Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode

Figure 3-6

Instant WirelessTM Series

Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc. Choosing between these two modes depends on whether or not the wireless network needs to share data or peripherals with a wired network or not.

If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessible by a wired net- work or need to share a peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in the Infrastructure mode. The basis of Infrastructure mode centers around an access point, which serves as the main point of communications in a wireless network (see Figure 3-6). Access points transmit data to PCs that are equipped with wireless network cards, which can

roam within a cer- tain radial range of the access point. Multiple access points can be arranged to work in succession to extend the roam- ing range, and can be set up to com-

municate with

your Ethernet hardware as well.

If the wireless network is relatively small and needs to share resources only with the other computers on the wireless network, then the Ad-Hocmode can be used (shown in Figure 3-7). Ad-Hoc mode allows computers that are equipped with Wireless PC Cards to communicate directly with each other and eliminate the need for an access point. The drawback of this mode is that wire- less-equipped computers are not able to communicate with computers on a

wired network. And, c o m m u n i c a t i o n between the wireless- equipped computers is limited by the dis- tance and interfer- ence directly between them.

Figure 3-7

Wireless PC Card

6.The Setup Wizard will automatically select a channel for your use in the Ad-Hoc Mode at this time. If you want to specify a channel, after you install the Wireless PC Card, refer to “Chapter 7:Configuration of the Wireless PC Card, “and use the WLAN Monitor.

7.Enter in the name of your SSID (Service Set Identifier) for your Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure setting. The SSID must be identical for all points in the net- work. The SSID may be up to 32 characters in length, may include any character on the keyboard, but is case sensitive. If you are unsure, use the default value of “linksys.” Click the Next button. (See Figure 3-8.)

Figure 3-8