Cisco WMP54GR User's Guide download pdf (Page 9)

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Topology

Wireless-G PCI Adapter with RangeBooster

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless

network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or

adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless

router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an

infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless

router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the

effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data

within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your

wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they

both share the same channel and SSID.

Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position.

Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged

to a wired network via an access point.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices

communicating directly with each other (peer-to-

peer) without the use of an access point.

roaming: the ability to take a wireless device

from one access point's range to another without

losing the connection.

ssid: your wireless network's name.

topology: the physical layout of a network.

access point: a device that allows wireless-

equipped computers and other devices to

communicate with a wired network. Also used to

expand the range of a wireless network

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Cisco WMP54GR User's Guide Page 9