Chapter 4 Wireless Technology
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Wireless Access Points typically provide access from wireless network devices to
needed hardwired network devices, such as printers, modems, and routers.
A typical WAP comes equipped with two omni antennae, Figure 4-14. One
antenna is used for transmitting, and the other is used for receiving. This allows
for full-duplex communication, which makes the WAP more effi cient than if a
single antenna were used.
When a WAP is present in a wireless network, all communication must go
through it. You can think of a WAP as a traffi c director for packets. The WAP
controls the fl ow of all packets on the wireless network. When multiple Wireless
Access Points are used, the roaming device (laptop, palm top, personal digital
assistant) automatically detects and connects to the WAP with the strongest
signal, which is typically the closest WAP.
All Wireless Access Points in a wireless network use the same Service Set
Identifi er (SSID). The SSID is similar in nature to a workgroup name or domain
name. It is a name that identifi es Wireless Access Points within the same network.
Figure 4-13.
USB wireless
network adapter.
(3Com Corporation)
Figure 4-14.
Wireless Access Point
(WAP). Note that
the WAP has two
omni antennae. One
antenna is used for
receiving, and the
other antenna is used
for transmitting.
(3Com Corporation)
Omni antennae
Wireless Access Point