Network Configuration and Planning
SMC’s EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone wireless
network configuration, as well as an integrated configuration with
10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.
The SMC2632W V.2 can be configured as:
• Ad hoc - for small groups that only communicate with each other
• Infrastructure - for wireless LANs
Network Topologies
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
An ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group of computers, each
equipped with one wireless adapter, connected via radio signals as
an independent wireless LAN. Computers in a specific ad hoc
wireless LAN must therefore be configured to the same radio
channel. An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used in a SOHO or
temporary environment.
Infrastructure Wireless LAN
The SMC2655W access point can also provide wireless workstations
with access to a wired LAN. An integrated wired and wireless LAN
is called an infrastructure configuration. A Basic Service Set (BSS)
consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point that
is directly connected to the wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this
BSS can talk to any computer in its wireless group via a radio link,
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
Notebook with
WirelessUSBAdapter
Notebook with
WirelessPC Card
PC with Wireless
PCIAdapter
or access other computers or network resources in the wired LAN
infrastructure via the access point. The infrastructure configuration
not only extends the accessibility of wireless PCs to the wired LAN,
but also extends the effective wireless transmission range for
wireless PCs by passing their signal through one or more access
points. A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central
database, or for connection between mobile workers, as shown in
the following figure.
Setting the Communication Domain
Stationary Wireless PCs
The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communication domain for each
access point. For wireless PCs that do not need to support
roaming, set the domain identifier (SSID) for the wireless card to
the SSID of the access point you want to connect to. Check with
your administrator for the SSID of the access point you should
connect to.
Roaming Wireless PCs
A wireless infrastructure can also support roaming for mobile
workers. More than one access point can be configured to create
an Extended Service Set (ESS). By placing the access points so
File
Server
Switch
Desktop PC
Access Point
PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter
Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter
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