Network Topologies; Ad Hoc Wireless Lan (No Access Point); Infrastructure Wireless Lan - Enterasys RoamAbout RBT-4102 Installation Manual

Network Configuration

Network Topologies

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN (no Access Point)

An ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group of computers, each equipped with a
wireless adapter, connected via radio signals as an independent wireless LAN.
Computers in a specific ad hoc wireless LAN must therefore be configured to the
same radio channel. An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used for a branch office or
SOHO operation.

Infrastructure Wireless LAN

The access point also provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An
integrated wired/wireless LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A Basic
Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point
that is directly connected to the wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can talk to
any computer in its wireless group via a radio link, or access other computers or
network resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via the access point.
The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility of wireless PCs to
the wired LAN, but also increases the effective wireless transmission range for
wireless PCs by passing their signal through one or more access points.
A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central database, or for
connection between mobile workers, as shown in the following figure.
3-2
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
Notebook with
Wireless USB Adapter
PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter
Notebook with
Wireless PC Card