User Manual

5
Wireless LAN Networking
This section provides background information on wireless LAN networking
technology. Consult the Glossary for definitions of the terminology used in this
section.
T
HE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE.
C
HANGING
NETWORK SETTINGS AND PARTICULARLY SECURITY SETTTINGS SHOULD ONLY
BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATOR.
Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate)
The WRT-383U provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. In
most networking scenarios, the factory default Best (automatic) setting proves the
most efficient. This setting allows your WRT-383U to operate at the maximum
transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level,
the WRT-383U automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate.
Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the
communication quality improves again, the WRT-390U gradually increases the
transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate.
Types of Wireless Networks
Wireless LAN networking works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure.
In infrastructure mode, wireless devices communicate to a wired LAN via access
points. Each access point and its wireless devices are known as a Basic Service Set
(BSS). An Extended Service Set (ESS) is two or more BSSs in the same subnet. In ad
hoc mode (also known as peer-to-peer mode), wireless devices communicate with
each other directly and do not use an access point. This is an Independent BSS
(IBSS).
To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using access points, set the
operation mode to Infrastructure (BSS). To set up an independent wireless workgroup
without an access point, use Ad-hoc (IBSS) mode.
A
D
-H
OC
(IBSS) N
ETWORK
Ad-hoc mode does not require an access point or a wired network. Two or more
wireless stations communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may