Lexmark Z2420 User's Guide - Page 27

3 Continue following the on-screen instructions. What is the difference between infrastructure and ad hoc networks? Wireless networks can operate in one of two modes: infrastructure or ad hoc. In infrastructure mode, all devices on a wireless network communicate with each other through a wireless router. Devices on the wireless network must have valid IP addresses for the current network and share the same SSID and channel as the wireless router (wireless access point). In ad hoc mode, a computer with a wireless network adapter communicates directly with a printer equipped with a wireless print server. The computer must have a valid IP address for the current network and be set to ad hoc mode. The wireless print server must be configured to use the same SSID and channel that the computer is using. The following table compares the characteristics and requirements of the two types of wireless networks. Characteristics Communication Infrastructure Ad hoc Through wireless access point (wireless router) Directly between devices Security Range More security options Determined by range and number Restricted to range of individual of wireless access points (wireless devices on network routers) Speed Requirements for all devices Unique IP address for each device Mode set to Usually faster Yes Infrastructure mode Usually slower Yes Ad hoc mode Same SSID Yes, including the wireless access Yes point (wireless router) Same channel Yes, including the wireless access Yes point (wireless router) Lexmark recommends setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation CD that came with the printer. Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it has: • Increased network security • Increased reliability • Faster performance • Easier setup 27