User Manual

Different Access Points within an ESS can use different Channels. In fact, to reduce
interference, it is recommended that adjacent Access Points SHOULD use different
channels.
As Wireless Stations are physically moved through the area covered by an ESS, they
will automatically change to the Access Point which has the least interference or best
performance. This capability is called Roaming. (Access Points do not have or require
Roaming capabilities.)
Channels
The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
• Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows
you to choose a Channel which provides the least interference and best perform-
ance. In the USA and Canada, 11 channels are available. If using multiple Access
Points, it is better if adjacent Access Points use different Channels to reduce inter-
ference.
• In "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for
an Access Point. If more than one Access Point can be used, the one with the
strongest signal is used. (This can only happen within an ESS.)
• If using "Ad-hoc" mode (no Access Point), all Wireless stations should be set to
use the same Channel. However, most Wireless stations will still scan all Chan-
nels to see if there is an existing "Ad-hoc" group they can join.