Mitel WRV54G - Manual (Page 102)

92 Appendix A:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless-G VPN Broadband Router
What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?
Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern that
is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical
channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears to be short-duration impulse noise. Direct-Sequence Spread-
Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This bit pattern is called a chip
(or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if
one or more bits in the chip are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can
recover the original data without the need for retransmission. To an unintended receiver, DSSS appears as low
power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband receivers.
Will the information be intercepted while it is being transmitted through the air?
WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
technology, it has the inherent security feature of scrambling. On the software side, WLAN offers the encryption
function (WEP) to enhance security and access control.
What is WEP?
WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a 64-bit or 128-bit shared key algorithm, as
described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
What is a MAC Address?
The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet
networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all
practical purposes, this number is usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a
computer logs onto the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable identifier for
the network.
How do I reset the Router?
Press the Reset button on the back panel for about ten seconds. This will reset the Router to its default settings.
How do I resolve issues with signal loss?
There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without testing. Every obstacle placed between
the Router and a wireless PC will create signal loss. Lead glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will
inhibit the signal and reduce range. Start with the Router and your wireless PC in the same room and move it
away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment.
You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel.
I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.
WEP is probably enabled on the Router, but not on your wireless adapter (or vice versa). Verify that the same WEP
keys and levels (64 or 128) are being used on all nodes of your wireless network.