User Manual

6
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-390U 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-390U to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the
communication quality drops below a certain level, the WRT-390U 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 infra-
structure 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 sometimes be referred to as an
Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).
To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all the stations in ad-hoc mode. Use the same SSID and
channel for each station.