Network Topology - D-Link Air DWL-900AP User Manual

Network Topology

The IEEE 802.11b standard supports three basic topologies for WLANs—the
Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS), the Basic Service Set (BSS), and the
Extended Service Set (ESS). Wireless LAN components can be used to
extend, enhance or entirely replace existing Ethernet infrastructure. The
DWL-900AP can accommodate any WLAN topology.
BSS
In a Basic Service Set, a wireless access point performs multiple tasks; it is
a base station and network access controller for the wireless stations in the
BSS. The access point can also provide a connection to a wired Ethernet
LAN for the BSS member stations. An example of a BSS might be a
business meeting conducted in a room with only a single Ethernet port
available. Each participant has a wireless laptop computer and requires
simultaneous access to a data server on the Ethernet LAN. A wireless
access point provides the connection to the Ethernet and acts as the network
control station for the BSS members.
In a BSS, the wireless access point performs functions similar to an Ethernet
switch. The access point controls network access and maintains a
dynamically updated list of all the members of the BSS. Members of each
BSS are added or deleted from the list as they join or leave the BSS.
Wireless stations in the BSS are identified by their MAC (Media Access
Control) address.
IBSS
An Independent Basic Service Set or ad-hoc network consists of two or
more wireless stations that communicate directly, peer-to-peer, without the
services of a wireless access point. An example of an ad-hoc network or
12