ZyXEL B-200 User Guide - Page 7

USB Wireless Network Adapter User's Manual bandwidth utilization. Additionally, the access point enables users on a wireless LAN to access an existing wired network, allowing wireless users to take advantage of the wired networks resources, such as Internet, email, file transfer, and printer sharing. Infrastructure networking has the following advantages over ad-hoc networking: • Extended range: each wireless LAN computer within the range of the access point can communicate with other wireless LAN computers within range of the access point. • Roaming: the access point enables a wireless LAN computer to move through a building and still be connected to the LAN. • Wired to wireless LAN connectivity: the access point bridges the gap between wireless LANs and their wired counterparts. Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration When configuring a wireless LAN (WLAN), be sure to note the following points: • Optimize the performance of the WLAN by ensuring that the distance between access points is not too far. In most buildings, WLAN cards operate within a range of 100 ~ 300 feet, depending on the thickness and structure of the walls. • Radio waves can pass through walls and glass but not metal. If there is interference in transmitting through a wall, it may be that the wall has reinforcing metal in its structure. Install another access point to circumvent this problem. • Floors usually have metal girders and metal reinforcing struts that interfere with WLAN transmission. This concludes the first chapter. The next chapter deals with the hardware installation of the Adapter. 7