35

Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

The Status - System Performance Tab

Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Bytes Received

. This shows the number of bytes received for each wireless network.

Bytes Sent

. This shows the number of bytes sent for each wireless network.

Error Packets Received

. This shows the number of error packets received for each wireless network.

Dropped Packets Received

. This shows the number of dropped packets received for each wireless network.

To update the status information, click the

Refresh

button. Click

Help

for more information.

36

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This appendix provides solutions to problems that may occur during the installation and operation of the

Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet. Read the description below to solve your problems. If you

can't find an answer here, check the Linksys website at

www.linksys.com

.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Access Point act as my DHCP Server?

No.

The Access Point is nothing more than a wireless hub, and as such cannot be configured to handle DHCP

capabilities.

Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?

This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over a network. Consult the

application’s user guide to determine if it supports operation over a network.

Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network?

Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area network). Refer to the game’s user

guide for more information.

What is the IEEE 802.11b standard?

It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11b standard allows wireless networking hardware

from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11b standard.

The 802.11b standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

What is the IEEE 802.11g standard?

It is one of the IEEE standards for wireless networks. The 802.11g standard allows wireless networking hardware

from different manufacturers to communicate, provided that the hardware complies with the 802.11g standard.

The 802.11g standard states a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

What IEEE 802.11b features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11 functions:

•

CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol

•

Multi-Channel Roaming

•

Automatic Rate Selection

•

RTS/CTS feature

•

Fragmentation

•

Power Management

37

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

What IEEE 802.11g features are supported?

The product supports the following IEEE 802.11g functions:

•

CSMA/CA plus Acknowledge protocol

•

OFDM protocol

•

Multi-Channel Roaming

•

Automatic Rate Selection

•

RTS/CTS feature

•

Fragmentation

•

Power Management

What is Ad-hoc?

An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter, connected as an independent

wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applicable at a departmental scale for a branch or SOHO operation.

What is Infrastructure?

An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. Infrastructure is applicable to

enterprise scale for wireless access to a central database, or wireless application for mobile workers.

What is roaming?

Roaming is the ability of a portable computer to communicate continuously while its user is moving freely

throughout an area greater than that covered by a single Access Point. Before using the roaming function, the

user must make sure that the computer is set to the same channel number as the Access Point of the 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 node’s 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 re-registers, and the communication process continues.

38

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

What is the ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for unlicensed use in the ISM

(Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available

worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high speed wireless capabilities in

the hands of users around the globe.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the military for use in

reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for

reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband

transmission, but the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that

the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to

the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives,

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that

is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical

channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct Sequence Spread

Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip

(or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if

one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can

recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low

power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software side, the WLAN series offers a

variety of wireless security methods to enhance security and access control. Users can set it up depending upon

their needs.

Can Linksys wireless products support file and printer sharing?

Linksys wireless products perform the same function as LAN products. Therefore, Linksys wireless products can

work with NetWare, Windows NT/2000, or other LAN operating systems to support printer or file sharing.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 40-bit shared-key algorithm, as described

in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

39

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless-G Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

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 on to the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for

the network.

How do I avoid interference?

Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to one another will generate

interference.

When employing multiple Access Points, make sure to operate each one on a different channel

(frequency).

How do I reset the Access Point?

Press the Reset button on the back of the Access Point for about ten seconds. This will reset the unit 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

an Access Point and wireless PC will create signal loss.

Leaded glass, metal, concrete floors, water, and walls

will inhibit the signal and reduce range.

Start with your Access Point 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,

open the Access Point’s Web-based Utility. Click the

Wireless

tab and then the

Advanced Wireless

tab. Make

sure the Output Power is set to 100%.

Does the Access Point function as a firewall?

No. The Access Point is only a bridge from wired Ethernet to wireless clients.

I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.

Wireless security, such as WEP or WPA, is probably enabled on the Access Point, but not on your wireless adapter

(or vice versa).

Verify that the same wireless security settings are being used on all devices in your wireless

network.

What is the maximum number of users the Access Point can handle?

No more than 65, but this depends on the volume of data and may be fewer if many users create a large amount

of network traffic.