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Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) Installation and Configuration Guide
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Chapter1 Product Overview Network Configurations Using Client Adapters
Network Configurations Using Client Adapters
Client adapters can be used in a variety of network configurations. In some configurations, access points
provide connections to your network or act as repeaters to increase wireless comm unication range. The
maximum communication range is based on how you configure your wireless network.
This section describes and illustrates the two most common network configurations:
•Ad hoc wireless local area network (LAN)
•Wireless infrastructure with workstations accessing a wired LAN
For examples of more complex network configurations involving client adapters and access points, ref er
to the documentation for your access point.
Note Refer to Chapter 5 for information on setting the client adapter’s network type.

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

An ad hoc (or peer-to-peer) wireless LAN (see Figure 1-1) is the simplest wireless LAN configuration.
In a wireless LAN using an ad hoc network configuration, all devices equipped with a cl ient adapter can
be linked together and communicate directly with each ot her. The use of an in frast ru ctu re device, su ch
as an access point, is not required.
Figure 1-1 Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
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