151
Access Point (Infrastructure) Mode
(See Figure A-2) Infrastructure mode refers to a wireless network architecture in which devices
communicate with wireless or wired network devices by communicating through an Access Point. In
infrastructure mode, wireless devices can communicate with each other or with a wired network.
Corporate wireless networks operate in infrastructure mode because they require access to the WLAN in
order to access services, devices, and computers (e.g., file servers, printers, databases).
The WLAN device is an optional device that may come pre-installed in your mobile computer. Under
normal circumstances, it should not be necessary for you to remove or re-install it. The Operating System
that your mobile computer comes with has been pre-configured to support the WLAN device.
Figure A-2: Access Point
ADSL modem,
cable modem,
or similar
Internet
Wired LAN
Access Point*
Wireless LAN
*An optional hub for a wired
LAN may be required depending
upon the type of access point used.
(Infrastructure) Mode Network