What are the most useful applications
for ZoomAir?
ZoomAir delivers maximum network flexibility handling additions,
moves, and temporary workgroups with ease. It is ideal for:
- Small to medium sized offices where a wireless
LAN is more flexible and less expensive than a wired LAN
- Large offices that have a
wired LAN but want the flexibility
of untethered computers networked to
the wired LAN
- Homes where
it is difficult or inconvenient
to run LAN wiring
- Schools that
want
to
network
computers
easily
in
a
classroom,
building,
or
across
a
campus
- Hospitals,
factory
floors,
construction
sites,
security
stations,
and
warehouses that
want
the
flexibility
and
convenience
of
wireless
networking.
What are the components of a ZoomAir
Wireless Network?
Products that currently comprise the ZoomAir 11 Mbps wireless
system include:
ZoomAir PC Card (s)
ZoomAir PC Card(s) w/PCI
Adapter (external antenna)
ZoomAir AP11 Access
Point
ZoomAir Internet Gateway
ZoomAir
LAN to LAN Bridging Kit
ZoomAir Antenna Options
The ZoomAir cards are radio transceivers designed for use in
portable or desktop computers. The ZoomAir Access Points, installed
with a ZoomAir interface card, seamlessly connects your wireless
network to an existing wired Ethernet LAN plus creates an all
wireless LAN with expanded range. The antenna options can be
used to improve the range of computers equipped with the ZoomAir
Model #4165 Wireless Network Interface Card. Three antenna
models are available to meet specific wireless networking installation
needs.
What is SmartConnect?
ZoomAir makes wireless networking easy using Amart Connect(tm)
software. Smart Connect allows connection to office, home
and public access networks as easy as turning on and logging
in. There is no more need to change Windows network settings,
or to reboot the system before you can use it. Smart Connect
also allows you to "scan" for available networks in your
area, then choose one to connect to. Going from office
to home to airports and hotels could not be easier.
How does the cost of ZoomAir compare
with a wired network?
Very favorably! Compare the cost of a wired installation
and needed hardware and you will find ZoomAir is a smarter
buy. Architects budget $100 or more for installation of network
wiring. In addition, network management and configuration
is far lower with wireless. Now consider the increased productivity
for your growing mobile workforce and ZoomAir provides a
clear cost advantage.
How many users can ZoomAir support?
A ZoomAir network can support an unlimited number of
users. However the effectiveness of ZoomAir, like that
of any network
is determined by the number of simultaneous users. A single
ZoomAir wireless network channel will typically support
approximately 30 users. By introducing overlapping "access points" set
at different channels, your wireless network can grow 30
simultaneous users per access point. Up to three overlapping
channels (90 users) can be used concurrently without interference.
How important is IEEE 802.11b DSSS
compatibility?
Beware of non-standard products on the market that are
incompatible with the IEEE 802.11b DSSS standard. 802.11b
is an international standard that is broadly backed by leading
wireless equipment and software providers. This provides
interoperability among a wide variety of equipment from wireless
systems providers to ensure availability and affordability..
How secure is a ZoomAir wireless network?
ZoomAir is very secure. ZoomAir uses Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology, which is extremely resistant
to corruption, interference, jamming, and unauthorized
detection.
In addition, all wireless users on your ZoomAir network
must identify themselves with a system ID that prevents
unauthorized
users from entering. Users with particularly sensitive
data can enable the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) feature,
which
further encrypts the signal and verifies authorized users
with an electronic "security key".
What is an Access Point?
An Access Point connects wired and wireless networks
together. Each Access point also increases the total system
capacity
and range. Users can "roam" between access points without
losing their connection similar to a cellular phone. Zoom's
Access Points include Internet sharing to allow wireless
and wired network users access to a single Internet connection.
Do I need an Access Point?
No. A ZoomAir wireless network does not require an access
point unless you want to connect your ZoomAir notebook
or desktop computers to a wired network. However, there
are
some important advantages that make a ZoomAir Access Point
a very valuable addition to your wireless network, whether
or not you already have a wired network. First, a single
ZoomAir Access Point can nearly double the distance coverage
of your all-wireless LAN compared to a simple peer-to-peer
("ad-hoc") network. Second, the wireless access point acts
as a traffic controller, directing all data on the network.
This allows wireless clients to run at maximum speed. Finally,
an access point can be your central connection to the outside
world providing Internet sharing.
What is the ZoomAir Internet Gateway?
The ZoomAir Internet Gateway (IG-4165) is a router and
network control center with both 802.11b wireless and 10/100
BaseT Ethernet ports. The IG-4165 provides superior firewall
protection, including:
Stateful Packet Inspection, MAC address filtering, Virtual Private Networking
passthrough, and Network Address Translation.
Other features of the IG-4165 include support for Cable,
DSL, ISDN or dial-up connections for Internet sharing. The
4165 also is a stand alone print server for sharing a single
printer among many users.
How do I set up a network using the
IG-4165?
It's easy. The IG-4165 is a stand-alone device that operates
as a control center for the computers, modems, and other
peripherals connected to it. You can connect your computers
using wireless ZoomAir PCMCIA, PCI, or USB models (or other
802.11b compatible products). You can also use standard 10/100BaseT
LAN connections, either by plugging them directly into the
IG or by connecting them through an existing LAN. The IG-4165
also has dedicated ports for a shared printer, a broadband
modem, and a dial-up or ISDN modem.
What if I only want to use the IG
for wireless access to the Internet?
No problem. Just plug your cable, DSL, ISDN, or dial-up
modem into the IG and install an appropriate 802.11b device
into each computer that you want to provide with wireless
access. All connected computers will be automatically networked,
each with independent access to the Internet.
What is a firewall and what makes
the IG's firewall so good?
A firewall uses sophisticated software to keep intruders
from connecting to and taking control of your computers.
Networks with cable and DSL modems are particularly vulnerable
because they are "always on", so they're easy for hackers
to find.
The most basic form of security is NAT (Network Address
Translation), which is supported by most gateway products.
The IG-4165's advanced firewall also uses more powerful approaches,
including SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection), MAC address filtering,
and VPN (Virtual Private Networking) passthrough to provide
dramatically better protection against intrusion.
Is the wireless capability of the
IG-4165 really fast enough to keep up with my broadband
connection?
Yes. The IG-4165 operates at 11 megabits per second. The
actual data rate depends on a number of factors, including
where it's being used, how far apart the users are, and interference,
but it normally averages between 2 and 5 megabits per second.
The most common cable and DSL services operate at a maximum
data rate of 1.5 megabits per second.
What is a MAC address, and why would
I use MAC cloning and MAC filtering?
A MAC address is the numeric code that identifies a device
on a network, such as your cable or DSL modem or a PC. Some
service providers ask you to supply the MAC address of your
PC, your modem, or both.
MAC address cloning can simplify installation by copying
the MAC address of your existing PC to the IG. That way,
you don't have to delay your setup by calling the service
provider and telling them that you've installed new equipment.
MAC address filtering is a powerful security feature which
assures that only your computers can access your network
through the IG, whether using a wired or wireless connection.
How many users can the IG support?
Can everyone use the Internet at the same time?
The IG-4165 can support up to 253 users! Each user has
completely independent, simultaneous access to the Internet.
How does adding ZoomAir Access Point(s)
increase my range and support more users?
The approximate range of a ZoomAir device is 300 feet (90
m) indoors. That means that in peer-to-peer mode, all users
must be within 300 feet (90 m) of each other for complete
network connectivity. Since an access point functions as
a central communications hub, any user within its range will
be connected to the network. The access point connects users
up to 600 feet (180 m) apart - i.e., all users within a 300-foot
(90 m) radius around the access point. By adding additional
access points, you can increase the range of your network.
Each access point supports a variable number of simultaneous
users, depending on the type of traffic. On average, each
access point will support traffic for approximately 30 users.
By adding access points, more simultaneous users are supported.
System users can roam between access points without losing
their connection.
Do you need special equipment to link
LAN's in different buildings or locations?
Yes, while an individual user can wirelessly enter a building's
LAN via a strategically placed Access Point, this only connects
individual users to the target LAN. Separate Bridging protocols
are needed to allow users on two physically separate LAN's
to seamlessly share all their mutual network resources. That
function can be performed by the ZoomAir LAN to LAN Bridging
kit.
What are the limitations for wireless
LAN bridging?
The facilities to be bridged must be within line of sight
with a clear path unblocked by other buildings, trees or
towers. In addition, both locations must offer access to
mount directional antenna's to establish the radio link.
Finally, ZoomAir will handle ranges of up to 2.5 miles at
a data rate of 5.5 Mb, closer facilities will enjoy higher
data rates. The radio installation does not require any special
F.C.C. license and is not normally affected by weather conditions.
Is ZoomAir suitable for home use?
Absolutely! With no wires to run and no networking knowledge
required, ZoomAir is one of the easiest ways to install
a home network. Unlike other networking solutions tied
to house
wiring or a phone line, with ZoomAir you will be able to
roam freely with your portable computer. Use your notebook
computer to pay bills, read or send email, or access the
Internet - anywhere - without wires. And since ZoomAir
is designed to meet the demanding standards of networking
professionals,
it provides more reliable performance and better range
than "home
only" wireless devices.
Will ZoomAir customers be able to
upgrade their ZoomAir 2 Mbs ZoomAir cards?
Yes. The ZoomAir 11 Mbs products will adjust their speeds
to accommodate the 2 Mbs products.
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