1.2 Applications
1.2.1 Infrastructure
The WL-3560 provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of WL-3560 PC users and an Access Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each WL-3560 PC in a BSS can talk to any computer in the wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.
An Infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a WL-3560 equipped PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for 2 WL-3560 PCs. Since the Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.
The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All WL-3560 equipped PCs configured without roaming options in an independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID corresponding to the WL-3560 used in the BSS. Check your WL-3560 for its BSS ID or use the Site Survey function on Configuration Utility program to determine the BSS ID.
The Infrastructure Wireless LAN configuration is appropriate for enterprise-scale wireless access to a central database, or as a wireless application for mobile users. Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All WL-3560 PCs or other IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g compliant wireless adapters within one ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio channel and optimum Access Point position is recommended. Proper Access Point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.
1.2.2 Ad-Hoc
An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one WL-3560 adapter or other wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific Ad-Hoc wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio channel.