HP LaserJet 1320nw Wireless - Manual (Page 10)

4 Chapter 1 Networking basics ENWW
Infrastructure mode
In infrastructure mode, the printer communicates with network computers through a wireless
access point (WAP) or a base station. The access point acts as a central hub or gateway
connecting wireless and, optionally, wired devices. (Most access points have an integrated
Ethernet controller to connect to an existing wired-Ethernet network.) If your printer connects
through a wireless residential gateway that provides access point functions, choose infrastructure
mode.
Ad-hoc mode
In ad-hoc mode, which is sometimes called peer-to-peer mode, the printer communicates with
your computer directly, rather than through an access point or base station. Each device on an
ad-hoc network must have a wireless network adapter. The adapter enables each device to
communicate with the other devices on the network. Ad-hoc mode is usually limited to simple,
small wireless networks because performance degrades significantly after connecting too many
network devices. This option is most often used if you are connecting only two network devices
that are not sharing an Internet connection.
Note For maximum performance, HP recommends connecting the printer to a network that communicates
using the infrastructure mode.