Linksys BEFW11S4 User Guide - Page 10

Wireless-B Broadband Router Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network Network Topology A wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one Linksys wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio channel. The Linksys wireless adapters provide access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an infrastructure configuration. A group of Linksys wireless adapter users and a Wireless-B Broadband Router compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each Linksys wireless adapter PC in a BSS can talk to any computer in a wired LAN infrastructure via the Wireless-B Broadband Router. An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a Linksys wireless adapter PC to a wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for two Linksys wireless adapter PCs. Since the Wireless-B Broadband Router is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled. Roaming Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). This continuous network allows users to roam freely within an ESS. All PCs equipped with a Linksys wireless adapter within one ESS must be configured with the same ESS ID and use the same radio channel. Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio channel and optimum Wireless-B Broadband Router position is recommended. Proper router positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance. LAN: the computers and networking products that make up your local network Infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point. Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4 Network Topology