher the percentage, the stronger the signal. 16 17 Instant WirelessTM Series Wireless Network CF Card What is Ad-Hoc?An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN card connected as an independent wireless LAN. Ad hoc wireless LAN is applicable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless access to central database, or wireless application for mobile workers. Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continuously while moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a single Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the workstation must make sure that it is the same channel number with the Access Point of dedicated coverage area. To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a number of different functions. Each node and Access Point, for example, must always acknowledge receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact with the wireless network even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously requires a dynamic RF networking technology that links Access Points and nodes. In such a system, the user's end node undertakes a search for the best possible access to the system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the message load currently being carried by each Access Point and the distance of each Access Point to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the right Access Point and registers its address. Communications between end node and host computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone. As the user moves on, the end nodes RF transmitter regularly checks the system to determine whether it is in touch with the original Access Point or whether it should seek a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowledgment from its original Access Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new Access Point, it then reregisters, and the communication process continues. Computers in a BSS must be configured with the same BSS ID. Troubleshooting Common Problems and Solutions This chapter provides solutions to problems usually occurring during the installation and operation of the Network CF Card. If you can't find an answer here, check the Linksys website at www. linksys. com. · Make sure that the Network CF Card is properly inserted into the CompactFlash port. [. . . ] PDA - (Personal Digital Assistant) Any small mobile hand-held device that provides computing and information storage and retrieval capabilities for personal or business use. Plug-and-Play - The ability of a computer system to configure expansion boards and other devices automatically without requiring the user to turn off the system during installation. For example, the serial and parallel ports on a personal computer are external sockets for plugging in communications lines, modems and printers. Roaming - The ability to use a wireless device and be able to move from one access point's range to another without losing the connection. [. . . ]