Cabletron Systems 3Com AirConnect Access, Point, Wireless clients, To the Ethernet LAN, End users

12CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL WIRELESS NETWORKING

Multiple-AP Full This network topology will be used in most enterprise environments: multiple APs Coverage Network wired to an existing LAN to provide complete wireless network coverage. In this

scenario, as shown in the following figure, wireless clients can roam seamlessly between different coverage areas and remain connected to the network.

AirConnect Access	The AirConnect access point (AP) provides either a wireless peer-to-peer network
Point	coverage area, or a bridge between Ethernet-wired LANs and AirConnect wireless
	networks. Essentially replacing the cabling of wired networks, the AP delivers
	transparent connectivity between wireless clients, or between Ethernet networks
	and wireless clients.
	The AP provides an 11 Mbps data transfer rate, monitoring Ethernet traffic and
	forwarding appropriate Ethernet messages to wireless clients over the network.
	It also monitors wireless client radio traffic and forwards wireless client packets
	to the Ethernet LAN.
	The AP uses high data rate, direct sequence spread spectrum technology to
	communicate with mobile and stationary units at distances of up to 300 feet,
	providing high-capacity networking capability and the flexibility of mobility to
	end users.