User's Manual

ORiNOCO Wireless Client User Guide
Chapter 3 Wireless Topologies 18
Figure 3-1 Peer-to-Peer Group
The ORiNOCO Wireless Client can communicate with an 802.11a, 802.11a 2X Turbo, 802.11b or
802.11g Peer-to-Peer Group (but it can not dynamically switch between the two). Therefore, you
must manually configure the card to use one specific radio mode.
3-3 Access Point Infrastructure
Many companies have an existing Ethernet or wired LAN infrastructure and want to be able to
extend that capability to wireless nodes. This is accomplished by installing one or more Access
Points on the Ethernet network. Access Points are devices that communicate with both the
Ethernet network and the wireless network.
An Access Point network is also referred to as an Infrastructure network. The key difference
between an Infrastructure network and an Ad-Hoc network is the addition of one extra
element— the Access Point. The Access Point serves as the focal point for all data traffic on your
wireless network, optimally managing all wireless data transactions.
Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link
allows computers on the wireless LAN to access the other wired LAN’s resources and tools,
including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.