Wireless PC Card
Instant Wireless
TM
Series
3
Chapter 2: Planning Your
Wireless Network
A wireless LAN is exactly like a regular LAN, except that each computer in the
LAN uses a Wireless PC Card to connect to the network through a wireless
connection. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured to share the
same radio channel.
The Wireless PC Card provides LAN access for wireless workstations. An inte-
grated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A
group of Wireless PC Card users and an Access Point compose a Basic Service
Set (BSS). Each PC equipped with a Wireless PC Card in a BSS can talk to
any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.
An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a Wireless PC Card
PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for
two PCs equipped with a Wireless PC Card. Since the Access Point is able to
forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastruc-
ture LAN is doubled.
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More
than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This con-
tinuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs that are
equipped with an Wireless PC Card, and are within one ESS, must be config-
ured with the same ESS ID.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, it is recommended to select a
feasible radio channel and optimum Access Point position. Proper Access Point
positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance perform-
ance.
Roaming
Network Topology
2
• One Wireless PC Card (IEEE 802.11a)
• One Setup Utility CD-ROM with User Guide
• One Quick Installation Guide
• One Registration Card
• Pentium-Class 200MHz or Faster Processor
• 64MB RAM Recommended
• One Available Type II or Type III PCMCIA CardBus Slot
• One CD-ROM Drive
• Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, or XP
• 5 Mb of free disk space for utility and driver installation
Package Contents
System Requirements
Figure 1-1
