User`s manual

3.4 General Operation

3.4.1 Operational Mode

The AP supports 2 operational modes:

y AP/Bridge: This mode provides both Access Point and Static LAN-to-

LAN Bridging functionality. The static LAN-to-LAN bridging function is

supported through Wireless Distribution System (WDS).

y AP Client: This mode is for Dynamic LAN-to-LAN Bridging. The AP

Client automatically establishes bridge links with APs from any

vendors.

In either mode, the AP forwards packets between its Ethernet interface and

wireless interface for wired hosts on the Ethernet side and wireless host(s) on

the wireless side.

There are 2 types of wireless links as specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard.

y STA-AP: This type of wireless link is established between an IEEE

802.11 Station (STA) and an IEEE 802.11 Access Point (AP). An STA

is usually a client computer (PC or PDA) with a WLAN network

interface card (NIC). The AP Client mode is actually an STA.

y WDS: This type of wireless link is established between two IEEE

802.11 APs. Wireless packets transmitted along the WDS link comply

with the IEEE 802.11 WDS (Wireless Distribution System) format at

the link layer.

The relationships among the operational modes and the wireless link types

are shown in the following table: