Lexmark X7675 - How Are Infrastructure and Ad Hoc Networks Different; Finding the Signal Strength

2 Attach the small, square connector to the printer.
3 Continue following the on-screen instructions.
How are infrastructure and ad hoc networks
different?
Wireless networks can operate in one of two modes: infrastructure or ad hoc.
In infrastructure mode, all devices on a wireless network connect to a wireless router (wireless access point).
Devices on the wireless network must have valid IP addresses for the current network and share the same
SSID and channel as the wireless access point.
In ad hoc mode, a computer with a wireless network adapter connects directly to a printer equipped with
a wireless print server. There is no wireless router or access point in an ad hoc network. The computer must
have a valid IP address for the current network and be set to ad hoc mode. The wireless print server must
be configured to use the same SSID and channel that the computer is using.
The following table compares the characteristics and requirements of the two types of wireless networks.
Infrastructure Ad hoc
Characteristics
Communication Through wireless access point Directly between devices
Security More security options WEP or no security
Range Determined by range and
number of wireless access
points
Restricted to range of
individual devices on network
Speed Usually faster Usually slower
Infrastructure Ad hoc
Requirements for all devices
Unique IP address for each device Yes Yes
Same SSID Yes, including the wireless
access point
Yes
Lexmark recommends setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation CD that came
with the printer.
Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it offers:
• Increased network security
• Increased reliability
• Faster performance
• Easier setup
Finding the signal strength
Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed
on the printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many
factors can affect the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices
such as microwave ovens. Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other,
the more likely it is that the communication signal will be weaker.
The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with
the network during configuration. When you installed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter
software probably placed an icon in your system tray. Try double-clicking this icon, and it will tell you how
strongly the computer is receiving the wireless signal from the network.
To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the
wireless access point (wireless router).
Frequently asked questions
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