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•
Security
: 802.11 wireless networks can use encryption to help protect
your data. To use encryption you will need a key or password. For more
information about security and security types, refer to Windows Help
and Support.
11.2.2 Identify a Wireless Network
Depending on the size and components of a wireless network, there are many
ways to identify a wireless network:
•
Network Name or Service Set Identifier (SSID)
: Identifies a wireless
network. All wireless devices on the network must use the same SSID.
•
Broadcast SSID
: An access point that broadcasts its network name. If
this feature is enabled on an access point, any wireless user can
connect to it using a blank (null) SSID.
•
Basic Service Set (BSS)
: Consists of at least two or more wireless
nodes or stations and includes at least one access point or wireless
router, which have recognized each other and have established
communications.
•
Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS)
: A mode of operation in an
802.11 system that allows direct communication between 802.11
devices without the need to set up a communication session with an
access point.
11.2.3 Select a Wireless Network Mode
Wireless networks can operate with or without access points, depending on
the number of users in the network. Infrastructure mode uses access points to
allow wireless computers to send and receive information. Wireless computers
transmit to the access point, the access point receives the information and
rebroadcasts it to other computers. The access point can also connect to a
wired network or to the Internet. Multiple access points can work together to
provide coverage over a wide area.
Device-to-Device mode, also called ad hoc mode, works without access points
and allows wireless computers to send information directly to other wireless
computers. You can use Device-to-Device mode to network computers in a
home or small office or to set up a temporary wireless network for a meeting.
