SMC Networks SMC2555W-AG - Manual (Page 43)

Network Topologies
3-3
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.
File
Server
Switch Desktop PC
Access Point
Wired LAN Extension
to Wireless Adapters
PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter
Notebook with Wireless
PC Card Adapter