User's Manual

Setting the Communication Domain
15
Setting the Communication Domain
Stationary Wireless PCs
The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the communication domain for each Access Station. 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 Station you want to connect to. Check with your
administrator for the SSID of the Access Station you should connect to.
Roaming Wireless PCs
A wireless infrastructure can also support roaming for mobile workers. More than one
Access Station can be configured to create an Extended Service Set (ESS). By placing
the Access Stations so that a continuous coverage area is created, wireless users within
this ESS can roam freely. All wireless adapters and Access Stations within a specific ESS
must be configured with the same SS ID and to the same radio channel.
Before setting up an ESS for roaming, you need to choose a clear radio channel and ideal
location for the Access Stations to maximize performance. (Refer to “Using the Wireless
LAN Utility” on page 16 for detailed information on installation and usage.)
File
Server
Switch
Desktop PC
Access Point
Notebooks with Wireless
PC Card Adapters
Seamless Roaming
<BSS2>
<ESS>
<BSS1>
PC with Wireless
PC I Adapter
PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter
Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter
Access Point
Wireless Cell
Coverage Area