Wireless Options: Deciphering the Protocol Soup

Wireless networks use two-way radio transmissions to transfer data between the various devices on the network. As Figure 3-5 shows, this makes wireless networking very attractive for a home network where unsightly cables can cause many problems.

Figure 3-5. Wireless Networks Use Invisible Radio Waves in Place of Wires

A wireless network can function in two different modes:

  • Ad-hoc mode— This mode does not use a central device such as a router or access point, and the PCs communicate directly with each other. Ad-hoc mode can save you the cost of an access point or a router, but it makes it more difficult ...

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