User's Manual

PHILIPS 802.11a/b MiniPCI Card WLAN
21
DRAFT
5.3 Ad Hoc Mode
An ad hoc network usually is a short-lived network with a small number of stations. The network is
usually created for a special purpose such as exchanging data between friends, or between
customer and client. Because the duration of the ad hoc network tends to be limited, Power Saving
and Security features are not typically a requirement. For ad hoc network activity, the Power Saving
and Security features can be disabled. Currently, shared key security is supported in ad hoc mode.
Future Atheros software implementations will provide unique key support.
In ad hoc mode, a station scans the air for an existing BSS. If no BSS is found, the station
establishes a BSS for other stations to join. When other stations scan the air and find an established
BSS in place, they join that BSS to form an ad hoc network. If a specific set of stations requires ad
hoc network connectivity, it is recommended to have one station establish a BSS first before
configuring the remaining stations. This prevents the scenario of several stations trying to form a
BSS at the same time, which can result in multiple singular BSSs being established, rather than a
single BSS with multiple stations.
Configuration Name: This field identifies the configuration. This name must be unique. Configuration
names are case insensitive.
Network Name (SSID): A Network Name is mandatory
for ad hoc mode. The SSID for all stations in
a single ad hoc network must
be the same.
Network Connection: Ad Hoc.
Power Saving: Power saving mode is not currently supported in an ad hoc network.
Turbo Mode: All stations participating in the ad hoc network must have the same rate setting.
Locally Administered Address: This field defines the locally administered MAC address (LAA). To
enter a value in the address field, the check box needs to be selected.