D-Link tn230 User Manual
2
TN230
Some other devices are now being released that are designed specifically to connect a wired Ethernet
device to a wireless network. These are called “wireless bridges” or “802.11b Ethernet media converters.”
It is important to note that you cannot use two of these devices to create a wireless bridge between the
device and an existing wired network. Instead, these devices must communicate with a wireless access
point. These devices are smaller and slightly cheaper than access points.
device to a wireless network. These are called “wireless bridges” or “802.11b Ethernet media converters.”
It is important to note that you cannot use two of these devices to create a wireless bridge between the
device and an existing wired network. Instead, these devices must communicate with a wireless access
point. These devices are smaller and slightly cheaper than access points.
At the current writing, the following access points are examples that support wireless bridging:
•
Linksys WAP11
•
Netgear ME102
•
D-Link DWL-900AP
•
D-Link DWL-900AP+
In general, these devices will not perform wireless bridging with competing devices—that is, don’t expect
to be able to mix and match. Some examples of the new wireless bridges are:
to be able to mix and match. Some examples of the new wireless bridges are:
•
Linksys WET11
•
D-Link DWL-810
•
Buffalo Technology WLI-T1-S11G
These can be used with any standards-compliant 802.11b access point. Note, however, that the Linksys
WET11 has a physical layer compatibility problem with Realtek RTL8019AS Ethernet devices (the
chipset used by many Rabbit devices) that causes the WET11 device to repeatedly reboot or lock up. We
have tested the D-Link DWL-810, and it does not exhibit the same problem. Hence, it is recommended
over the Linksys WET11.
WET11 has a physical layer compatibility problem with Realtek RTL8019AS Ethernet devices (the
chipset used by many Rabbit devices) that causes the WET11 device to repeatedly reboot or lock up. We
have tested the D-Link DWL-810, and it does not exhibit the same problem. Hence, it is recommended
over the Linksys WET11.
When Is a Wireless Solution Useful?
Currently, inexpensive wireless access points that perform wireless bridging cost about $100 to $200.
Since two are needed to complete a wireless bridge, this is an expensive solution for wirelessly connecting
a Rabbit device. The range and susceptibility to interference also limit the usefulness of wireless bridging,
particularly in industrial settings. However, wireless bridging may be useful for connecting two wired net-
works when it is inconvenient to connect them via a wire. Also, if a number of Rabbit products can be con-
nected via a traditional wired Ethernet, but they need to communicate with another server or the global
Internet, then a shared wireless connection for all of them can be convenient.
Since two are needed to complete a wireless bridge, this is an expensive solution for wirelessly connecting
a Rabbit device. The range and susceptibility to interference also limit the usefulness of wireless bridging,
particularly in industrial settings. However, wireless bridging may be useful for connecting two wired net-
works when it is inconvenient to connect them via a wire. Also, if a number of Rabbit products can be con-
nected via a traditional wired Ethernet, but they need to communicate with another server or the global
Internet, then a shared wireless connection for all of them can be convenient.
It is possible to extend the range of some wireless access points with a custom antenna. For instance, the
Linksys WAP11 (and most other Linksys wireless products) feature replaceable antennae. However, care
should be taken that FCC regulations are obeyed if the devices are modified.
Linksys WAP11 (and most other Linksys wireless products) feature replaceable antennae. However, care
should be taken that FCC regulations are obeyed if the devices are modified.