Lexmark S315 manual How are infrastructure and ad hoc networks different?, Infrastructure Ad hoc

Networking 83

3Firmly plug the rectangular end of the USB cable into the USB port of the computer.

4Follow the instructions on the computer screen.

How are infrastructure and ad hoc networks different?

Wireless networks can operate in one of two modes: infrastructure or ad hoc.

In infrastructure mode, all devices on a wireless network communicate with each other through an access point (wireless router).

In ad hoc mode, a computer with a wireless network adapter communicates directly with a printer equipped with a wireless print server.

Infrastructure

Ad hoc

Characteristics

Communication	Through an access point	Directly between devices
Security	More security options	WEP or no security
Range	Determined by the range and number	Restricted to the range of individual
	of access points	devices on the network
Speed	Usually faster	Usually slower
Requirements for all devices
Unique IP address for each device	Yes	Yes
Mode set to	Infrastructure mode	Ad hoc mode
Same SSID	Yes, including the access point	Yes
Same channel	Yes, including the access point	Yes

We recommend setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation software CD. Infrastructure mode provides:

•Increased network security

•Increased reliability

•Faster performance

•Easier setup