Wireless-G Internet Video Camera
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network
Introduction
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is exactly like a regular local area network (LAN), except that each computer in the WLAN uses a wireless device to connect to the network. Computers and other devices, such as peripherals, in a WLAN share the same frequency channel and SSID, which is an identification name for wireless devices.
Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure Modes
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks have two different modes in which they may be set up: infrastructure and
If the computers on the wireless network need to be accessed by a wired network or need to share a peripheral, such as a printer, with the wired network computers, the wireless network should be set up in infrastructure mode. The basis of infrastructure mode centers around an access point, which serves as the main point of communications in a wireless network. (A wireless router can also be used because a wireless router incorporates the capabilities of an access point.) Access points transmit data to PCs equipped with wireless network cards, which can roam within a certain radial range of the access point. Multiple access points can be arranged to work in succession to extend the roaming range, and can be set up to communicate with your Ethernet (wired) 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
Network Layout
The
LAN (Local Area Network): the computers and networking products that make up the network in your home or office.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A group of computers and associated devices that communicate with each other wirelessly.
Infrastructure: configuration in which a wireless network is bridged to a wired network via an access point.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network | 4 |
Introduction