User's Manual

2-2 Access Point (Infrastructure) Network
An Access Point network is also referred to as an “Infrastructure” network. The key difference
between a wireless access point network and an Ad-Hoc network is the addition of one extra
element—the Access Point. The Access Point serves as the focal point for all data traffic on your
wireless network, optimally managing all wireless data transactions.
Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link
allows computers on the infrastructure wireless LAN to access the other wired LAN’s resources
and tools, including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.
Characteristics
Networked computers communicate with each other through a dedicated Access Point. All
data transmitted between the computers on this wireless LAN passes through the access point.
Advantages
• Extended range: The access point extends the range of the wireless LAN. Each wireless
client computer can communicate with other computers equipped with wireless devices
that are within the range of the access point.
• Roaming: As you move throughout the building, the WLAN 802.11a/b/g device will
automatically search for an access point to use, ensuring continuous communication with
the wireless network.
• Network connectivity: An access point can provide wireless LAN access to an existing
wired network by bridging the two networks together. This gives users of the wireless LAN
access to corporate email, Internet, shared printers and files.
Disadvantages
Because this network mode offers more features, it requires additional components and setup
time to deploy
.
Figure 2-2