Local Area Network (LAN)
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Both an EtherNet (wire) network and a wireless network are referred to
as a Local Area Network (LAN). A wireless network does not require
hubs, switchers, or routers to include additional users on the
network. Additional wireless users are supported just by being in the
immediate physical span of the network.
A wireless LAN (or Wi-Fi network) may be configured in two different
ways:
Ad Hoc mode: Allows only for communication between different personal
computers and wireless devices, often referred to as peer-to-peer
communication.
Infrastructure mode: Required for communication with the World Wide
Web, a printer, or a wired device of any sort. In either case, this
wireless connection requires a wireless network adaptor, often called
a WLAN card.
In Infrastructure mode, the WLAN card receives signals and
communicates with the Web via a device called an access point, AP, or
WAP. Many access points on the market today resemble small radios or
cable TV boxes. The access point connects the wireless devices and
enables communication between them, serving as the necessary linchpin
in the wireless network. Because of this importance, placement of the
access point is critical. Devices need the ability to reach and
communicate with the access point with little or no obstruction to
operate effectively. It is reasonable to expect a network access range
of 100 feet (30 meters), but walls or large objects can inhibit
wireless communication. Networks should be arranged to avoid physical
barriers to the greatest possible extent. Larger homes or locations
will require multiple access points.
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