WAP6807 User’s Guide
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APPENDIX A
Wireless LANs
Wireless LAN Topologies
This section discusses ad-hoc and infrastructure wireless LAN topologies.
Ad-hoc Wireless LAN Configuration
The simplest WLAN configuration is an independent (Ad-hoc) WLAN that connects a set of computers
with wireless adapters (A, B, C). Any time two or more wireless adapters are within range of each other,
they can set up an independent network, which is commonly referred to as an ad-hoc network or
Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). The following diagram shows an example of notebook computers
using wireless adapters to form an ad-hoc wireless LAN.
Figure 57 Peer-to-Peer Communication in an Ad-hoc Network
ESS
An Extended Service Set (ESS) consists of a series of overlapping BSSs, each containing an access point,
with each access point connected together by a wired network. This wired connection between APs is
called a Distribution System (DS).
This type of wireless LAN topology is called an Infrastructure WLAN. The Access Points not only provide
communication with the wired network but also mediate wireless network traffic in the immediate
neighborhood.
An ESSID (ESS IDentification) uniquely identifies each ESS. All access points and their associated wireless
clients within the same ESS must have the same ESSID in order to communicate.
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