6CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Setting Up a 3Com The type of network you decide to set up depends on the size of your office and
Wireless LANwhether or not you require connection to a wired LAN. You can also set up security for each of the different types of networks. Your set up will probably resemble one or more of the following examples.
All Wireless Networks The simplest 3Com wireless LAN consists of several clients associating in an ad hoc network without an access point.
A simple configuration consists of one access point and several clients. The clients can associate with the wireless network anywhere within the coverage area of the access point. The access point is not connected to any other network segments.
For more complex requirements, you can configure several access points as separate networks at the same site. The access points use different network identifiers called wireless LAN service areas (WLAN service areas, also called Extended Service Set Identities or ESSID). Clients can roam within the coverage areas of access points that have the same WLAN service areas. They cannot roam to the coverage areas of access points that are configured with different WLAN service areas.
Wired/Wireless An access point can be connected to a wired LAN with an Ethernet cable to create Networks a mixed wired/wireless network. In this configuration, the access point provides
the link between the wired network and wireless clients. Clients can move freely throughout the service area of the access point and remain associated with the larger network for services such as printing and Internet access.
Multiple access points can be connected to an existing LAN to provide complete wireless network coverage. Wireless clients can roam seamlessly between different access points with the same WLAN service areas and remain associated with the larger network.