Wireless LAN Basics, Ad-Hoc Ibss Mode

Wireless LAN Basics

In order to set up and use your NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point you should have some basic understanding of both wired and wireless network technology and the various functions of the device.

WLAN devices use electromagnetic waves within a broad, unlicensed range of the radio spectrum to transmit and receive Frequency Modulation (FM) radio signals. WLAN devices generate a carrier wave and modulate this signal using various techniques. In this way, digital data can then be superimposed onto the carrier signal. The radio signal carries data to wireless- capable devices within its range. The antennas of wireless-equipped devices transmit and receive the signal. The transmission method used by WLAN devices is called Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and they operate in a range of the radio spectrum between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.

Wireless LANs support the same network applications that are used on wired Ethernet LANs. The NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point may be used on laptop and desktop computer systems and support the same protocols as Ethernet adaptors. For most users, there is no noticeable functional difference between a desktop workstation hard-wired to an Ethernet network and a WLAN workstation other than the added benefit of being able to roam within the WLAN.

Your NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point providea a link between the WLAN and a wired Ethernet network and its resources.

Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode

Connecting to other network devices, without access points, to form a peer-to-peer network is called Ad-Hoc (IBSS) mode. Use Ad-Hoc to create simple wireless networks where the number of wireless computers (also referred to as network nodes) are small. In this configuration, the first wireless LAN card to start transmitting a beacon will determine the channel and data rate used for the other Adaptors in the IBSS network. Ad-Hoc networks are very easy to set up and require minimal involvement by network administrators or IT personnel.

Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) Mode

In Infrastructure (ESS or 802.11-Station) mode, the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point connects to an access point (AP). In ESS mode, the WLAN workstation can roam freely between other access point cells in the network or transmit and receive across subnets. ESS is the default mode for the NetComm NP6800- Wireless LAN Access Point.

A Windows based utility is supplied to select the operational mode and to generally monitor and configure, the NetComm NP6800 - Wireless LAN Access Point.

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