Planning the Network
Infrastructure Network Types
An infrastructure network is formed by several wireless stations and one or more access points (APs), with the stations within radio range of the AP or APs. Figure 1 depicts a typical infrastructure network topology.
There are three infrastructure network setups that are commonly used. It is a good idea to understand the possible network setups and configuration requirements before planning your wireless network.
Type 1. The simplest wireless infrastructure network is composed of one access point (AP) and a few wireless stations communicating via radio waves (Figure 1). This setup enables mobile stations to communicate with each other. The main benefit of this type of network is to extend the range of the network. If an AP is placed between the stations, the radio transmission distance is effectively doubled since wireless computer #1 can talk to wireless computer #2 through the AP. The drawback of this configuration is that the effective bandwidth is halved since all communication is relayed by the AP.
Figure 1. Simple wireless infrastructure network
Type 2. The next simplest wireless network is very similar to the Type 1 network. This time the AP is connected to a wired Ethernet network as a node. In this configuration the AP operates as a bridge between the wired Ethernet network and the wireless networks (Figure 2).
8 | Outdoor Access Point |
