NETGEAR ProSafe WNDAP330 - Manual (Page 15)

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v1.0, May 2008
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter describes some of the key features of the NETGEAR ProSafe 802.11n Dual Band
Wireless Access Point WNDAP330. It also includes the minimum prerequisites for installation
(
“System Requirements” on page 1-6 .), package contents ( “What’s In the Box?” on page 1-6 ) and
a description of the front and back panels of the WNDAP330 ( “Hardware Description” on
page 1-7 ).
About the ProSafe 802.11n Dual Band Wireless Access Point
WNDAP330
The ProSafe 802.11n Dual Band Wireless Access Point WNDAP330 is the basic building block of
a wireless LAN infrastructure. It provides connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and
radio-equipped wireless notebook systems, desktop systems, print servers, and other devices.
The WNDAP330 provides wireless connectivity to multiple wireless network devices within a
fixed range or area of coverage—interacting with a wireless network interface card (NIC) via an
antenna. Typically, an individual in-building access point provides a maximum connectivity area
of about a 500 foot radius. Consequently, the ProSafe 802.11n Dual Band Wireless Access Point
WNDAP330 can support a small group of users in a range of several hundred feet. Most access
points can handle between 10 to 30 users simultaneously.
The ProSafe 802.11n Dual Band Wireless Access Point WNDAP330 acts as a bridge between the
wired LAN and wireless clients. Connecting multiple WNDAP330 Wireless Access Points via a
wired Ethernet backbone can further lengthen the wireless network coverage. As a mobile
computing device moves out of the range of one access point, it moves into the range of another.
As a result, wireless clients can freely roam from one Access Point to another and still maintain
seamless connection to the network.
The auto-sensing capability of the ProSafe 802.11n Dual Band Wireless Access Point WNDAP330
allows packet transmission at up to 300 Mbps, or at reduced speeds to compensate for distance or
electromagnetic interference.