SMC Networks ElliteConnect 2.4GHz/5GHz - Manual (Page 39)

Access Point Topologies
2-3
Infrastructure Wireless LAN
The access point function of the wireless bridge provides access
to a wired LAN for 802.11a/b/g 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 a BSS can connect to any
computer in its wireless group or access other computers or
network resources in the wired LAN infrastructure through 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
signals 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
PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter
Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter