ALFA NETWORK AIP-W505 - Manual (Page 23)

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2
N
ETWORK
P
LANNING
The 11n Router is designed to be very flexible in its deployment options. It
can be used as an Internet gateway for a small network, or as an access
point to extend an existing wired network to support wireless users. It also
supports use as a wireless bridge to connect up to four wired LANs, or as a
wireless client to connect to another wireless network.
This chapter explains some of the basic features of the 11n Router and
shows some network topology examples in which the device is
implemented.
I
NTERNET
G
ATEWAY
R
OUTER
The 11n Router can connect directly to a cable or DSL modem to provide
an Internet connection for multiple users through a single service provider
account. Users connect to the 11n Router either through a wired
connection to a LAN port, or though the device’s own wireless network. The
11n Router functions as an Internet gateway when set to Router Mode.
An Internet gateway employs several functions that essentially create two
separate Internet Protocol (IP) subnetworks; a private internal network
with wired and wireless users, and a public external network that connects
to the Internet. Network traffic is forwarded, or routed, between the two
subnetworks.
Figure 4: Operating as an Internet Gateway Router
Wireless AP/Router
Server
(IP: 192.168.2.x)
Desktop PC
(IP: 192.168.2.x)
Cable/DSL
Modem
Internet
Service
Provider
Notebook PC
(IP: 192.168.2.x)
WAN
(IP assigned
from
ISP)
LAN (IP: 192.168.2.x)
LAN Switch