Wireless Networking Infrastructure Mode
By Edward Tetz
In the case of wireless networking in Infrastructure mode you are connecting your devices
using a central device, namely a wireless access point. To join the WLAN, the AP and all wireless
clients must be configured to use the same SSID. The AP is then cabled to the wired network
to allow wireless clients access to, for example, Internet connections or printers.
Additional APs can be added to the WLAN to increase the reach of the infrastructure and
support any number of wireless clients.
Compared to the alternative, ad-hoc wireless networks, infrastructure mode networks offer
the advantage of scalability, centralized security management and improved reach. The disadvantage
of infrastructure wireless networks is simply the additional cost to purchase AP hardware.
As opposed to Ad Hoc mode networks, which make wireless connections directly between
computers, Infrastructure mode wireless networks use networking infrastructure. In this case,
infrastructure refers to switches, routers, firewalls, and access points (APs). Infrastructure
mode wireless networking is the mode that you most often encounter in your work as a networking
professional supporting networks for clients or in a corporate environment.
At a minimum, the only network infrastructure component that is required for Infrastructure
mode is an access point, but if an AP is all you have, you have no more than you would have
had when using Ad Hoc mode. However, most Infrastructure mode implementations include other
components from your traditional network infrastructure.

This is an excerpt from
Cisco Networking All-in-One For Dummies.

More Networking Topologies Articles: • Wireless Networking Infrastructure Mode • Token Ring Network • How Do Fiber Optic Couplers Work and How are They Made? • What is an Ethernet Bridge? • Cisco Switching Fundamentals • How to Set up a Private Network • Distance Vector vs. Link State vs. Hybrid Routing • The Complete Guide to Fiber Optic Connectors • Fiber Media Converter - What's the Use and How to Choose It • LAN Network Protocols - Ethernet, STP, Fiber
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