Communication for Wireless Networking

This chapter examines terminology and basic communication used in 802.11 wireless networking, helping users better understand how IEEE 802.11 wireless networks operate. WLANs can be configured to operate in different modes for device and user access. Two common modes for access are ad hoc mode and infrastructure mode. The application or deployment scenario for a WLAN is the determining factor for the best mode to use. The IBSS configuration does not require the use of an access point and, unless specifically justified, is not commonly used in enterprise WLAN deployments. The service set identifier (SSID) is a common parameter used in all WLAN operation configurations. The IBSS wireless network configuration requires a user to set the specific RF channel that will be used by all devices that are part of the same IBSS network. This is accomplished in the client utility software for the network adapter. Some computer operating systems have made the setup of an IBSS wireless network very easy for any type of user. These users may inadvertently share or allow access to sensitive or proprietary information.