27

Appendix D: Windows Help

Wireless-G Range Expander

Appendix D: Windows Help

All wireless products require Microsoft Windows. Windows is the most used operating system in the world and

comes with many features that help make networking easier. These features can be accessed through Windows

Help and are described in this appendix.

TCP/IP

Before a computer can communicate within a network, TCP/IP must be enabled. TCP/IP is a set of instructions, or

protocol, all PCs follow to communicate over a network. This is true for wireless networks as well. Your PCs will

not be able to utilize wireless networking without having TCP/IP enabled. Windows Help provides complete

instructions on enabling TCP/IP.

Shared Resources

If you wish to share printers, folder, or files over your network, Windows Help provides complete instructions on

utilizing shared resources.

Network Neighborhood/My Network Places

Other PCs on your network will appear under Network Neighborhood or My Network Places (depending upon the

version of Windows you're running). Windows Help provides complete instructions on adding PCs to your

network.

28

Appendix E: Glossary

Wireless-G Range Expander

Appendix E: Glossary

802.11b

- An IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 11Mbps and an

operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

802.11g

- An IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an

operating frequency of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

Access Point

- A device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a

wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

Adapter

- A device that adds network functionality to your PC.

Ad-hoc

- A group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of

an access point.

AES

(

A

dvanced

E

ncryption

S

tandard) - A method that uses up to 256-bit key encryption to secure data.

Backbone

- The part of a network that connects most of the systems and networks together, and handles the

most data.

Bandwidth

- The transmission capacity of a given device or network.

Bit

- A binary digit.

Bridge

- A device that connects different networks.

Browser

- An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the

World Wide Web.

CSMA/CA

(

C

arrier

S

ense

M

ultiple

A

ccess/

C

ollision

A

voidance) - A method of data transfer that is used to prevent

data collisions.

CTS

(

C

lear

T

o

S

end) - A signal sent by a wireless device, signifying that it is ready to receive data.

Database

- A collection of data that is organized so that its contents can easily be accessed, managed, and

updated.

Download

- To receive a file transmitted over a network.

29

Appendix E: Glossary

Wireless-G Range Expander

DSSS

(

D

irect-

S

equence

S

pread-

S

pectrum) - Frequency transmission with a redundant bit pattern resulting in a

lower probability of information being lost in transit.

Encryption

- Encoding data transmitted in a network.

Firmware

- The programming code that runs a networking device.

Fragmentation

-Breaking a packet into smaller units when transmitting over a network medium that cannot

support the original size of the packet.

Gateway

- A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible communications protocols.

Hardware

- The physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other information technology devices.

IEEE

(The

I

nstitute of

E

lectrical and

E

lectronics

E

ngineers) - An independent institute that develops networking

standards.

Infrastructure

- A wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

IP

(

I

nternet

P

rotocol) - A protocol used to send data over a network.

IP Address

- The address used to identify a computer or device on a network.

ISM band

- Radio bandwidth utilized in wireless transmissions.

MAC

(

M

edia

A

ccess

C

ontrol)

Address

- The unique address that a manufacturer assigns to each networking

device.

Network

- A series of computers or devices connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage, and/or

transmission between users.

Node

- A network junction or connection point, typically a computer or work station.

Packet

- A unit of data sent over a network.

Passphrase

- Used much like a password, a passphrase simplifies the WEP encryption process by automatically

generating the WEP encryption keys for Linksys products.

Port

- The connection point on a computer or networking device used for plugging in cables or adapters.

RADIUS

(

R

emote

A

uthentication

D

ial-

I

n

U

ser

S

ervice) - A protocol that uses an authentication server to control

network access.

30

Appendix E: Glossary

Wireless-G Range Expander

Roaming

- The ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the

connection.

Router

- A networking device that connects multiple networks together.

RTS

(

R

equest

T

o

S

end) - A networking method of coordinating large packets through the RTS Threshold setting.

Server

- Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to files, printing, communications,

and other services.

Software

- Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a

"program".

SOHO

(

S

mall

O

ffice/

H

ome

O

ffice) - Market segment of professionals who work at home or in small offices.

Spread Spectrum

- Wideband radio frequency technique used for more reliable and secure data transmission.

SSID

(

S

ervice

S

et

ID

entifier) - Your wireless network's name.

Static IP Address

- A fixed address assigned to a computer or device that is connected to a network.

Subnet Mask

- An address code that determines the size of the network.

TCP

(

T

ransmission

C

ontrol

P

rotocol) - A network protocol for transmitting data that requires acknowledgement

from the recipient of data sent.

TCP/IP

(

T

ransmission

C

ontrol

P

rotocol/

I

nternet

P

rotocol) - A set of instructions PCs use to communicate over a

network.

TKIP

(

T

emporal

K

ey

I

ntegrity

P

rotocol) - a wireless encryption protocol that provides dynamic encryption keys for

each packet transmitted.

Topology

- The physical layout of a network.

Upgrade

- To replace existing software or firmware with a newer version.

WEP

(

W

ired

E

quivalent

P

rivacy) - A method of encrypting network data transmitted on a wireless network for

greater security.

WPA

(

W

i-Fi

P

rotected

A

ccess) - a wireless security protocol using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol)

encryption, which can be used in conjunction with a RADIUS server.

31

Appendix F: Specifications

Wireless-G Range Expander

Appendix F: Specifications

Standards

IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b

Buttons

Auto configuration/Mode, Reset

LEDs

Blue/Red-LINK, Blue-ACTIVITY

Transmit Power

802.11g: Typ. 13

±

1 1dBm @ Normal Temp Range

802.11b: Typ: 15

±1

1dBm @ Normal Temp Range

Security features

WEP

WEP key bits

64/128

Dimensions (W x H x D)

3.18" x 8.27" x 1.77" (80.7 mm x 210 mm x 45 mm)

Power

Input: 115-230V AC 0.2A, Output: 3.3V DC 1.5A

Certification

FCC, CE, UL

Operating Temp.

0ºC to 40ºC (32ºF to 150ºF)

Storage Temp.

0ºC to 70ºC (-40ºF to 185ºF)

Operating Humidity

10% to 85%, Non-Condensing

Storage Humidity

5% to 90% Non-Condensing