TOPIC This article contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding AirPort Wireless Communications, with answers to those questions.
DISCUSSION
Questions answered in this article: Question 1: What is AirPort? Answer : AirPort is a wireless local area network (LAN) technology that offers a simple, affordable way to bring the Internet to every room in your home or every desk in a classroom--without cables, additional phone lines, or complicated networking hardware. AirPort enables multiple computer users to simultaneously surf different web sites and access e-mail through a single Internet service account. Users of AirPort-enabled computers can also exchange files without needing floppy disks or other media. Question 2 : Is AirPort difficult to set up? Answer : No. Apple has made it remarkably easy for anyone to set up AirPort. A software setup assistant walks you through the process in simple terms, and automatically configures your computer for you. Question 3 : What is the AirPort Base Station? Answer : This product is an AirPort access point. It is similar to the base station of a cordless telephone. It connects to the phone line in your home. The AirPort Base Station enables different family members to share a single modem connection so that they can simultaneously access different Internet sites--all without wires. The base station also has an Ethernet connection in case you have a cable modem or DSL line in your home. When the base station is configured to use its modem, whenever you open your browser, the base station dials your ISP and goes to the web site you've requested. It automatically hangs up soon after you're finished. Question 4 : What is the AirPort Software Access Point? Answer : This special software allows you to use two (or more) iBook computers, one iBook connected to a phone line as a wireless base station, to connect to the Internet instead of using an AirPort Base Station. The software works similarly to the hardware access point, except that it uses the modem of the second iBook as its Internet connection. Question 5 : What is IEEE 802.11 and why does it matter to me? Answer : IEEE 802.11 is a standard developed by the same organization that set standards for Ethernet networking, which is commonly used in offices. 802.11 is a worldwide standard, so companies that build products conforming to this standard can have their products work together. Schools often find it beneficial to use standardized equipment so that they can combine hardware from different vendors. Home users who buy a standardized product are assured that it will work with products from other companies. Question 6 : What is the AirPort data rate? Answer : The data rate is 11 megabits per second--up to 10 times faster than the most popular home networking products. With speeds equivalent to an Ethernet network, AirPort can easily handle demanding file-sharing needs as well as multiplayer gaming. Question 7 : What's the difference between DSSS and FHSS? Answer : Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) are two different technologies in the IEEE 802.11 specification. They are incompatible with each other. Frequency Hopping technology is older and in the United States is limited by government regulation to 2 megabits per second. Direct Sequence technology is becoming more widespread and supports data rates of up to 11 megabits per second. Apple uses DSSS technology because it is equivalent to Ethernet data rates. Question 8 : What kind of security does AirPort provide? Answer : AirPort offers password access control and encryption to deliver security equivalent to that of a physical network cable. Users are required to enter a password to log on to the AirPort network--and, optionally, an additional password for access to any other computer on the network. When transmitting information, AirPort uses 40-bit encryption to scramble data, rendering it useless to eavesdroppers. Question 9 : How far from the hardware access point does AirPort work? Answer : AirPort typically has a transmission radius of about 50 m--even through walls. So you can use AirPort-enabled iBook systems in every corner of your house or across several classrooms. Question 10 : How can AirPort work through walls? Answer : AirPort uses radio frequencies for communication. Unlike infrared signals, which require an unobstructed line of sight between the remote unit and the base station, radio frequencies can pass through solid objects such as walls. Refer to the following articles for the remaining questions and answers: Article 58415: " AirPort Wireless Communications: FAQ - Part 2 of 3 " Article 60422: " AirPort Wireless Communications: FAQ - Part 3 of 3 "
Note
: Wireless internet access requires AirPort Card, AirPort Base Station, and Internet Access (fees may apply). Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort, including America Online. Range may vary with site conditions.
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Document Information | |
Product Area: | AirPort |
Category: | AirPort Software |
Sub Category: | Reference |
Keywords: | kfaq |
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