Enterasys Networks 802.11 - Manual (Page 23)

1-7
Wireless Infrastructure Network
Figure 1-1: Cells Within a Wireless Infrastructure Network
Configuration
To allow wireless clients to physically move within a wireless network, the coverage areas
should overlap. In
Figure 1-1 , Cell 1 and Cell 2 share overlapping areas of coverage. As a
wireless client moves from Cell 2 to Cell 1, the necessary infrastructure network
information is passed from AP2 to AP1 while maintaining LAN connectivity. The
capability of moving from one AP to another without losing the network connection is
called roaming.
When a wireless client (such as the laptop computer in Figure 1-1 ) approaches the outside
boundary of a coverage area, the client can sense that another AP using the same Wireless
Network Name is providing a better quality signal. The client then automatically switches
to the other AP. If the other AP is using a different channel, the client automatically
switches to that channel.
Cell 1 Cell 2
Wireless
Client
Coverage
Areas
AP1
Workgroup
Mode
AP2
Workgroup
Mode