The access point is a device that links a wireless network to a wired LAN. It increases the effective range of a wireless network and provides additional network management and security features. Wireless networks of three or fewer PCs do not require an access point for ad hoc networking. Access points are useful for larger networks, and they are particularly well-suited for adding wireless capability to an existing wired network.
The U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Access Point connects via an RJ-45 cable to a LAN and can support up to 20 wireless users at an effective range of up to 1500 feet in open spaces. It also enables additional security features such as MAC address authentication.
PC Card
A wireless PC card enables laptop users to connect wirelessly to the LAN. U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless PC Cards allow for adhoc networking of up to three computers at an effective range of up to 1000 feet in
open spaces.
PCI Adapter
Just as a wireless access PC card allows portable and laptop computers access to the LAN, a wireless access PCI adapter allows desktop PC users access to the LAN. U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapters allow for ad hoc networking of up to three computers at an effective range of up to 1000 feet in open spaces.
Router
A router is a device used for sharing a single Internet connection across multiple computers. This is ideal in the home or office where multiple computers and devices can be online at the same time with only a single Internet
connection.
The U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router includes built-in wireless access point capabilities. Wireless networking users should keep the following in mind:
- One wireless PC card (U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless PC Card, model 2210) is needed for each laptop and one wireless PCI adapter (U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter, model 2215 or 2216) is needed for each desktop computer to be wirelessly networked.
- An ad hoc network of up to three computers can be created with wireless PC cards or PCI adapters. To connect more than three computers, include an access point or router (U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Access Point, model 2249, or U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router, model 8022) in the network design.
- Ad hoc wireless networks using U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps wireless networking products have an effective range of up to 300 feet in any direction, indoors or out, and even on different levels of a building. As with any wireless product, ad hoc networks work best when closer together and in an open environment.
- Wireless networks that use either a U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Access Point or a U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router have an effective range of up to 1500 feet, with the same considerations as ad hoc networks.
- Sharing Internet access among multiple computers or laptops requires a router. The U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router is capable of supporting up to 253 clients (with additional hardware) for wired and wireless Internet sharing.