Lexmark 4800 Series Types of wireless networks, Tips for using network adapters, Infrastructure

Types of wireless networks

Networks can operate in one of two modes: infrastructure or ad hoc. Lexmark recommends setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation CD that came with the printer.

A wireless network where each device communicates with others through a wireless access point (wireless router) is set up in infrastructure mode. All devices must have valid IP addresses and share the same SSID and channel. In addition, they must share the same SSID and channel as the wireless access point (wireless router).

A simple type of wireless network is one where a PC with a wireless adapter communicates directly with a printer equipped for wireless networking. This mode of communication is called ad hoc. A device in this type of network must have a valid IP address and be set to ad hoc mode. The wireless print server must also be configured with the same SSID and channel.

Characteristics

Communication

Security

Range

Speed

Requirements for all devices on the network

Unique IP address for each device

Mode set to

Same SSID

Same channel

Infrastructure

Through wireless access point (wireless router)

More security options

Determined by range and number of access points

Usually faster

Yes

Infrastructure mode

Yes, including the wireless access point (wireless router)

Yes, including the wireless access point (wireless router)

Ad hoc

Directly between devices

Restricted to range of individual devices on network

Usually slower

Yes

Ad hoc mode

Yes

Yes

Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it has:

•Increased network security

•Increased reliability

•Faster performance

•Easier setup

Tips for using network adapters

•Make sure the adapter connections are secure.

•Make sure the computer is turned on.

•Make sure you entered the correct IP address.

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