Introduction

Note: The following sections are a general description of the LCOS operating system functions relating to wireless networks. The functions provided by your specific device are outlined in the manual supplied with it.

This chapter gives you a brief introduction to wireless networking technology. It also provides an overview of the many different applications, fraction and capabilities of LANCOM WLAN devices.

A wireless LAN connects individual end-user devices (PCs and mobile computers) to form a local network (also called – Local Area Network). In contrast to a traditional LAN, communication takes place over a wireless connection and not over network cables. In this case we refer to a radio LAN as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).

A wireless LAN provides the same functionality as a cable-based network: Access to files, servers, printers etc. as well as the integration of individual work stations into a corporate mail system or access to the Internet.

There are obvious advantages to wireless LANs: Notebooks and PCs can be installed where they are needed—problems with missing connections or structural changes are a thing of the past with wireless networks. Apart from that, wireless LANs can also be used for connections over longer distances. Expensive leased lines and the associated construction measures can be saved.

LANCOM Systems differentiates between two different types of WLAN device, each with its own field of application and consequently offering specialized functions and configuration options.

Access points or APs are generally used to connect one or more WLANs to a cabled LAN. As such, they merely function as a "bridge" to transfer data to and from the clients. Routing into the Internet or to other remote stations is handled by other network components. APs generally have just one or more Ethernet interfaces.
In addition to one or more Ethernet interfaces, LANCOM wireless routers are equipped with WAN interfaces for VDSL, ADSL, DSL and/or ISDN. In a single device, they combine WLAN functions with the task of routing data into the Internet or to other remote stations.

Note: The following sections mostly refer to "access points" as a synonym for both types of device, unless we explicitly differentiate between a LANCOM wireless router and a LANCOM access point.

The devices operate either as standalone APs with their own configuration (WLAN modules in "access point mode") or as components in a WLAN infrastructure, which is controlled from a central WLAN controller ("managed mode").