ZyXEL Communications G-260 User Manual

ZyXEL G-260 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

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This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN network.

This section describes the wireless LAN network terms and applications.

The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a 
wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.

A radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel.

The ZyXEL G-260 provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options 
include Fully Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 
Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps and 54 Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory 
default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your ZyXEL G-260 to 
operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops 
below a certain level, the ZyXEL G-260 automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) 
rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the 
communication quality improves again, the ZyXEL G-260 gradually increases the 
transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate. You can 
select any of the above options. If you wish to balance speed versus reliability, select 54 Mbps

in a networking environment where you are certain that all wireless devices can communicate 
at the highest transmission (data) rate. 1 Mbps or 2 Mbps are used often in networking 
environments where the range of the wireless connection is more important than speed. 

Note: With USB1.0/1.1, the ZyXEL G-260 can only transmit at up to 11Mbps.

Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communications.