User's Manual

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6
2-2 Base Station Network
A Base Station network is also called an “infrastructure” network. The key difference between a
wireless Base Station network and a peer-to-peer network is the addition of one extra element—the
base station or access point. Additionally, the wireless Base Station can provide access to an
existing wired LAN. This link allows computers on the infrastructure wireless LAN to access the
other wired LAN’s resources and tools, including Internet access, electronic mail delivery, file
transfer, and printer sharing.
Characteristics
Networked computers communicate with each other through a dedicated base station. All data
transmitted between the computers on this wireless LAN passes through the base station.
Advantages
•
Extended range: The access point extends the range of the wireless LAN. Each computer
can communicate with other computers equipped by wireless networks that are within the
range of the access point.
•
Roaming: As you move throughout the building, the Compaq 802.11b WLAN Mini PCI
card determines the best access point to use to ensure continuous communication with the
network.
•
Network connectivity: An access point can provide
wireless
LAN access to an existing
wired
network by bridging the two networks together. This gives users of the wireless LAN
access to all the functions of a wired network—from file server access to electronic mail
and the Internet.
Disadvantages
Because this network mode offers more features, it requires additional components and setup
time to deploy
.
Requirements
One base station, such as the:
• WL310 Wireless Home Office Gateway
• WL410 Wireless SMB Access Point
• WL510 Wireless Enterprise Access Point