ZyXEL Communications ZyAIR G-220 User Manual
ZyAIR G-220 User’s Guide
Wireless LAN Network
2-1
Chapter 2
Wireless LAN Network
This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN network.
2.1 Overview
This section describes the wireless LAN network terms and applications.
2.1.1 SSID
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.
Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.
2.1.2 Channel
A radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel.
2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)
The ZyAIR provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options include Fully Auto,
1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 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 ZyAIR to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the
communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyAIR 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 ZyAIR 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.
1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 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 ZyAIR to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the
communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyAIR 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 ZyAIR 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.
With USB1.1, the ZyAIR can only transmit at up to 11Mbps.
2.1.4 Wireless Network Application
Wireless LAN works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure.
To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using Access Points (APs), set the ZyAIR operation
mode to Infrastructure (BSS). An AP acts as a bridge between the wireless stations and the wired
To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using Access Points (APs), set the ZyAIR operation
mode to Infrastructure (BSS). An AP acts as a bridge between the wireless stations and the wired