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1.2 Applications
1.2.1 Infrastructure
The WL-8303 provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and
wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of WL-8303 PC users and an Access
Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each WL-8303 PC in a BSS can talk to any computer in
the wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.
An Infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a WL-8303 equipped PC to a wired LAN,
and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for 2 WL-8303 PCs. Since the Access Point is
able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is
doubled.
The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All WL-8303 equipped PCs configured without roaming
options in an independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID corresponding to the WL-8303
used in the BSS. Check your WL-8303 for its BSS ID or use the Site Survey function on
Configuration Utility program to determine the BSS ID.
The Infrastructure Wireless LAN configuration is appropriate for enterprise-scale wireless access to
a central database, or as a wireless application for mobile users.
Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be
configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous network allows users to roam freely
within an ESS. All WL-8303 PCs or other IEEE 802.11b compliant wireless adapter within one ESS
must be configured with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel.
Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio channel and optimum
Access Point position is recommended. Proper Access Point positioning combined with a clear radio
signal will greatly enhance performance.
1.2.2 Ad-Hoc
An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one WL-8303 adapter or
other wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific
Ad-Hoc wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio channel.
Ad-Hoc wireless LAN configurations are appropriate for branch level departments or SOHO
operations.
