What are the very basic ideas I need to know to make a wireless connection or a wireless network?
Here are some of the basic ideas you need to know. This list is not complete and experts might point out exceptions to some of the simple statements made here. But if you understand all these things, you are ready to get started and order some equipment from Ferimex!
Every wireless connection has two endpoints. At each endpoint you must have an antenna and a device and electrical power and usually a computer.
The device translates the signal received by the antenna into information that can be used by a computer.
The outdoor antenna is usually connected to the device by a cable or a pigtail. In some cases the antenna and the device are integrated together into a single unit.
Cables or pigtails should be as short as possible. Longer cables have more signal loss. Thicker cables are better than thin cables. They have less loss.
The device is usually connected to a computer by ethernet cable, or is installed in the computer in the case of wireless PCI cards or PCMCIA cards.
There is equipment for use outdoors for long distance connections. There is equipment for use indoors, for networks inside buildings. Outdoor equipment can be used indoors. Indoor equipment cannot be used outdoors, because it is not waterproof. Ferimex has indoor and outdoor equipment.
It is very difficult to connect laptops or computers with only a wireless card to an access point or hotspot outdoors. Maximum range will be about 200 meters or less. Customers need an external antenna mounted outdoors to make longer connections.
An antenna does not have a "distance". A device does not have a distance. Only a connection has a distance!
The distance of a connection depends on many factors. Most important are the gain of the antennas and the devices used at both ends of the connection, the length of cables connecting the antennas to the devices, and the interference from other sources.
A Point-to-Point connection is used to connect two points, usually with two directional antennas and a device connected to each antenna. Connections can be up to 15 km long for 2.4 GHz and up to 30 km for 5 GHz.
The speed of an outdoor connection often decreases as the distance of the connection increases, or as the interference from other sources increases.
To make a connection outdoors, you usually need to have clear line-of-sight (LOS) between the two points. Indoors, you can often connect successfully through one or two walls.
The IEEE standard 802.11b refers to equipment using the 2.4 GHz frequency and maximum speed of 11 Mbps (megabits per second). 802.11g refers to 2.4 GHz frequency and maximum speed of 54 Mbps. 802.11a refers to the 5 GHz bandwidth.
Antennas will usually work with any devices, as long as they are both for the same frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Devices from different companies using the same frequency may in some cases not be compatible with each other.
An Access Point or Hotspot (sometimes called Multi-Point) is a location with one or more antennas and devices, to which many different customers or clients can connect with their own antennas and devices (or laptops with wireless cards, which are basically an antenna and device integrated together).
It is usually difficult to use indoor equipment to connect to a distant outdoor access point. The client should have an external (outdoor) antenna.
An indoor local network of computers can be connected to an outdoor network with a single antenna and device. You don't need antennas and devices for every computer inside your building, to connect to the outdoor network.
Outdoor access points can be connected to each other using directional antennas ("backbone") to form a network. It is often a good idea to use 5 GHz connections for the backbone of your network, and 2.4 GHz equipment to connect your customers to the access point.
To set up an access point or hotspot or ISP, you need a source of internet. This could be from ADSL, satellite, or some other source. Then you use the wireless equipment from Ferimex (antennas and devices) to distribute the internet to your customers. Ferimex does not provide the source of internet, and you cannot get internet free from the air just by having an antenna and a device!
An outdoor access point cannot serve customers more than about 3 km from the access point. If you have customers farther away, you need to build an access point closer to them. Or you have to make a dedicated point-to-point connection for each customer. The customers need outdoor antennas, not just wireless cards on their computers.
Amplifiers are usually illegal, and will greatly increase the interference for other people and for your own network! Amplifiers increase the signal AND the noise. To get a better signal, use better antennas and better devices, or make shorter connections.
Designing and installing a network takes a lot of planning and experience. Don't expect it to be easy. But don't expect it to be too hard. You can do it if you educate yourself first. Start by reading everything in this FAQ. Ferimex helps you more than any other company!
You can learn a lot more by attending a personalized two-day training school at Ferimex.
The Basics of Wireless Networks
Free WiFi, Anywhere!
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FON is the world's largest WiFi sharing community. Share your home connection and get free access to FON Spots worldwide! Learn more!
Definition of Wireless Access Point
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In computer networking, Wireless Access Point (Wireless AP) is specially configured node on wireless local area networks (WLANs). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.
Access points used in home or small business networks are generally small, dedicated hardware devices featuring a built-in network adapter, antenna, and radio transmitter. Access points support Wi-Fi wireless communication standards.
Although very small WLANs can function without access points in so-called "ad hoc" or peer-to-peer mode, access points support "infrastructure" mode. This mode bridges WLANs with a wired Ethernet LAN and also scales the network to support more clients. Older and base model access points allowed a maximum of only 10 or 20 clients; many newer access points support up to 255 clients.
A Wireless Access Point (sometimes called an "AP" or "WAP") serves to join or "bridge" wireless clients to a wired Ethernet network. Access points centralize all WiFi clients on a local network in so-called "infrastructure" mode. An access point in turn may connect to another access point, or to a wired Ethernet router.
Wireless access points are commonly used in large office buildings to create one wireless local area network (WLAN) that spans a large area. Each access point typically supports up to 255 client computers. By connecting access points to each other, local networks having thousands of access points can be created. Client computers may move or "roam" between each of these access points as needed.
In home networking, wireless access points can be used to extend an existing home network based on a wired broadband router. The access point connects to the broadband router, allowing wireless clients to join the home network without needing to rewire or re-configure the Ethernet connections.
As illustrated by the Linksys WAP54G shown, wireless access points appear physically similar to wireless routers. Wireless routers actually contain a wireless access point as part of their overall package. Like wireless routers, access points are available with support for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or combinations.
AirLive WL-5460AP v2 - 802.11g Multi-function Wireless Access Point
The AirLive WL-5460AP is the successor to the OvisLink's popular WL-1120AP Wireless Access Point with outstanding features at an very competitive price. Fully compliant with the 802.11g and 802.11b standard, it is compatible with most wireless devices today. It features 2 LAN ports for connection to router and LAN. The extra large 2MB Flash and 16MB SDRAM ensures sophisticated applications can be developed for it.
Wireless Client Isolation
The WL-5460APv2 features the new Wireless Client Isolation function previous available only in more expensive APs. When you enable this function, the wireless clients will not be able to see each other. Therefore, it is an important function for office and Hotspot operator to protect the security between different wireless users.
ACK Timeout and TX Power Regulation
The WL-5460APv2 features ACK timeout function to let you adjust the timeout value for long distance operation. In addition, 5-level TX power adjustment let you match different antennas for law compliance. The ability to set lower TX output power is also crucial if you want to match the AP with external power amplifier.
Extended Security Features
The WL-5460APv2 support WEP, WPA and WPA2 security functions. In addition, WPA enterprise for 802.1x authenticator are featured for AP and WDS mode. The combination of Encryption, Hide SSID and Access Control ensures your wireless network is completely secured from intruder.
Whether it's for office or home environment, the AirLive 802.11g family bring you the maximum performance and security for today's high speed wireless network.
Comparing Wireless Standards: 802.11a vs. 802.11b vs. 802.11g
| Wireless Standard | 802.11a | 802.11b | 802.11g |
| Frequency | 5 GHz Underused 5 GHz band can coexist with 2.4 GHz networks without interference | 2.4 GHz Heavily used 2.4 GHz band. Interference from other 2.4 GHz devices such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc. may occur | 2.4 GHz Heavily used 2.4 GHz band. Interference from other 2.4 GHz devices such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc. may occur |
| Speed | 54 Mbps 5X greater than 802.11b | 11 Mbps Cable modem service typically averages no more than 4 to 5 Mbps | 54 Mbps 5X greater than 802.11b |
| Average Actual Throughput | 27 Mbps | 4-5 Mbps | 20-25 Mbps |
| # Channels / Non-overlapping | 12 / 8 | 11 / 3 | 11 / 3 |
| Range (Range will depend on antenna gain, transmit power, the receive sensitivity of the radio card and any obstacles between path ends.) | Shorter range than 802.11b and 802.11g. Due to higher operating frequency, typically offers less range and is less capable of working through wall and floors. | Better range than 802.11a. 2.4 GHz signal travel farther, and can work through walls and floors more effectively than 5 GHz signals | Better range than 802.11a. 2.4 GHz signal travel farther, and can work through walls and floors more effectively than 5 GHz signals |
| Compatibility | Incompatible with 802.11b or 802.11g | Widely adopted. Will work in 802.11g networks | Backwards compatible with 802.11b networks (at 11 Mbps); Incompatible with 802.11a |
| Popularity | User base still relatively small. Limited selection on 802.11a equipment. | Currently has the largest user base. 802.11b is currently used in most hot spots including airports, hotels, campuses, and public areas. Wide selection of 802.11b equipment. | Latest ratified standard. With speeds up to 5 times faster than 802.11b, Expect this standard to overtake 802.11b as the standard of choice. |
| Cost | Most expensive | Cheapest | Since this standard's ratification, prices have dropped significantly. Pricing is competitive with 802.11b. Cheaper than 802.11a |
| Benefits | Excellent speed, unaffected by 2.4 GHz devices, can co-exist with 802.11b and 802.11g networks without interference | Largest user base, cheapest, used in most public hot spots, largest user base, wide selection of equipment | The speed of 802.11a with the range of 802.11b, compatible with 802.11b networks and hotspots, affordable |
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G
With the D-Link 108G enhancement, the DWL-2100AP can achieve wireless speeds up to 15x in a pure D-Link 108G environment through the use of new wireless technologies such as Packet Bursting, Fast Frame, Compression & Encryption, and Turbo mode. These technologies enable a throughput high enough to handle video/audio streaming and future bandwidth-intense applications. The DWL-2100AP Wireless Access Point also supports SNMP v.3 for better network management with the provided Wireless AP Manager software that manages network configuration and firmware upgrades. For Enterprise networks, the DWL-2100AP supports network administration and real-time network traffic monitoring via D-Link's D-View Network Management software.
The D-Link DWL-2100AP Access Point has been verified and successfully passed through the Intel Wireless Verification Program, which tests the compatibility of various access point devices and wireless service providers with common configuration of notebooks built on Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology**.
The DWL-2100AP features WDS (Wireless Distribution System) that can be configured to perform in any one of five modes: a Wireless Access Point, a Point-to-Point (PtP) bridge with another DWL-2100AP, a Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) bridge, a Repeater for range extension, or as a Wireless Client. The WDS feature makes the DWL-2100AP an ideal solution for quickly creating and extending a wireless local area network (WLAN) in offices or other workplaces, or even at hotspots.
The DWL-2100AP Wireless Access Point comes with a detachable antenna utilizing a reverse SMA connector. By simply attaching a D-Link wireless antenna, you can increase the wireless range of the DWL-2100AP.
Wireless security is addressed as the DWL-2100AP Wireless Access Point uses WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and 802.1X authentication to provide a higher level of security for data communication amongst wireless clients. The DWL-2100AP is also fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g standards. With great manageability, versatile operation modes, solid security enhancement, the cost-effective D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-2100AP Wireless Access Point provides the ultra-fast 108Mbps* speed and everything else a network professional dreams of.
Netgear ME102 Wireless Access Point
ent. The ME102 offers solid performance and a reputation for being extremely easy to set up. This mature product offers full (128-bit) WEP encryption and DHCP client support. Before being discontinued, Netgear priced the ME102 attractively, making it a great value in this class of product.
D-Link Air DWL-900AP Wireless Access Point
Securing LinkSys WRT54GC Wireless Access Point
Securing your wireless access point is imperative. There have been several cases where people drive up and down residential neighborhoods “stealing” WiFi access – what are they using it for? They could be downloading child pornography, using the open access point for terrorist activities, or perhaps they’re downloading copyrighted material like movies and songs. Regardless of what they are using it for, you want to ensure that your access point is secure.
Securing your access point is very simple, at a very high level you need to ensure that your computer contains the latest patches and updates to ensure it has access to the latest security services. You also want to make sure that your wireless access point has the latest updates as well.
You can visit the wireless access point manufacturer’s site to see if there are any updates available. They will also provide step-by-step directions for updating the firmware in the device.
Do not underestimate the web either – do a search on the hardware you are using and you will find a lot of information on securing that particular hardware.
So how do you secure your wireless access point and what technologies do you use?
The WRT54GC features all the latest wireless security settings such as WEP, WPA Personal, WPA2 Personal and WPA2 Mixed Mode. You can also choose between AES and TKIP encryption.
WEP – or Wired Equivalent Privacy is a method to secure wireless networks. WEP is not very secure, and has been cracked easily with readily available software within minutes.
WPA – or Wi-Fi Protected Access (and all flavors) is much more secure than WEP. WPA is highly recommended to be used, along with a pass phrase that is longer than a typical 6 to 8 character password. For installations that I have performed, typically we have chosen pass phrases that are between 8 and 63 characters long and that are dynamically (randomly) generated (most pass phrases that I select are 63 characters in length).
WPA2 – is more secure than WPA and fully implements the mandatory elements of IEEEE 802.11i standards.
AES – also known as the Advanced Encryption Standard is one of the options available to you to secure your wireless connection.
TKIP – known as Temporal Key Integration Protocol, is another security method to protect wireless access points. TKIP may be more secure than AES, but it may slow down the connection between your computer and the access point.
So how do you secure your LinkSys WRT54GC wireless device?
Assuming that you have already have access to the device and have set it up, adding security is simple.
Consider changing your starting IP address – the default 192.168.x.x is pretty common and is used as a default installation. You need to alter the LOCAL IP ADDRESS. This is found under Setup > Basic Setup. You can also set the Maximum Number of DHCP Users.
Next under the Wireless option name your SSID – make it original! Too many people use the default “LINKSYS” or “DEFAULT”. Use something that will not identify you or your location – I’ve seen some of my neighbors use their hobbies, not wise. You should also consider DISABLING the Wireless SSID Broadcast.
Under the same option, click on Wireless MAC Filter. Find out the MAC address for the devices that will connect to your access point, and enter them here. This provides an additional layer of security, even though MAC addresses can be spoofed. Remember to ENABLE the option and PERMIT PCs LISTED BELOW TO ACCESS THE WIRELESS NETWORK.
On the LinkSys WRT54GC there is also a button that reads “WIRELESS CLIENT LIST” clicking this will show you who is currently connected to your access point.
Finally clicking on WIRELESS SECURITY option, select the SECURITY MODE (recommended WPA PERSONAL or WPA2). Choose the ENCRYPTION (AES or TKIP) and enter the PASSPHRASE – you have up to 63 characters in length, use them all up! Finally set the KEY RENEWAL. I use 3600 seconds.
And there you have it – your wireless access point is now secure! The next step is to have your computer access the wireless device, for this you need to take some additional steps. The next part of this article entitled “Connecting Your Secured LinkSys WRT54GC to your Windows XP Laptop or Desktop” walks you through connecting your Windows XP laptop or desktop to the LinkSys WRT54GC that you have just secured.
