Linksys WRT51AB User Guide - Page 46

Instant Wireless® Series What is WEP? WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard. What is a MAC Address? The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all practical purposes, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a computer logs onto the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for the network. How do I avoid interference? If you are using the Router and one or more Access Points in close proximity to one another, and they are set on the same channel, interference will be generated. To avoid interference, be sure to set the Router and all Access Points to different channels (frequencies); in other words, assign a unique channel to the Router and each Access Point. How do I reset the Router? Press the Reset button on the back panel for about ten seconds. This will reset the Router to its default settings. How do I resolve issues with signal loss? There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without testing. Every obstacle placed between the Router and a wireless PC will create signal loss. Lead glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhibit the signal and reduce range. Start with the Router and your wireless PC in the same room and move it away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment. You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel. Also, due to FCC regulations, more power may be transmitted, using 802.11a, on channels 52, 56, 60 and 64, than on the lower channels. Lastly, click the Advanced tab of the web-based utility and make sure that FULL is selected in the Transmission Power field. Does the Turbo Mode work with Windows XP PCs? No. The Turbo Mode does not work with Windows XP PCs. 84 Dual-Band Wireless A+B Broadband Router I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network. WEP is probably enabled on the Router, but not on your wireless adapter (or vice versa). Verify that the same WEP keys and levels (64, 128, or 152) are being used on all nodes of your wireless network. How many channels/frequencies are available with the Router? Using 802.11a, there are eight available channels, ranging from 36 to 64. Using 802.11b, there are eleven available channels, ranging from 1 to 11. What is Turbo Mode? Turbo Mode allows high-speed connections, but severely limits range. To work, Turbo Mode must be enabled on both the Router and the wireless PCs. Turbo Mode is not compatible with Windows XP and may only function with Linksys 5GHz wireless adapters. What is the difference in range between 802.11a and 802.11b products? Overall, range will be a little less in a typical environment, and while higher speeds may be achieved with 802.11a, throughput degrades more quickly. (See Figure A-1.) Figure A-1 If your questions are not addressed here, refer to the Linksys website, www.linksys.com. 85