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Access
Points
Wireless Adapters
Antennas
Accessories
Bluetooth
Network Cameras
Wireless Ethernet Bridges
Media Players
Wireless Routers
Print Servers
Wi-Fi Finders
Range Extenders
Barebone Kits
Cables
Cameras
Computer Cases
Desktop Computers
CD / DVD Burners
Cooling Product
CPUs
Digital Frames
Flash Memory
Gaming
GPS
Hard Drives
HD Enclosures
Home Theatre
Ink / Toner
Keyboard / Mice
Laptops_Notebooks
Media CD DVD
Memory RAM
Microsoft
Modems
Monitors / LCDs
Motherboards
MP3 / iPod
Networking
Power Protection
Power Supplies
Printers
Projectors
Remove Storage
Scanners
Servers
Software
Sound Cards
USB Flash Drives
Video Cards
Wireless Networks |
Wireless Access Points
Wireless access points (APs
or WAPs) are specially configured nodes on wireless local
area networks (WLANs). Access points act as a central
transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.
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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 stand |
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.
Installing Multiple
Wireless Access Points
1. Install one wireless
Access Point to test range
2. Assign each wireless access point a unique IP address
3. Each wireless access point will have the Same SSID
4. All wireless access points will have the same encryption
key
5. Point wireless antennas towards the center of the network
1. Finding your Wireless Range – Wireless access points will
have a range of about 75-100ft inside, and outside
(depending on your wireless antenna) miles. If you live in
an older brick home your wireless signal range can be
greatly reduced.. To find your wireless signal range and
signal strength you will need to install one wireless access
point in the middle of your work area and measure the
signal. You can use a program called netstumbler to help you
with this task. Once you have achived the necessary wireless
signal overlap then you will be able to roam through out
your work or business. Your wireless adapter software will
choose the access point with the strongest signal but this
will be transparent to the user
2. Unique IP -Next you will want to assign all your AP’s
with a unique IP address not a dynamic IP address. Do not
use the same IP adderess for each AP.
3. Configure AP’s – Configuring two or three wireleess
access point is not very hard but when you have to configure
more than that it can become time consuming. Thus some
wireless routers will come with software that will allow you
to configure one access point which will then configure all
of your other access point for you.
4. Same SSID – Use the same SSID for each access point on
your network. This will give you the ability to roam with
out having to choose each network when you move.
5. Encryption /AuthenticationWireless Antennas – Choose
which type of antenna you will need. Try to purchase
directional antennas instead of using the default omni-directional
antennas. Directional antennas will funnel your wireless
signal towards your operational areas.
7. Placement – Try not to place your AP by outer walls. If
you need to place your AP buy outside walls then try to use
a reflector. This will help your signal stay inside your
house as much as possible.
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