5

Wireless LAN Networking

This section provides background information on wireless LAN networking technology. Consult

the

Glossary

for definitions of the terminology used in this section.

T

HE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

C

HANGING

NETWORK SETTINGS AND PARTICULARLY SECURITY SETTTINGS SHOULD ONLY

BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATOR.

Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate)

The SMCWGBR14-N provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. In most

networking scenarios, the factory default Best (automatic) setting proves the most efficient. This

setting allows your SMCWGBR14-N to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When

the communication quality drops below a certain level, the SMCWGBR14-N automatically

switches to a lower transmission (data) rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more

reliable. However, when the communication quality improves again, the SMCWGBR14-N gradually

increases the transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission

rate.

Types of Wireless Networks

Wireless LAN networking works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure. In infra-

structure mode, wireless devices communicate to a wired LAN via access points. Each access

point and its wireless devices are known as a Basic Service Set (BSS). An Extended Service Set

(ESS) is two or more BSSs in the same subnet. In ad hoc mode (also known as peer-to-peer

mode), wireless devices communicate with each other directly and do not use an access point.

This is an Independent BSS (IBSS).

To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using access points, set the operation mode

to Infrastructure (BSS). To set up an independent wireless workgroup without an access point, use

Ad-hoc (IBSS) mode.

A

D

-H

OC

(IBSS) N

ETWORK

Ad-hoc mode does not require an access point or a wired network. Two or more wireless stations

communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an

Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).

To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all the stations in ad-hoc mode. Use the same SSID and

6

channel for each station.

7

When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single access point, you have a Basic

Service Set (BSS).

In the ESS diagram below, communication is done through the access points, which relay data

packets to other wireless stations or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless stations

can then access resources, such as a printer, on the wired network.

8

In an ESS environment, users are able to move from one access point to another without losing the

connection. In the diagram below, when the user moves from BSS (1) to BSS (2) the WLAN client

devices automatically switches to the channel used in BSS (2).

Roaming in an ESS network diagram

9

Introduction

The Barricade™ N Draft 11n Gigabit Broadband Router (SMCWGBR14-N) is the perfect all-in-one

networking solution for connecting and sharing your high speed cable/xDSL internet connection.

Designed for the home and office, this platform independent multi-functional router combines a 4-port

10/100/1000 LAN switch, high speed Wireless-N (draft 802.11n) access point, NAT firewall with

Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), Intelligent stream handling technology, a Multi-function print server

and a User friendly web-based management interface in one convenient device.

The built-in wireless access point is 802.11n draft v2.0 compliant while maintaining full backwards

compatibility with the Wireless-G (802.11g) and Wireless-B (802.11b) standards. This next generation

wireless networking standard utilizes advanced MIMO (Multiple-In, Multiple-Out) technology to deliver

incredible speed and range. With wireless speeds up to 300Mbps and extended coverage, there is

enough bandwidth to simultaneously stream video and audio, play online games, transfer large files,

make VoIP calls and surf the Internet. With security being a key consideration, SMCWGBR14-N

supports the latest WPA and WPA2 wireless encryption standards, which prevent unauthorized

access to wireless networks and ensure data is secure. Wireless security can also be set up easily

using Wi-Fi Protected Setup

TM

(WPS) that enables push button or PIN configuration. The 4-port

10/100/1000 LAN switch is ideal for connecting Gigabit Ethernet devices, such as Network Attached

Storage (NAS), and transferring large files or streaming media content at up to gigabit speeds.

The integrated NAT firewall with SPI provides protection from hackers and Denial of Service attacks

by analyzing individual data packets, to ensure that only authorized packets are allowed access to the

network. Using the Access Control feature parents or network administrators can block certain

websites, limit web access based on time or dates, and/or block internet access for applications like

P2P utilities or games. Intelligent stream handling technology automatically manages and prioritizes

the flow of time-sensitive data in your local network and going to the Internet, without the need for end

user configuration. As a result time-sensitive applications like online gaming and video, run smoothly

without lag and breakup problems. We’ve also included a USB2.0 multi-function print server which

supports both printing and scanning*. The print server has been designed with ease-of-use at the

forefront and can be setup in minutes using the printer installation wizard. Scanning and saving of

documents is performed using a web-based interface so there is no need to install scanning software

on each computer. Finally, configuration of your internet connection and advanced router functions is

made simple and straightforward with the EZ™ Installation Wizard and intuitive web-based

management interface.

Features

¾

Wi-Fi Compliant with IEEE 802.11n (draft) and IEEEE 802.11b/g Standards

¾

2.412 to 2.462GHz frequency band operation

¾

Compliant with IEEE 802.3 & 3u standards

¾

Support OFDM and CCK modulation

¾

High-Speed up to 300Mbps Data Rate using IEEE 802.11n (draft) connection

¾

Supports Cable/DSL Modems with Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP or BigPond

Connection Types

¾

Firewall features Network Address Translation (NAT), and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)