ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide
Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 26
CHAPTER 2
Wireless LAN Network
This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN network.
2.1 Wireless LAN Overview
This section describes the wireless LAN network terms and applications.
2.1.1 SSID
The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a
wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.
2.1.2 Channel
A radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel.
2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)
The ZyXEL G-220F provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select.
Options include Fully Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 12
Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps and 54 Mbps. In most networking scenarios,
the factory default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your
ZyXEL G-220F to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication
quality drops below a certain level, the ZyXEL G-220F 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 ZyXEL G-220F gradually increases the
transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate. You can
select any of the above options. If you wish to balance speed versus reliability, select 54 Mbps
in a networking environment where you are certain that all wireless devices can communicate
at the highest transmission (data) rate. 1 Mbps or 2 Mbps are used often in networking
environments where the range of the wireless connection is more important than speed.
Note: With USB1.0/1.1, the ZyXEL G-220F can only transmit at up to 11Mbps.
2.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview
Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communications.