Cablematic RW13 User Manual - 2. Wireless Lan Basics
2. Wireless LAN Basics
Wireless LAN (Local Area Networks) systems offer a great number of advantages over
a traditional, wired LAN system. Wireless LANs (WLANs) are more flexible, easier to
setup and manage and often more cost effective than their wired equivalence.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs transmit and receive data over the air,
minimizing the need for wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with
user mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.
With wireless LANs, users can access shared information without looking for a place to
plug in and network managers can set up or augment networks without installing or
moving wires. Wireless LANs offer the following productivity, convenience and cost
advantages over traditional wired networks:
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Mobility – Wireless LAN systems can provide LAN users with access to real-
time information anywhere in their organization. This mobility
supports productivity and service opportunities not possible with wired
networks.
…
Installation Speed and Simplicity – Installing a wireless LAN system can be
fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls
and ceilings.
…
Installation Flexibility – Wireless Technology allows the network to go where
wires cannot go.
…
Reduced Cost-Of-Ownership – While the initial investment
required for wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired
LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be
significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in
dynamic environment requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.
…
Scalability – Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a
variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific
applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed
and range from peer-to-peer to full infrastructure networks, also
allow roaming over a broad area.
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