User's Manual

Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Adapter 11
2
Introduction to the Client Utility
The chapter provides an overview of wireless networking and explains how to access the Client
Utility to configure your Wireless LAN Client Adapter. It includes the following topics:
• Overview of Wireless Networking
• Client Utility
• Navigating the User Interface
Overview of Wireless Networking
The Wireless LAN Client Adapter connects your PC to a wireless local area network (wireless
LAN) by way of radio signals. An access point is the device that forwards data from the wired
network to your PC by way of radio signals and connects you with other wireless users. The IEEE
802.11 standard identifies two types of wireless networking modes:
• In an infrastructure network, an access point links the wireless LAN to a wired network. By
attaching to an existing network infrastructure, you can gain access to other resources on the
wired network, other wireless LANs, or the Internet. This is the mode to use when setting up a
home network or accessing an office network (
Figure 3).
• In an ad-hoc wireless network, you establish communications between your PC and a small
number of other wireless users without using an access point (
Figure 4).
Figure 3: Infrastructure Network
NOTE: The Wireless LAN Client Adapter installed on your PC can communicate with any
access point that supports the industry standard IEEE 802.11 wireless communications
protocol. It is recommended that you use the Wireless LAN Client Adapter with Access
Points in order to take advantage of their advanced range, high data rates, and other features.
Wired network
A0017