Appendix B
About Wireless LANs
This Appendix provides some background information about using Wire-
less LANs (WLANs).
Modes
Wireless LANs can work in either of two (2) modes:
• Ad-hoc
• Infrastructure
Ad -hoc Mode
Ad-hoc mode does not require an Access Point or a wired (Ethernet) LAN. Wireless
Stations (e.g. notebook PCs with wireless cards) communicate directly with each
other.
Infrastructure Mode
In Infrastructure Mode, one or more Access Points are used to connect Wireless
Stations (e.g. Notebook PCs with wireless cards) to a wired (Ethernet) LAN. The
Wireless Stations can then access all LAN resources.
Access Points can only function in "Infrastructure" mode, and
can communicate only with Wireless Stations which are set
to "Infrastructure" mode.
BSS
BSS
A group of Wireless Stations and a single Access Point, all using the same ID (SSID),
form a Basic Service Set (BSS).
Using the same SSID is essential. Devices with different SSIDs are unable to commu-
nicate with each other.
Channels
The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
• Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows
you to choose a Channel which provides the least interference and best perform-
ance. In the USA and Canada, 11 channel are available. If using multiple Access
Points, it is better if adjacent Access Points use different Channels to reduce inter-
ference.
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