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NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor Page 5
Wireless LAN Basics
In order to set up and use your NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor, you should
have some basic understanding of both wired and wireless network technology and the various
functions of the device.
WLAN devices use electromagnetic waves within a broad, unlicensed range of the radio
spectrum to transmit and receive Frequency Modulation (FM) radio signals. WLAN devices
generate a carrier wave and modulate this signal using various techniques. In this way, digital data
can then be superimposed onto the carrier signal. The radio signal carries data to wireless-
capable devices within its range. The antennas of wireless-equipped devices transmit and receive
the signal. The transmission method used by WLAN devices is called Direct Sequence Spread
Spectrum (DSSS) and they operate in a range of the radio spectrum between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.
Wireless LANs support the same network applications that are used on wired Ethernet LANs.
The NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor may be used on laptop and desktop
computer systems and support the same protocols as Ethernet adaptors. For most users, there
is no noticeable functional difference between a desktop workstation hard-wired to an Ethernet
network and a WLAN workstation other than the added benefit of being able to roam within the
WLAN.
Your NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor operates in two different modes,
depending on your network configuration and whether or not you also use Wireless LAN
Access Points (AP). Access points provide a link between the WLAN and a wired Ethernet
network and its resources.
Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode
Connecting to other network devices, without access points, to form a peer-to-peer network is
called Ad-Hoc (IBSS) mode. Use Ad-Hoc to create simple wireless networks where the number
of wireless computers (also referred to as network nodes) are small. In this configuration, the
first wireless LAN card to start transmitting a beacon will determine the channel and data rate
used for the other Adaptors in the IBSS network. Ad-Hoc networks are very easy to set up and
require minimal involvement by network administrators or IT personnel.
Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) Mode
In Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) mode, the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB
Adaptor connects to an access point (AP). In ESS mode, the WLAN workstation can roam
freely between other access point cells in the network or transmit and receive across subnets.
ESS is the default mode for the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor.
A Windows based utility is supplied to select the operational mode and to generally monitor and
configure, the NetComm NP7042 - Wireless LAN USB Adaptor.