ZyXEL Communications HS100/HS100W manual Infrastructure Wireless LAN Configuration

HomeSafe User’s Guide

time two or more wireless adapters are within range of each other, they can set up an independent network, which is commonly referred to as an Ad-hoc network or Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). See the following diagram of an example of an Ad-hoc wireless LAN.

Diagram F-1 Peer-to-Peer Communication in an Ad-hoc Network

Infrastructure Wireless LAN Configuration

For infrastructure WLANs, multiple access points (APs) link the WLAN to the wired network and allow users to efficiently share network resources. The access points not only provide communication with the wired network but also mediate wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood. Multiple access points can provide wireless coverage for an entire building or campus. All communications between stations or between a station and a wired network client go through the access point.

The Extended Service Set (ESS) shown in the next figure consists of a series of overlapping BSSs (each containing an Access Point) connected together by means of a Distribution System (DS). Although the DS could be any type of network, it is almost invariably an Ethernet LAN. Mobile nodes can roam between access points and seamless campus-wide coverage is possible.

	Wireless LAN and IEEE 802.11
F-2