56
Infrastructure Mode
In Infrastructure Mode, one or more Access Points are used to connect Wireless Stations (e.g. Notebook
PCs with wireless cards) to a wired (Ethernet) LAN. The Wireless Stations can then access all LAN
resources.
Note: Access Points can only function in "Infrastructure" mode, and can communicate only with
Wireless Stations which are set to "Infrastructure" mode.
BSS
A group of Wireless Stations and a single Access Point, all using the same ID (SSID), form a Basic Service Set
(BSS). Using the same SSID is essential. Devices with different SSIDs are unable to communicate with each
other.
Channels
The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
• Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows you to choose a Channel
which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA and Canada, 11 channel are
available. If using multiple Access Points, it is better if adjacent Access Points use different Channels to
reduce interference.
• In "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for an AP. If more than one
Access Point can be used, the one with the strongest signal is used. (This can only happen within an ESS.)
WEP
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a standard for encrypting data before it is transmitted.
This is desirable because it is impossible to prevent snoopers from receiving any data which is transmitted by
your Wireless Stations. But if the data is encrypted, then it is meaningless unless the receiver can decrypt it.
If WEP is used, the Wireless Stations and the Access Point must have the same settings for each of the
following:
WEP
Off, 64 Bit, 128 Bit
Key
For 64 Bit encryption, the Key value must match. For 128 Bit encryption, the Key
value must match
WEP Authentication
Open System or Shared Key.