D-Link DWL-AG520 Product Manual - Page 8

Wireless Basics (continued) Standards-Based Technology The DWL-AG520 Wireless Cardbus Adapter utilizes the 802.11a, 802.11b and1 draft 802.11g1standard. The IEEE draft 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band. The 802.11a standard also increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps, but within the 5GHz band. Both 802.11a and 802.11g utilize OFDM technology. This means that in most environments, within the specified range of this device, you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. This technology works by transmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk (interference) in signal transmissions. The D-Link DWL-AG520 will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible. The DWL-AG520 offers the most advanced network security features available today, including: WPA2 and 802.1x. In addition to its compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11a devices, the DWLAG520 is compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if you have an existing 802.11b network, or a network with a mixture of 802.11g, 802.11a and 802.11b, the devices in that network will be compatible with the DWL-AG520. 1 802.11g standard is scheduled for ratification in Q3 2003 2 WPA will be available Q3 2003 as a driver or firmware download 8