Wireless Network Components - Basics of Any Wireless Network

Client Software and Adapter

Any client computer, laptop or wireless expedient with a compatible wireless client adapter allows connectivity with an passage point. The client adapter is a radio transmitter with firmware that supports any of 802.11a/b/g signaling. That is needed before the expedient can join together and authenticate with the passage point. Some passage points have a no client mode that doesn't allow any relationship from clients extending network distance. Client wireless software included with the adapter must be implemented with specific Windows platforms. The client adapter will be integrated with the laptop, Pcmcia slot or desktop Pci bus slot. They will withhold specific wireless standards, antenna characteristics, WiFi certification, Wds, network range and security. The wireless maker software must be implemented for all available features. The following is a list of some client adapter configured settings.

Ac Adapter

Access Point (Ap)

As the name suggests an Ap (access point) allows connectivity in the middle of the wireless client or wireless expedient and the wired network. The Ap takes wireless data packets from a client and translates them to suitable Ethernet data frames before transmitting across the wired network. suitable category 5 twisted pair cabling will join together the Ap point Ethernet port with a catalyst switch Ethernet port. The maximum distance in the middle of passage point and network switch is 100 meters suitable with Ethernet design.

Wlan Controllers

Wireless designs with hundreds of root Aps on an enterprise network will sometimes deploy wireless Lan controllers. The develop specifies lightweight Aps connecting to a network switch. The 4404 Wlan controller expedient acts as a hub connecting 4 network switches supporting 100 passage points. Cisco wireless control system (Wcs) wireless network administration software is sometimes deployed with Wlan controller develop for planning, configuring and optimizing the network.

Power Injector

Cisco passage points have a variety of power options such as Ac adapters, power over Ethernet and power injectors. The placement of Aps is such that in some situations an Ac power outlet isn't available. Should your Ethernet switch not withhold power over Ethernet, an option such as power injectors extends the distance from an Ac outlet. Distances of 1.24 miles are available with a fiber optic media converter.

Power over Ethernet

Cisco passage points can be deployed with power over Ethernet (PoE) should the network switch modules withhold that feature. The distance of 300 feet is the same with Cisco prestandard and 802.3af. The Cisco prestandard use Cat 5 cabling pins 1, 2, 3, 6 for powering devices while 802.3af uses 1, 2, 3, 6 with 10/100/1000BaseT signaling and 4, 5, 7, 8 with 10/100BaseT. elect a network switch module with the power over Ethernet suitable your Ap has implemented and has a power wattage rating per port for your specific devices. The network switch power provide should be upgraded to withhold additional power draw from manifold devices. Deploying power over Ethernet will decrease implementation costs with deployment of Ipt, wireless and Gigabit. See network switch documents at Cisco web site for information on what network switching modules withhold PoE and wattage ratings. 802.3af defines powered expedient class 2 at 3.84W - 6.49W and class 3 at 6.49W - 12.95W.

Power Patch Panel

Cisco inline power patch panels can be deployed where Ethernet switches don't withhold power over Ethernet and power injectors aren't an option. The patch panel does no switching. It powers the devices straight through a Cat 5 cable that is a maximum 300 feet at a specific rated wattage per port. The patch panel connects the passage point to the wired switch with a patch cable.

Wireless Network Components - Basics of Any Wireless Network