Modecom MC-105USB, User Manual

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WIRELESS NETWORK USB ADAPTER
Infrastructure Mode
When a WLAN access point is introduced into the WLAN, the access point and its clients (each PC) comprise
a Basic Service Set (BSS), whereby the access point serves as the connection to the wired LAN for each client.
Clients within the same BSS do not directly communicate between each other; rather they communicate to the
AP that routes the data to the appropriate destination.
The access point bridges both wired and wireless networks, allowing wired and wireless client communication.
This arrangement of WLAN access points and clients is commonly referred to as Infrastructure mode. An access
point also extends the range of the WLAN, double over that of client only networks because the access point
is able to forward data within its BSS.
Infrastructure mode enables the network clients to freely roam, once an ESS (Extended Service Set) is establi-
shed.
With all clients using the same radio channel and ESS ID (sometimes referred to as SSID which is a given name
to the network), users are fully mobile within the range of the access point signal. Access points should be situ-
ated in location to deliver the largest range of signals, with minimal interference. Best performance and signal
quality is often aff ected by building structures, walls, etc., and may require some trial-and-error to identify the
best location for access points.
Figure 3 Infrastructure Mode-Combination Wireless and Hardwired LANs
2.2 Planning Your New Wireless Network
First, determine what components (WLAN cards, access points) and what kind of network will be created (Ad-
Hoc, Infrastructure mode). Then select your network name (SSID), WEP key (security password) and channel
number (1 through 11 in US, 1 through 13 in Europe and 1 through 14 in Japan). All members of the wireless
LAN will have to confi gure their PCs to the same SSID, WEP and Channel number to talk to each other. SSID,
WEP key and channel number are essential to understanding and creating a successful wireless network.
These concepts are explained in the following paragraphs.