User Manual

Chapter 2 Network Configuration and Planning 21
Using the Nortel Networks Wireless LAN Access Point 2220/2221
Chapter 2
Network Configuration and Planning
The wireless solution supports a stand-alone wireless network configuration as
well as an integrated configuration with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LANs.
The wireless network cards, adapters, access points and wireless access point can
be configured as:
• Ad hoc for departmental LANs
• Infrastructure for wireless LANs
• Infrastructure wireless LAN for roaming wireless PCs
Network Topologies
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
(no AP or Bridge)
Ad-hoc mode is also called “peer-to-peer
mode” or “Independent Basic Service Set
(IBSS).” In ad hoc mode, devices
communicate directly with each other
without using an access point.
An ad hoc wireless LAN consists of a group
of computers, each equipped with a wireless
adapter, connected via radio signals as an
independent wireless LAN. Computers in a
specific ad hoc wireless LAN must therefore be configured to the same radio
channel. An ad hoc wireless LAN can be used for a branch office operation.
Ad Hoc Wireless LAN
Notebook with
Wireless USB Adapter
Notebook with
Wireless PC Card
PC with Wireless
PCI Adapter