SMC Networks SMC2552W-G2-17 - Manual (Page 40)

Network Topologies
4-3
4
Infrastructure Wireless LAN
The access point also provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An
integrated wired/wireless LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A Basic
Service Set (BSS) consists of a group of wireless PC users, and an access point
that is directly connected to the wired LAN. Each wireless PC in this BSS can talk to
any computer in its wireless group via a radio link, or access other computers or
network resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via the access point.
The infrastructure configuration not only extends the accessibility of wireless PCs to
the wired LAN, but also increases the effective wireless transmission range for
wireless PCs by passing their signal through one or more access points.
A wireless infrastructure can be used for access to a central database, or for
connection between mobile workers, as shown in the following figure.
Server
Switch Desktop PC
Access Point
Wired LAN Extension
to Wireless Clients
Desktop PC
Notebook PC