Manhattan 525527 Mini 300N Wireless Adapter - Manual User Manual

Page 22

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Channel: Every wireless network operates on a specific

channel. In the U.S., your wireless network can be set

to channels 1–11; otherwise, you can use channels

1–13 (1–14 in Japan).

So, which cannel should you use? The answer depends

on whether or not other wireless networks are around,

and whether or not you, the owner of the wireless

network, care about optimum performance. If no other

wireless networks are in range, you can use whatever channel you want;

for example, leave the channel set to the default setting (“1”).

However, if other wireless networks are in range and you are indeed

concerned about maximum performance, you should set your channel at

least three channels apart from the other networks. For example, if another

wireless network is present at channel 2, you don’t want to set your own

network to channel 1, 2, 3 or 4. Ideally, you set it as far away from the

existing network as you can; for example, channel 11.

If you are unsure about whether other wireless networks are in range, or

which channels they are using, you can use channel 1, the default setting.

You may not get the best possible performance, but it will work nonetheless.

Network Authentication: Select WPA2-PSK from the drop-down list. Older

standards are no longer secure and should only be used if you have an

older device that isn’t able to use WPA2 encryption. Select “Open System”

to create a wireless network that is open to everyone and unprotected.

Data Encryption: Select AES from the drop-down list as it is more secure than

the older TKIP encryption.

Network Key: Enter the network security key for the wireless network you want

to create.

Confirm Network Key: Re-enter the network security key.
Click

OK to create the wireless network. (In the

example here, it’s “hotspot.” Your computer will now

start broadcasting the new wireless network. Other

wireless clients will be able to see it and connect to

it provided they use the correct security credentials.

As soon as wireless clients connect to the newly

created access point, the Manhattan wireless utility

shows them in its Association Table (below).

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