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Usually infrastructure mode is used in an enterprise environment where APs
are installed and maintained by corporate IT staff. Much of the data in the
enterprise network is confidential. It is important to configure security to make
sure only stations with appropriate keys can receive sensitive data. The D-
Link DWL-A650 Wireless Network Adapter and NDIS driver support key
lengths of 40 bits, 104 bits, and 128 bits. Typically, the appropriate encryption
and decryption keys are supplied by the corporate IT staff.
Ad Hoc Mode
An ad hoc network usually is a short-lived network with a small number of
stations. The network is usually created for a special purpose such as
exchanging data between friends, or between customer and client. Because
the duration of the ad hoc network tends to be limited, Power Saving and
Security features are not typically a requirement. For ad hoc network activity,
the Power Saving and Security features can be disabled. Currently, shared
key security is supported in ad hoc mode. Future D-Link software
implementations will provide unique key support.
In ad hoc mode, a station scans the air for an existing BSS. If no BSS is
found, the station establishes a BSS for other stations to join. When other
stations scan the air and find an established BSS in place, they join that BSS
to form an ad hoc network. If a specific set of stations requires ad hoc
network connectivity, it is recommended to have one station establish a BSS
first before configuring the remaining stations. This prevents the scenario of
several stations trying to form a BSS at the same time, which can result in
multiple singular BSSs being established, rather than a single BSS with
multiple stations.
Configuration Name: This field identifies the configuration. This name
must be unique. Configuration names are case insensitive.
Network Name (SSID): A Network Name is mandatory for ad hoc mode.
The SSID for all stations in a single ad hoc network must be the same.
Network Connection: Ad Hoc.
Power Saving: Power saving mode is not currently supported in an ad
hoc network.
Turbo Mode: All stations participating in the ad hoc network must have
the same rate setting.
Locally Administered Address: This field defines the locally administered
MAC address (LAA). To enter a value in the address field, the check box
needs to be selected.
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