Cisco-Linksys WAP11 Wireless-B Network Access Point
by Linksys

Our Price: $119.00
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Category: CE
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Digital product summary information

• High-speed transfer rate of up to 11 Mbps
• Range of operation of up to 150 meters indoors, up to 500 meters outdoors
• Provides roaming, best access point selection, load balancing, and network traffic filtering
• Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4 GHz-compliant equipment, and supports up to 32 users/nodes
• Router not included, so you cannot connect multiple users to the Internet

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Digital camera reviews of Cisco-Linksys WAP11 Wireless-B Network Access Point

Digital camera Review: 2 WAP11's
Summary: 4 Stars

If you need more signal strength, purchase another WAP11 (set it up as AP CLIENT) and place it in the center of your house. You're wireless devices should select the 2nd WAP11 and your signal strength will be great!

You will need seperate IP addresses for each WAP11 (the second one can end with .80) Be sure to set the REPOTE AP MAC address on the 2nd WAP11 (AP CLIENT) to point to the LAN MAC address of the 1st WAP11 (Access Point). Good Luck!

Summary of Cisco-Linksys WAP11 Wireless-B Network Access Point

The unit itself is handsome and somewhat reminiscent of the rabbit-ears antenna system used on older televisions. Installing the WAP involves several steps. A USB connection allows for configuration, and installing the USB configuration software allows for monitoring and adjusting settings such as channel, IP address, and service set identifier (SSID). Connecting the unit to a hub or switch using Category 5 cable (which is not included) gives the WAP network access and the ability to begin sending meaningful signals.

The WAP has three indicator lights: Power, link, and activity. The link indicator lights up amber when a link is established with the hub, and the activity light flickers somewhat uncertainly when there is network activity. The antennas can be adjusted left and right, and we found that pointing them in the direction of the wireless computer resulted in a stronger signal.

We found the accompanying user guide somewhat lacking; it gave little guidance on how the network can be configured. And the customer service hotline unfortunately does little more than refer you to your computer's manufacturer. Those who are new to networking may want to bone up on the basics before beginning on a wireless network endeavor--plenty of resources exist on the Web and in print to guide your networking foray. But for those who are transforming an existing wired network into a wireless one, the transition will be fairly painless and straightforward.

In use, the WAP performs well: In the same room, the signal strength to and from the Linksys wireless network card is consistently above 95 percent. We separated the card from the access point by one plaster wall and found that the signal strength was reduced to around 80 percent. Separating them with a closeted wall pulled the signal strength down to about 50 percent. At opposite ends of the home (with numerous plaster walls between), the signal strength maintains at about 35 percent.

The rate of data transmission declines proportionately, starting at an ideal 11 Mbps and dropping to 3 or 4 Mbps at extreme distance and separation. While still reliable, the main difference in performance we noticed was in the basic data-transmitting functions: Slower copying, pasting, opening, and access of resources on other network nodes. While these speeds don't lend themselves well to intensive LAN game play, they are suitable for sharing data between resources, as well as sharing print resources.

Overall, the Linksys wireless package is optimal for those not wishing to string cable throughout a home or office. While performance and speed are comparable to slower wired networks, this is a ready solution for those who need a world without wires, for whatever reason. This package is also ideal for those who are comfortable with networking configurations and troubleshooting, and are ready to take the leap into wireless. --Emilie Dirks

Pros:

• Easy resource sharing that's ideal for small office and home office
• Simple installation and fairly straightforward configuration

Cons:

• Transmission speeds much lower than current fast Ethernet connections (on wired networks)
• Lackluster customer support and documentation

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside of the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

The Linksys Instant Wireless Network Access Point is easy to install (just plug in and it's ready to go) and easy to use--Windows-based diagnostic and statistical tools ensure complete control. WAP11 is configurable through a USB port or an Ethernet connection and is fully interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4 GHz-compliant equipment. It comes complete with an AC adapter, a CD-ROM, a user's manual, a registration card, two detachable antennas, and a USB cable. Linksys's WAP11 is compatible with PCs with USB support or Ethernet connection; running Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000 Professional, or NT 4.0; and having at least 500 KB hard disk space.

Linksys provides a one-year parts and labor warranty on the WAP11 and provides free technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (North America only).

Please note that the Wireless Signal Booster is certified by the FCC for use with the WAP11--Wireless Access Point and BEFW11S4--Wireless Access Point Router only.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere -- without wires. Outside of the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, airports -- great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. What Wireless Standard is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

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