SMC Networks SMCWUSBS-N - Manual (Page 43)

4-1
Chapter 4: Network Planning
SMC's EZ Connect Wireless Solution supports a stand-alone wireless network
configuration, as well as an integrated configuration with Ethernet LANs.
The SMCWUSBS-N wireless USB adapter can be configured as:
• Ad hoc - for small peer-to-peer networks with other wireless devices
• Infrastructure - for a wireless extension to an existing wired LAN through an
access point
Network Topologies
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
An ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group of computers, each equipped with a
wireless adapter, connected via radio signals as an independent wireless LAN.
Computers in a specific ad hoc wireless LAN must be configured to the same radio
channel.
An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used for a small branch office or SOHO operation.
Infrastructure Wireless LAN
The SMCWUSBS-N can also provide access to a wired LAN for wireless
workstations. An integrated wired and 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 communicate with to any computer in its wireless group via a radio link,
or access other computers or network resources in the wired LAN infrastructure via
an access point.