Cisco AIR-AP1220B-A-K9 Hardware Installation Guide - Page 19

Chapter 1 Overview Network Configuration Examples Network Configuration Examples This section describes the access point's role in three common wireless network configurations. The access point's default configuration is as a root unit on a wired LAN. The other two possible roles, repeater unit and central unit in an all-wireless network, require specific changes to the default configuration. Note The following network configuration examples apply to both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANs. Root Unit on a Wired LAN An access point connected directly to a wired LAN provides a connection point for wireless users. If more than one access point is connected to the LAN, users can roam from one area of a facility to another without losing their connection to the network. As users move out of range of one access point, they automatically connect to the network (associate) through another access point. The roaming process is seamless and transparent to the user. Figure 1-3 shows access points acting as root units on a wired LAN. Figure 1-3 Access Points as Root Units on a Wired LAN Access Point (Root Unit) Wired LAN Access Point (Root Unit) 65999 OL-2155-02 Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide 1-7