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2 Terminology Used in this Guide
Ad-hoc Network
An ad-hoc network is a wireless local-area network (WLAN) made up of stations
communicating directly with each other through their wireless interfaces. There is no central
relay point, and normally no connection to a wired network. Ad-hoc mode is sometimes
referred to as peer-to-peer, computer-to-computer, or Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS)
mode. Figure 1 shows a typical ad-hoc network.
Infrastructure Network
An infrastructure network is a WLAN made up of wireless stations and at least one wireless
relay point, known as a base station or access point (AP). The AP usually has a connection
to a wired network, allowing wireless stations to use resources on that network. The AP also
relays all communications between wireless stations in its coverage area; these stations
never communicate directly with each other. Infrastructure mode is sometimes referred to as
managed or Basic Service Set (BSS) mode. Figure 2 shows a typical infrastructure network.
BSSID/MAC Address
A Basic Service Set (BSS) is two or more wireless devices that are in communication with
each other. Like every wired Ethernet device, every wireless device has a fixed, unique
"medium access control" (MAC) address. When wireless devices establish communication,
Figure 1. Ad-hoc network
Figure 2. Infrastructure network
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