D-Link DWL-520 Product Manual - Page 6

3. Wireless Basics D-Link AirPlus wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or wherever a wireless network is available. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the D-Link AirPlus wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. 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 with 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. For most users, there is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop computer and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless adapter other than the added benefit of the ability to roam within a wireless-cell. 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 (Wireless Local Area Networks) are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical. Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to install cable through walls and ceilings. 6