NETGEAR ME102 - Chapter 1: Introduction; Related NETGEAR Products

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
The
ME102 802.11b wireless Access Point
is the basic building block of a wireless LAN infrastructure.
It provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a fixed range or area of
coverage, interacting with a wireless network interface card (NIC) via an antenna. Typically, individual
in-building access point provides a maximum connectivity range of about 300 feet. The
ME102
wireless Access Point
can support a small group of users in a range of several hundred feet; most access
points are rated between 30-70 users simultaneously.
The
ME102 wireless Access Point
converts airwave data into wired Ethernet data, acting as a bridge
between the wired LAN and wireless clients. Connecting multiple ME102 Access Points via a wired
Ethernet backbone can further lengthen the wireless network coverage. As a mobile computing device
moves out of the range of one access point, it moves into the range of another. As a result, wireless
clients can freely roam from one Access Point domain to another and still maintain seamless connection
to the network.
The auto-sensing capability of the
ME102 wireless Access Point
allows packet transmission in 11Mbps
for maximum throughput, or speed reduction to lower 1Mbps speed for distance or for operating in a
noisy environment.
Features
The features supported by the ME102 Wireless Access Point are outlined below:
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Interfaces directly to 10Mbps IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks
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Supports IEEE 802.11 HR WLAN functions.
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Firmware is stored in a flash memory and can be upgraded remotely.
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Configurable through USB and Ethernet ports.
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Power and wireless activity LED indicators.
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Dual External antennas supporting diversity.
Related NETGEAR products
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MA401 – 802.11b Wireless PC Card
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MA301 – 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter (requires the MA401 wireless PC Card)
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MA101 – 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
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MR314 – 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Router