Equinox Systems ZyAIR G-200 - Manual (Page 44)

ZyAIR G-200 User’s Guide
B Wireless LAN and IEEE 802.11
Diagram 4-1 Peer-to-Peer Communication in an Ad-hoc Network
Infrastructure Wireless LAN Configuration
For infrastructure WLANs, multiple access points (APs) link the WLAN to the wired network
and allow users to efficiently share network resources. The access points not only provide
communication with the wired network but also mediate wireless network traffic in the
immediate neighborhood. Multiple access points can provide wireless coverage for an entire
building or campus. All communications between stations or between a station and a wired
network client go through the access point.
The Extended Service Set (ESS) shown in the next figure consists of a series of overlapping BSSs
(each containing an Access Point) connected together by means of a Distribution System (DS).
Although the DS could be any type of network, it is almost invariably an Ethernet LAN. Mobile
nodes can roam between access points and seamless campus-wide coverage is possible.
Diagram 4-2 ESS Provides Campus-Wide Coverage