Network Topologies
Infrastructure Wireless LAN
The access point also provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wired/wireless LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A Basic Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point that is directly connected to the wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can talk to any computer in its wireless group via a radio link, or access other computers or network resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via the access point.
The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility of wireless PCs to the wired LAN, but also increases the effective wireless transmission range for wireless PCs by passing their signal through one or more access points.
A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central database, or for connection between mobile workers, as shown in the following figure.
Wired LAN Extension to Wireless Clients
Server
Desktop PC | Switch |
Access Point
Notebook PC
Desktop PC