User's Manual

Wireless Topologies ORiNOCO
®
802.11a/b/g/n USB Adapter User Guide
24
The Ad-Hoc mode is supported only in 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum (802.11 b/g/n wireless standards).
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 wired LAN’s resources and tools, including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing.
Figure 3-2 Infrastructure Mode