User's Manual

Wireless LANs (WLAN) allow users to roam freely about a network taking their

computers with them while still maintaining a networking connection. In essence,

WLANs are an extension of wired LAN networks, where the critical need is data

access and mobility. The tradeoffs are slower speeds (although quite satisfactory

for Internet and email access) and limited roaming distance, as dictated by the

environment.

A basic WLAN network requires client nodes and access points, similar to a LAN

with its clients and infrastructure (switches, repeaters, etc.). The access point is

the connection to the wired LAN network or a designated computer device

performing the supervisory function, while client nodes are typically WLAN

adapters installed in peripheral computing devices, such as notebooks, desktops,

personal digital assistants (PDAs) and others. Once a WLAN is setup, it acts like

a wired LAN, using the same protocols designated for communicating via the

IEEE Ethernet standard.

Wireless LAN Network Modes

WLANs basically have two modes of operation:

• Ad-Hoc mode

• Infrastructure mode

What is Ad-Hoc mode?

An Ad-Hoc WLAN is created when two or more PCs equipped with Wireless LAN

Cards (WLAN clients) are configured to use the same radio channel and Network

Name in the same area and can communicate freely with each other, without the