Apple designing airport networks 用户手册

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6
Chapter 1
 
    Getting Started
 
 
 
Note:  
 
Some of the AirPort features described in this book are available only in 
Mac OS X version 10.3 or later, using AirPort 4.0 or later. If you are using an earlier 
version of Mac OS X or AirPort, images shown in this book may be slightly different 
from what you see on your screen.
 
How AirPort Works 
 
In a wired network, sharing files and information between computers requires the 
computers to be connected by cables. With AirPort, the data is transferred between 
computers using radio waves through a wireless network.
There are two ways to create a wireless network:
 
 
You can use an AirPort-equipped computer to create a temporary “Computer-to-
Computer” network, which other AirPort-equipped computers within range can join. 
 
 
You can create a more permanent wireless network using a base station. In this kind 
of network, all wireless communication goes through the base station to the Internet 
or to other computers on the network.
You can also incorporate AirPort technology into an existing Ethernet network by 
connecting an AirPort Extreme Base Station or AirPort Express to the network. This 
allows non-AirPort computers to communicate with AirPort computers.
The typical indoor range for an AirPort connection is up to 150 feet (45 meters). Range 
in a wireless network may vary with site conditions.
 
How Wireless Internet Access Is Provided 
 
Wireless Internet access requires an AirPort Card or an AirPort Extreme Card, an AirPort 
Extreme Base Station or AirPort Express, and an account with an Internet service 
provider (fees may apply). Some Internet service providers (ISPs) are not currently 
compatible with AirPort. Some cable modem and DSL providers may not be 
compatible with AirPort. Contact your service provider for more information.
AirPort technology is similar to cordless telephone technology. The handset of the 
cordless phone makes a wireless connection to the base, which is connected to 
the telephone system. Likewise, with AirPort, your computer does not establish a 
wireless connection with your ISP directly. You set up a wireless connection from the 
computer to a base station that is connected to the Internet by a wire, such as a 
DSL or telephone line.
 
LL0214.book  Page 6  Monday, October 25, 2004  4:06 PM