Wireless Home Networking Simplified

Wireless Network Topologies

Before laying out the wireless network, we need to discuss the basic concept of wireless network topologies. There are essentially two types of wireless networks:

• Peer-to-peer (also called ad hoc)

• Peer-to-access point (also called infrastructure)

A peer-to-peer (or ad hoc) wireless network does not have a central point of access or control. Every computer on an ad hoc network is considered an equal “peer,” having the same rights and access as any other computer on the wireless network. In other words, all the computers communicate directly with each other, without going through an intermediary device. Any computer with a wireless network adapter (also called a network interface card [NIC]) may connect to any other ...