Cisco WRE54G User Guide - Page 8

Wireless-G Range Expander Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network Network Topology topology: the physical layout of a network A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network. Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless router. ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peerto-peer) without the use of an access point. infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point. An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled. Roaming roaming: the ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection. Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they both share the same channel and SSID. SSID: your wireless network's name. Should you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance. Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4 Network Topology