- 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
Technical Details
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Amazon.com Review The Linksys Instant Wireless Access Point (WAP) serves as communications headquarters for a reliable 11 Mbps wireless network. We found the WAP, used in conjunction with the Linksys Instant Wireless PC Card (and PCI adapter if the wireless card is used in a desktop PC) and a hub or switch, to be a true leader in the move toward wireless networking. In case you're confused, here's a graph illustrating the differences between an access point and a router with 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
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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. 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.
To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart. |
Product Description
An external wireless network access point for wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.11b standard
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review of Linksys Wireless Access Point,
By A Customer
This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WAP11 Wireless-B Network Access Point (Personal Computers)
The wireless access point is an outstanding product. Previously I had tried Home Phoneline products, but did not have good success. In fact, I returned the Intel Anypoint Home Phoneline cards because they were not reliable on my phone wiring. I would not recommend phoneline networking unless your computers are fairly close together (rooms next to each other).The Linksys wireless access point is proving very reliable and was a breeze to setup. I am experiencing excellent wireless transfer rates for internet access (I have DSL and the pages load in a flash), Streaming media works great too. I was worried that I might experience interference from my 2.4 GHz cordless phone, but I have had no problems, even when talking on the cordless phone while I surf the net. My access point is on opposite ends (ground floor) of the house from the desktop PC I have the wireless card in (second floor). It does help to elevate the wireless access point to improve the signal strength within the wireless network area, although mine simply sits on the desk with the downstairs PC. As an added note, our house is old with very thick plaster walls and ceilings, but the signal gets around fine throughout the 3500 sq ft. My wireless access point is connected to the Linksys DSL/Cable router (4 hub model). The combination makes a very reliable network. If you are looking for a wireless network product, I strongly recommend trying this one.
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good wireless AP for the value.,
By
This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WAP11 Wireless-B Network Access Point (Personal Computers)
After reading all the reviews here, I bought a Linksys Wireless AP and the Orinoco wireless pc card for my laptop. I wanted to have more range, and it sounded like the Linksys pc card was no good. I had a hard time getting things to work. The terminology between Lucent (the Orinoco card) and Linksys isn't the same. The "Network Name" field in the Orinoco setup is the same as the ESSID in the Linksys access point, but it doesn't say anything about ESSID in the Orinoco setup. After setting those equal, I constantly had solid green lines showing good connection with the access point, but I still couldn't get online. The Orinoco card kept giving the same error about not being able to communicate with the access point because of an IRQ error or encryption error. I got through to Lucent's support line in about 3 minutes which was cool, but they couldn't help and suggested reinstalling Windows. I knew that wouldn't fix anything, so I ordered the Linksys wireless pc card, and everything looked good right off the bat, but I still couldn't get online. I finally realized I had two problems. 1) The Linksys access point does not have a DHCP client in there to talk with the DHCP server in the Linksys router I already have at home. You have to manually enter an IP number via the USB cable. 2) The laptop I used to connect to the port on the router has an internal ethernet card built in which still thought it was the same IP address as the access point (which was not connected to that same port on the router the laptop used to use). After I put in the right IP address on the access point and 'released' the IP address on the laptop (winipconfig on Win 98), everything worked great.I went back and tried the Orinoco again with the fix to the access point, and it too worked great, except I still get the same flashing error message that it can't communicate with the access point, even though it was. I put the access point in the middle of a 2500 sq. ft. two-story house and both cards worked in every single room, although the Orinoco seemed to have a stronger signal. Both cards produce a lot of annoying noise in the laptop's speaker when they are communicating, but it's not unbearable. Since both cards worked as well as I needed them too, I returned the Orinoco since it cost more and because the flashing error message in the task bar is really annoying. I think the Linksys access point combined with the Linksys wireless pc card (and the Linksys 4-port router), is one of the cheapest, most reliable wireless home solutions you can buy. I'm very satisfied with their products, and they all have a very professional, snazzy look which helps since the access point is working in our living room (in the corner). If you DON'T have a router already and are just getting into building a home network, it looks like the new combination Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless Access Point & Cable/DSL Router w/4 Port Switch would be a great investment with less hardware to maintain. I like having the configuration I have at home because I have several computers all running on fixed ethernet lines for more stability, but my laptop is running off of the wireless pc card for mobility. Hope this information helps!
82 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Product! Tweakable too!,
By John A Rogers (Attleboro, MA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WAP11 Wireless-B Network Access Point (Personal Computers)
I don't know why people always bash the linksys WAP11 but it is truely one heck of an access point! I use my WAP11 with 2 cards: the WUSB11 (USB wireless card) and the standard Linksys PCMCIA wireless card.Being someone who is a licensed HAM radio operator and a network administrator, I know that any radio device can be modified to increase it's range and reliability. I found out that Linksys builds these units with 100mw radios! (they're only set at 20mw at the factory). The radio is controlled by software and all you need is an SNMP manager to do the tweak. I offer more information on my website on how to tweak the WAP11. I also offer a link to download a SNMP manager that runs on windows, which will enable you to increase the output of your WAP11. HINT: since the antennas are removable and feature standard TNC type connectors, one could mount external high gain antennas and connect them to the WAP11 and triple the coverage area of the WAP11!! (a friend of mine has done this between two buildings in Boston, both 5 miles apart but within line of sight with each other) Since this mod doesn't affect the hardware I would assume that doing this has no effect on the warranty, but check with linksys first! After setting the radio to maximum output, I was able to increase the range to about 5 houses down the street in all directions and still stay connected to my LAN! (HINT: I now sell wireless internet to my closest neighbors!) The WAP11 also allows you to control who can access the WAP11 through MAC address authorization. This enables the WAP11 to reject signals from cards who's MAC addresses aren't in the MAC Address table within the WAP11!!! Overall well designed product! Grab your today! and visit my site to increase your range! Keep up the good work Linksys! ~ A very satisfied WAP11 owner
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