Wireless Networks; Ad-Hoc Network; Access Point (Infrastructure) Network - HP Blade dc72 Network Manual

Wireless Networks

A wireless LAN provides the same functionality of a wired network, but it eliminates the need to install
networking cables and other networking equipment, making it easier to deploy.
A wireless LAN can be configured for two different modes of operation. While each method has its
advantages, one may be better suited for your needs. Review the following configuration information to
determine which mode is best for you.
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Ad-hoc Network

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Access Point (Infrastructure) Network

Ad-hoc Network
An Ad-hoc network is the simplest to deploy and is ideal for small offices. Ad-hoc wireless networks can
be comprised of two or more wireless clients configured to communicate with one another. All Ad-hoc
clients communicate directly with each other without using an Access Point (AP). As a user on this type
of network, you are able to quickly build up a wireless network in order to share files with other
employees, print to a shared office printer, and access the Internet through a single shared connection.
Ad-hoc networking is cost effective because no other devices' components are needed (access points,
hubs, or routers) in order to set up a network. However, with Ad-hoc networking, your computer is only
able to communicate with other nearby wireless clients.
Access Point (Infrastructure) Network
An Access Point network is also referred to as an "Infrastructure" network. The key difference between
a wireless Access Point network and an Ad-hoc network is the addition of one extra element—the
Access Point. The Access Point serves as the focal point for all data traffic on your wireless network,
optimally managing all wireless data transactions.
The Access Point extends the range of the wireless LAN. Each wireless client computer can
communicate with other computers equipped with wireless devices that are within the range of the
Access Point.
Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link allows
computers on the Infrastructure wireless LAN to access the other wired LAN's resources and tools,
including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing. HP can provide all of the
installation services you need to extend your wired LAN with a wireless LAN.
In addition to the computers that will connect to a wireless network, you only need two other kinds of
equipment to get your Access Point wireless network up and running:
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Access Points: wireless transmitters that connect every user within range to the wireless LAN.
You can install as many access points on your network as you need, and add new ones easily as
your network grows, so you can cover an entire suite of offices with a single wireless LAN. Each
access point requires two connections:
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A standard outlet for power
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An Ethernet connection to your existing wired LAN or incoming Internet connection
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Wireless LAN cards: the wireless equivalent of a network interface card (NIC) that allow a PC to
communicate with the wireless network. Many HP computers come with built-in wireless LAN cards
so they are ready out of the box to connect to a wireless network. If your PC doesn't have a wireless
6 Chapter 1 Network Communications ENWW