MC8687P Mini PCIe WLAN Client Card User’s Guide
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Doc. No________ Rev.V1.0
Confidential
Copyright © 2007 Marvell
Page
4
Document Classification: Proprietary Information
December 28, 2007
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
This document describes the functions of the Marvell Wireless Client Card
Configuration Utility for the Marvell MC8687P Mini PCI Express 802.11 b/g
WLAN client card.
1.2 Wireless
Networks
The Marvell client card operate similar to the Ethernet card, except that a radio
replaces the wires between communication devices. All existing applications that
operate over Ethernet operate a Marvell wireless network without any
modification of need for special wireless networking software. The Marvell
MC8687P client card supports the following network technologies:
•
Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer) mode
•
Access Point (AP) Infrastructure mode
1.2.1 Ad Hoc Mode
In Ad-Hoc mode (also refereed to as peer-to-peer mode), wireless clients send and
receive information to other wireless clients without using an AP. In comparison
to Infrastructure mode, this type of WLAN connection only contains wireless
client. Ad-Hoc mode is useful for establishing a network where wireless
infrastructure does not exist or where services are not required. Two or more
computers can establish an Ad-Hoc network when within range of one another.
Ad-Hoc mode is used to connect network computers at home or in small offices.
It can also be used to set up a temporary wireless network for meetings.
1.2.2 Infrastructure Mode
In infrastructure mode, wireless devices communicate with other wireless devices
or devices on the LAN side wired network through APs. When communicating
through wired networks, client card sends and receive information through APs.
Access Points are typically strategically located within an area to provide optimal
coverage for wireless clients. A large WLAN uses multiple APs to provide
coverage over a wide area. APs connect to a LAN through a wired Ethernet
connection. APs send and receive information from the LAN through this wired
connection. Most corporate WLANs operate in Infrastructure mode because they
require access to the wired LAN in order to use services such as file servers or
printers.
