Completing The Setup; Modes Of Operation; Infrastructure Mode; Characteristics - HP Compaq Presario,Presario 2100 User Manual

Completi ng the Setup
NOTE—Before starting, obtain the required network information from the network administrator or the wireless
access point installer (see
M O
ODES OF PERATION
A wireless LAN can be configured for two different modes of operation: infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode
(an ad hoc network is also known as a peer-to-peer network or a computer-to-computer network). Whereas
each mode has its advantages, one mode may be more appropriate than the other, depending on the location
and type of network connection.
I
NFRASTRUCTURE
The key difference between the infrastructure type of network and an ad hoc network is that the infrastructure
network includes a base station (host) computer that has a built-in wireless network adapter and is connected
to a wireless access point (AP). This functionality allows computers on the infrastructure wireless LAN to
access the resources and tools of the wired LAN, including Internet access, e-mail, file sharing, and printer
sharing.

Characteristics

Networked computers communicate with each other through a dedicated AP. All data transmitted between the
computers on this wireless LAN passes through the AP.

Advantages

• Extended range. The access point extends the range of the wireless LAN. Each computer can
communicate with other computers equipped by wireless networks that are within the range of the access
point.
• Roaming. As the user moves around the home or office, the Integrated
determines the best access point to use to ensure continuous communication with the network.
• Network connectivity. An access point can provide wireless LAN access to an existing wired network by
bridging the two networks together. This gives users of the wireless LAN access to all the functions of a
wired network—from file server access to access to e-mail and the Internet.

Disadvantages

Because the infrastructure mode offers more features, it requires additional components and setup time to
deploy.

Requirements

• A base station computer having a wired connection to the Internet
• A wireless network adapter
• A connection to an AP (access point)
User Guide
"The Integrated 54g™ Solution" on page
M
ODE
1).
54g™ enabled notebook
Page 3