- NDC Communications Network Card User Manual

2
InstantWave
11-Mbps USB Wireless LAN Adapter
Terminology Used in This Guide
Ad-hoc Network
An ad-hoc network is a wireless local-area network (WLAN) made up of stations
communicating directly with each other through their wireless interfaces. There is
no central relay point, and normally no connection to a wired network. Ad-hoc
mode is sometimes referred to as peer-to-peer, computer-to-computer, or
Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) mode. Figure 1 shows a typical ad-hoc
network.
Figure 1. Ad-hoc network
Infrastructure Network
An infrastructure network is a WLAN made up of wireless stations and at least one
wireless relay point, known as a base station or access point (AP). The AP usually
has a connection to a wired network, allowing wireless stations to use resources on
that network. The AP also relays all communications between wireless stations in
its coverage area; these stations never communicate directly with each other.
Infrastructure mode is sometimes referred to as managed or Basic Service Set (BSS)
mode. Figure 2 shows a typical infrastructure network..
Figure 2. Infrastructure network