Chapter 1- Wireless Lan Networking; Transmission Rate; Type Of Wireless Networks; Ad-Hoc (Ibss) Network - SMC Networks SMCWUSB-N User Manual

Chapter 1- Wireless LAN Networking

This section provides background information on wireless LAN networking technology.
Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate)
The adapter provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. In most
networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This
setting allows your adapter to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the
communication quality drops below a certain level, the adapter automatically switches to a
lower transmission (data) rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable.
However, when the communication quality improves again, the adapter gradually increases
the transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate.
Types of Wireless Networks
Wireless LAN networking works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure. In
infrastructure mode, wireless devices communicate to a wired LAN via access points. Each
access point and its wireless devices are known as a Basic Service Set (BSS). An Extended
Service Set (ESS) is two or more BSSs in the same subnet. In ad hoc mode (also known as
peer-to-peer mode), wireless devices communicate with each other directly and do not use
an access point. This is an Independent BSS (IBSS).
To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using access points, set the adapter
operation mode to Infrastructure (BSS). To set up an independent wireless workgroup without
an access point, use Ad-hoc (IBSS) mode.
A -H (IBSS) N
D OC ETWORK
Ad-hoc mode does not require an access point or a wired network. Two or more wireless
stations communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred
to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).
To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all the stations in ad-hoc mode. Use the same SSID
and channel for each.
T
HE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE.
NETWORK SETTINGS AND PARTICULARLY SECURITY SETTTINGS SHOULD
ONLY BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATOR.
C
HANGING
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